Probiotics

Probiotics as it relates to COMT and Aversive Emotional Stimuli in Health report: COMT Gene: A Look at the Processing of Aversive Emotional Stimuli

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. They are often referred to as "good" or "friendly" bacteria because they help keep your gut healthy. Research has shown that probiotics can have a positive impact on mood and emotional well-being. In the context of COMT (Catechol-O-methyltransferase) gene, which plays a role in the breakdown of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, probiotics may help regulate the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain. When it comes to aversive emotional stimuli, probiotics may help reduce the impact of negative emotions and stress on the body. By promoting a healthy gut microbiome, probiotics can help regulate the body's response to stress and improve emotional resilience. Incorporating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi into your diet, or taking a probiotic supplement, may help support your gut health and potentially improve your response to aversive emotional stimuli. It's important to note that individual responses to probiotics may vary, so it's always best to consult with a healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your diet or supplementation routine.

Supplements for COMT and Aversive Emotional Stimuli

Here are some dietary supplements related to the content in this report. Click the shopping cart to purchase the supplement from our partners.

  1. Curcumin (found in turmeric)

    Curcumin may inhibit COMT activity and increase dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex. This could potentially enhance emotional processing and mood in those with the val/val genotype

  2. Rhodiola rosea

    This adaptogenic herb may inhibit COMT activity, particularly in people with the val/val genotype. It could help modulate dopamine levels and improve stress resilience.

  3. Omega-3 fatty acids

    Omega-3s may reduce inflammation and protect dopamine-producing neurons. This could support healthy emotional processing, especially in met allele carriers.

  4. Magnesium

    Magnesium supplementation has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression. It's proposed to positively influence neurotransmitter function, including dopamine signaling

  5. SAM-e

    SAM-e is involved in methylation processes including COMT methylation of catecholamines. Supplementing with SAM-e could potentially optimize COMT enzyme function

  6. Ginkgo biloba

    Ginkgo extracts contain terpenes that act as MAO inhibitors, allowing more dopamine and norepinephrine to remain circulating in the brain, which could benefit emotion regulation.

  7. Vitamin D

    Low vitamin D levels have been associated with depression. Optimizing vitamin D may support dopaminergic function and healthy mood/stress response.

  8. Lavender essential oil

    Lavender contains linalool which has anxiolytic effects. One study found lavender oil decreased anxiety symptoms more in met/met genotypes, possibly by increasing dopamine availability.

  9. Resveratrol

    Found in grapes, resveratrol has COMT-inhibiting effects similar to curcumin according to some research. It may boost dopamine signaling in the prefrontal cortex.

  10. Passionflower

    Traditionally used for anxiety, passionflower increases GABA activity in the brain. It may also inhibit MAO enzymes leading to higher dopamine and norepinephrine.

  11. Probiotics

    Emerging research shows gut-brain connections. Probiotics may reduce inflammation, support neurotransmitter precursors, and improve mood/stress response.

It is essential to consult your healthcare provider before starting any of these supplements. They can have side effects, and some may interact with medications or other supplements you're already taking.
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