All about METHYLATION

Written By: Coach Mike

Methylation is a process in our body that allows us to optimize both physically and mentally. Such functions include nervous, cardiovascular and immune system activity, as well as energy production,  (AND important to us nowadays, in the face of much environmental pollution: heavy-metal detoxification ).

Some symptoms of under-methylation include :

• Anxiety.
• Depression.
• Insomnia.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
• Allergies.
• Headaches (including migraines)
• Muscle pain.
• Addictions.

Clearly these symptoms can be common to many other underlying issues BUT if you seem to be experiencing a litany of these, the addition of "methylators" to your supplement regime may be a smart step.

Foods that promote methylation include: Dark leafy greens: Kale, spinach, collard greens, mustard greens, escarole, and other leafy greens are rich in magnesium, folate, and other B vitamins, however given the levels of soil nutrient depletion, even an organic salad bar enthusiast would likely benefit from adding these micronutrients as a supplement.

If at this point the above list is resonating and you would like to see if it may be your solution, you can ask your healthcare professional to run the following tests to determine methylation function and status:

• Methylation Panel blood test.
• Homocysteine blood test.
• B12 and folate marker test.
• Genetic test that evaluates MTHFR SNPs, as well as other methylation pathway genes such as MTR, MTRR, BHMT, and CBS.

Simply adding a methylating supplement is extremely safe, so skipping the lab work and watching for improvements in conditions being dealt with can be done without concern.

Given the genetic component of methylation issues has become as prevalent as it has ( MTHFR challenges have reached as much as 40+% in many populations), a smart approach is to use "methylated" B-vitamins. This is the scientifically established "active forms" of these vitamins.

For the more cosmetically motivated of us, it's interesting to note A recent study with a different perspective showed that gene alterations with DNA methylation at the MTHFR gene and other genes involved with the methylation process were linked with autoimmune hair loss. For physique athletes presenting higher than norm fat storage in their hamstring and/ or pectoral region, Coach Charles Poliquin has successfully fixed the skewed fat storage via estrogen modulation/ excretion with "methylators". 

Many gym goers lacking drive and commitment (and as such results), attempt to raise their dopamine levels via pre workout nootropic drinks. This can be more a band aid solution if the underlying dopamine issue is related to poor methylation. Impaired methylation results in decreased production of dopamine. The altered dopamine levels ultimately lead to altered levels of the other neurotransmitters. As a result, these individuals lack focus, concentration, short-term memory, organization, emotional stability, good sleep hygiene, and hormone regulation.

All in all, it is a systemic function and detoxification process coming from something as simple as high quality methylated B-vitamins. 

ATP Labs has formulated a supplement called Methyl Syner-B containing all the requisite B Vitamins and TMG in their biologically active/ highly absorbable form. Given much of our detoxification occurs overnight, 1 capsule pre bed would make for a strong support of your methylation abilities. Clearly something most will benefit from.

Coach Mike Demeter

BPHE, CSCS, CFA, CMT, CanFit PTS
Poliquin Level 3 Coach
Biosignature Level 2 practitioner
Cert. Fascial Therapist
Goodlife Level 6 Trainer