Methylation is one of the fundamental processes in our bodies that’s not commonly talked about. The food you eat acts as the raw materials for the formation of cells, neurons, hormones and others.
During methylation, your body transfers methyl from one molecule into another to allow the formation of useful compounds used in various functions. As more people learn the importance of these processes in their well-being, they do more to encourage methylation inside their bodies.
You can even get a TMG supplement to improve your health by enhancing methylation and reducing homocysteine levels. Read on as we explain this process further and its advantages.
Benefits of Methylation
The metabolic process behind methylation turns genes on and off and actively aids in repairing DNA. Gene expression can influence several aspects of health, including certain types of cancers, and neurological issues, among other diseases.
There is an opposite process to methylation known as demethylation. These processes work together to control different functions all around the body. The following are some of the roles methylation plays in the human body.
- Embryo development
- Hormone production and metabolism
- Cellular energy production
- DNA expression
- Hormone production and metabolism
- Fat metabolism
- Converting the homocysteine amino acid to methionine; this aids in keeping the cholesterol level balanced to reduce the risk of cardiovascular issues.
- Detoxification, particularly in the liver, aids in eliminating toxins and heavy metals.
- Stress response
- Converting important nutrients from our diet into active minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants
Aside from these benefits, methylation also aids in the making of a lot of other important molecules. We have mentioned a few of them below and the benefits they provide to our bodies.
- Serotonin – Helps in regulating the appetite, mood, and so much more
- Melatonin – Improves sleep
- Creatine – For skeletal and muscle function
- Coenzyme Q10 – This one supports healthy aging and energy production
- Glutathione – Fights free radicals
- Norepinephrine – plays an active role in motivation and arousal
- Taurine – Supports the brain, nerves, and heart
- Cysteine – Formation of collagen and also helps in making protein
- L-carnitine – Supports cellular energy and metabolic processes
- Nitric oxide – Allows for proper circulation and fluctuation of blood vessels
Optimizing Your Methylation
Now that we have seen how important methylation is and its numerous benefits on our bodies, let’s look at how we can optimize it. The process is critical and not just something you can strive for once and forget about.
You must maintain it throughout your life, as it’s an ongoing effort. When we don’t optimize methylation, and it occurs too quickly or much slower than it should, problems occur. Fewer nutrients slow it down, and too many nutrients cause it to quicken.
How Do I Know I Need Methylation Support?
Because the process is sensitive to radicals like Hydrogen Peroxide, we need to know when our bodies need support. Hydrogen Peroxide usually occurs during infections, physical stress like overtraining, mental anxiety, and detoxification courtesy of the Cytochrome P450 enzymes. The following are some of the signs you need methylation support.
- A red face after exercising – excessive histamine is usually associated with a red face after a workout.
- Trouble falling asleep – We require certain neurotransmitters that calm us, like melatonin and GABA; however, excitatory neurotransmitters like dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine need to be slowed down.
- Rising Estrogen – Estrogen rises a couple of weeks before menses; methylation will help balance it naturally.
- Stress – given the cycle speeds up whenever we are stressed as it burns through our nutrient stores, it is critical to replenish the methylation support.
- Needing a boost – Relying on sugar and caffeine is unhealthy; even the vitamin B formulations can be a tad much. Instead, you can seek out the healthy methylate that gives you the edge you need without sending you over the edge.
Food intake – There is a chance that the protein in your meal raised your homocysteine levels if you felt lethargic or had brain fog after eating it.
Some symptoms come from too much methylation. If you experience irritability, headaches, insomnia, itchy skin, body pain, and runny nose may result from too much methylation. Having potent methylation support is necessary for some people. However, it is only right for some people. Others may need a gentler approach. Most methylation supplements have too much vitamin B12, betaine, and folate.
Conclusion
If you need methylation support, stick to a healthy diet with adequate methyl donors. This means at least 1 to 2 grams of protein for each pound of your body weight. It will ensure enough amino acids, methionine, and nutrients to recycle homocysteine.
For folate and trace minerals, include pastured organ meats, and don’t forget green leafy vegetables to get your share of vitamins.
