Methylation & Brain Health (With a Focus on Undermethylation)
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- čas přidán 8. 09. 2021
- Of individuals with behavioral or mental disorders, 70% have a serious methylation imbalance. This is relative to 30% of the general population.
In this podcast you'll learn about the role of methylation in brain health. I'll discuss how one can become undermethylated, symptoms, traits and associated diagnoses. And, I discuss how undermethylation (from a Walsh Research Institute perspective) is diagnosed and treated.
You can find more information about the work of Dr. Walsh and the Walsh Research Institute at WalshInstitute.org and "Nutrient Power - Heal Your Biochemistry and Heal Your Brain." (William J. Walsh, PhD)
Subscribe to my newsletter (or learn more about root causes to brain symptoms)- www.courtneysnydermd.com
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Medical Disclaimer:
This podcast is for educational purposes and not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment for either yourself or others, including but not limited to patients that you are treating (if you are a practitioner). Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.
I listen at 1.75 x speed.
Every word is still clear
I listen at regular speed because I love how calm and peaceful her speaking is. I need more calm and peace in my life!
same here :D
Thank you so much! You mentioned it being possible to be an under and over methylator. If SSRI's helped me with anxiety but caused hypomania for me, can I still be an under methalator and would I apply the rest of the vitamin protocol, excluding serotonin precursors?
I have one gene variant for the A1298C, and several COMT indicating fast enzyme activity. I apologize if I have described this wrong, I'm just learning about it. Thank you for the valuable information.
Hi. Thank you for your question. To clarify - it is not possible to be under and overmethylating at the same time. Dr. Walsh describes some people who can shift from one to the other (seemingly because of a change in gene expression). When I see people who exhibit symptoms of both at the same time, I suspect that they are undermethylated with a slow COMT and/or MAOA or that they have mast cell activation from some inflammatory source or they have undermethylation and another imbalance such as high copper or high pyrroles. It's rare to only have a methylation imbalance. More important than the variants, are the symptoms and traits. There are a number of genes that impact methylation and so when we assess methylation we are looking at symptoms, traits and the lab testing that I referenced.
@@courtneysnydermd-holisticp3072 I just saw this, thank you for clarifying 🙏
14:10 diagnose
15:12 treatments
First time viewer here! Nutritional Therapist and Functional Medicine student & advocate. Thank you, good Dr, for this great video that offers insight into such a much needed topic for discussion and public awareness! There NEEDS to be MORE Psychiatrists taking the path of Neurobiology and brain chemistry based CARE! Finding a ROOT CAUSE to all that plagues our lives and society is admirable and necessary! ❤
Thank you, Sheila, for your support. Part of my hope in sharing this information is that more psychiatrists will start to learn about these areas.
Where are you studying? I am interested in learning to use food and herbs as medicine.
The FDA is the root cause. Eat the food need the drugs.
I am an undermethylator, but I am not highly motivated or competitive. I do suffer from major depression. I'm 63 and this began when I was a little child.
All of the symptoms are not necessary. If you are not already familiar with Dr. Walsh's work - there are a few other imbalances that can occur along side a methylation imbalance and that can impact symptoms and traits - pyrrole disorder, copper overload and low zinc. I'll be talking about these in upcoming podcasts. Thanks again.
Yu need to take a good. B complex and the right. Folic acid.
@@courtneysnydermd-holisticp3072 I am pretty sure I have both undermethlyation and pyloruria. I am going to try to get tested.
@@QUINTUSMAXIMUS Keep in mind, that while the testing is useful, it doesn't rule out the diagnosis if someone has a lot of symptoms suggestive of the diagnosis. Also certain medications will bring down histamine levels - such as antihistamines and many psychiatric medications. This can mask a high histamine level in someone who is undermethylated.
@@courtneysnydermd-holisticp3072Thorazine Stellazine etc are Antihistamines. Probably where they get their effect.
Thank you for mentioning CIRS and how mold/mycotoxins can be part of the equation and should be taken into consideration. Kudos, so many folks don't ever consider that, and how that impacts functioning & recommendations.
Yes. Thank you. In my experience, it is rare that anything one thing is happening in isolation. Usually there is an alignment of factors. Undermethylation, mast cell activation and mold toxicity often occur together.
