by Vanita Dahia
Overcome fatigue, improve mood and improve fertility with epigenetics and DNA Methylation!
Decoding Methylation: A Key to Wellbeing
Feeling fatigued, moody, or struggling with fertility?
The answer might lie in understanding methylation, a crucial biological process impacting nearly every aspect of our health. Methylation is a simple yet powerful biochemical reaction where a methyl group (CH3) is added to a molecule, like DNA or proteins. This seemingly small change can drastically alter a molecule’s function and behaviour.
Where does methylation occur?
Everywhere! It’s a cellular process happening constantly throughout the body. It’s particularly active in the liver, brain, and immune system.
Methylation plays a vital role in numerous physiological functions, including:
- DNA synthesis and repair: Methylation helps regulate gene expression, turning genes “on” or “off.”
- Neurotransmitter production: It’s essential for creating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, impacting mood and mental health.
- Immune function: Methylation helps regulate immune responses and inflammation.
- Detoxification: It’s crucial for processing and eliminating toxins from the body.
Hyper or hypomethylation
Imbalances in methylation can have significant consequences. Undermethylation can lead to issues like fatigue, depression, and increased risk of certain cancers. Overmethylation, conversely, might contribute to anxiety, insomnia, and allergies.
Undermethylation
- Mental and Emotional: Depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, addictions, phobias, perfectionism, high inner tension, poor concentration, social isolation.
- Physical: Allergies, migraines, fatigue, muscle pain, digestive issues, nausea, excessive saliva production, joint stiffness, high libido, sleep problems.
Overmethylation
- Mental and Emotional: Anxiety, panic attacks, hyperactivity, paranoia, depression, sleep disorders, low motivation, self-mutilation, food/chemical sensitivities.
- Physical: Dry eyes and mouth, high pain threshold, upper body/neck/head pain, heavy body hair, eczema, absence of seasonal allergies, low libido, weight gain.
Testing for Methylation
Testing for methylation is becoming increasingly accessible. Functional tests assess the overall methylation capacity, while genetic tests (looking at SNPs) identify specific genetic variations that might influence methylation pathways.
While genetic testing can provide insights into your methylation pathways, it’s important to remember that it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Environmental factors and lifestyle choices also play a significant role. Here are some of the key genes commonly tested in methylation panels:
- MTHFR: This gene codes for an enzyme crucial in converting folate into its active form. Variations in this gene can affect folate utilization and homocysteine levels.
- MTR: This gene is involved in converting homocysteine to methionine, requiring vitamin B12 as a cofactor. Variations here can impact homocysteine metabolism and B12 utilization.
- MTRR: This gene helps regenerate methionine synthase (MTR enzyme), ensuring the methylation cycle continues smoothly.
- COMT: This gene codes for an enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. Variations can influence neurotransmitter levels and mood regulation.
- CBS: This gene is involved in homocysteine metabolism, and variations can affect homocysteine levels and the production of other sulfur-containing compounds.
Addressing methylation issues involves a multifaceted approach that considers both genetic predispositions and lifestyle factors. Methyl factors, such as folate, vitamin B12, betaine, and choline, play crucial roles in supporting healthy methylation pathways. Among these, folate stands out due to its essential role in DNA synthesis and repair, as well as its contribution to neurotransmitter production. Ensuring adequate folate intake, particularly in its active form (5-MTHF), is vital for individuals with genetic variations that hinder folate metabolism.
Beyond nutrition, lifestyle choices significantly impact methylation. Managing stress, minimizing exposure to toxins, and addressing gut health are also crucial.
Managing stress, minimizing exposure to toxins, and prioritizing gut health are essential for optimizing methylation processes. Consulting with a healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance, including recommendations for targeted supplementation if necessary.
Educational Webinar
In this webinar, you will learn:
➡ Methylation impact on the body, signs and symptoms of hyper and hypo-methylation
➡ Impact if methylation on dementia, mood disorders, cardiovascular disease, hormone imbalances and infertility
➡ The evolution of methyl testing, understanding the results
➡ Personalized treatment strategies impacting the epigenome
➡ Explore the relevance of activated B vitamins, when and how to supplement
