Epigenetic Shifts: How Methylation Drives Change

 DNA strand featuring the MTHFR gene

Your DNA is not your destiny; it is simply a blueprint. Epigenetics is the science of how your lifestyle, environment, and nutrition act as the architects that decide which genes are expressed and which remain silent. Unlike your fixed genetic code, epigenetic markers act like biological switches that can be flipped by the food you eat, the stress you manage, and the toxins you avoid. At the heart of this internal control system is a process called methylation a vital biochemical reaction that happens billions of times a second to repair DNA, regulate hormones, and detoxify your body. Understanding how your unique genetic variations, such as the MTHFR gene, influence this process is the first step toward taking control of your long-term health and mental well-being.

Q1 . What is Epigenetics and Why Does It Matter?

Epigenetics studies how your genes are turned on or off without changing the DNA sequence¹. Factors like diet, supplements, lifestyle, and environmental exposures can influence your genes and overall health²³. Methylation is a key process: it adds small chemical groups to DNA and histones, which can control gene activity. Proper methylation supports healthy cell function, while changes in methylation are linked to cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and other health problems¹.

Q2. What is the MTHFR Gene?

MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) is a gene that makes an enzyme important for methylation². Some people have variations called SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) that affect enzyme function²³. These variations can impact detoxification, hormone balance, and mental health.

Q3. How Common Are MTHFR Mutations?

About 50% of people carry at least one MTHFR SNP². The most common are C677T and A1298C. People can have none (wild type), one (heterozygous), or two (homozygous) mutations²³. More mutations generally mean less effective methylation.

Q4. What Health Issues Can MTHFR Mutations Cause?

MTHFR variations have been linked to conditions such as autism, ADHD, tongue tie, multiple sclerosis, miscarriages, pernicious anemia, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, chronic fatigue, IBS, type 1 diabetes, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, congenital heart disease, blood clots, heart murmurs, myocarditis, constipation, and several cancers including prostate, rectal, bladder, gastric, and post-menopausal breast cancer⁴-⁷.

Q5. What is Histamine and How Does It Affect You?

Histamine is a chemical messenger that helps with digestion, immunity, and brain-body communication⁸. Too much histamine can cause restlessness, depression, nausea, anxiety, hives, swelling, itchiness, vertigo, dizziness, or high blood pressure⁹¹⁰. Histamine is broken down by enzymes such as N-methyltransferase (HMT) and diamine oxidase (DAO). Histamine levels are closely linked with methylation, and the optimal blood level is 40–70 ng/ml¹⁰.

Q7. What Does Methylation Do?

Methylation is a process where a methyl group (one carbon and three hydrogens) attaches to molecules in the body to perform essential functions¹¹. It is vital for:

• DNA synthesis and repair

• Cell formation and immune support

• Amino acid and neurotransmitter production

• Energy production and mitochondrial support

• Stress regulation, detoxification, and hormone metabolism

• Histamine reduction and fertility¹²

Methylation also helps clear estrogens using the enzyme COMT, which breaks down dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, supporting phase 2 detoxification¹².

Q8. What Happens if You Are Overmethylated?

Overmethylation occurs when methylation activity is too high. Blood histamine is often under 40 ng/ml¹⁰. Symptoms may include anxiety, panic, depression, paranoia, sleep issues, food sensitivities, headaches, joint and muscle pain, hives, irritability, nausea, low libido, and adrenal fatigue⁴-⁷¹³¹⁴. Around 45% of people with schizophrenia may be overmethylated¹³. Overmethylators should be cautious with methyl donors like SAMe, folate, choline, methionine, and betaine¹⁴.

Q9. What Happens if You Are Undermethylated?

Undermethylation is when methylation activity is too low. Blood histamine is often above 70 ng/ml¹⁰. Symptoms include fatigue, IBS, depression, headaches, migraines, mood swings, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, poor memory, ADHD, OCD, brain fog, allergies, insomnia, and inner tension⁴-⁷¹⁵. Undermethylation reduces serotonin and dopamine production, makes folate less effective, and can interfere with glutathione production and B12 absorption. Supplements like SAMe, methionine, and B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B12, zinc) can help¹⁴¹⁵.

Q10. Why is Homocysteine Important?

High homocysteine can alter DNA methylation by affecting enzymes like MTHFR, DNA methyltransferases, SAM, and SAH¹⁶. This may contribute to hypertension, fertility issues, and miscarriage¹⁶. Diets rich in choline (found in beets, spinach, and whole grains) help convert homocysteine to methionine and SAMe¹⁶¹⁷¹⁸. Ideal homocysteine levels are below 9 μmol/L; high levels indicate possible B12 depletion and oxidative stress, while very low levels may signal poor glutathione production¹⁷¹⁸.

Q11.What is Trimethylglycine (TMG)?

TMG, or betaine, is a natural compound in foods like beets, spinach, and whole grains¹⁹. It supports methylation, lowers homocysteine, aids liver detox, improves muscle performance, and supports mood and cognitive function¹⁹. TMG can be especially beneficial for undermethylated individuals but may worsen overmethylation¹⁹.

Q12. How Do You Test Methylation and MTHFR Status?

Testing options include:

• Organic Acids Test (OAT) or Organic Metabolite Test (OMX)

• Serum B12 and serum folate

• MTHFR genetic testing (blood or cheek swab)

• Full genetic panels

• Histamine and homocysteine levels

• Genetic testing for uracil and thymine imbalance

  
  

Diet and Lifestyle Tips for Healthy Methylation

• Avoid processed foods, sugar, alcohol, gluten, and dairy if sensitive

• Choose organic, hormone-free meat and wild-caught fish

• Eat plenty of green leafy vegetables, salads, and avocado

• Stay hydrated with filtered water

• Reduce stress, exercise daily, and ensure clean air at home

• Avoid chemical exposure from household products and non-stick cookware

Which foods should I avoid to support healthy methylation?

Foods and supplements to consume under professional supervision:

• Synthetic folic acid and cyanocobalamin (B12)

• Birth control pills and fortified foods with folic acid

• Prenatal vitamins containing folic acid

• Mercury and heavy metal exposure

• Gluten and dairy if they affect folate absorption

• Processed and sugary foods

  
  

Conclusion and Next Steps

Epigenetics and methylation play a key role in your health. Understanding your MTHFR status can guide diet, lifestyle, and supplement choices to improve energy, mental clarity, and long-term wellbeing.

Book a consultation with FerFit Dietetics & Nutrition to get a personalised plan tailored to your genes and lifestyle.

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