As an aside, you have a lovely soothing voice!
Thank you....That is lovely of you to say.
Msm is great for undermethylation (methyl doner) and flush niacin for over(methyl subtracter). methylene blue is great for under methylation too. Vitamin k2 MK4 (emu oil) is important to the Krebs cycle too like the others mentioned above. Carnivore diet for bioavailable b vitamins.
what do you mean exactly about b3 /niacin for me ,I am an undermetyl ,I have been taking b3 for years ,
I will up my msm now though ,please elaborate
Great video.
Thank you!
Very good info thanks.
Thank you!
Much thanks Dr. Snyder.
Thank you!
Thanks for this vid
You are very welcome.
Wonderful talk! Very easy to understand. Dirty Genes is too complicated.
This is one of the best videos I've come across re:methylation and how it relates to mental health/personality and overall wellbeing. I know how much better I feel and function since addressing this issue years ago - just wish more medical professionals and lay people were aware of this. Dr.Snyder breaks it down beautifully in simple easy to understand terms. Bravo!!
Just a quick question - can environmental toxic exposure cause methylation glitches on the MTHR gene? I've always wondered if those methylation gene glitches can be ACQUIRED rather than just inherited. Thanks :)
Thank you for very kind comments. I'm glad you found this useful. Dr. Walsh would say that the primary causes of undermethylation are genetic inheritance, snps/variants in the methylation cycle, overlaod of S-adenosylhomoycystine and protein Deficiency or malabsorption. (we get methyl from protein sources). I do think toxicity can impact the expression of those snps and could tilt us in the direction of undermethylation. Thank you again.
Thanks for the reply - that's what I figured but wonder HOW much environmental factors/epigenetic factors play into methyl gene glitches
I just found you!! Excellent presentation of under methylation with the caveat of fixing things like high homocysteine levels and/or other areas first. A really intelligent approach to what may be driving the obvious symptoms like depression and anxiety! I will subscribe and also watch more of the information you have to share! I’m a retired Registered Nurse but with a holistic bent. Medicine is lacking in this important area to restore health and well-being. Thank you for your service to us all!
Thank you Sarah, for your kind comments and support.
Thank you so much. I was tested for this and I have both mutations and currently testing two of my daughters that have symptoms I had so this will be life changing for them/all of us. 11 yr old has extreme adhd, depression, bipolar (it’s called something else but I can’t remember the name for a child,) 30 yr old has the exact symptoms as I did also. Adhd, bipolar, and more. Her vit b12 is deficient, low magnesium, and so much more. Antidepressants that work for me work for her, some make us very sick, some antibiotics make us sick as well. My 11 year old has a very rare lymphatic disease (less than less than normal and 200,000 in the population have this,) she is not a candidate for a transplant. She is going to get generic testing for this and many other genetic tests. I’m excited to see the results. I’ve been advocating for my children because some drs seem to have no understanding of this for some reason. Thank you for this very informative video.
You are very welcome. As you navigate this remember that the way undermethylation is addressed in brain health (when someone has low serotonin symptoms), is not the same when treating MTHFR snps that appear to be contributing to physical symptoms. Thank you for commenting.
I am most grateful for this information. I believe I am undermethlayted and I would like to learn what I can do to reduce anxiety and depression. I really appreciate this video. I am a bit overwhelmed however as it seems complicated and I think it’ll be difficult for me to change my diet. ❤😢😊
Thank you for commenting. Yes, this can be a complex topic, though treatment doesn't have to be. If you haven't already, you might consider looking at the information (and list of doctors) on the Walsh Research Institute website. I also have a blogpost on methylation my website at www.courtneysnydermd.com
Can you please do a podcast like this one on over methylation?
Hi. Yes. Here is one on overmethylation - czcams.com/video/Xdumano-H20/video.html
Thank you for your knowledge & insights.
Thank you!
Thx
Thank you!
This is a great podcast thankyou. As some who undermethylates and has a slow comt - would Sam-e be beneficial? And can you explain why that is?
Thank you. I'm glad you found it useful. I can't say if SAMe would be specifically useful for you, however, yes, we do use it for undermethylation. SAMe is a methyl donor (COMT needs methyl to do it's thing). It is used to support COMT. You might find the episode on slow COMT and MAO useful.
