Part 2: Understanding Undermethylation and Overmethylation

Methylation, a fundamental biochemical process in the body, plays a crucial role in maintaining health and well-being. However, imbalances in methylation can lead to two distinct conditions: undermethylation or overmethylation. In the second part of this series about methylation, we will explore the characteristics of each, how they impact health, symptoms associated with undermethylation and overmethylation, and tests that can help determine a methylation disorder.

Undermethylation

What is Undermethylation?

Undermethylation occurs when there is an insufficient amount of methyl groups (CH3) available in the body. This methylation deficiency can affect various processes, including neurotransmitter function, DNA regulation, and detoxification.

Symptoms of Undermethylation

Depression and low mood: Undermethylation has been associated with lower levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin, contributing to symptoms of depression and low mood.

Histamine intolerance: Individuals with undermethylation tendencies may experience issues with histamine regulation, leading to symptoms such as headaches, allergies, and skin problems.

Obsessive-compulsive traits: Undermethylation has been linked to obsessive-compulsive tendencies and perfectionism.

Fatigue: Insufficient methylation may impact energy production, leading to feelings of fatigue and low energy levels.

Impaired immune function: Undermethylation can affect immune system function, potentially increasing susceptibility to infections and illnesses.

Low methylation symptoms tend to show up in groups, not individually. There’s a link between undermethylation and decreased serotonin function. Serotonin’s involvement in mood disorders is well established in the literature.

Overmethylation

What is Overmethylation?

Overmethylation occurs when there is an excess of methyl groups (CH3) in the body, disrupting the delicate balance of biochemical processes.

High methylation symptoms are on the other side of the pathway. More isn't always better for B vitamin and methylation support.

Symptoms of Overmethylation

Anxiety and restlessness: Overmethylation may be associated with anxiety, restlessness, and racing thoughts.

Insomnia: Sleep disturbances, including difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, can be associated with overmethylation.

Digestive issues: Overmethylation may impact digestive function, leading to symptoms such as bloating, gas, and irritable bowel-like symptoms.

Allergies and sensitivities: Individuals with overmethylation tendencies may be more prone to allergies and sensitivities.

Histamine intolerance: Overmethylation may be associated with histamine-related symptoms such as headaches, stuffy nose, and skin problems.

Testing for Methylation Disorders

Whole Blood Histamine: Whole blood histamine levels are a marker for methylation, a critical biochemical pathway necessary for the production of neurotransmitters such serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. Genetic abnormalities in methylation can result in either the overproduction or underproduction of these important brain neurotransmitters. People that overproduce neurotransmitters (over-methylators) often have high anxiety, panic disorders, and chemical sensitivities. Individuals who under-produce neurotransmitters (under-methylators) often exhibit depression, compulsive behaviors, and perfectionism. Our Brain Chemistry Panel includes whole blood histamine as one of the important biomarkers for assessing biochemical imbalances.

The reason why whole blood histamine can be used as a methylation marker is that histamine is actually metabolized through methylation, so histamine and methylation are negatively correlated. The whole blood histamine test is included on our Brain Chemistry Panel along with other methylation markers to give us more of a picture than just one data point.

Supplements

Addressing methylation disorders often involves a comprehensive approach that includes targeted supplementation. Based on testing, we can help personalize a plan to address your concerns.

Understanding the distinctions between undermethylation and overmethylation is crucial for addressing methylation disorders effectively. Both conditions have unique symptoms and require tailored approaches to supplementation and lifestyle.

If you suspect a methylation disorder, consulting with a healthcare professional is recommended. Comprehensive testing, including histamine level testing, can provide valuable insights, guiding personalized interventions for better health. By navigating the complexities of methylation, individuals can embark on a journey toward balance and well-being with informed choices and targeted support.

Next this in methylation series: Who is Dr. William Walsh, and why he believes addressing imbalances in nutrients and neurotransmitters can improve mental well-being.

Undermethylation vs Overmethylation at a Glance

The short version of how they differ is: Undermethylation tends to manifest as depression, obsessive-compulsive features and perfectionism, while overmethylation often manifests as anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia. Histamine issues can be seen with both conditions, hence measuring total blood histamine is an excellent test. The two are essentially opposite and what helps one will typically worsen the other.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is undermethylation real?

Yes. Undermethylation is a recognized condition that occurs when there is an insufficient amount of methyl groups available in the body. This deficiency can affect various processes, including neurotransmitter function, DNA regulation, and detoxification. When the supply of methyl groups runs short, those jobs slow down. It often shows up as several symptoms at once, such as low mood, histamine intolerance, obsessive-compulsive traits, fatigue, and impaired immune function.

What causes undermethylation?

Undermethylation occurs when there is an insufficient amount of methyl groups available in the body. Methyl groups are single carbon molecules the body transports around to build neurotransmitters, regulate genes, and clear toxins. The nutrients that feed methylation include methionine, S-adenosylmethionine or SAMe, and specific B vitamins. When the supply runs short, those jobs slow down, which is why a methylation deficiency often shows up as several symptoms at once. Genetic abnormalities in methylation can also contribute.

Is overmethylation real?

Yes. Overmethylation is a recognized condition that occurs when there is an excess of methyl groups in the body, disrupting the delicate balance of biochemical processes. It sits on the other side of the methylation pathway from undermethylation, and the two are essentially opposite. People who overproduce neurotransmitters, the over-methylators, often experience high anxiety, panic disorders, and chemical sensitivities. More is not always better for B vitamin and methylation support.

What does overmethylation feel like?

Overmethylation often manifests as anxiety, restlessness, and racing thoughts. It can bring insomnia, including difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and irritable bowel-like symptoms may occur. Individuals with overmethylation tendencies may also be more prone to allergies and sensitivities, along with histamine-related symptoms such as headaches, stuffy nose, and skin problems. Over-methylators often have high anxiety, panic disorders, and chemical sensitivities.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.