---
title: "Genetic Health Glossary | Definitions & Mechanisms | Elwin Robinson"
url: https://elwinrobinson.com/glossary
description: "The definitive dictionary for biohacking terms. Understand MTHFR, COMT, Leptin Resistance, and more."
lang: en
---

# Glossary

Key terms in nutrigenomics, epigenetics, and functional health — explained simply.

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## A

### Aromatase

An enzyme responsible for converting Testosterone into Estrogen.
https://elwinrobinson.com/glossary/aromatase

## B

### BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor)

A protein that acts like 'fertilizer' for the brain, promoting the growth of new neurons, neuroplasticity, and protection against cognitive decline.
https://elwinrobinson.com/glossary/bdnf-gene

## C

### COMT (Catechol-O-Methyltransferase)

COMT is an enzyme that breaks down stress hormones and neurotransmitters like dopamine and adrenaline. Your genetic variant determines whether you're a 'Warrior' (slow COMT) or a 'Worrier' (fast COMT).
https://elwinrobinson.com/glossary/comt

### COMT Gene

The gene that codes for the Catechol-O-Methyltransferase enzyme, responsible for breaking down stress neurotransmitters like dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.
https://elwinrobinson.com/glossary/comt-gene

## E

### Epigenetics

Epigenetics is the study of how your behaviour and environment can change the way your genes work — without altering the DNA sequence itself.
https://elwinrobinson.com/glossary/epigenetics

### Estrobolome

A collection of bacteria in the gut capable of metabolizing and modulating the body's circulating estrogen.
https://elwinrobinson.com/glossary/estrobolome

## G

### Ghrelin

Known as the 'Hunger Hormone,' Ghrelin is produced in the stomach to signal the brain that the body needs food.
https://elwinrobinson.com/glossary/ghrelin

### Glutathione

The body's 'Master Antioxidant,' produced in the liver to neutralize free radicals and escort heavy metals and toxins out of the body.
https://elwinrobinson.com/glossary/glutathione

## H

### HLA-DR Gene

A family of genes that helps the immune system recognize and eliminate biotoxins. Specific variants prevent the body from 'tagging' mould toxins for removal.
https://elwinrobinson.com/glossary/hla-dr-gene

### HOMA-IR

'Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance.' A calculated score using Fasting Insulin and Fasting Glucose to detect early-stage metabolic dysfunction.
https://elwinrobinson.com/glossary/homa-ir

### Homocysteine

An inflammatory amino acid that, when elevated, damages blood vessel linings and increases the risk of heart disease and cognitive decline.
https://elwinrobinson.com/glossary/homocysteine

## L

### Leptin Resistance

A condition where the brain becomes desensitized to Leptin (the satiety hormone), causing persistent hunger and metabolic slowdown despite adequate fat stores.
https://elwinrobinson.com/glossary/leptin-resistance

## M

### Methylation

A biochemical process occurring billions of times per second that repairs DNA, regulates inflammation, controls detoxification, and produces neurotransmitters.
https://elwinrobinson.com/glossary/methylation

### MTHFR Gene

The MTHFR gene produces the enzyme needed to convert folate (Vitamin B9) into its active form (methylfolate), essential for DNA repair and detoxification.
https://elwinrobinson.com/glossary/mthfr-gene

## N

### Nutrigenomics

The scientific study of the interaction between nutrition and genes, specifically how individual genetic variations affect the body's response to nutrients.
https://elwinrobinson.com/glossary/nutrigenomics

## O

### OXTR Gene (Oxytocin Receptor)

The gene regulating the receptor sensitivity for Oxytocin, the neurochemical responsible for bonding, trust, and the feeling of satisfaction.
https://elwinrobinson.com/glossary/oxtr-gene

## P

### Phase II Detoxification

The 'Conjugation' phase of liver detoxification where toxins are packaged with a carrier molecule so they can be safely excreted from the body.
https://elwinrobinson.com/glossary/phase-ii-detoxification

## R

### Reverse T3

An inactive form of thyroid hormone that blocks cell receptors, slowing down metabolism during times of stress, illness, or caloric restriction.
https://elwinrobinson.com/glossary/reverse-t3

## S

### SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism)

A SNP is a tiny variation in a single letter of your DNA code that can significantly influence how your body functions — from how you metabolise caffeine to how you handle stress.
https://elwinrobinson.com/glossary/snp

## T

### TCF7L2 Gene

The 'Hunter vs. Farmer' gene that regulates insulin secretion and sensitivity, determining whether a person metabolizes fats or carbohydrates more efficiently.
https://elwinrobinson.com/glossary/tcf7l2-gene

### The Hibernation Response

A metabolic survival state where the body suppresses thyroid function and slows metabolism to conserve energy in response to perceived threats like starvation, stress, or trauma.
https://elwinrobinson.com/glossary/hibernation-response

## V

### VDR Gene (Vitamin D Receptor)

The gene that dictates the sensitivity of your cells to Vitamin D. It determines how much Vitamin D you actually absorb and utilize, regardless of your blood levels.
https://elwinrobinson.com/glossary/vdr-gene

## X

### Xenoestrogens

Synthetic industrial chemicals (found in plastics, pesticides, and personal care products) that mimic the structure of estrogen and disrupt the body's hormonal balance.
https://elwinrobinson.com/glossary/xenoestrogens

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