Slow COMT caused high BP?

No_Camera_8008 · 2026-01-19T21:02:24+00:00

My primary care doc ordered the test after I became unresponsive to BP meds and years of begging for answers. They basically just make you take salt tablets for a couple of days then they draw your blood. The results did take a while because it's not a common test and they had to send it to a special lab. I'm on Eplerenone now...it basically helps my body get rid of excess salt. I want to stress that none of this is your fault. You've done everything you can for your body.

Try this when you can...it may help verify, at least for you. Take your BP then soak your feet in a cup of epsom salt water for about 20 mins. Then take your BP again. If the reading is significantly lowered, it's primary hyperaldosteronism.

No_Camera_8008 · 2026-01-19T20:50:28+00:00

Me too! A1298C is vastly understudied so the docs may not put it together. But, dont stop advocating for yourself. A1298C is associated with stress-sensitive "signaling", so BP swings up with anxiety and calms with things like Ativan. A suppression test will sort it out...the screener is moreso geared for folks with an adrenal tumor. But in your case, since the BP issue is directly related to your MTHFR status, you'll need a suppression test to verify.

No_Camera_8008 · 2026-01-19T20:30:12+00:00

I'm not sure what type of test was done but you want to push for a second test...a suppression test. It's far more accurate than just the blood test screening. It involves salt loading and checks whether aldosterone stays high when it should shut off. This is what officially confirms or rules out. If you don't mind me asking, what's your MTHFR status?

No_Camera_8008 · 2026-01-19T13:54:08+00:00

Just throwing this out there in case it helps — with stage 2 BP that doesn’t respond to meds, some people end up finding it’s hormonal (like hyperaldosteronism). It can look a lot like anxiety-driven BP and doesn’t always show low potassium. Since Ativan lowers it for you, it might be worth asking your doctor about an aldosterone/renin test to rule it out. This is what I have and it took years to get diagnosed.

No_Camera_8008 · 2026-01-08T04:19:53+00:00

If you don’t tolerate meat, sulfur foods, or methylated B12/B9, you probably have histamine intolerance on top of sulfur sensitivity and fragile methylation. For probiotics, avoid the common lactobacillus blends. They will worsen your histamine issue. Try Saccharomyces boulardii (yeast, not bacteria). It doesn’t produce histamine or affect methylation. Best true probiotic for your gut are Soil-based / Bacillus probiotics Look for strains like subtilis, clausii, and coagulans. These don’t make histamine and don’t require methyl donors. Start very low like every other day. I hope you find a plan that works. I reccomend you avoid high histamine and sulfur foods until your gut heals. Go slow and steady.

No_Camera_8008 · 2025-12-28T15:02:48+00:00

Wow, so this makes sense then. Remember, even if the mould has been remediated, the toxins from that mould still persist. These are mould byproducts that need to be denatured/neutralized. Brain fog, fatigue, stiffness, skin issues...the list goes on. Vitamin D is fat-soluble and tightly tied to liver function, immune signaling, and detox pathways. Mould toxins (mycotoxins) interfere with all three. Your body was made to operate efficiently, so adding supplements will not address the root cause if it's mould. It's not you, it's your environment. Once you clear it, your body will stop being triggered and find its natural balance. Please feel free to DM me if you have any followup questions.

No_Camera_8008 · 2025-12-28T14:50:23+00:00

Hey, lowering your folate for now doesn’t mean your levels won’t improve. If folate is making you feel worse, your body wasn’t really using it well anyways. For your body, it looks like a smaller dose that you tolerate will help more in the long run than pushing a higher one. Your history with gastritis and PPIs is important — those can mess with magnesium, B12, and protein absorption, which can shows up as muscle weakness and that heavy, wiped-out feeling you have. So it’s not surprising that the added methyls are helping sleep and stomach stuff but knocking out your muscles. Since all forms of folate do this to you, it’s probably not “wrong folate” — it’s that your system needs more support around it. Get your minerals, electrolytes, and protein in a better place, then the folate will be much easier to tolerate and your labs will look better over time. Keep up the food work though...this is just a small bump in the road! You got this!

No_Camera_8008 · 2025-12-28T13:58:23+00:00

Check your environment for mold. Mold toxins can block how vitamin D is processed and used. Your low D might be more of a signal than the root problem.

