The magic that is Methylation

What is Methylation?

Genetic testing has become a popular topic of discussion as of late and the ability to have our genetics has become more affordable and easier to access. The ability to have our genetics tested gives us the power to make healthier choices based on our individual needs.

Until genetic testing, there were many processes in our bodies that scientists had been aware of but had not been able to measure or offer solutions based on an individual’s needs. The variation in the way different people react with similar issues has been difficult to explain. Knowing your genetic makeup and making dietary and lifestyle changes based on these does not guarantee a solution. It does however improve your chances of improving your quality of life and lowers your risk of future health issues. Even if you haven’t had your genetic makeup tested, the guidelines discussed below are still helpful in improving your diet and help guide you to healthier decisions.

Methylation is one of these processes that can be assessed, and should your genetic makeup show any issues in this area there are lifestyle and dietary changes that can be made to reduce your risks or any problems. Methylation is a body process that helps you feel good, both inside and out. It impacts how you feel, how you look and most of us are totally unaware of what it actually is.

Methylation is all about a tiny group of atoms that make their way, very quickly, through our body along a pathway, that impacts many of our bodily functions. The areas impacted include how we deal with stress, how we make energy from our food, how well our liver is able to detox and they even have an impact on our brain function.

When this process does not occur correctly or the process does not occur at the correct rate in your body, it has far reaching consequences. One of the possible issues that can occur is when the DNA of our cells can’t be repaired correctly. We can however, through good dietary choices help our body improve its ability to repair more effectively and also slow down the rate of damage. We can better equip our bodies to deal with its impaired function by adding positive foods or practices and removing or lowering negative or harmful foods or dietary practices.

We need adequate amounts vitamin B, especially folates, to keep the methylation process running correctly. We find folate in green leafy vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and asparagus. Lentils and some beans also have a good amount of folate. We also need vitamin B6 and B12, found in oily fish, red meat, chicken, and turkey. Overall, you need a balanced diet by including animal and plant nutrient sources.

Carbohydrates are not all bad, everything in moderation. The key is making choices that include more wholegrain carbohydrates and avoiding refined carbohydrate options. Not only do the less refined, lower GI types of carbohydrates keep you full for longer, stabilize your blood sugars and improve energy levels, but also contain B complex vitamins. So start choosing sweet potatoes, brown rice, millet, beans and quinoa. The right type in the right quantity of starches or carbohydrates are important in the methylation process and after all is said and done, we all like eating them.

Here are some suggestions on how to make some healthier choices when it comes to your diet:

· Be adventurous and add a handful or two of lentils or chickpeas to stews and curries.

· Put hummus and avocado on your crackers or bread instead of cheese or mayonnaise.

· Have quinoa, brown rice, or buckwheat instead of white rice.

· Sprinkle some nuts and seeds over your yoghurt rather than honey.

· Add seeds, nuts, and avocado to spice up your salads instead of creamy dressings.

· Have baby spinach as your salad base instead of lettuce.

· Eat your meat with a tasty marinade and grilled in the oven or on a fire rather than fried.

· Opt for a boiled egg rather than snacking on chips and sweets.

· When having fatty snack choose a healthy fat like nuts or avocado over chips.

· Make quinoa or barley salads as a side dish rather than potato or coleslaw.

· Have poached eggs with salmon for breakfast rather than fried eggs and bacon.

Helping you towards a healthy and dynamic life!

Janet