The essential guide to Methylation Testing and your DNA Health Blueprint
Genetic Methylation Testing
Introduction to Genetic Methylation Testing
Unlock the potential of your genetic blueprint with our Comprehensive Genetic DNA and Methylation Testing. Using your saliva, this advanced testing provides a deep understanding of your unique genetic profile, enabling a proactive and personalised approach to health and wellness.
One-time DNA test results with information that lasts your lifetime (as DNA doesn’t change!)
Sustainable treatment plan including dietary, lifestyle, exercise and supplement recommendations that you can take throughout your life
Be guided by a degree-qualified Clinical Nutritionist with a special interest in DNA and Genetic Methylation Testing
Comprehensive test results with over 92 genes and 113 SNPs assessed, covering digestion, hormone balance, exercise, detoxification, immunity and more
Confidential and safe storage and disposal of data from a NATA accredited reputable Australian Lab with stringent security policies
How does methylation affect my health
The methylation cycle is a crucial process in our bodies that affects many aspects of our health, including mental wellbeing, energy levels, and heart health.
What is the Methylation Cycle
The body is a complex machine with gears and switches that must work together for optimal function. Methylation and demethylation are the mechanisms that keep these gears turning and control biological switches, ensuring various bodily systems operate properly. Think of the methylation cycle as a factory inside our cells that helps turn genes on and off, produce essential molecules, and keep everything running smoothly. It involves adding a small molecule called a methyl group to various substances in the body- this simple action helps control numerous processes. This cycle relies on B vitamins B2, B3, B6, B9 (folate), B12, Magnesium, zinc and cholin for effective functioning. You can have genetic mutations in certain DNA sequences within the methylation cycle, which is why we test your DNA, so we can understand what genes we need to further support and what risk factors we are predisposed to based on these mutations. For example, you can have a mutation in one of the genes needed in the methylation cycle called MTHFR, which can lead to increased depression, anxiety, insomnia and infertility, all due to this one gene mutation which 40% of the population in Australia has (see below more information on this)!
How Methylation affects Mental Health and Sleep
Neurotransmitters are chemicals in our brain that help transmit signals between nerve cells. They are crucial for mood, focus, and overall mental health. The methylation cycle helps produce and regulate these neurotransmitters, including serotonin (which affects mood) and dopamine (which influences motivation and pleasure). Effective methylation ensures that these brain chemicals are balanced, supporting good mental health. Serotonin also converts into melatonin in the body, which is our sleep neurotransmitter. If there is less serotonin being produced due to a genetic mutation in one of the MTHFR genes, then less melatonin is produced for sleep and there can be problems with insomnia.
How Methylation affects Energy
Our cells need energy to function, and a molecule called ATP is the main energy currency of the body. The methylation cycle helps produce ATP energy by converting food into usable energy. If the cycle isn’t working well, our cells might not produce enough energy, leading to fatigue and low energy levels.
How Methylation affects Cardiovascular Health
The methylation cycle helps break down a substance called homocysteine. High levels of homocysteine can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of high blood pressure, elevated levels of cholesterol plaques and heart disease. By keeping homocysteine levels in check, the methylation cycle supports a healthy heart and blood vessels.
Key Takeaways
Methylation Cycle: A crucial process that adds methyl groups to various substances in the body, controlling many functions.
Mental Health: The methylation cycle supports the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are vital for mood, motivation, focus and sleep.
Energy: The methylation cycle helps convert food into ATP, the main energy source for our cells, preventing fatigue.
Cardiovascular Health: The methylation cycle regulates homocysteine levels, protecting blood vessels and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Understanding and supporting the methylation cycle can lead to better mental health, higher energy levels, a healthier heart and improved vitality and longevity. It’s like keeping the factory in our cells running efficiently to ensure overall wellbeing.
Common Genetic Mutations in the Methylation Cycle
Genetic mutations can affect the enzymes and molecules involved in the methylation cycle. Some common mutations include:
MTHFR gene Mutation: The MTHFR gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). This enzyme is critical for processing and ACTIVATING folate (vitamin B9), which is essential for converting homocysteine to methionine. Mutations in the MTHFR gene can reduce the enzyme’s efficiency, leading to higher homocysteine levels and lower methionine and SAMe production. This results in less serotonin, melatonin and dopamine being produced
MTR and MTRR gene Mutations: These genes are involved in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine as well. Mutations can impair this process, leading to similar issues as MTHFR mutations. When both the MTR and the MTRR genetic mutations exist, dysfunction can occur in the methylation cycle.
COMT gene Mutation: The COMT gene plays a crucial role in breaking down certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. Mutations in the COMT gene can significantly impact health in various ways, including slow dopamine breakdown leading to increased risk of anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. People with certain COMT mutations may have enhanced cognitive function in low-stress situations but impaired performance under stress, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), endometriosis, and certain estrogen-sensitive cancers due to reduced oestrogen metabolism.