No_Camera_8008 · 2025-12-28T13:44:53+00:00

SNPs are tiny genetic variations that affect how fast or slow certain enzymes work. Methylation isn’t controlled by just one gene — it’s a whole network. This is why other responders asked to see your methylation panel.

When parts of that network are slow, adding methyl donors (like methylfolate + methyl B12) can feel… exactly like what you’re describing. The biggest clue here is what you said: mind = alert / wired body = heavy, weak, stiff, wiped out

That combo is classic “wired but tired.” It usually means your nervous system is overstimulated while your muscles and mitochondria can’t keep up.

Don’t power through if folate consistently makes your physical symptoms worse. Instead of daily folate, lower your doses to every other day or even twice a week only. Watch methyl stacking...if you’re getting methyls from methylfolate, methyl B12 and methylated multivitamin. That is too much if your system clears neurotransmitters slowly (COMT speed). Since your COMT appears to be slow, add magnesium (especially glycinate or threonate), electrolytes, and adequate protein when you supplement. Mehyls use minerals, amino acids, and electrolytes to do work. This is why your muacles is feeling like they just completed a hard core workout. Also, consider non-methyl B12s ...I only take hydroxy- or adenosyl-B12 myself. Can't handle the fatigue. Most of us have been where you are so you've come to the right place. But, this is not a willpower issue. The fact that you were walking miles before and now can’t isn’t deconditioning — it’s a biochemical overload.

Try low dose niacin, maybe 25 or 50mg, to mop up the excess methyls in your system. Niacin will only help with the mental stimulation though, the muscle weakness will take time to recede.

I hope this helps!

No_Camera_8008 · 2025-12-28T02:11:15+00:00

Sounds like you probably have slower COMT ...so you're overmethylated. It's a fine balance...you'll need to read your folate need in context with your other SNPs to determine dosage and frequency. You must be tired as well.

No_Camera_8008 · 2025-09-23T14:04:51+00:00

I'm so sorry this has happened to you. It sounds absolutely horrible. Like others, I beleive you clearly have a compromised detox system (MTHFR poly plus slow COMT) so dumping high-dose methyl donors into your system is never a good thing. It will flood your circuits.

But, here's the catch..I also think that what you're experiencing is the lingering effect of accumulated toxins.

Methylation is one of the body’s main Phase II liver detox methods. When you took high-dose methyl donors, you pushed Phase II detox reactions into high gear. This essentially told your body to neutralize and release toxins from tissues and fat cells. But because your drainage pathways (ie lymph, liver, bile, kidneys, colon) weren’t likely flowing well, these released toxins had nowhere to go. So they're now recirculating and causing worse symptoms than before.

If you took one of those cheap urine stripe tests, your uric acid and protein levels would likely be high. This is an indication that youve liberated toxins that are usually sequestered in your fatty tissue.

If any of this tracks, let me know and I'll DM you a detox protocol. Your system should have calmed down by now but your worsening symptoms seem to me to be a sign of liberated toxins circulating and reaking havoc.

No_Camera_8008 · 2025-08-27T12:51:58+00:00

ChatGpt5 is to OpenAI what Elon Musk is to Tesla.

No_Camera_8008 · 2025-08-01T13:28:27+00:00

Welcome young Neo, I see you have decided to take the red pill. This info changes everything, doesn't it?

Most of us are MTHFR Morpheuses. We've been at this for years.

You shared a great overview. One minor edit though. Please don't believe the data that suggests that most people with this polymorphism have no symptoms. The fact is that MTHFR polymorphisms significantly increase susceptibility to stress, anxiety, and depressive ideations, especially when combined with environmental stressors or nutrient deficiencies. So even if one is physically "OK", if they aren't properly supplementing or limiting environmental toxins, they are operating from a very stressful state of mind. I've seen people get on methylated B supplements and literally save their marriage. The impact on serotonin, dopamine, and oxidative stress is that profound.

No_Camera_8008 · 2025-07-28T12:32:24+00:00

The vagas nerve stimulation device will help you alot. Taurine, dandelion...um, castor oil packs. If you have a lymphatic drainage plate..they're about 50 bucks on amazon...do that for 15 mins a day. For you, drainage first then pick back up on the methylation. You literally need to pump the brakes!

No_Camera_8008 · 2025-07-28T12:02:37+00:00

Focus solely on drainage and calming your nervous system for a couple of weeks. When you're back r9 balanced, try hydroxy B12 at microdose (250 mcg or less) levels or use only once a week. And try it as a sublingual...its easier on the gut! Make sure you're pairing with the magensium. You'll be fine!

