How do you support your body if you are an undermentylator?

If you’re new to methylation, it can get horribly complicated very quickly so here is a definition. Methylation is the addition of a single carbon and three hydrogen atoms (called a methyl group) to another molecule. This article contains affiliate links of products we love and support.

Think of a bazillion little on/off switches inside your body that control everything from your stress response and how your body makes energy from food, your neurotransmitters in your brain and how you detox. Methylation is really how your cells function and it’s vital to your health.

When we don’t methylate properly it affects every part of our health from depression, anxiety, early aging, to heart disease, cancer, autism. You name it and methylation effects it.

Some of us are born with undermethylation problems, in other words, our bodies are not running at 100%. We have too few methyl molecules to complete the methylation process.

Most people that are histamine intolerant are actually undermethylators. There are exceptions, one would be severe gut dysbiosis or candida infection causing increased histamine levels.

Other people may hinder their methylation from harmful lifestyle choices such as alcohol abuse and constant junk food.

So what are some signs you are an undermethylator?

  • OCD Obsessive Compulsive Tendencies
  • Strong Willed
  • Perfectionist
  • High Achievers
  • Low Pain Tolerance
  • Headaches are common
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Acne
  • Air Hunger
  • Excess Saliva
  • Low Tolerance for Alcohol
  • Phobia’s
  • Urticaria
  • Profuse Sweating
  • Car Sickness
  • Bloody Noses
  • Asthma
  • Skin Issues (eczema and psoriasis)
  • Low Serotonin
  • Seasonal Allergies
  • Autoimmune Diseases
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • History of Miscarriage

Undermethylation has a lot of symptoms because it affects every system in the body.

Everyone can support their methylation by eating healthy foods. When we add in preservatives, artificial sweeteners, excess sugar and flavor enhancers our body has to work overtime to clean all that out and find the nutrition in the food. Most boxed and processed food items contain folic acid which is toxic to people who are dealing witih undermethylation. Picking real foods such as fresh meats, vegetables, and fruits means minimal work for your digestive system and liver.

“When you drink alcohol, it is your liver’s job to process it using methylation, but if your nutrients are depleted or you are stressed, your liver will not be able to complete the process effectively, leading to symptoms associated with a hangover”. -Dr. Doni

Avoiding alcohol and other fermented items reduces stress on the liver so it is able to better process out toxins in your body.

Getting adequate sleep is vital for anyone who is struggling with undermethylation. If you’re already having trouble adjusting to stress, your body needs to sleep. I personally notice multiple symptoms are aggravated when I am low on sleep.

Reduce stress, not just in your physical environment but what you perceive as stressful. Learn to say “no” if you’re too busy already. Make sure you are finding time to do what you find pleasurable, take a walk, listen to music, paint, read, whatever is relaxing to you.

Having a positive outlook on life will naturally relax your body. Choose to be thankful for what you currently have and take time to appreciate where you are at in life. When we are thankful we are telling our body it is safe and not in need. It’s great for shutting down that fight or flight response that can cause anxiety.

Drinking clean water helps the body rid itself of toxins. Tap water often contains arsenic, lead, and other heavy metals. I make sure our family has a clean source of drinking water that is free of metals, viruses, fluoride and chlorine. We use this water filter.

There are supplements that can help support methylation. They need to be taken slowly and with caution because everyone can react differently. These are the supplements I take and have found helpful but they may not be for everyone so it’s important to listen to your body.

In my opinion, it is more important to eat clean with lots of fruits and vegetables, get lots of sleep, avoid alcohol and drink clean water than it is to take supplements but I have found those above helpful.

When undermethylation is the problem, just adding in clean foods, clean water and reducing stress goes a long way in having more energy and feeling more alive.