Methylation sounds like a word used in a lab, but it’s something we should understand for optimal health! In our Toronto IV Lounge, tailored treatments may involve essential nutrients to support general wellness, such as the methylation cycle.  

So, what exactly is methylation? First, we need to explain what methyl is. Methylation is a chemical process in the human body that transfers this methyl group to DNA – think of it as a light switch that helps turn on certain tasks, such as increasing energy production, cell repair, and the creation of neurotransmitters. It also activates and deactivates genes. In other words, methylation is the ability to stimulate or slow down  body processes. When this process is optimized, it can promote positive effects on various aspects of health, such as: 

• • Cellular functions
  • Metabolism of fats, hormones (estrogen), and histamine
  • Detoxification processes
  • Neurotransmitters and DNA
  • Liver function
  • Eye health
  • Immune function
  • Fight-or-flight responses to stress
  • Conversion of food into much-needed vitamins and minerals

So, how does this affect your health? We highlight key notes about methylation, brief tips to improve this in your body, and details about our IV Lounge in the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre. 

Facts to know about methylation

• • This biological process is also called DNA methylation. This is because it influences DNA repair and gene expression. Methylation impacts aging and anti-aging effects in the body, and it may influence the likelihood of forming age-related neurological conditions.   
  • Methylation also helps produce nutrients, neurotransmitters, and hormones, including a potent antioxidant called glutathione, amino acids (i.e. taurine, creatine, and L-carnitine), serotonin, melatonin, and nitric oxide. 
  • 5-MTHF (methylfolate) has been evaluated as a more effective alternative to folic acid supplementation. DNA methylation is enabled by a family of DNA methyltransferases. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) serves as a key regulatory enzyme in the folate pathway.
  • It’s speculated that many individuals have a genetic mutation affecting the MTHFR pathway, which prevents the optimal production of 5-MTHF (methylated folic acid), thereby hindering the methylation cycle. This condition is commonly referred to as an MTHFR mutation.
  • Some health conditions linked to the MTHFR mutation include: poor blood pressure regulation, reduced hearing in seniors, depression, certain types of cancers, and miscarriages. 
  • Impairments to methylation can result in symptoms such as headaches, lack of  energy, hormone imbalances, poor detoxification capacity,  fatigue, changes to cognitive function, sleep obstacles. Poor methylation also puts you at risk of forming autoimmune conditions, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and ADHD.

Quick tips to improve methylation

As we have unique biological needs and conditions, it’s advisable to see a functional healthcare provider for methylation health concerns. This practitioner may recommend certain lab tests (i.e. functional blood tests) to scrutinize your biology, especially hormones, nutrient deficiencies, etc., to tailor your treatment plan. 

In the meantime, consider these tips to support beneficial effects for methylation: 

• • Optimal Diet Support : One of the leading contributors to impaired methylation is nutrient deficiency. Key nutrients that are essential for healthy methylation include B12 and folate , alongside methionine, cysteine, taurine, DHA, zinc, magnesium, potassium, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine, betaine, choline, and sulfur. A deficiency in any of these nutrients can disrupt methylation pathways.Foods rich in methylation-supporting nutrients include beets, spinach, mushrooms, eggs, organ meats, shellfish, leafy greens, lentils, sunflower seeds, and asparagus
  • Avoid toxic exposures: Accumulated toxins can negatively affect pathways linked to liver detoxification and methylation. Avoiding toxins may be advantageous. Use an air purifier at home, store your food in mason jars instead of plastic containers, and cut down on smoking (cigarette smoke contains excessive amounts of heavy metals and pollutants). 
  • Take oral supplementation: People with the MTHFR mutation tend to have a B vitamin nutritional deficiency, notably vitamin B12( methylated form ) and vitamin B6. Taking a daily supplement with additional folic acid( tetrahydrofolate form)  can boost your chances of supporting methylation. 
  • Try intravenous therapy: If you have a digestive condition (i.e. Crohn’s) there’s a chance you have malabsorption. This is when the body cannot properly absorb nutrients in the digestive tract. IV therapy is suitable for malabsorption issues because it offers nutrients directly into the blood stream for rapid absorption. Thus, Vitamin IV therapy guarantees you get a full dose of nutrients without sacrificing any doses to the digestive process. 
  • Embrace new stress management strategies: Chronic stress can alter how methylation affects your DNA. “Early-life stress, such as childhood abuse and stress-related disorders, have lasting effects on methylation that may persist into adulthood,” explains a BMC Medical Genetics article. A wide range of stress-management techniques can be catered for your needs, such as psychotherapy, acupuncture, mindfulness activities, and more. 