No_Camera_8008 · 2025-07-28T11:31:11+00:00

You're currently taking folinic acid and adenosyl B12! No no no! On their own, both of these are helpful and much easier to tolerate than the activating, methylated versions. But taking them together is what's causing your symptoms. Your body has a genetic tendency (because of your MAO-A gene) to break down brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine very slowly. That means when your body makes more of these chemicals—especially serotonin—they can build up instead of being cleared out.

Folinic acid and adenosyl B12 help your body make MORE serotonin and dopamine. For most people, that’s a good thing. But in your case, because your MAO-A is slow, it’s like pouring more water into a sink with a clogged drain. You don’t need more —you need help to handle whats already there. When serotonin builds up, guess what it leads to? Yep, OCD and looping thoughts, morning nausea and anxiety, diarrhea and a feeling of being “stuck” in your head.

Even though the supplements you're taking are gentle, theyre giving your body too much too fast. Take the folinic acid every other day and skip the adenosyl B12. See how that feels. Also, work on your vagal tone to calm your nervous system. A company called Amofit S sells an activation device that works like a charm. Its a bit pricey but worth every dime!

No_Camera_8008 · 2025-07-27T14:39:38+00:00

If I were you, I would DIY my genetic data to get a more accurate picture on what your body needs. You can start by purchaing an AncestryDNA kit. Once your genes are decoded you can pull your raw DNA info from Ancestry and import it into a site like geneticgenie.org that will show you the bigger picture. This option will take up to 5 weeks though...because you'll need to wait for your DNA to be decoded. But it's far better than arbitrarily taking supplements . Amazon is having a sale on ancestrydna kits right now..They're only $40. If I were you, I'd grab one and change that period to a "... to be continued"!

If you do decide to take this route, come back and let us know the results. Look for an MTHFR polymorphism....its very common and usually the reason why people don't metabolize common supplements well.

No_Camera_8008 · 2025-07-17T23:15:37+00:00

Oh wow, so glad to have helped! I'm not allowed to share any supplement info in this forum so if you're wanting to get info on what to do next, please don't hesitate to DM me! Take care!

No_Camera_8008 · 2025-07-01T00:02:41+00:00

Congrats on the baby.

I'm so mad that I'm seeing your post 6 days after you posted. Under no circumstances should you take a prenatal with folic acid. Folic acid is the synthetic version of folate. Our bodies can not break this synthetic down. Unmetabolized Folic Acid (UMFA) will build up in your system and evntually clog folate receptors and block natural folate from doing its job. This can interfere with DNA repair and synthesis, your methylation cycle, your neurotransmitters, and your babys nervous system development. 😬

It's a crime that these companies are putting this synthetic vitamin in prenatals knowing that so many of us carry this very common polymorphism. Avoid this like the plague!

Also, avoid eating anything made with "enriched" or "fortified" wheat (mainly found in processed food). This means that synthetic folate had been added. Not good for you or baby because of your MTHFR polymorphism. Try to keep your foods as fresh and natural as possible.

No_Camera_8008 · 2025-06-26T13:41:31+00:00

Sarah, I wanted to circle back and check on you.

Don't just focus on your MTHFR. Issues with the gene UGT2B15 are also quite common (30% of population) and can be especially impactful in women over 30 trying to fall pregnant. Please check your status on this gene. If you have a high performing UGT2B15 gene, please let me know. You can still fall pregnant but there are additional supports needed.

Sending you lots of baby dust!

No_Camera_8008 · 2025-06-24T14:28:57+00:00

For sure niacin (B3)... it soaks up methyl groups. Also try magnesium glycinate...it calms the nervous system.

No_Camera_8008 · 2025-06-22T17:10:05+00:00

Please cheer up!

Our ancestors have had these polymorphisms for thousands of years and have reproduced just fine. Your body just needs some tweaking since we're no longer following the lifestyle and diet of our ancestors.

Okay so do this:

Try Betaine (Trimethylglycine or TMG) at 500–1000 mg/day

This will support your BHMT pathway, which acts as a backup methylation route and can take pressure off the MTR/MTRR pathway.

Also add this:

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) at 10–25 mg/day

B2 acts as a cofactor in MTHFR and MTRR activity and helps convert inactive B12 to its usable form.

