L-theanine for anxiety: Genetics and nature’s chill pill
L-theanine is known for reducing anxiety and promoting sleep. Discover the many benefits of l-theanine and how supplementation might work for you.
Neurotransmitters: The Key to Mood and Cognitive Function
Smarter, Happier, and Focused…
Unlock the potential of your mind by understanding how your genes impact the production of neurotransmitters. Learn how to optimize your diet and lifestyle for mood, focus, and cognitive abilities.
Why Neurotransmitters Matter
Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers of your brain, playing crucial roles in:
- Regulating mood and emotions
- Enhancing cognitive function and focus
- Managing stress and anxiety
- Improving sleep quality
Where to start?
- ADHD: Understand your genetics, environment, and neurochemistry
- Mood: Lithium orotate and Vitamin B12
- Depression: Dive deep into root causes and genetic pathways
- Anxiety: Genetic factors and pathways for treatment
Members: Start with the Brain and Mood Topic Summary Report for a quick visual way to know which articles to read first.
Latest articles about Mood and Brain:
Psychopaths: Born not made?
Can you be born a psychopath? Are there genes linked to psychopathy? Discover how your genes don’t predestine you to become a psychopath.
Best Supplements to Boost BDNF
Is it smart to boost your BDNF levels? Discover more by digging into the research studies that show when, how, and why it is important to focus on BDNF.
Serotonin: How your genes affect this neurotransmitter
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is important in depression, sleep, and many other aspects of health. Learn how your genetic variants in the serotonin receptor genes impact their function.
VMAT2 gene: The God Gene and Neurotransmitters
An examination of the current research for the ‘God gene’, explaining what it does and its importance in Parkinson’s disease.
Depression, genetics, and mitochondrial function
How does mitochondrial dysfunction relate to major depressive disorder? Learn about the causes of mitochondrial dysfunction as well as genetic variants that link the risk of depression to the mitochondria.
MTHFR, Depression, Anxiety, Symptoms and Treatment
We are all genetically unique, and a common genetic variant in the MTHFR gene causes some people to be more susceptible to having low folate levels. This article explains the research linking MTHFR variants, folate, and depression — and gives you information on how diet or supplements may help.
Serotonin 2A receptor: Psychedelic response and Alzheimer’s disease
Learn how new research on brain aging and dementia connects the serotonin 2A receptor with psychedelics, brain aging, and Alzheimer’s.
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.
Circadian rhythm disruption as a root cause of depression
For some people, circadian disruption can be chronic – and at the heart of depression or mood disorders. Genetic variants play a role in this susceptibility. Fortunately, there are solutions that may help.
Genes that impact response to Modafinil
Genetic variants make a difference in how you respond to modfinil — whether it is likely to work well for you or not.
Genetics and Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is characterized by recurrent depression with a change in the season usually in fall/winter for most. Scientists think this is possibly due to an aberrant response to light – either not enough brightness to the sunlight or not enough hours of light. Your genes play a big role in this responsiveness to light.
Dopamine Fasting: Addicted to the internet?
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.
Oxytocin Levels: Genetics of the Love Hormone
Oxytocin is called the love hormone. Genetic variants in the OXT gene are linked to being more social and empathetic vs being more of an introvert.
COMT Gene: Neurotransmitter Levels, Estrogen Metabolism, and SNPs
Wondering why your neurotransmitters are out of balance? It could be due to your COMT genetic variants. The COMT gene codes for the enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase which breaks down (metabolizes) the neurotransmitters dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.
Response to Cannabis (CNR1 gene)
Discover how genetic variants influence your susceptibility to substance abuse, and how the variants impact your body’s reaction to cannabis. (Member’s article)
Bipolar Disorder, Depression, and Circadian Clock Genes
New research shows that depression and bipolar disorder are linked to changes or disruption in circadian genes. Some people carry genetic variants in the circadian genes that make them more susceptible to circadian disruption.
The Interaction Between BDNF and Serotonin
Genetic variants in the BDNF and serotonin receptor genes combine to increase the risk of depression and anxiety. Learn more about BDNF and how these variants interact — and check your genetic data to see how this applies to you.
Opioid Receptors: Variants and addiction
Genetic variants in the ORPM1 gene impact both the amount of pain someone experiences and their response to opioid drugs. These variants are also important in susceptibility to opiate addiction. (Member’s article)
Resilience: Genetic Variants Involved in Surviving Childhood Trauma
Exposure to childhood trauma, such as exposure to abuse, violence, or repeated stress, can have a long-lasting effect. Genetic differences in the CRHR1 gene are linked to elevated cortisol levels in adults who were exposed to trauma in childhood.
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. (Member’s article)
Circadian Rhythm Genes: Mood Disorders
Circadian rhythm disruption can drive mood disorders. Learn more about the genes involved and the ways to normalize your circadian rhythm.
Hacking BDNF for weight loss
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a fascinating growth hormone that performs many functions in our brain. Its involvement helps to support neurons and neuronal growth. In addition, it plays a role in long-term memory — and it also is important in obesity.
Is the nootropic drug modafinil likely to work for you?
Modafinil is being used as a nootropic drug that increases alertness and gives a sense of well-being — to some users. Like most drugs, individual results seem to vary. Discover if this could be a viable option for you.