Hello Dr Snyder, my daughter was diagnosed as over methylated. She’s autistic and becoming more anxious with more sensitivities. Could you make a video about over methylation? She also has copper over load and pyrrole disorder. We’re all very new to this but if you can shed a little more light I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks so much, learning a lot from your videos!
Hi. I'm happy to do one on over-methylation. I'm assuming that a methylation profile was done. As you know, (though I'll mention this for anyone else reading) overwhelmingly most individuals on the autism spectrum are undermethylated and the whole blood histamine test can be impacted by medication. Sometimes I see people with mold toxicity who have lower whole blood histamine levels than I expect to see, even if they are undermethylated. I'm glad you have found someone that has helped you identify nutrient imbalances. Thank you for commenting. Sending healing thoughts to you and your daughter, Courtney
@@courtneysnydermd-holisticp3072 Thank you so much! My daughter hasn’t been on any meds and her dr said the same thing, she was shocked that she was over methylated and not under. She’s been progressively getting worse over the past 2 years and now we’re seeing there’s another approach to dealing with Autism. Your videos and the Walsh institute had not only been informative but have given us hope we didn’t know we could have. We really appreciate your work, it’s impacting many lives 😊
@@contentlyliving7205 Thank you. I'm really glad that you're finding the videos helpful.
Nice
Thank you.
Thank you for this video. I tried to comment but not sure it went through. Can you speak to having symptoms of both? I have GAD/BP2 (supposedly). If SSRIs make me hypomanic, I assume this counts as a poor reaction to SSRI's, that suggests overmethalation? I also have a good reaction to low dose lithium, it's the only thing that's worked for me but the side effects are hell. However I suffer with anxiety, severe allergies, perfectionism. My C677T is normal and I have one variation on the A129AC and I am showing up as fast COMT. I don't know which protocol to follow and I'm scared about about making my mental health worse. I do understand if you can't speak to this specific situation, I just wondering if you could suggest how to go about a protocol if you aren't sure, or what supplements are safe for both? Thank you for your time. 🙏
You're welcome. I usually am not starting with addressing snps, but instead checking the Walsh related labs including a whole blood histamine to check methylation or a methylation profile (by Doctor's Data) and look at this in the context of symptoms and traits. Other Walsh labs include pyrroles, zinc, copper, and ceruloplasmin. These levels are impacting most people with brain related symptoms. When someone has a mixed picture of undermethylation and overmethylation symptoms, I think about undermethylation with a slow COMT and/or a slow MAOA or undermethylation with mast cell activation When someone has a reaction to SSRI's, I do think about overmethylation, but also a slow MAOA and/or mast cell activation. Though I talk about these topics in isolation, normally when people are struggling, there are multiple factors aligning. I hope something here is helpful.
@@courtneysnydermd-holisticp3072 thank you so much for taking the time to reply, it was so kind of you. And yes, that's extremely helpful. I have slow MAO-A on the test result. I'm allergic to everything - horses, cats, some plants, dust as well as hayfever all year so I will look into mast cell. I've also been diagnosed with PPPD (I am dizzy every day) which I'm sure is related. I will get these tests ASAP. Is there a chance you know anyone in Australia you could recommend working with? I've been finding it very hard to find someone in Aus with this approach. Thanks again for your time.
Excellent Talk Dr. I am suffering from Anxiety, panic attacks and Depression.
I was diagnosed with Undemethylation and Pyrrole disorder.
I took supplements as per Walsh protocol for more than 2 years. But it did not cure my Depression. I am taking SSRI which is helping to some extent.
Any idea what could be the reason behind my Anxiety, panic attacks and depression. It did not go even after i tried Walsh protocol for some time.
Thank you. There are other factors beyond nutrient imbalances that can be at play and contributing to brain related symptoms - such as sources of inflammation (imbalance of gut microbes, candida over growth in the gut, chronic low grade infections), sources of toxicity (mold, metals, etc) and even high exposures to EMF/electromagnetic fields, especially in someone who is sensitive. While the nutrient protocols can help most people, there can certainly be other issues at play. I have other podcasts and blog posts on many of these other topics. I hope this is helpful.
