Improper Methylation and Histamine Imbalance may be affecting your mental health

Dealing with Anxiety? Depression? Fatigue? If these are symptoms that you are familiar with continue reading below to learn about a natural remedy.

   

This article gives some information on the importance of methylation and how it can affect you every day.

                    Why is methylation important?

DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism used by cells to control gene expression. It is a biological process in which methyl groups(CH3) are added to the DNA molecule. This can then modify the function of the genes and will affect how the genes are expressed. 

For example, adding a methyl group to folate is an example of methylation. This then transforms the folate into 5-MTHF, which is its active form. Unlike the synthetic form of folate (folic acid), our bodies then use this active form of folate (5-MTHF) for many of our body's processes.

Adding or removing methyl groups is extremely important in gene expression, and the ability to turn genes off and on(epigenetics). This can be very useful to those who may have genetic mutations such as MTHFR; which are much more common than people know.

DNA methylation is important for many processes in the body. Some processes include our nervous, cardiovascular, and immune system activity.

Additionally, it helps with energy production, heavy metal detoxification, and hormone balance.

               Methylation + Mental Health

The methylation cycle helps us both mentally and physically. It is also extremely important in the production of neurotransmitters; this includes serotonin.
“It has long been assumed that serotonin has an indirect role in relation to epigenetic regulation. The binding of serotonin to its receptor(s) causes a downstream cascade of signaling events which resultantly, can lead to the remodeling of chromatin (epigenetics)” (Cain).

A person with an impaired methylation status may be depressed, have anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and have autoimmune disorders. As we know, neurotransmitters play a huge role in the way our brains function. Thus, many mental health disorders have been linked to improper balance of serotonin.

Such disorders that are correlated with serotonin are depression and bipolar disorder.

*DNA methylation changes are associated with, not only, mental health issues but autoimmune diseases, cancer, and neurological disorders.* 

                                    MTHFR Gene Mutation + Methylation

Those with the MTHFR gene mutation may have a harder time converting folic acid into its active form since folic acid is a synthetic form of folate. In fact, those with this issue not only can have a lack of methyl folate but may also be methyl trapping due to the folic acid intake. Folic acid can block the uptake of methylfolate by inhibiting folate receptors.

Histamine: Adding a methyl group also helps to convert homocysteine (a marker for inflammation and cardiovascular disease) into methionine. This is an amino acid that can help detoxify histamine through methylation.

Epigenetics

Epigenetics refers to the study of how environment and behavior can alter the way a

person’s body reads its DNA sequencing. These changes are reversible but can change

how genes work. Although these genetic “insults” may be reversible, according to

some, they may leave some lasting effects.

For example, changes in methylation status due to toxic stress can wreak havoc on a person’s body in form of diseases and mental illness. These lasting effects include mental and physical health problems.

Toxic

Example above.

Proper DNA methylation in the body is imperative for proper mental functioning.

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Changes to the brain and methylation status

Mental health disorders are very prevalent in adult survivors of ACEs. Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs, are a large contributor to epigenetic changes. These changes can contribute to an improper (over or under) methylation status. Which in turn can leave people with many mental and physical health problems.

Mental health issues include anxiety, depression, personality disorders (borderline personality

disorder), PTSD, OCD, Schizophrenia, suicide, and Bipolar are among some of the illnesses correlated with childhood trauma and environmental insults.

Many times, these mental health disorders also cause physical health

problems, too.

These disorders can also be caused by (a) sudden insults. These insults have a higher likelihood to affect people who have a tendency for higher oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can be thought of as an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body that cause cell and tissue damage.

Higher oxidative stress can also be an outcome of those children survivors of ACEs (adverse childhood experiences).

If you are not familiar with ACEs: These experiences have immediate and future consequences.

   Adverse Childhood Experiences are grouped into three categories. 

Abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction are the three main categories of ACEs.

Toxic stress plays a part in the body’s ability to fight off infections, even changing DNA
to a detriment. This type of stress can cause epigenetic insults to a person’s DNA.

Toxic stress can have a lasting impact on the body. This type of stress is frequent and keeps a person’s body in a state of high stress. This can come from exposure to continual trauma or

adverse childhood experiences.

Continual exposure to toxic stress leaves the body in a very fragile state. This can

cause the body to be on constant alert, can change hormones, and even brain

development (ex: development of personality disorders). If a child has a supportive environment this will lessen the impact of those stressors, even toxic stress.

If a child does not have a supportive environment and is genetically more predisposed to health problems and mental health problems, this can have detrimental side effects.

Additionally, we realize that adverse childhood experiences can contribute to poor self-esteem, and poor self-esteem can lead to more issues later in life, physically and mentally. A child who has had an illness, poor academic performance with high expectations from caregivers, victims of stress and trauma, and personality also play a crucial role in the development of healthy self-esteem or poor self-esteem.

                    What does this mean?

 A person's methylation status can either help or hinder their physical and mental health. If a person's methylation status is impaired and causing mental and physical health problems there are ways to improve functioning.

Through these avenues. proper methylation for mental health can be obtained, and, possibly, epigenetic reprogramming can be achieved. Dietary, nutrient, and environmental changes are imperative to improve functioning.

By targeting methylation through nutrient therapy and environmental changes we are able to give clients a better chance at living their life to their fullest potential.

How do we achieve proper methylation status for mental and physical health?

Correcting methylation through epigenetic means is possible. Changing an affected person's diet, environment and behaviors are all imperative to methylation correction.

                                        TREATMENT 

1.) Effective treatment will include a combination of methylation support, diet (advanced nutrient therapies) and

environmental changes to correct mental health issues(Ref: Dr.Walsh)

2.) Changing the diet to support methylation status (under/over) can affect

neurotransmission and the way our moods are affected.

3.) Changing our environment to support methylation can affect inflammation,

physical health, and the way we are able to accomplish things throughout

the day.

4.) Proper DNA methylation can help advance long and productive lives.

5.) Client will have fewer mental health deficits after completion of the treatment.

I have personally seen these protocols work. Creating an advanced nutrient therapy protocol, specific to the person and their methylation status, along with environmental changes has shown, in my practice, to lower the severity of symptoms for those with anxiety, depression, low energy, bipolar, Cluster B, and Cluster C personality disorders, PTSD, autoimmune disorders, and many more.

If you are looking for an individualized treatment plan and/or therapy please send me a message to inquire.

Tracy Dawn

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Reference:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6147084/

https://www.walshinstitute.org/biochemical-individuality--nutrition.html

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/methylation

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-021-01225-w