Reinvigorate your mental clarity, physical performance, immune health, and more with our functional therapies and intravenous drips! Read below for a brief profile of our private practice. 

Suggested reading: Running A Marathon? Read Our Toronto IV Therapy Fact Sheet To Stay Hydrated

Request your Toronto IV Lounge appointment now

Our IV Lounge is located inside the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre (TFMC) in Yorkville, and we’ve been treating patients since 2012. 

Functional medicine is a healthcare model that views the individual patient as a separate entity. The patient is not compared to others and treatment plans are tailored for biological needs only. Our private clinic adheres to the functional medicine approach for all of our treatment modalities, including conventional and naturopathic medicine, holistic nutrition, acupuncture, hormone optimization programs, among others.

IV therapy can be prescribed for supportive measures by our IV therapy providers. Dosages of vitamins are adapted with functional medicine principles, and when this treatment service is integrated with other functional medicine therapies and balanced living, they can contribute to optimal functioning. Our IV Lounge menu contains a plethora of key nutrients, including vitamin B6, glutathione, ascorbic acid, NAD+ IV therapy, a medley of amino acids with glutamic acid, and more. 

Take note: An initial consultation is mandatory prior to receiving your first vitamin drip from us. During this appointment, we’ll unravel your medical history, quality of life, and health goals – this will allow us to determine which natural ingredients may be suitable for your intravenous therapy. Please reach out today by clicking on the link below. 

Our IV Lounge is currently accepting new patients! Alleviate nutrient deficiencies with a custom-made IV drip designed for your needs only. Ask us now to book your session for IV therapy in the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre.  

Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media. 

 

References

Carreras-Gallo N, Dwaraka VB, Cáceres A, Smith R, Mendez TL, Went H, Gonzalez JR. Impact of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana on genome-wide DNA methylation and its relationship with hypertension. Epigenetics. 2023 Dec;18(1):2214392. doi: 10.1080/15592294.2023.2214392. PMID: 37216580; PMCID: PMC10208152.

Maugeri A, Barchitta M. How Dietary Factors Affect DNA Methylation: Lesson from Epidemiological Studies. Medicina (Kaunas). 2020 Jul 25;56(8):374. doi: 10.3390/medicina56080374. PMID: 32722411; PMCID: PMC7466216.

Friedman, G., Goldschmidt, N., Friedlander, Y., Ben-Yehuda, A., Selhub, J., Babaey, S., Mendel, M., Kidron, M., & Bar-On, H. (1999). A Common Mutation A1298C in Human Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Gene: Association with Plasma Total Homocysteine and Folate Concentrations. The Journal of Nutrition, 129(9), 1656-1661. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/129.9.1656

Hing B, Braun P, Cordner ZA, Ewald ER, Moody L, McKane M, Willour VL, Tamashiro KL, Potash JB. Chronic social stress induces DNA methylation changes at an evolutionary conserved intergenic region in chromosome X. Epigenetics. 2018;13(6):627-641. doi: 10.1080/15592294.2018.1486654. Epub 2018 Aug 5. PMID: 29943663; PMCID: PMC6140912.

Merviel P, Cabry R, Lourdel E, Lanta S, Amant C, Copin H, Benkhalifa M. Comparison of two preventive treatments for patients with recurrent miscarriages carrying a C677T methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase mutation: 5-year experience. J Int Med Res. 2017 Dec;45(6):1720-1730. doi: 10.1177/0300060516675111. Epub 2017 Jan 12. PMID: 28703660; PMCID: PMC5805189.

MTHFR, Methylation and Histamine in Psychiatric Conditions [Internet]. Psychology Today. [cited 2020 Jan 27]. Available from: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/holistic-psychiatry/201711/mthfr-methylation-and-histamine-in-psychiatric-conditions

Philibert, R. A., Beach, R. H., & Brody, G. H. (2014). The DNA Methylation Signature of Smoking: An Archetype for the Identification of Biomarkers for Behavioral Illness. Nebraska Symposium on Motivation. Nebraska Symposium on Motivation, 61, 109. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-0653-6_6

Unternaehrer, E., Luers, P., Mill, J. et al. Dynamic changes in DNA methylation of stress-associated genes (OXTR, BDNF ) after acute psychosocial stress. Transl Psychiatry 2, e150 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/tp.2012.77

Vidrascu, E.M., Bashore, A.C., Howard, T.D. et al. Effects of early- and mid-life stress on DNA methylation of genes associated with subclinical cardiovascular disease and cognitive impairment: a systematic review. BMC Med Genet 20, 39 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12881-019-0764-4