ACHy gene Mutation: The Acetylcholinesterase (ACHy) gene provides instructions for making the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. This enzyme plays a critical role in the nervous system by breaking down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, helping with muscle activation, learning and memory.
Consequences of These Mutations
Reduced Energy Production: When the methylation cycle is disrupted, the production of methionine and SAMe decreases. This can impair the Krebs cycle and other pathways that generate ATP, leading to lower energy production in cells.
Elevated Homocysteine Levels: High levels of homocysteine can be toxic and cause oxidative stress, further affecting cellular function and energy production.
Nutrient Deficiencies: Inefficient methylation can lead to deficiencies in folate, vitamin B12, and other nutrients crucial for energy production.
How do I support energy, mood and sleep with the MTHFR genetic mutation
Even with genetic mutations, there are ways to support the methylation cycle and boost mood and energy production:
Supplementation: Taking methylated forms of folate (5-MTHF) and vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) can help bypass some of the blocks caused by mutations. It is better to take these nutrients in an ACTIVATED B complex, whilst avoiding synthetic forms of folate called “folic acid” and forms of B12 called “Cyanocobalamin” which is B12 bound to cyanide (for people with detoxification issues this is not a ideal form).
Diet: Eating a diet rich in leafy greens, legumes, eggs, and other sources of folate, choline and B vitamins can support the methylation cycle.
Regular Monitoring: Working with a healthcare provider to monitor and manage homocysteine levels can help maintain a healthy methylation cycle.
What is Genetic Methylation Testing
Genetic Methylation Testing analyses your DNA and its methylation patterns to offer detailed insights into your health. By understanding these genetic markers and various mutations, we can craft wellness strategies tailored specifically to you, ensuring the best possible health outcomes.
During a podcast with Joe Rogan in 2023, Gary Brecka brought the potential benefits of Methylation Testing to the public eye.
Watch the below video to learn about how Gary Brecka was able to fix Dana White’s Health through Methylation Testing.
Key Benefits of Genetic Methylation Testing
Tailored Health Management: Treatment strategies based on your unique genetic profile.
Comprehensive Analysis: Over 92 genes and 113 SNPs assessed, covering digestion, hormone balance, exercise, detoxification, immunity and more.
Lifelong information: As your DNA doesn’t change, you only need to do this test once and we can optimise your health long term.
Professional Guidance: Expert interpretation and treatment plan creation by a qualified Clinical Nutritionist- this can guide a tailored treatment plan rather than guessing or trying to make sense of all the information you will find online.
Easy access to information: Do the test at home, pre-paid express posting back to the lab, tailored video analysis of results so you can keep this information long term.
Your Comprehensive Health Report
Our testing process includes a 15 minute complimentary strategy phone chat, after which you receive your testing kit in the mail. Once you have completed the sample and sent it back to the lab using the pre-paid express post satchel, you will then receive a comprehensive video analysis of your test results including a specific recommended treatment plan from a Clinical Nutritionist on which is based on your DNA and your Genetic Methylation test results.
Why Choose Genetic Methylation Testing in Melbourne
Each individual's wellness is influenced by their unique genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environment. Our testing allows for targeted health strategies, addressing specific issues with a personalised approach, guided by our qualified Clinical Nutritionist. This method, known as "Root Cause Medicine," ensures more effective and tailored health plans instead of a “one size fits all” approach. Your DNA does not change, so you only need to do this test once in your life! If you live interstate in Brisbane Queensland , Sydney New South Wales, Perth Western Australia, Darwin Northern Territory, Adelaide South Australia or any Australian states, we can express post this test to you and you can do this from your own home! Rest assured that all your data will be kept securely- we use a highly reputable lab in Australia that is NATA accredited and have stringent data policies. We do not use overseas labs and DNA data is securely stored and safely discarded post use.
How does Genetic Methylation Testing Work
Purchase through our website here: followed by the test being sent to your house.
Collect your sample: Simple saliva sample collection with instructions provided.
DNA analysis and interpretation: Detailed analysis of genetic variations affecting health.
Comprehensive report: Extensive DNA report including methylation and over 100 pages of insightful information into your health and how to proceed moving forward
Tailored treatment plan: In-depth video analysis sent by a Clinical Nutritionist with a personalised treatmnt plan including nutrition, lifestyle and supplements recommendations all based on your DNA.
Categories Covered
Our testing covers 92 genes and 113 SNPs across various health categories, including:
- Nutrient Metabolism & Absorption
- Methylation
- Hormone Support
- Mental Health & Cognitive Performance
- Detoxification
- Immune Support, Antioxidants and Inflammation
- DNA Protection & Repair
- Cardiovascular Health & Exercise
Ready to Get a Genetic Methylation test ?
Optimise your health and set yourself up for long term success with Genetic Methylation Testing. Purchase a Genetic Methylation test with us today to start your wellness journey based on your genetic profile. Visit us at Wellbeingeorge Nutrition to get started!