I’ve suffered from a lot of anxiety and panic type disorder as well as some depression. I think for me and likely some folks out there it could be blood sugar swings. I had some blood sugar spikes and then I had terrible what I thought was panic attacks and it was actually my blood sugar plummeting. Since low blood sugar can also set off the fight or flight transmitters.
I recently discovered your channel! Very I wanted to ask a question to get some suggestions if possible.
I currently have Histamine at 0.88 ng/ml and homocysteine 13.9 µMol/L,
very low dopamine, value
Hello. I do not provide medical treatment or give advice to those I have not seen for a treatment evaluation. I can comment, however - I don't have strong confidence in neurotransmitter testing and it is not something that I would rely on. Instead, I look at someone's symptoms to try to understand if they were having high or low neurotransmitter activity. Also, I would say that we (those of us trained through the Walsh Research Institute, typically don't address undermethylation with supplements until we have brought someones homo-cysteine down (to below 10). Thank you for commenting.
What about Choline? Instead of folate, to lower Homocysteine levels. (Parallel pathway).
Aside from folate, we (those of use trained by the Walsh Research Institute) use B12, B6, Serine, and TMG. I've not heard of choline being used in this way.
Are there certain physical ailments that are associated with under/over methylated persons, such as IBS, etc.
Undermethylation is most strongly associated with seasonal allergies and overmethylation with food sensitivities. In my clinical practice, however, I do see a number of other physical conditions with undermethylation, including candida, thyroid issues and conditions associated with mast cell activation.
Hi there, curious as to whether the under/over methylation and histamine testing is accurate if someone is on an antidepressant or if these alter results? Working off symptoms alone is proving difficult as I am sitting pretty even in both camps. Need to start supplementation for poor mental health, but don't know which way to lean without accurate info on my status. And can't afford to undertake testing if it will be innaccurate anyway due to med interference. Many thanks,
Many psychiatric medications can lower the whole blood histamine level - some more than others. For example, Lexapro has a strong lowering effect, but other SSRI's have only a slight effect. Aside from psychiatric medications, antihistamines and allergy shots can as well. While the test can be helpful, even without medications, it's not as reliable as some of the other tests we order. Though most do, not everyone with brain symptoms have a methylation imbalance. High pyroles and high copper are the other 2 nutrient imbalances that are common.
@@courtneysnydermd-holisticp3072 thank you. I am going to make contact with you to see if we can schedule an appointment. I am very unwell and in need of some knowledgeable assistance.
@@catherinebailey940 Please feel free to call to get more information.
Great talk! I think I have a rather confusing picture! I suffer from chronic hives which would point to undermethylation, but every other symptom I have (anxiety, tachycardia that is dramatically improved on a low protein diet, intolerance to any methyl b vitamins) suggest more of an overmethylation problem. Very confusing! Taking methyl b12, folinic acid and active b6 caused me to end up in ED with severe racing heart, insomnia and anxiety (even though I was not worried about anything, it was all physical). It took 9 months for me to improve after this. Very scary!
Thank you, Rebecca. You might consider listening to the podcast on Mast Cell Activation I also have a blogpost on this) and the one on COMT and MAO. Undermethylation relates more to seasonal allergies. Hives make me think about mast cells. Mast Cell Activation often co-occurs with undermethylation and can create a confusing picture. Usually there is something causing the mast cells to be overly reactive. Another area that can cause a confusing picture for those who are undermethylated are COMT and/or MAO variants, which can impact our ability to break down neurotransmitters when we are under emotional or physiologic stress.
Ben Lynch talks about this in his books and on his website. You need testing to see where you are with these genes. His supplements also helps us and he teaches this. You can clean up your genes. You learn your weak areas but the foods and toxic world we live in plus synthetic supplements and food is throwing us down. We think we are doing everything right but the environment is so much damage especially to children who are put on strong neurological meds at young ages. It’s overwhelming. It takes studies and time to understand genetics but it can be controlled and not destroy our lives. It definitely runs in families. Also if you inherit from both the parents the ++ you are definitely inheriting more issues. Good luck in this journey.
