---
title: "Genetic Health Glossary | Definitions & Mechanisms | Elwin Robinson"
description: "The definitive dictionary for biohacking terms. Understand MTHFR, COMT, Leptin Resistance, and more."
lang: en
json-ld:
---

[![Elwin Robinson – Precision Genetic Health](/assets/logo-Cc2vqZqu.webp)Elwin Robinson ](/)

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# Glossary

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

[A](#letter-A)[B](#letter-B)[C](#letter-C)[E](#letter-E)[G](#letter-G)[H](#letter-H)[L](#letter-L)[M](#letter-M)[N](#letter-N)[O](#letter-O)[P](#letter-P)[R](#letter-R)[S](#letter-S)[T](#letter-T)[V](#letter-V)[X](#letter-X)

## A

[

### Aromatase

An enzyme responsible for converting Testosterone into Estrogen.



](/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.



](/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).



](/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.



](/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.



](/glossary/epigenetics)[

### Estrobolome

A collection of bacteria in the gut capable of metabolizing and modulating the body's circulating estrogen.



](/glossary/estrobolome)

## G

[

### Ghrelin

Known as the 'Hunger Hormone,' Ghrelin is produced in the stomach to signal the brain that the body needs food.



](/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.



](/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.



](/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.



](/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.



](/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.



](/glossary/leptin-resistance)

## M

[

### Methylation

A biochemical process occurring billions of times per second that repairs DNA, regulates inflammation, controls detoxification, and produces neurotransmitters.



](/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.



](/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.



](/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.



](/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.



](/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.



](/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.



](/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.



](/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.



](/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.



](/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.



](/glossary/xenoestrogens)

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**Disclaimer:** Elwin Robinson is a Researcher and Executive Health Coach, not a Medical Doctor. Content is for educational optimization purposes only. Medical oversight provided by Dr. Miriam Mikicki, MD. Always consult a physician before changing your regimen.

© 2026 Elwin Robinson. All Rights Reserved.

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