Neuro | Psych | Mood Panel

For our Neurological / Psych Nutrigenomic Panel, 27 gene variants have been chosen by our experts to be analyzed for SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms).

Who needs this panel?

  • Adult Concentration / Focus Issues
  • Headaches / Migraine / Cluster
  • Seizure Disorders
  • Post-Concussion Complications
  • Uncontrollable Repetitive Movements / Tics
  • Vertigo / Dizziness
  • Anxiety / Depression / Mood Issues
  • Memory Loss / Mental Deterioration
  • Vision Loss Associated with Retina Damage
  • Neuropathies / Neuralgias

The report, created by our medical experts, will take your genetic results and create nutritional and lifestyle recommendations along with recommended lab work and health precautions based upon many factors. We will recommend the proper nutrition and health advisements based upon your DNA results.

Are you finding yourself getting into moods at the beginning of the day and not being able to shake it? Or going through life and emotionally gliding through whatever comes your way? No matter which, there is a connection between mood and genetics. For example, those with the COMT single-nucleotide polymorphism, or SNP, experience a difficult time calming down or regulating excitatory neurotransmitters. But what are neurotransmitters (NTs) and their relationship to SNPs?

Billions of neurons exist in the brain. These cells share information with other nerve cells through electrical impulses, allowing for thought and communication throughout the body. Neurotransmitters inform many necessary processes like getting your stomach to digest, your heart to beat, or your lungs to breathe. While all neurotransmitters transmit information, they do not all do so in the same manner or with the same intention.

There are “inhibitory” neurotransmitters and “excitatory” neurotransmitters. Inhibitory neurotransmitters work to counterbalance excitatory neurotransmitters and are considered the “feel-good” neurotransmitters. GABA, serotonin, and dopamine are among a few. They allow the brain to calm and feel balanced. Excitatory neurotransmitters are responsible for motivation, focus, anxiety, stress, and more. Norepinephrine and epinephrine (noradrenaline and adrenaline) are classified as excitatory, stimulating the brain.

It’s not uncommon for the body to run out of inhibitory neurotransmitters when one has overactive excitatory neurotransmitters. When inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters are not working together and are imbalanced, moods like anger, agitation, anxiety, depression can occur. Change in weight, sleep issues, and poor concentration can also be a byproduct. An estimated 86% of Americans have an imbalance between inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters.

Depression is not genetically inherited, but the potential for depression in each person is epigenetically modified by environment, stress, genetic makeup and nutritional health. In the nutrigenomic world, the depression risk factors are associated with two genes that are associated with a higher risk of developing depression. These genes do not guarantee any person will get depression. The specific genes are the MAO and COMT. Both of these genes affect the speed at which neurotransmitters are broken down and cleared from the post synaptic receptor. In both MAO A and B homozygous and COMT homozygous, the mono-amines are cleared from the receptor site in a sluggish manner. This makes the post synaptic neuron less adaptable to changes in neurotransmitter status and leads to a higher likelihood of depression or anxiety in that person. By assisting these mutations with methyl donors (i.e. taurine, methionine, choline, inositol), our practice can speed the clearance of the neurotransmitters and lessen the likelihood of developing depression.

The issues that accompany an imbalance of inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters can be exacerbated by specific genetic SNPs in neurotransmitter markers like COMT, MAO-A, MAO-B, GAB 12. Drugs (recreational or prescription), neurotoxins, stress, alcohol, poor diet, and caffeine can also fuel symptoms by encouraging these SNPs to further express themselves.

Green Relief Health’s neurotransmitter genetic testing shares what SNPs you have within the neurotransmitter markers. This information allows Green Relief Health to recommend nutritional support specific to those genetic shortcomings. Ultimately, neurotransmitter genetic testing lets doctors and their patients understand their underlying issues with neurotransmitter function and implement personalized solutions.

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Author

Alvin Banacia