While we originally published this article a year ago, we felt now was an excellent time to refresh it due to methylation being the primary topic of a 2+ hour discussion on the Joe Rogan Experience yesterday with his guest, Gary Brecka.
We here at Pure Thera couldn't be happier that millions of people across the world are hearing about methylation for the first time and might finally unlock the secret to their feeling better once and for all!
Methylation should be a simple chemical process that happens in our bodies on the cellular level, but it's certainly not simple for some of us. Some people struggle with proper methylation, which means their bodies can’t utilize B vitamins effectively. This means they'll likely suffer from low energy, as well as a poor ability to eliminate toxins, which can cause oxidative stress and result in faster aging, higher rates of chronic illness, and uncomfortable symptoms such as chronic fatigue syndrome, autoimmune diseases, fibromyalgia, and brain fog.
What is Methylation and Why is it Important?
Methylation is a vital biochemical process that occurs in every cell of our body. It is responsible for many critical functions, such as gene expression, DNA repair, neurotransmitter synthesis, and detoxification. In simple terms, it involves adding a methyl group (-CH3) to a molecule by enzymes called methyltransferases. This process can modify the structure and function of various molecules such as DNA, RNA, proteins, and lipids.
For example, methylation of DNA can regulate gene expression, which is essential for normal development and cellular function. Methylation can also impact the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which affect our mood, behavior, and cognitive function. Additionally, methylation is involved in detoxification pathways, which help to remove toxins and harmful substances from our body.
Moreover, methylation can influence our risk of developing certain diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. For instance, abnormal DNA methylation patterns are often found in cancer cells, which can lead to abnormal gene expression and contribute to tumor formation. Methylation of certain genes has also been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Key Functions of Methylation in Your Body:
Methylation plays a crucial role in our body. Here are some of the key functions of methylation:
Methylation can turn genes on or off by adding or removing methyl groups from the DNA molecule. This process is called epigenetic regulation and can influence our risk of developing certain diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Methylation is involved in the production of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which regulate our mood, behavior, and cognitive function.
Methylation is essential for the detoxification of harmful substances, such as heavy metals, environmental toxins, and drugs. It converts these substances into less toxic forms that can be eliminated from the body.
Methylation is involved in the repair of damaged DNA, which can help prevent mutations and reduce the risk of cancer and other diseases.
Diseases Associated with Methylation Problems:
Individuals with methylation problems may be at an increased risk of developing certain diseases. Abnormal methylation patterns have been linked to a variety of health conditions, including:
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Cardiovascular Disease: Methylation of certain genes has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, and heart failure. Abnormal methylation patterns may contribute to these conditions by altering gene expression and impairing normal cellular function. A study published in the journal Atherosclerosis found that DNA methylation patterns were significantly different between individuals with and without coronary artery disease.
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Neurological Disorders: Research has shown that methylation defects are associated with various neurological disorders. For example, it has been found that individuals with autism spectrum disorders had significantly different DNA methylation patterns compared to neurotypical individuals. Another study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry found that abnormal methylation patterns were associated with depression. Methylation is critical for the synthesis and regulation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Methylation defects can disrupt these pathways and contribute to neurological disorders.
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Cancer: Abnormal methylation patterns are often found in cancer cells, which can lead to abnormal gene expression and contribute to tumor formation. Methylation defects have been linked to various types of cancer, including breast, colon, lung, and prostate cancer. Abnormal methylation patterns have been found in various types of cancer. For instance, a study published in the journal Cancer Research found that abnormal methylation patterns were associated with breast cancer development. Another study published in the journal Clinical Epigenetics found that methylation defects were associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
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Autoimmune Diseases: Methylation is involved in the regulation of the immune system, and abnormal methylation patterns have been associated with autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. Methylation is involved in the regulation of the immune system, and abnormal methylation patterns have been associated with autoimmune diseases. For example, a study published in the journal Clinical Immunology found that DNA methylation patterns were significantly different between individuals with and without lupus.
- Birth Defects: Methylation is critical for normal fetal development, and methylation defects during pregnancy can increase the risk of birth defects such as spina bifida and cleft palate. For instance, a study published in the journal Reproductive Toxicology found that prenatal exposure to a chemical that inhibits methylation was associated with an increased risk of neural tube defects.
How Can We Optimize Methylation?
There are several ways to optimize methylation and support our overall health. Here are some strategies that you can implement now:- Eat a Healthy Diet:
- Supplement with Methyl Donors:
- Manage Stress:
- Exercise Regularly:
- Avoid Toxins:
Zhang, D., et al. (2018). Abnormal DNA methylation as a molecular mechanism for vascular aging. Atherosclerosis, 268, 1-6.
Nardone, S., & Elliott, E. (2016). The Epigenetic Regulation of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 10, 1-13.
Kang, H. J., et al. (2013). Spatio-temporal transcriptome of the human brain. Nature, 478(7370), 483-9.
Flanagan, J. M., et al. (2009). Altered tissue DNA methylation in cancer. Epigenetics, 4(4), 221-4.
Lee, H. S., et al. (2014). Aberrant DNA methylation of interferon regulatory factor genes in lupus patients. Clinical Immunology, 154(1), 141-153.
Sengupta, S. M., et al. (2016). Environmental toxicants and maternal DNA methylation patterns in the offspring: a review. Reproductive Toxicology, 66, 111-118.