@@courtneysnydermd-holisticp3072 will plant based protein work as well? My sons cholesterol is too high with the animal foods I'm given him. PLEASE HELP? 🙏 🙏
@@sharonspoetrycorner.1427 When the Walsh Research Institute and Dr. Walsh reference protein for undermethylation, there is not an indication that it has to be animal protein. For many people that I see, the other sources of protein - such as beans, tend to come along with a lot of carbs and because Candida (and/or mold) can be fairly common with undermethylation and can thrive on carbs, those other sources can be problematic for some. There is not a one size fits all approach. Thank you for your question. Best to you and your son.
So I found out I have a homozygous
MTHFR mutation TT version. So started supplementing with larger doses of Methylfolate due to depression and anxiety. Then I found out I had the AG version of the SHMT1 gene. They said to avoid the methylated version of folate. Why??
I don't know. Hopefully they would be able to answer that. I would say, however, that usually (not always) if someone is undermethylated and has depression and anxiety, we would expect any form of folate to have the potential to worsen those symptoms by further lowering serotonin activity (a separate effect of folate). I may mention it is this episode, but a I have a recent episode, which is all about this issue of folate.
Dr. Snyder, was it in one of your podcasts or another podcast that I heard someone state that if you're an undermethylator, you will not be able to unlock the full potential that SSRI's & SNRI's might have in the brain?
Thank you for asking. That wouldn't have been on one of my podcasts. Undermethylators typically would do well with medications that improve serotonin activity. There are some who are undermethylated, however, who may - for example - have an slow MAOA variant that could be causing higher serotonin levels and thus not benefit. There are also some with mast cell activation, who may be reacting to many medications, supplements, foods, etc and not be able to benefit until that is addressed.
Do you know why reactions to various foods and medications might go away after being on Prozac and risperidone? I read that Prozac can have anti inflammatory properties, but just trying to figure out if I’m just crazy 😂
I used ppi and had very serious neurological disorders, I have cobalamin injections, but I can't get rid of the paresthesias completely. It disappeared for a while and started again. I've under methylation, what should I do? ☹
If you are not already, you might consider seeing a functional medicine doctor who can help you optimize your other nutrient levels, address methylation, and look for other sources of toxicity, inflammation and other potential contributing root causes of your paresthesias. In my experience, most symptoms have multiple contributing factors, which means there are usually multiple areas that can impact symptoms.
Please can we have a link to a place that does a good methylation test?
Normally we use a whole blood histamine with symptoms, however, if needed we use a Methylation Profile by Doctor's Data, which is available DHALab. The test result has a number of measures that need to be interpreted in context with one another and doesn't give a strait answer about methylation. The Walsh Research Institute has a practioner resource map that has doctors that are trained on how to interpret and make use of this test based on a Walsh approach.
Is over/under- methylation related to high homocysteine levels?
Really great question, which brings up the difference between the general functional medicine approach and the brain based Walsh approach to methylation. High homocysteine is more often associated with undermethylation (functional medicine perspective), however, there are number of genes involved in homocysteine metabolism, so it can be high in someone who is overmethylated (Walsh brain related nutrient imbalances perspective). A relative folate deficiency (with excess methyl) is the hallmark of overmethylation. Folate does help lower homocysteine (as does B12 and B6), so if someone is low in folate, they can have a high homocysteine level. If I just saw someone's homocysteine level (and knew nothing about their symptoms), I wouldn't know if they were under or overmethylated.
I have central sensitisation had now found out I've got Asperger's add as my son's been diagnosed got CFS or neurosthenia but now more fybromyalgia my mum has severe ms sure has Asperger's we all have had OCD from birth git to work more in zinc with higher b vitamins what is level to take especially when your taller etc
Thank you for your question. I typically check zinc levels before starting zinc supplementation and base the dosage on what is needed for that particular person, at that time, to reach the optimal range.
@@courtneysnydermd-holisticp3072 ok I will have to do this I have this white flecks in two nails to.great channel you do best wishes from the uk
@@tomsale5142 Thank you! We typically think of white spots on fingernails as being related to low zinc, often related to elevated pyrroles. Normally people don't just have one imbalance. It is very common to have undermethylation and pyrrole disorder. I have a podcast on that as well.
