Regardless of our genes if we want to improve the health of the brain, we must improve the health of the gut. Without question the gut must be functioning properly BEFORE the rest of the body can be treated. Since the COMT system breaks down stress hormones, it is important to calm down the body’s immune system. The immune system uses chemical messengers, called cytokines, to communicate within the body. The problem arises when the immune system gets irritated and alarmed and begins to send stressful, alarming cytokines into the blood stream.
So the goal with supplements and diet is to limit the release of stress hormones. And we do that by calming down the immune system and healing the gut through eating low-inflammatory foods and taking supplements which help reduce inflammation and catecholamines even more. Below you will find my favorite supplements for calming down the immune system in the brain, balancing hormones, and removing chemical poisons. You will also find a general diet guideline that promotes long-term brain health as well.
Recommended Eating Habits for Optimum COMT and MAO Function:
There are many popular diets today – paleo, GAPS, SCD, vegetarian, vegan, etc. I personally prefer a modified paleo diet – organic meat, vegetables, nuts/seeds, healthy fats, and small amounts of rice or gluten-free grains. The brain tends to thrive on diets that focus on fats and protein while minimizing refined carbohydrates. But everyone is different and there is no single diet that works for everyone! Regardless of which diet you are on, the following rules apply:
- Eat frequently throughout the day.
- Avoid excess fruits, sugars, and carbohydrates that spike blood sugar leading to crashes.
- Make sure to eat protein and healthy fats like coconut oil, olive oil and avocado with every meal.
If you want a good “paleo-style” diet to follow, I recommend you use this Modified Elimination Diet as your guide. I have made notes in red that I always share with patients in my office. You may view and print my notes and diet recommendations below:
Recommended Supplements for Optimum COMT and MAO Function:
Dynamic Inflam-Eze – Formulated to reduce inflammation, heal the gut, and calm down the immune system.†
Nutri-ChelX – Upregulates the removal of heavy metals (high iron, mercury, etc.) in a safe fashion by increasing metallothionein production in the cells. This product also will upregulate glutathione levels to further support detox.†
Stress Essentials Relax – Improves bile flow with Taurine, increases glutathione, and promotes a sense of calm by increasing the GABA/Glutamate ratio in the brain.†
Crave-Curb – Designed to support a positive mood and a restful, relaxed state through beneficially modulating the metabolism of serotonin. This formula features clinically effective levels of 5-HTP and theanine per daily serving.†
OmegaPure DHA 600 – Targeted support for brain health, cognitive function & eye health.†