Methylation is a key biochemical process that is essential for the proper function of almost all of your body’s systems.  It occurs billions of times per second!  You can imagine just how many potential health problems you could end up with if this process is not occurring as expected.  (Click to learn more about the basics of methylation)  Methylation may be the most important biochemical action in your body the most important consideration when your health is in question, especially when nothing seems to help. Methylation dysfunction can cause a wide variety of health problems because this process is necessary for proper cell function.  Tissues that require a high rate of turnover will suffer because your ability to repair and recover has been decreased.  The tissues that are most sensitive to this process include the linings of your sinuses, throat, esophagus, intestine and lungs, bone marrow, white and red blood cells and nerve tissue. If you are not methylating properly, your production of coenzyme Q10 (protective to the heart) is impaired and your homocysteine levels increase, which leads to inflammation and damage to the heart and the blood cells. Fatigue is a common symptom of methylation dysfunction due to the inability to produce CoQ10 and carnitine, both of which are necessary for producing energy in the powerhouse (the mitochondria) in every cell of your body. Mood stabilization may be a problem for someone who is not properly methylating.  A number of your brain neurotransmitters require methylating to be produced.  Serotonin, norepinephrine, epinephrine and dopamine all depend on this process.  If your dopamine levels are low, you may have issues with concentration, impaired memory, disorganization and ADD. Cortisol, your main stress hormone, is produced by the adrenal glands and is dependent upon methylation.  Your ability to handle stress, control blood sugar and regulate your immune response and inflammation are all negatively impacted when your body produces improper amounts of cortisol. The immune system is highly dependent upon proper methylation.  As you know, with a weakend immune system you may be prone to either poor resistance to infection or an overstimulated response, which may result in inflammation, allergies, or autoimmune diseases. Methylation dysfunction can lead to high histamine levels.  This, in addition to an over-reactive immune system, will result in allergies.

Health Conditions Associated with Methylation Dysfunction
(not a complete list)

Folic acid is the most important single essential nutrient for proper methylation, however, approximately 39% of the population have a genetic fault (polymorphism MTHFR C677T) that keeps them from being able to convert dietary folic acid into the active, bioavailable form methylfolate.  These people must supplement their diet with methylfolate.  Stay tuned next week for what causes methylation dysfunction.

Comprehensive Methylation Support

• Supports Detoxification
• Supports Muscle And Bone Health
• Supports and Maintains Cardiovascular Health
• Supports Healthy Methylation – (of Estrogen, Dopamine, Epinephrine, Heavy Metals, and Environmental Toxins)
• Supports Eye Health