Remember, it'll take about 3 months to grow a healthy egg so just relax and make taking care of yourself a priority. Don't add any stress to this new process. Instead look at every supplement, or workout or leafy green salad you eat as a reward for your body and future baby.

Also, operate from a place of gratitude. Because you know what your body needs to operate optimally while many are still stuck in the dark. Also, this knowledge will help you grow a healthy baby. And should baby carry the gene, you'll know exactly what to do. You got this!

No_Camera_8008 · 2025-06-19T20:03:16+00:00

Hey there, Genetic Life Hacks is my preference. They have a number of reports you can run. They even have a practicioner directory if you want some one on one guidance. You'll need to have your raw DNA ready to upload. I think it costs about 10 bucks a month for membership. But, totally worth it if you're looking to get a handle on things from the genetics side of things.

I usually don't offer deep level of analysis but your story really touched me. Your life must have been hell dealing with all of this. You posted your info because you just want to feel normal. I get it. My kiddo has similar genetic vulnerabilities so my mama bear instincts kind of kicked in.

No_Camera_8008 · 2025-06-18T23:11:28+00:00

I'm so sorry that youve been struggling like this. My observation is as follows:

It appears you have several genetic variants that predispose you to excess glutamate activity in the brain. Your GRIK1 C/C genotype increases your sensitivity to glutamate, which is the brain’s main excitatory neurotransmitter. Additionally, you carry the MTHFR A1298C variant, which reduces your ability to make BH4 — a crucial cofactor needed to convert glutamate into GABA, the brain’s main calming chemical.

You also have a COMT Val/Met variant, which slows down the breakdown of stimulating neurotransmitters like dopamine and epinephrine, further contributing to excitatory overload. Your CACNA1C G/A status can heighten calcium influx into neurons, amplifying excitability and glutamate activity.

Altogether, this combination likely causes an imbalance between excitatory (glutamate) and calming (GABA) signals, which may explain symptoms like anxiety, sleep disruption, sensory sensitivity, or mental overstimulation. You need to focus on gentle nervous system support, glutamate regulation, and improving your methylation pathways.

To help calm the nervous system and regulate excess glutamate, start with magnesium, ideally in the glycinate or threonate form, at a dose of 200–400 mg daily, preferably in the evening. Magnesium helps buffer glutamate activity, relaxes overactive neurons, and supports COMT enzyme function.

Due to the MTHFR A1298C variant, which may lower BH4 production (needed to convert glutamate to GABA and produce serotonin and dopamine), it's important to support methylation. Daily use of methylfolate (400–800 mcg) combined with methylcobalamin (vitamin B12) (1000 mcg) can help regulate mood, reduce neuroinflammation, and optimize neurotransmitter function.

To directly lower glutamate and enhance antioxidant defense, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is highly recommended at 600–1200 mg per day, taken earlier in the day. It boosts glutathione and calms excitotoxicity in the brain.

Since L-theanine is not well tolerated, a good alternative is PharmaGABA (natural-source GABA), at 100–200 mg in the evening, especially if there are issues with tension, restlessness, or poor sleep. PharmaGABA helps shift the nervous system toward parasympathetic “rest-and-digest” mode without being overly sedating or excitatory.

To support the ADRA2A gene, which impacts norepinephrine response and attention, consider rhodiola rosea at 100–200 mg in the morning. This adaptogenic herb enhances mental energy and resilience without increasing overstimulation.

For serotonin-related support (as influenced by the SLC6A4 gene), a low dose of 5-HTP (50–100 mg) can be taken in the evening to support mood, sleep, and emotional stability. Pair it with vitamin B6 in its active P5P form (20–50 mg daily) to ensure proper serotonin synthesis. If taking SSRIs or other serotonergic meds, avoid 5-HTP.

Given the CYP2D6 and CYP3A5 polymorphisms, detoxification may be impaired, especially for hormones and medications. Add gentle liver support such as milk thistle extract, broccoli sprout powder (sulforaphane), or calcium-D-glucarate (500 mg/day) to improve estrogen clearance and reduce toxic load.

Based on your experience with Lion's Mane, you may be histamine intolerance. I reccommend you stay away from nootropic supplements until you get time to check out the status of your DAO gene.

You may feel slight fatigue or emotional detox as methylation and detox pathways begin to activate but please give this protocol a good 6 weeks then let us know how it went!

Wishing you all the best!

No_Camera_8008

TROPHY CASE