@@courtneysnydermd-holisticp3072 yes it's all clicking together now little late at 43 but maybe not ime doing the zinc test as you said.i inject b12 order ed some more b6 it's knowledge Ng what to do first I take nac which as lowered the OCD alot.for me it's the muscle pain my main problem with fatigue.
@@courtneysnydermd-holisticp3072 is pyrole disorder part if mcas
I will delete if you cover it but what foods can one eat to keep their methalation optimal?(for others as this information intriges me)
Also CPTSD what of that?
Because we get methyl from protein, sources of protein are important, however, too much protein for some (depending on other variants) can be problematic. Normally there are other factors involving the microbiome - that can impact what foods are tolerated. So, it becomes very individualized. Re: CPTSD could impact the expression of the genes involved in methylation, thus leading someone to be undermethylated. The relationship between attachment and methylation has been looked at in animal studies. Thank you.
But SAM-e needs folate to work, it needs to be taken together with b6 b12 and folate...?
From the research of Dr. William Walsh and the Walsh Research Institute - most people who are undermethylated and have low serotonin symptoms are high in folate. More folate can further decrease their serotonin activity (by way of increasing the expression of serotonin reuptake receptor genes). Thank you for asking this.
Who runs methylation panels? Labcore? If whole blood Histamine the best test or do we need SAMe/SAH?
Hello.....I use Doctor's Data for the methylation panel. It's not necessarily a straightforward test to interpret as there are a number of variables - as opposed to one number to look at. Most Walsh trained doctors/practitioner are able to interpret this. LabCorp is the most reliable lab for the whole blood histamine. It is cheaper and easier to make sense of, but it is impacted by various medications. For most people I am checking a whole blood histamine and considering their symptoms to assess methylation and when needed I'll use the methylation panel.
This is nothin new wall's protocol talks about this.I mean, I think it's much a hype that you can never tell.You know how the doctors make a fortune on scaring.People about methylation status methylation status
Would a person with COMT Val/Val benefit from taking methyl folate and b vitamins?
Hi Chystal. Methyation is less about one gene, then the collective impact of a number of genes that impact methylation. For those who are undermethylated (and seemingly low in serotonin as I discuss), folate would not be recommended.
@@courtneysnydermd-holisticp3072 do you have a contact email where I could schedule maybe a consultation to ask a few questions? My daughter had a genetic testing done a few years back but the dr who ordered it never discussed the comt val/val as she was inly concerned with knowing if she could take adhd meds. We have moved and no longer see her. I have the report of the testing.
Hi Crystal - Here is a link to my website and contact information for my office www.courtneysnydermd.com/treatment.html
Good Morning Doctor,
I have The worst MTHFR have the c 677T . And the Cytochrome p450, salicylic Food, Medication and Nitrous Oxide allergies. Etc Samters Triad.. I take Metagenics Glycogenics 2 per day with the Folate. It’s made a huge difference! Have metal toxic.. I’m a emphatic/ love Social interaction. I’m a R. N. On Serotonin.. I had extreme stress growing up and in Nursing was exposed to many Toxic products. !
Is there anything you suggest. How do I find out if I’m low in Copper or High please???
I have to take zinc Piclonate 50mg at night. I don’t absorb Zinc… The folate has helped me. But I’m confused. Re Folate.
My endocrinologist told me not to eat Red Meat. I’m allergic to All Fish.. Asprin etc.. My homocysteine used to be low. Not sure if it’s still low. I have yeast and Mould. Never taken SAMe !
I don’t live in the USA.. Thank you soo kindly.. Jenny
15:10 treatments
Is the stress though when we get in the cycle IE mast cell undermethaltion compounded by stress aka tms
I don't understand the question. Please clarify and I'm glad to respond.
@@courtneysnydermd-holisticp3072 sorry I mean when a symptom starts the stress of he symptom gives us more symptoms especially with Asperger's ADHD.tms Dr Sarno looks at this and this must lower our vitamin s further
@@courtneysnydermd-holisticp3072 do we require vitamin d levels checking is 10000 iu normal enough
@@tomsale5142 I'm usually checking that as well. Based on the result, more commonly, I have people on 5000.
