Pro 7 Panel: Methylation
Dr. Sima Aidun, N.M.D.
Because all areas of genetic testing are interconnected with one another, a weakness or strength in any one area can positively or negatively affect other areas. This is why we take a holistic approach to genetic testing with the Pro 7 Panel, rather than testing just one area of concern.
Methylation
As individuals who desire to live a long, healthy and vibrant life, my patients are always eager to educate themselves about new health topics such as methylation and autophagy among others.
Methylation is one of those key biochemical processes that is only recently becoming known among the general population.
Whether aware of it or not, methylation is happening in your body right now and is crucial to every functioning cell.
What is Methylation?
Methylation is a biochemical process in our bodies whereby a molecule called a methyl group is added to the DNA of each of our cells. Methylation is involved in over 250 biochemical reactions.
What is a Methyl Group?
A methyl group is a molecule made up of one carbon atom in the center with four arms attached to it. Three of the four arms are attached to hydrogen atoms and one arm is free. The free arm acts like a magic wand. Once it touches the DNA of a cell (methylation), depending upon what type of cell is touches, a different effect occurs.
What Does Methylation Do For Us?
In the digestive system and small intestine, methylation helps with the absorption of nutrients derived from food.
In the brain, methylation helps activate the chemical responsible for controlling our moods, behaviors, senses, and movements. It also causes the activation of neurotransmitters.
Methylation is a key consideration in addressing neurological and psychiatric diseases such as anxiety, depression, ADD, ADHD, Autism, dementia, and seizure disorders.
Methylation of immune cells helps to “modulate their action. If our immune cells are “over activated”, they cause inflammation. On the other hand, if they are “underactive”, immune cell are not able to recognize and eradicate antigens such as bacteria and viruses as well as pre-cancerous cells.
Methylation is important to focus on for understanding autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, autoimmune thyroid disease and rheumatoid arthritis to name a few.
Methylation also is important during pregnancy. Lack of proper methylation is a precursor to recurrent miscarriage and infertility.
It is also important in our cells ability to make energy. This pathway specially is important in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.
“In the brain, methylation helps activate the chemical responsible for controlling our moods, behaviors, senses, and movements.”
~ Dr. Sima Aidun, N.M.D.
What information does the Pro 7 Genetic Testing Profile reveal about Methylation?
Good? Or Not So Great?
Our bodies are either very good at methylation or not so great. Estimates are that between 30-40% of the American population have an issue with methylation.
Optimize Your Methylation
The Pro 7 Genetic Testing Profile focuses on the genes responsible for producing the enzyme in the pathways inside each cell which ultimately leads to the creation of the methyl group. Dr. Aidun is able to calculate your genetic ability to make methyl group by percentage and advise you on the steps to take to optimize your body’s ability to perform methylation more efficiently.
Let's Talk
To discover your path to wellness and schedule a health assessment, give us a call at (480) 451-1602.