What You Need to Know About
"Methylation"
October, 14th 2015I remember about 10 years ago, as I started on my path of clinical nutrition, hearing Dr. George Gilson speak about methylation. It was something that was never properly addressed in pharmacy school, only focusing on the biochemistry of it, so the information seemed somewhat futuristic. The future is now and when you really look at the end results of methylation, all the metabolic factors depending on it, you realize how important it is for all of us to discover if we are properly methylating.
Let’s step back. Methylation is a biochemical reaction in our bodies where a methyl group (1 carbon and 3 hydrogen atoms) is transferred from one compound to another.
So what does that mean? The best description I have heard is that methylation is a metabolic pathway that allows B vitamins and other nutrients to support cognitive function, emotional wellness, behavioral health, cardiovascular health, and detoxification.
Beyond this general description, methylation plays a role in building and repairing every cell, silencing viral genes, allowing dopamine to bind to dopamine receptors, proper functioning of serotonin, changing the frequency of our brainwaves, and increasing our focus and attention.
Those who are less able to methylate are at increased risk for inflammatory conditions and more susceptible to viral infections. Disease states linked to people who cannot methylate properly include autism, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, and autoimmune conditions.
Figuring out if we can properly methylate comes down to the evolving fields of genomics and the ability to test the functioning of ones genes. I am a firm supporter of the science of epigenetics, as research has shown we have the power through diet, lifestyle, and nutritional medicine to turn good genes on and bad genes off.
I don’t believe “faulty genetics” are a guarantee of disease. We have the power to influence them to the good, while such genetic “Achilles heals” provide us the ability and awareness of targeted nutritional supplement and lifestyle therapies.
Testing and assessing genetic health revolves around what are known as SNP’s, single nucleotide polymorphisms. This is when one nucleotide is substituted for another, which can alter and affect everything from hair color, behavior, nutritional needs, and opens up risk factors to disease.
Testing for genomics and ancestry lines have become more accessible with advancements in technology, and there is even an online resource called 23andme (www.23andme.com), where anyone can order a test-kit.
Since it is estimated that over one-half of the population have SNP’s affecting their ability to methylate, several supplement companies have identified the importance of methylation and the ability to enhance methylation when needed through the science of nutrigenomics. These companies are working with 23andme to focus on the seven most relevant methylation SNP’s, and providing targeted nutritional supplementation based on the individual’s needs. If you have further questions on this subject, please give us a call to set up a consultation.
In the coming weeks I will be writing more about this, and the importance that B vitamins play, especially B 12, Folic Acid, and B 6 as they are considered methyl donors along with Coenzyme Q10 and others. You will also learn why I continually recommend using the activated B vitamins to give our bodies the best chance for enhanced methylation and utilizing the benefits of the B vitamins.
Let’s step back. Methylation is a biochemical reaction in our bodies where a methyl group (1 carbon and 3 hydrogen atoms) is transferred from one compound to another.
So what does that mean? The best description I have heard is that methylation is a metabolic pathway that allows B vitamins and other nutrients to support cognitive function, emotional wellness, behavioral health, cardiovascular health, and detoxification.
Beyond this general description, methylation plays a role in building and repairing every cell, silencing viral genes, allowing dopamine to bind to dopamine receptors, proper functioning of serotonin, changing the frequency of our brainwaves, and increasing our focus and attention.
Those who are less able to methylate are at increased risk for inflammatory conditions and more susceptible to viral infections. Disease states linked to people who cannot methylate properly include autism, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, and autoimmune conditions.
Figuring out if we can properly methylate comes down to the evolving fields of genomics and the ability to test the functioning of ones genes. I am a firm supporter of the science of epigenetics, as research has shown we have the power through diet, lifestyle, and nutritional medicine to turn good genes on and bad genes off.
I don’t believe “faulty genetics” are a guarantee of disease. We have the power to influence them to the good, while such genetic “Achilles heals” provide us the ability and awareness of targeted nutritional supplement and lifestyle therapies.
