Overmethylation

What is Overmethylation?

Overmethylation refers to an excessive addition of methyl groups (CH3) to the DNA molecule, usually occurring at specific sites called CpG islands. These methyl groups can silence or suppress the activity of genes, leading to altered gene expression patterns. 

Overmethylation has been associated with various health conditions and diseases, including certain types of neurological disorders. It is a complex phenomenon with intricate implications for the regulation of gene function and the understanding of genetic and epigenetic factors in human health.

While the chemistry of overmethylation might be too abstract for most people, the symptoms are very familiar. You might recognize some of the following symptoms in yourself.

Explore the Symptoms of Overmethylation

Overmethylation leads to excessive production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. When you have too many of these neurotransmitters, you’ll likely experience hyperexcitability in the brain. Overmethylation can lead to:

• High anxiety
• Rumination
• Heavy body hair
• Musical and artistic abilities
• Inability to sit still
• Food and chemical sensitivities
• Paranoia
• Sleeping problems 

Overmethylators do not respond well to serotonin-enhancing substances such as Prozac, Zoloft, St. John’s Wort, and SAMe, which can make them suicidal. Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are often seen in overmethylated individuals.

If you have sought care for the symptoms above or if you’ve had negative reactions to common mood stabilizers, then I encourage you to schedule a free consultation with me. I can help you get to the bottom of your symptoms, and overmethylation might be to blame.
Let’s see if you might be impacted by this. Take my free, five-minute life assessment to find out if this applies to you.

Who Can be Overmethylated?

Due to the way overmethylation impacts the brain, overmethylated Individuals often exhibit a clear pattern of behaviors. For example, overmethylated people can have high empathy for others, food and chemical sensitivities, and an adverse reaction to antidepressant medications.

Verbosity is also a hallmark of this condition. While being talkative is not a negative trait at all, it can provide clues to underlying health conditions. 

It’s also important to note that methylation issues are developed in utero. Unlike diabetes, heart disease, or joint pain, methylation issues aren’t the result of lifestyle or environmental factors. In short, many people are unaware overmethlyation is the cause of their health challenges.

Functional Nutrition Offers an Effective Path Forward for Overmethylation

Overmethylators have a genetic tendency to be very low in folate and vitamin B6, in addition to other important nutrients. This condition can be safely corrected and balanced with dietary and nutrient therapy, as well as lifestyle modifications. 

When I work with clients, I create personalized wellness plans that target your unique biology. And while overmethylation might be your primary concern, I’ll also make sure you’re not lacking other key vitamins and nutrients. 

Here are some ways we might boost your folate and B6 levels:

• Dietary Sources
  A great way to naturally increase your folate and B6 levels is through your diet. Folate-rich foods include leafy green vegetables, broccoli, and asparagus, as well as beans and lentils. For vitamin B6, foods like poultry, fish, bananas, potatoes, and nuts are excellent sources. Incorporating these foods into your daily meals can help support your overmethylation chemistry.

• Supplements
  Did you know that diet alone doesn’t provide sufficient folate and B6? Not only have we experienced a significant decline in our food supply over the past several years, but the brain requires therapeutic levels of nutrients to balance brain chemistry. This is why supplementation is important. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplementation regimen to determine the appropriate dosage and form, and to ensure it’s safe for your specific biochemistry.

• Cooking Methods
  Be mindful of how you prepare your food. Some cooking methods can cause significant nutrient losses. Steaming or stir-frying vegetables can help retain more folate and vitamin B6 compared to boiling, which may lead to nutrient leaching into cooking water.

• Health Conditions
  Some medical conditions, such as celiac disease or certain gastrointestinal disorders, can interfere with nutrient absorption. Together, we will thoroughly look at your gut health in addition to treating your nutrient imbalances.

• Lifestyle Factors
  Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can deplete your body’s stores of folate and vitamin B6. Reducing or quitting these habits can contribute to maintaining adequate levels of these vitamins.

Get Started with Functional Nutrition for Overmethylation

When you work with me, you’ll receive truly personalized care. Your symptoms might line up with overmethylation, but we won’t know what’s causing your symptoms until we test and discuss your health history.

I promise you that we won’t jump to conclusions without looking at all possibilities. To get started, schedule a free discovery call. In the meantime, take my free, five-minute life assessment to find out if methylation issues could be at play. I look forward to helping you live your most vibrant life.