Methylation is the biochemical process of attaching a methyl molecule to something to achieve a biological effect. For example, methylating a specific gene can turn it off, so it has no effect. Methylation takes place in every cell of your body and affects many areas of your health, including brain chemistry; cardiovascular risk, and hormones.
If you have a methylation imbalance, other pathways may be affected too, including hormone regulation. Symptoms include fatigue, digestive issues, food intolerances or sensitivities, and inflammation. You may also have issues regulating neurotransmitters, which can affect moods and mental wellbeing.
Identifying and treating methylation imbalance
Patterns in your medical history may suggest methylation imbalance. If so, we use gene testing (the MTHFR mutations test) to clarify more details.
Other connected genes (COMT, MTR, MTRR and many others) can also be assessed to build a richer picture.
We also look at factors like diet and stress, as well as levels of various nutrients.
Dependent on causes, your personal treatment plan may include:
- Dietary changes to encourage methylation
- Action to address gut health and improve your microbiome
- Supplements to support methylation, or to provide nutrients in a form your body can easily process
It can take anything from a few weeks to months to see results. You may also benefit from adjustments to your treatment as, for example, your gut health improves. As always, we work with patients on an individually tailored plan.