The US is getting sicker with each generation, despite more and more money poured into healthcare. In our modern world of constant stress, an overload of toxic chemicals, nutrient-depleted soil, and overly processed foods, we have created a toxic environment for our cells and it is impacting our genes and ultimately our health. But does the food we eat actually affect our genes and overall health? YES! And that is because a biochemical process takes place in our body called methylation that switches genes on and off and repairs DNA.
Methylation also plays a role in the production of hormones and neurotransmitters, metabolism, inflammation and immune responses, stress response, detoxification process and the conversion of important nutrients into active vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Without proper methylation, your body can’t efficiently process nutrients, eliminate toxins or maintain optimal
neurological and hormonal balance.
Methylation is a biochemical process that happens billions of times per second in every cell in our body. It adds a methyl group (CH3 group) to molecules like DNA and proteins and changes their activity, structure, or function, much like flipping a biological switch. This methylation cycle requires a steady supply of cofactors and methyl donors, especially folate and B vitamins. Some of the best sources of these resources/methyl donors include leafy green vegetables, asparagus, broccoli, beans, and lentils. Methyl donors are the most important nutrients for maintaining a healthy cellular environment. Unfortunately, due to our modern, nutrient-depleted soil and produce sprayed with pesticides, it is difficult to get the needed nutrients from conventional produce. And since our body relies on methylation to detoxify the
pesticides that are added to the produce, it further depletes our body of nutrients as it creates more work for the body.
Methylation also affects proteins which influence cell functions. When this methylation cycle is working well and the body is receiving plenty of nutrients and digestion is optimized, then there are plenty of methyl groups available for the body to run all of its complicated processes and keep the body functioning well. BUT, when this methylation cycle gets bogged down because of toxins, stress, poor diet, or even because of a genetic mutation (SNP), then this leads to a deficiency of the methyl groups and the body cannot function at its optimal capacity. We may have a genetic tendency towards various diseases, but we can turn off those genes and transform our genetic destiny through a combination of nutrition, sleep, stress, relief, and reduced toxin exposure. We need to support our body with the diet and lifestyle it needs! And it’s not too late to make changes! Our genes are always writing instructions to our body for our health. They instruct the brain, digestive tract, skin, heart, liver and even give instructions about the production of neurotransmitters that are chemicals that govern our thoughts, moods, and emotions. The genes are passing out instructions every second!
Dr. Ben Lynch, author of “Dirty Genes”, writes that “The way to get optimal health is by supporting your genes”. If we consistently give our genes poor working conditions (toxic environments without adequate nutrients), then they will consistently give poor instructions. We are surrounded by chemicals in our daily life. In fact, there are more than 120 million industrial chemicals registered and many of them end up in our air. Sadly, even newborn babies
are born with over 200 chemicals in their bodies! We certainly can’t control all of our exposure to these chemicals, but we can start by changing our diet to eating organic foods and creating a cleaner environment within our homes.
Some initial action steps:
● Eat organic (as much as possible)
● Filter your water.
● Give your genes the best working environment with deep sleep, nutrients, exercise, stress reduction/management.
● Avoid the use of household and garden chemicals.
● Use glass instead of plastic containers for your food and water (especially in the microwave).
● Open windows in the house and use air purifiers in the home.
● Avoid unnecessary medications and drink alcohol in moderation because about 85% of all methylation takes place in the liver!
● Avoid “fortified” or “enriched” foods. Many fortified foods are “enhanced” with folic acid. While our bodies need Folate (vit B9), the synthetic form is called folic acid and is not useful to the body until it’s processed into the active, usable form. Unfortunately, because folic acid mimics folate, it fits into the folate receptors and blocks the natural folate from getting inside the cell. Folic acid is also found in some vitamin supplements and prenatal vitamins and should be avoided since it actually competes with folate and wins the competition to enter the cell, thereby causing problems for methylation in the
body.
When your body is struggling in the methylation process, it will also lead to poor detoxification, which creates a vicious cycle.
Dr. Kara Fitzgerald summed it up very well: “The science is clear: Our diet and lifestyle choices can directly influence our gene expression and ultimately our health. Supporting methylation through a targeted, nutrient-rich diet is one of the most powerful tools we have for maintaining optimal wellness.”
Photo by Dan DeAlmeida on Unsplash