Two main factors that I test for here in the clinic is Histamine and Homocysteine. These two factors are part of the Methylation cycle. When these two factors are out of range (on the high side) this is called under-methylation, which means your methylation cycle is not functioning as optimally as it should. High histamine and high homocysteine is associated with undermethylation because methylation is involved in histamine and homocysteine breakdown. Hence why these two markers are some of the best indicators of what is going on at cellular level. As well as this testing for Zinc and Copper.
Symptoms of High Histamine (functional medicine range (0.45-0.65)
High histamine levels have been linked to methylation imbalances particularly undermethylation. (more on “What is Methylation” below). Here are some symptoms that may occur when high there are high whole blood histamine levels:
Histamine-Related Symptoms:
Allergic reactions: Hives, itching, flushing, and anaphylaxis
Gastrointestinal issues: Diarrhea, abdominal pain, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Respiratory problems: Asthma, bronchitis, and chronic coughs
Cardiovascular issues: High blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and arrhythmias
Neurological symptoms: Headaches, fatigue, brain fog, and anxiety
Methylation-Related Symptoms:
Detoxification issues: Slowed removal of toxins and heavy metals
Neurological symptoms: Depression, anxiety, and mood swings
Immune system dysregulation: Autoimmune diseases and chronic infections
Hormonal imbalances: Thyroid dysfunction, adrenal fatigue, and estrogen dominance
Cognitive impairment: Memory loss, focus issues, and learning difficulties
Common Overlapping Symptoms:
Fatigue and brain fog: Both high histamine and methylation imbalances can cause energy crashes and cognitive impairment.
Anxiety and mood swings: Histamine's neurotransmitter effects and methylation's influence on neurotransmitter synthesis can lead to mood instability.
Digestive issues: Histamine's gastrointestinal effects and methylation's impact on gut health can cause digestive problems.
Key Connections:
Histamine-N-Methyltransferase (HNMT): An enzyme responsible for breaking down histamine, which requires methylation to function properly
Methylation cycle: Histamine can inhibit the methylation cycle, leading to undermethylation and its associated symptoms
What is Methylation?
Methylation is a fundamental biochemical process that happens in our cells which plays a crucial role in various aspects of human biology and is essential for the proper functioning of cells and the body as a whole. Here are some key roles and functions of methylation:
1. Cellular Energy Production: Methylation reactions are essential for the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the primary source of energy for cells. Methylation contributes to the functioning of the mitochondria, the cellular powerhouses which is crucial to our energy levels, fatigue is one of the major symptoms of your methylation cycle not functioning properly.
2. Gene Expression Regulation & Epigenetic Inheritance: Methylation of DNA can influence gene expression. The process is crucial for the development, differentiation, and specialization of cells in the body. Methylation patterns on DNA can be passed from one generation of cells to the next during cell division. This is known as epigenetic inheritance and can affect how genes are expressed in offspring cells. Changes in methylation patterns can lead to diseases and developmental disorders. This is where certain genes can be switched on or switched off, such as a genetic disposition to an autoimmune disease.
3. DNA Repair: Methylation is involved in DNA repair mechanisms. It helps identify and repair damaged DNA by marking the damaged sites for repair enzymes. Proper DNA repair is essential for maintaining genomic stability and preventing mutations that can lead to cancer and other diseases.
4. Neurotransmitter Synthesis: Methylation is critical for the synthesis of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, in the brain. These neurotransmitters play essential roles in mood regulation, cognition, and behaviour. If the methylation cycle is not functioning properly due to a lack in certain nutrients for example zinc, B6, methyl folate (the active form of Folic Acid in certain individuals with a differentiation in the MTHFR gene, they cannot convert Folic acid to Methyl Folate – the one in which our cells actually use), B12 or excess copper, neurotransmitters can be over or under expressed which are contributing factors to disrupted sleep, fatigue, anxiety, depression, ADHD, ADD, ASD and many more mental health disorders.
5. Hormone Regulation: Methylation is involved in the regulation of hormones, including sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone. Proper hormonal balance is crucial for reproductive health, growth, mood, skin health, sleep, sex drive and overall well-being.
6. Detoxification: The liver uses methylation to process and eliminate toxins from the body. Methylation reactions help convert harmful substances into less toxic forms that can be excreted. Impaired methylation can lead to difficulties in detoxification and increased susceptibility to environmental toxins which can cause skin breakouts, headaches, allergic reactions, sleep disturbances, night sweats, alcohol intolerance, strong smell intolerance.
7. Immune Function: Methylation is involved in regulating the immune system. It plays a role in the production of immune cells and the modulation of immune responses which are related to poor immune function and autoimmune diseases.
8. Histone Modification: Methylation of histone proteins, which package DNA in the cell nucleus, can affect chromatin structure and gene accessibility. This, in turn, influences gene expression and how our genes work
9. Aging and Disease: Altered methylation patterns are associated with aging and various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders, and autoimmune conditions.
In summary, as you can see methylation is a complex and highly regulated biochemical process with diverse roles in keeping us health. Imbalances in methylation can have profound effects on the body and are associated with a wide range of health conditions but with the right nutrients we can bring back the methylation cycle to function optimally.
These nutrients (or lack thereof) are what we will investigate in your blood tests and what we will put in your compound prescription which has been tailored to your specific biochemical needs should you need it. This is called Nutrient Therapy. If you want to check your methylation status, book in your consultation today.