Norepinephrine: Focus, stress, genetics, and brain function
Discover how norepinephrine and your genes affect ADHD, ME/CFS, long COVID, POTS, and mood, plus evidence‑based ways to support healthy norepinephrine balance.
dopamine
Dopamine and Digital Addictions: Internet Use, Gaming, and Smartphones
Genetics plays a role in susceptibility to addictive behavior, including internet and smartphone addiction. This article examines the latest fad of dopamine fasting along with genetic variants tied to internet use problems, smartphone usage disorder, and gaming disorders.
VMAT2 gene: The God Gene and Neurotransmitters
VMAT2, the so‑called “God gene,” packages dopamine, serotonin, and other monoamines into vesicles, protecting neurons from oxidative stress and influencing risks for Parkinson’s, PTSD, alcohol dependence, and diabetes.
MAO-A & MAO-B: Monoamine Oxidase, Warrior Gene, and Mood
The MAOA and MAOB genes encode enzymes that break down certain neurotransmitters. People with low MAO may be prone to mood issues in certain circumstances.
OCD: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Genes
Genetic variants play a role in susceptibility to obsessive-compulsive disorder. Understanding your genes may help you understand OCD better and help you to target the right treatment.
ADHD: Causes, Neurochemistry, and How to Check Your Genetic Raw Data
Discover the complex interplay of genetics and environment in ADHD susceptibility. Learn how circadian rhythm and neurotransmitter genes contribute to the disorder, and how toxicant exposure may increase risk.
BH4: Tetrahydrobiopterin Synthesis, Recycling, and Genetic SNPs
Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is an essential cofactor in the production of neurotransmitters and nitric oxide. Genetic variants impact BH4 levels which can affect heart disease, cognitive function, and immune response.
Dopamine Synthesis SNPs: Genes, lifestyle, diet, and dopamine optimization
Genetic variants in dopamine synthesis and breakdown genes interact with circadian rhythm, gut microbes, nutrients, and toxins, shaping risks for procrastination, psychosis, hypertension, Parkinson’s, and addiction.
Sulfotransferases: SULT Genes, Phase II Detoxification, and Sulfur
The SULT genes help with phase II detoxification of estrogens, neurotransmitters, certain carcinogens, and steroid hormones.
Restless Leg Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD): Genes and Solutions
Many know the frustration of disrupted sleep due to RLS and periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD). Genes play a role in your risk for these disorders, and there are specific research-based treatments to explore.
Dopamine Receptor SNPs: Addiction, Mood, ADHD, and Schizophrenia
Dopamine is a powerful player in our cognitive function – impacting mood, movement, and motivation. Genetic variants in the dopamine receptors influence addiction, ADHD, neurological diseases, depression, psychosis, and aggression.
Alcohol Addiction: Exploring the Genetic and Environmental Factors
Discover the role of genetics, stress, and neurotransmitters in alcohol use disorder. Alcohol dependence is complex; understand your genes and the research on treatment options.
CYP2D6: Medication Interactions, Natural Inhibitors, and Anxiety Traits
The CYP2D6 enzyme is responsible for metabolizing about 25% of commonly used medications. There are several fairly common genetic variants in CYP2D6 that affect how quickly you will break down a drug.
Genomics and Teeth Grinding: Root Causes of Bruxism
Grinding your teeth at night can be due, in part, to genetic variants in the serotonin genes.
ANK3: Bipolar Disorder and Brain Development
The genetic variants in the ANK3 gene impact the risk of psychiatric disorders that include bipolar disorder and autism spectrum disorders, and heart arrhythmia. Discover how ANK3 impacts neuronal formation and transmission and how this ties into an increased risk of psychiatric disorders.
Motivation to Exercise: It’s Genetic.
A study in the journal Behavioral Brain Research paints a fascinating picture of why some people are more motivated to exercise. The study looked at the dopaminergic system to see how people’s genetic variants could alter the ‘reinforcing value’ of exercise.
BDNF: Cognition, Stress Resilience, Introversion, and Mood
Low levels of BDNF (Brain-derived neurotrophic factor) are linked to introversion, stress resilience, cognition, and depression levels. Discover ways to increase your BDNF levels and mitigate the problems associated with the BDNF gene variants.