Could you have Undermethylation?

I did not until listening to a podcast about it. It made me curious, and I had to do more research and reach out to my provider to get the testing done to determine if I was undermethylated.

What is undermethylation?

Being undermethylated affects the body’s ability to methylate certain vitamins and minerals to be properly absorbed in the body. Primarily the body does not methylate B12.

What causes undermethylation?

Elevated histamine levels and/or the MTHFR gene. Let’s begin with elevated histamine levels. When you consume foods that require methylation to metabolize, and the body does not do that correctly the histamine builds up in the white blood cells. Those excessive histamine levels deplete serotonin and dopamine.

Serotonin and dopamine are chemical messengers that regulate bodily functions such as coordination, emotions, feelings of pleasure, digestion, sleep, and mental health.

MTHFR is a gene mutation in which the body is unable to process B2, B12, and folic acid properly. Because the body does not process these two things properly the body does not properly absorb the vitamins and minerals that are needed. This causes an imbalance resulting in several health conditions related to heart health, mental health, and skeletal problems.

How do you know if you have undermethylation?

Blood tests can determine if you have undermethylation. There are two tests to be done to check your histamine levels (high histamine levels indicate undermethylation) and the MTHFR gene blood test will determine if the body is not methylating B12. Supplementation will be needed if the MTHFR gene is present.

The symptoms displayed in those that are undermethylated are:

Fatigue

Digestive issues

Depression

Insomnia

Headaches

Obsessive-compulsive behaviors

Poor memory

Allergies

Poor sexual function

Addiction

ADHD

If you or someone you know is displaying some or all these symptoms, testing can determine if undermethylation is present. Please work with your provider before throwing supplementation in to ensure you are getting the correct nutrients your body needs. This goes back to bio-individuality, want to know more about bio-individuality you can read more on that here.

What is the treatment plan for undermethylation?

Supplementation in high doses by a professional of calcium, magnesium, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, zinc, and methionine. The levels of supplementation will depend on your current levels of vitamins and minerals. After supplementation is implemented it could take around 3-4 months to get your levels back to normal.

During that recovery period, the body will go through several changes some good and some not so good. Sticking to the treatment plan is important to make sure that the body is working at its optimal levels. As I work through repairing my body I have gone through good days and bad. Some days I feel great and like my old self and other days, my body is telling me to rest so it can repair itself.

Eating a well-balanced diet full of grass-fed, non-antibiotic meats, organic produce, wild-caught fish, full-fat organic dairy, and healthy fats.

Avoid eating processed foods, inflammatory oils (seed and vegetable oils), gluten, soy, fermented foods, cured meats, smoked meats, canned foods, pickled foods, and leftovers. As food sits, it breaks down and begins to ferment. Fermentation needs methylation to break down and be absorbed or expelled properly. When the body can not produce that methylation it needs help through supplementation. To learn more about supplementation please read more here.

Even with eating good quality foods supplementation will most likely still be needed. This is due to the degradation of the soil and pesticides from commercial farming that is poisoning the food in our country. For more information on what is in your food read here.

Ask questions. Do not be afraid to check those ingredients, talk to a provider, ask for these specific tests, do your own research, and make an informed decision for your body, mind, and soul. This is a place to share information so you can make informed decisions for your body. Do what works for you!

If any of this is beneficial please share it on your social feeds and with friends and family. That is the easiest and best way to help this blog grow and reach more people. Thank you for all the support and wishing you all the health and happiness you deserve!

~ Tina