@@tomsale5142 Yes...there are a number of ways that stress can further worsen symptoms by contributing to a depletion of certain nutrients including those that support methylation. Pyrrole disorder, a common nutrient imbalance in brain related symptoms, is very much related to the stress response . Increased stress can lead to high pyrroles, which can lead to a depletion of zinc, B6 and magnesium. Separately high stress can impact our ability to absorb nutrients. "Oxidative stress" from a number of factors including stress can result in a depletion of antioxidants. You might find the rrole video useful. Thank you for clarifying.
Dear Doctor Snyder, my 20 year old son has been at home for 4 years. Extremely tired and strange complaints. No one has been able to help him. Now I hear you tell and I think this could be it! He had hives, B12 Hydroxycobalamin injections for 1 year but he was stopped worse. For the B12 injections, his methylmalonic acid was 984, Homocysteine 27.5. And suddenly compulsive symptoms. He's never had it before. Could this be the cause of his illness after 4 years of searching? I hope you have time to reply. Here in the Netherlands they know so little. Am really desperate. From Emma ❤❤
Hello. Most people I see for treatment or provide consultations for tend to have more than one contributing factor. Undermethylation is very common, but your mention of hives makes me think of mast cell activation (I have a podcast/video on that as well and a blogpost on my website - www.courtneysnyderMD.com). When I think about mast cell activation and compulsive symptoms, I think about mold toxicity or other biotoxins, though mold toxins appear to be the most common. I have a blogpost on mold toxicity as well. Using the labs I use here in the US (and thus perhaps different) a homocysteine of 27 would be considered fairly high. Normally we would seek to bring a high homocysteine down before treating someone for undermethylation. The Walsh Research Institute website will list some doctors trained in Europe (and who would be familiar with treating undermethylation and elevated homoycteine), though they may or may not familiar with mast cell activation if that is an issue. I hope something here is helpful.
@@courtneysnydermd-holisticp3072 Thank you so much for your vision on our situation. And thank you for your time. I appreciate this a lot! I understand everything. Mold Toxicity is not very known in our country. But i read a lot about it. My son has mold in his room. I will visit the website. I hope things will get better. Years go by.......🙏❤️
If I had a methylation condition....Would I probably be hypersensitive or experience a reaction to a small dose (2 drops/1 mg) of METHYLENE BLUE....?
I suppose that's possible, however, I would expect it's antimicrobial effects to be more likely to cause a reaction. Thank you for your question.
I am under methylatied- and I took Methylene blue, but I had to stop as it brought on nasal drip and mast cell activation. Histamine issues. I was stressed at the time.
I took for 1 month, and only a few drops and I got a lot - a lot - of energy and clarity to do heaps of things (fatigue has plaqued me for 20 years). It def helped my energy!
Then I found DMG! Bought the book on it by Roger Kendall - highly recommend!! Same energy as MB, but DMG adds a methyl ring to our pathway! Super cool!
Also look into Advanced TRS for detoxing gently! It’s a zeolite, nanonised by man to be way smaller to penetrate and get toxins out much better than regular zeolite. It also detoxes emotions too - I cried she took 6 sprays, have been thru a lot of trauma.
All the best!
Why can't this be had from food?Is it because or microbime as a mess
Thank you for this question. I think you mean why can't the relatively low methyl be addressed with food? We do recommend a high protein diet for most people who are undermethylated, however, diet alone usually isn't sufficient for most who are having significant brain symptoms. Most people that I see who are undermethylated have a family history suggestive of undermethylation, but yes, I do think other factors such as a disrupted microbiome can make it worse.
Thanks for your information. I have been taking SSRIs for 25 years and this medication has broadly kept me stable. Is there any benefit to check my methylated status to reach optimal health?
Methylation does impact more than just our neurotransmitter functioning, so yes, I think it can be helpful to address methylation to optimize physical and mental health. Rarely in my practice, however, do I see a methylation imbalance in isolation. Typically brain symptoms are an alignment of factors. Great question. Thank you.
@@courtneysnydermd-holisticp3072 Thanks for your response. I should have mentioned I also take Propranol medication 80mg (beta blockers) every day to reduce hand tremor. Maybe optimum folate levels could potentially reduce a need for this medication.
Is anyone EVER tested for an infection-triggered autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder, could such a condition continue for a lifetime or would it lead to physical symptoms which would eventually unmask the real cause of anxiety/depression ?
