Why the Popular Advice That Supporting Genetics is All About Methylation is Absolutely Incorrect
"It's all about methylation." Nope. It's all about cortisol and inflammation.
Eight years ago, at one of the first genomics seminars I attended, a renowned doctor proclaimed, "It's all about methylation." But through years of practice and research, I've come to understand that this advice is not only oversimplified but can also be detrimental if not placed in the proper context.
Methylation, a crucial biochemical process that influences gene expression, is indeed important. It involves adding a methyl group to DNA, proteins, or other molecules, affecting everything from DNA repair to the regulation of gene expression. However, it is never the first thing I address in my practice.
The Role of Cortisol and Inflammation
Cortisol and inflammatory cytokines are the real gatekeepers of genetic expression. High levels of cortisol, often a result of chronic stress, can turn 90% of your genes to their adverse positions. Similarly, inflammatory cytokines can disrupt normal cellular functions and lead to adverse genetic expressions. These two factors can drastically impact how your genes behave, often in ways that negate any benefits you might gain from supporting methylation pathways.
When a person is in a hyperstimulated state—due to stress, poor diet, lack of sleep, or other factors—jumping straight to supporting MTHFR (a key gene in the methylation process) with powerful single nutrients like B vitamins can backfire. Instead of helping, these supplements can overstimulate your system, heightening anxiety and undoing any positive effects of your interventions. I wish it were that easy of just adding the right form of a B vitamin to your vitamin line up, but if it worked, I’m sure we would all know about it by now.
Why Stress and Inflammation Come First
Before considering methylation support, it's imperative to address stress and inflammation. Chronic stress leads to consistently high cortisol levels, which can cause a cascade of negative health effects, including impaired cognitive function, suppressed thyroid function, blood sugar imbalances, decreased bone density, and increased blood pressure. Similarly, chronic inflammation is a known contributor to numerous chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Research has shown that high cortisol levels can inhibit the proper functioning of the immune system and increase the risk of infections and disease. Additionally, chronic inflammation can alter gene expression by turning on genes that promote inflammation and turning off genes that suppress it. This vicious cycle perpetuates a state of poor health and exacerbates genetic vulnerabilities.
The Importance of Sleep
Sleep, or rather the lack of deep sleep, is another crucial genetic blocker. Insufficient deep sleep can spike stress hormones, including cortisol, disrupting the body’s natural balance. This disruption can lead to a heightened stress response, exacerbating inflammation and other adverse genetic expressions. Without addressing sleep first, we risk undoing all the other good work we are doing.
Genetic Blockers and Integrative Genetics
In my practice, I focus on what I call "genetic blockers"—factors like stress, inflammation, and sleep—that can interfere with optimal genetic expression. By addressing these blockers first, we create a more stable foundation for any further genetic support, including methylation.
Integrative genetics emphasizes understanding how genes behave together, rather than looking at them in isolation. This holistic approach considers the interplay between different genes and environmental factors, ensuring that we support the entire system rather than just one pathway. It's a more nuanced and effective way of optimizing health, recognizing that the body operates as an interconnected whole.
The Bottom Line
Methylation is a critical process, but it is not the starting point for genetic support. Addressing cortisol and inflammation through lifestyle changes, stress management techniques, genetic diets, proper sleep, and other holistic approaches is essential. Only after these foundational elements are in place should we consider specific methylation support.
By prioritizing stress reduction, inflammation control, and adequate sleep, we can help our genes function optimally, leading to better health outcomes. This integrative approach ensures that we support the entire system, paving the way for true genetic health and wellness.
So next time you hear, "It's all about methylation," remember: it's really all about cortisol, inflammation, and sleep. Start there, and your genetic health will follow.
If you’re ready for an Integrative Genetics Approach to whole body health, check out my services or schedule a meet and greet. I look forward to supporting you!