If you have MAO-A TT, your body processes serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine — and histamines + tyramines — more slowly. This isn’t a character flaw. It’s enzyme biology. What does this mean? 👉 Your bucket fills faster Foods high in tyramine (aged, fermented, cured) or histamine (leftovers, alcohol, vinegars, certain fruits) stay circulating longer because MAO is one of the enzymes that helps break them down. 👉 Your threshold is lower When the bucket fills, symptoms show up as: - Head pressure or “helmet sensation” - Anxiety or irritability that hits suddenly - Heart racing or feeling “wired but tired” - Flushing, sinus pressure, skin reactions - Body aches or inflammation spikes - Waking at 2–3am with adrenaline - Feeling drained the next day from the overload 👉 It’s not sensitivity — it’s accumulation. MAO-A TT doesn’t mean your body is “fragile.” It means your clearance rate is slower, so the impact stacks. 🍷🍓 Common Tyramine & Histamine Triggers You might recognize these patterns: High-Histamine Foods - Leftovers (especially meats) - Fermented foods (sauerkraut, kimchi) - Aged cheeses - Alcohol, especially wine - Vinegars & pickled foods - Certain fruits: strawberries, citrus - Smoked or cured meats High-Tyramine Foods - Aged or cured meats - Aged cheeses - Fermented soy - Overripe bananas, avocados - Nuts, seeds (when stored long-term) - Chocolate When these combine with MAO-A TT… the nervous system feels it. 🔍 What This Means For Your Nervous System Your body is not overreacting — it's reacting because the brainstem enzymes (MAO-A lives heavily there) can’t keep up with the load. This can look like: - Emotional flooding - Feeling “too much” - Overwhelm from small triggers - Mood swings that don’t match the moment - Crash after eating certain foods - Migraines or tension headaches - Gut motility slowing (because histamine affects the vagus) And most people never connect the dots. ✔️ What Helps Calm the System

Your GSTM1 gene helps your body neutralize toxins like pesticides, alcohol, prescription drugs, ingested viruses and bacteria, and chemicals inside your gut. BUT… up to 50% of people don’t produce this enzyme at all — called a “GSTM1 null” variant. This means if your GSTM1 on your report is 0 copies you will need to be more mindful of eating clean foods and avoiding areas of ingesting toxins or tainted foods. If you have the null variant (0 Copies), your Phase II detox pathways can get overloaded, and you may: - Feel worse after certain supplements or cleanses - Be more sensitive to pollution, heavy metals in foods, chemicals, viral and bacteria in food. - Taking NAC & Glycine, or Glutathione (if you have 2 copies of your GSTT1 gene) can help to improve gut health and reduce inflammation. 🤔 Question: Have you ever felt worse during a detox or cleanse? Let’s explore if it’s linked to GSTM1.

GSTP1 is a glutathione-related gene that supports detox — especially in the lungs, liver, and brain. It codes for the level of protection you have from inhaled toxins and chemicals as well as EMF sensitivity and higher risk of colds and flu. And if you do get sick you may experience it for prolonged periods of time and be slower recover. 🧬 With the risk variant GG presenting as sub-optimal or AG where this version is acts more like the sub-optimal version than AA the ideal version, your enzyme activity may be slower under stress, increasing: - Brain fog - Sensitivity to pollution or chemicals - Struggles with post-exercise recovery or inflammation 💊 NAC, vitamin C, and antioxidant-rich foods can help replenish your natural detox filters. 💬 Do you feel more affected by environmental stress than others? What supports help you feel clearer? Share in the comments your experience with inhaled smells and chemicals, or what happens when you do get sick, do you heal quickly or does it take time?

CRY1 is one of your circadian clock genes. With certain variants, your internal clock runs slower — making you a natural night owl. 🧬 You may: - Struggle with early mornings or rigid schedules - Feel more alert at night - Need light management and meal timing to reset your rhythm 🌞 Morning light and consistent wind-down cues can help align your body’s timing. 💬 Are you more of a night owl or early bird by nature? What helps you feel most balanced?

You’ve probably heard of the FTO gene. It’s often nicknamed the “fat gene” — but that’s misleading. 🧬 FTO influences how your body responds to saturated fats and your appetite signaling — especially when stress and poor sleep are in play. If you have the risk variant, you may: - Feel hungrier faster after meals - Store more fat when eating high-fat/high-carb combos - Benefit from higher protein and fiber to stay full Curious if the FTO gene is influencing your hunger cues or fat metabolism? Unlock your genetic insights with Smart Bodies by Design. What’s your experience with fullness and fat-heavy meals? Does your body love it or feel sluggish? comment below.