There are ways to look for autoantibodies causing an autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder. One example is the Cunningham panel. Such a condition wouldn't necessarily have to lead to other autoimmune symptoms. More often than an autoimmune brain condition would be brain inflammation, which can be due to several factors beyond infection. Thank you for question.
I'm a bit confused
Why would taking methyl-folate be counter productive for someone that is under-methylated in the first place?. Is it the folate itself that is detrimental, or the methylation?.
Should those who are under-methylated take a different methyl donor like methylated B12 or methionine, and stay away from folate supplements?
After listening to it again, it appears you advise those who are low in serotonin to not supplementn with folate or folic acid
But in that case would supplementing with 5-HTP counteract the folate/serotonin issue?
The impact of folate on serotonin activity is a separate mechanism from it's role in methylation. The folate leads to increase in serotonin reuptake (by impacting the expressiono of those genes) such that there is less serotonin at the synapse . While 5HTP may be beneficial, it is not impacting the expression of the serotonin reuptake genes the way folate (and in the opposite way - SAMe and methionine do). Instead of 5HTP, we are typically impacting serotonin activity using supplements like SAMe or methionine - which take time.
what is the normal or optimal range of homocysteine ?
Under 10. I just lowered from 18 to 10, taking methylated B6, B9, B12, Robiflavin (B2) and about 5 amino acids, including SAM e and Betaine.
how to know what to take ?
my homocysteine is 20 . what does that mean ?
@@shaquibalikhan6151 Too High. It should be half that. See my previous comment on what supplements to buy, to lower it.
Can I take SAM-e with my SSRI'S?
Thank you for the great question. Without more information (and actually having evaluated you), I'm unable to give specific advise or recommendations.
Would'nt Methylene Blue solve most of this ?
Great question - I don't have experience using methylene blue to improve methylation. You may have a better understanding than I do of how methylene blue would support methylation.
@@courtneysnydermd-holisticp3072 I'm not a doctor, just someone who studies a lot however, there's a doctor who does, along a few colleagues. I believe if you look for Methylene Blue with Dr. Bill Clearfield on here, he explained everything it does & you'd probably understand more of the medical terms more than myself. I'm taking it orally for brain fog caused by fibromyalgia. It's doing wonderfully! It's called the magic bullet, because it does So much. I hope you'll check that out. 🥰
Would a ketogenic diet help?
It may be for some, but there are other factors to consider. Normally for undermethylation, higher protein is recommended and a ketogenic diet has more emphasis on fats. Ketones for some, seem to feed candida and some people with mold toxicity, don't do well with the high fat intake. Though I talk about these topics separately, there is usually an alignment of various factors which could impact specific dietary recommendations. Thank you for you question.
Thank you my allah protect you bless you and keep continue blessing you always with peace and happiness and all the success in your life of this dunya and hereafter. May He bless you today and always.
Thank you for your kindness and blessings.
Uh, it’s safe to take folate that isn’t folic acid, so telling people not to eat veggies is terrible advice.
Thank you for commenting. I agree with not telling people to avoid eating vegetables, however, there are some who are actually high in folate and low in serotonin activity and for them, getting a lot of additional folate (even dietary) can increase the expression of serotonin reuptake receptors which could lower serotonin activity and worsen symptom of depression or anxiety. In short, I'd say, we're all different and there is no one size fits all when it comes to food.
I did read elsewhere that folic acid is synthetic and some people can't break it down. The advice is to take methyl folate. Your thoughts?
Yes - there is conflicting advice. I'm not typically recommending any form of folate for someoone who is undermethylated and has low serotonin symptoms. For those who are overmethylated, methyl folate (because of the methyl) is normally not recommended. Dr. Walsh (and WRI) recommend folic acid in overmethylation - despite this being a form that is not recommended by most functional medicine doctors. Thank you for this question.
@@courtneysnydermd-holisticp3072 Thanks for your response. Wouldn't it be more effective for over or under methylators to consume a methyl folate supplement instead of folic acid as fewer biochemical steps are required in the pathway?
@@courtneysnydermd-holisticp3072 The WRI may recommend folic acid as this has been used in the research they have conducted. Plus methyl folate may not have been available years ago or at a price people are willing to pay.