The Importance of Proper Methylation

Methylation is probably not a word that you have heard before unless you took an organic chemistry class. However, it has become a buzz word in the functional medicine and detoxification arenas.

From the biochemical definition, methylation is the transfer of one carbon and three hydrogens to another molecule, like an enzyme, vitamin, amino acid, etc. Probably not that mind blowing to you, but what it means to the proper functioning of the human body is substantial.

Methylation is essential for making a majority of chemical reactions in the body. It has a significant role in genetics by protecting telomeres on DNA. It prevents certain genetic diseases, and it influences one genetic trait to come from one parent as opposed to both.

Methylation is essential for detoxification. It alters the toxin so that it can be eliminated by the body. It is essential for the conversion of homocysteine, which at high levels has been linked to heart disease. Additionally, it is important for the conversion of folic acid. A certain genetic defect called MTHFR has been linked to the body's inability to convert folic acid to the usable form of folate. Folate (vitamin B9) converts homocysteine into methionine. The body uses methionine to make proteins and critical cellular compounds.

There are many different variants of the MTHFR defect. Very severe MTHFR defects are rare, but there are estimates that up to 50 percent of the population have some form of the defect. This can be overcome with nutritional supplementation, eating cooked dark leafy greens, detoxification (especially of heavy metals), and eliminating processed foods from the diet.

Methylation is important for hormonal regulation because of its role in phase one and phase two liver detoxification. The liver acts as a hormone processor. Specifically, estrogen metabolites like estrone and estradiol are broken down by the liver.

Methylation is key in neurotransmitter creation like serotonin, epinephrine, and dopamine. Its role with neurotransmitters is why it is important for mental health and the nervous system.  It also plays a role in protecting the mitochondria of a cell and the creation of Coenzyme Q10. The mitochondria are the energy center of the cell and Coenzyme Q10 helps the mitochondria produce energy. If methylation is inadequate, a person may feel fatigue.

Methylation is a requirement for the creation of every cell in the body and also for the body to properly detoxify and break down histamine. High levels of histamine usually result in an increased allergic response. It results in the increased sensitivity of a person to foods and allergens of any kind in the environment.

How do you make sure that the body is able to methylate properly regardless of genetic defects?

1- Clean up your gut and toxicity in the body. Heavy metals, specifically copper and mercury, have been linked to the ability of the body to methylate. One reason is the effect and depletion of zinc by heavy metal toxicity, which is key for certain methylation reactions as well.

2- Another reason to eat dark leafy greens. Gentle cooking can make the folate more accessible for an MTHFR defect. Spinach and broccoli have lots of folate.

3- Eat these foods. Quinoa, beets, lamb, lentils, asparagus, pinto, and garbanzo beans.

4- Eliminate sugar and … keep your fruit servings low. Fructose in sugar affects methylation. One to two servings of fruit per day max. Berries are the best fruits to eat!!!!

5- Nutritional supplementation. There is no way we get all we require from the foods we eat. Everyone has different genetic variants, and they require different things. Many people believe that if they eat "healthy" it is enough. Unfortunately, our genetics and the toxicity in our environments make it impossible to get everything we require from our food alone.  If you have an MTHFR defect, you will likely require the supplementation of 5mthf, methylcobalamin (B12), pyridoxal-5-phosphate (B6), and TMG (a form of betaine). Also, you may require cofactors for methylation enzymes like zinc, choline, magnesium, riboflavin, and glutathione.

Dr. Louis Granirer is a leading Holistic Chiropractor in NY and Nutrition Response Testing Practitioner specializing in holistic remedies for good health maintenance and prevention of disease. Visit his website at HolisticChiropracticCenter.com to learn more.