Understanding Epigenetic Methylation

Methylation in the Human Body

� Methylation, commonly referred to as the “one-carbon metabolism”, is the transfer or formation of methyl (CH3) groups, such as MTHFR, COMT, and DNMT. Methylation frequently utilizes SAMe as a methyl donor. Methylation is fundamental for a variety of bodily structures and functions, including cell division, gene expression, early CNS development, immune cell differentiation, neurotransmitter biosynthesis and/or metabolism, histamine clearance, detoxification, hormone biotransformation, cellular energy metabolism, phospholipid synthesis, and the myelination of peripheral nerves, among other structures and functions. � � Among one of it’s most essential functions on structures, DNA methylation highly regulates a variety of epigenetic marks, making them substantially stable, such as the covalent bonds of X and Y chromosomes in men and women. Methylation occurs at CpG sites with DNMT enzymes. Moreover, DNA methylation can help regulate and/or manage other bodily structures and functions. Histone methylation, RNA methylation, and mitochondrial DNA methylation (miDNMT) can help induce or inhibit gene expression. Recent research studies have also demonstrated that these same enzymes may additionally be involved in demethylation. �

Methylation and Fetal Programming

� According to research studies, while there are a variety of epigenetic marks which remain seemingly unchanged through inheritance, there are numerous other epigenetic marks which can change due to external factors, known as metastable epialleles. These changes can also change throughout inheritance as well as remain seemingly unchanged through inheritance. Metastable epialleles provide individuals with considerable differences and can be passed down to offspring during critical stages of fetal development. According to many more research studies, methylation can also affect epigenetic marks outside fetal programming windows. �

DNA methylation was originally considered to be stable and irreversible, however, external factors can also affect epigenetic methylation. The purpose of the following article is to discuss the importance of methylation for a variety of bodily structures and functions. Furthermore, it’s fundamental to understand how nutrition, fitness, lifestyle, supplements, and medicines, can improve DNA methylation and overall health and wellness. – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight

Smoothies and Juices for Methylation Support

While many healthcare professionals can recommend diet and lifestyle changes to improve methylation support, there are several options you can try yourself at home. As described above, methylation support supplementation should be determined by a healthcare professional. Smoothies and juices are a fast and easy way to include all the necessary nutrients you need for methylation support without any side-effects. The smoothies and juices below are part of the Methylation Diet Food Plan.

Sea Green Smoothie Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes

• 1/2 cup cantaloupe, cubed
• 1/2 banana
• 1 handful of kale or spinach
• 1 handful of Swiss chard
• 1/4 avocado
• 2 teaspoons spirulina powder
• 1 cup of water
• 3 or more ice cubes

Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until completely smooth and enjoy!

Berry Bliss Smoothie Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes

• 1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen, preferably wild)
• 1 medium carrot, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seed
• 1 tablespoons almonds
• Water (to desired consistency)
• Ice cubes (optional, may omit if using frozen blueberries)

Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy. Best served immediately!

Sweet and Spicy Juice Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes

• 1 cup honeydew melons
• 3 cups spinach, rinsed
• 3 cups Swiss chard, rinsed
• 1 bunch cilantro (leaves and stems), rinsed
• 1-inch knob of ginger, rinsed, peeled and chopped
• 2-3 knobs whole turmeric root (optional), rinsed, peeled and chopped

Juice all ingredients in a high-quality juicer. Best served immediately!

Ginger Greens Juice Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes

• 1 cup pineapple cubes
• 1 apple, sliced
• 1-inch knob of ginger, rinsed, peeled and chopped
• 3 cups kale, rinsed and roughly chopped or ripped
• 5 cups Swiss chard, rinsed and roughly chopped or ripped

Juice all ingredients in a high-quality juicer. Best served immediately!

Zesty Beet Juice Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes

• 1 grapefruit, peeled and sliced
• 1 apple, washed and sliced
• 1 whole beet, and leaves if you have them, washed and sliced
• 1-inch knob of ginger, rinsed, peeled and chopped

Juice all ingredients in a high-quality juicer. Best served immediately!

Protein Power Smoothie Serving: 1 Cook time: 5 minutes

• 1 scoop protein powder
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
• 1/2 banana
• 1 kiwi, peeled
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of cardamom
• Non-dairy milk or water, enough to achieve desired consistency

Blend all ingredients in a high-powered blender until completely smooth. Best served immediately!

ProLon� Fasting Mimicking Diet

Balanced methylation support can be achieved through proper nutrition. The ProLon� fasting mimicking diet offers a 5-day meal program which has been individually packed and labeled to serve the foods you need for the FMD in precise quantities and combinations. The meal program is made up of ready-to-eat or easy-to-prepare, plant-based foods, including bars, soups, snacks, supplements, a drink concentrate, and teas. The products are scientifically formulated and great tasting. Before starting the ProLon� fasting mimicking diet, 5-day meal program, please make sure to talk to a healthcare professional to find out if the FMD is right for you. The ProLon� fasting mimicking diet can help promote methylation support, among a variety of other healthy benefits.

Many doctors and functional medicine practitioners can recommend nutritional advice and/or guidelines to help improve DNA methylation. Proper diet and lifestyle changes can ultimately help improve DNA methylation. Understanding how methylation can affect an individual’s epigenetics throughout the early stages of life can help promote health and wellness. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900�.

Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez

Additional Topic Discussion:�Acute Back Pain

Back pain�is one of the most prevalent causes of disability and missed days at work worldwide. Back pain attributes to the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience back pain at least once throughout their life. Your spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, among other soft tissues. Injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as�herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of back pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of back pain, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have painful results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease back pain through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief.

Formulas for Methylation Support

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