Testing and assessing genetic health revolves around what are known as SNP’s, single nucleotide polymorphisms. This is when one nucleotide is substituted for another, which can alter and affect everything from hair color, behavior, nutritional needs, and opens up risk factors to disease.
Testing for genomics and ancestry lines have become more accessible with advancements in technology, and there is even an online resource called 23andme (www.23andme.com), where anyone can order a test-kit.
Since it is estimated that over one-half of the population have SNP’s affecting their ability to methylate, several supplement companies have identified the importance of methylation and the ability to enhance methylation when needed through the science of nutrigenomics. These companies are working with 23andme to focus on the seven most relevant methylation SNP’s, and providing targeted nutritional supplementation based on the individual’s needs. If you have further questions on this subject, please give us a call to set up a consultation.
In the coming weeks I will be writing more about this, and the importance that B vitamins play, especially B 12, Folic Acid, and B 6 as they are considered methyl donors along with Coenzyme Q10 and others. You will also learn why I continually recommend using the activated B vitamins to give our bodies the best chance for enhanced methylation and utilizing the benefits of the B vitamins.
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All pharmacies dispense prescriptions. However, many pharmacies have lost the art of compounding, which is the practice of making prescription products specific to individual patient needs. Sometimes a patient may react to a prescription drug or sometimes a drug may have been discontinued and not commercially available to treat a patient’s condition. Irsfeld Pharmacy offers a customized prescription compounding service, including: - BHRT Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy, - Chronic Pain Management - Palliative Care Compounding for Hospice - Allergy free preparations - Iontophoresis Solutions for Physical Therapy - Veterinary Compounding for your Pets We are a member of PCCA, the Professional Compounding Centers of America and we regularly participate in seminars in the area of compounding pharmacy to learn new techniques and to exchange ideas with other specialists. Call our pharmacy for a consultation or click the tab above to learn more and watch a video of a compounding laboratory. Our customers recognize the important role nutritional supplements play in their lives to improve their health. Our approach to pharmacy focuses on the whole person by integrating nutritional, environmental, and spiritual health. Recent research suggests that the increase in diabetes, obesity, heart disease, cancer, fibromyalgia, ADHD, chronic fatigue syndrome, and other chronic diseases is due to the lack of nutrient dense foods in our diet or exposure to toxins in our environment. This is due to our Western Diet and culture. The knowledge that changing diet or environment may help our patients feel better and live longer happier lives has prompted Irsfeld Pharmacy to change the way we treat our patients. Our pharmacy is a member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and is pursuing a Fellowship in Anti-Aging, Regenerative & Functional Medicine. Our ongoing commitment to become an expert in the field of using nutrition to treat and prevent disease will allow our pharmacists to help you: - Identify Nutrient Deficiencies - Address Drug Nutrient Depletion - Customized Detoxification Regimens Irsfeld Pharmacy is committed to provide only high quality nutritional products, which come from GMP-Certified manufacturing facilities, where their products are backed by human clinical trials and are backed with documented safety and efficacy. All products are tested by third parties to guarantee that the content in the bottle matches the content on the label. Not all nutritional products are created equal! The nutritional products on our shelves are prepared to be in the highest absorbable form. For more information, consider scheduling an appointment with one of our pharmacists or consider becoming a member of “The Integrative Connection.” Click on the link above. |
One simple trick to relieve restless legs:"Dear Steve, I wanted to let you know that your advice about using magnesium glycinate to help alleviate my restless leg problem and my insomnia has been like a miracle cure!
I have used a variety of products to help me sleep, including lorazepam and pramipexole. I quit taking them a little over two weeks ago when I started using the magnesium glycinate. From the first night, I have not had any problems with either of my "conditions." I am seeping really well and the aching in my calf muscles is gone too! I cannot thank you enough for your advice. I truly appreciate your knowledge about vitamins and minerals. After yeas of struggling with insomnia and restless legs, I am so grateful for you! God Bless You Abundantly - NE, Irsfeld Pharmacy Patient" If you have restless legs, we can help! Stop by the pharmacy today! Stressed out?Pick up a copy of Dr. Wilsons "Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome" to learn more about how supplementation can help you!
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