Undermethylated Vs Overmethylated

Methylation has been a hot topic in the integrative health community for many years due to the substantive research supporting the importance of efficient methylation pathways. 

Discovering this has been life-changing for many individuals whose health conditions had methylation issues as the main underlying root cause.

Methylation is a fundamental chemical process that happens in the body which involves adding a ‘methyl group’ onto other chemical compounds, which then allows the body to undertake most of its processes.

A lack of certain nutrients, malabsorption and medications that deplete nutrient levels can cause methylation imbalances.

Research shows that about 70% of the population are normal methylators, 22% are undermethylators and 8% are overmethylators.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF UNDERMETHYLATION?

• Addictions
• Allergies
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Frequent GI issues
• Headaches
• High levels of histamines in blood
• High libido
• Inability to fall asleep or fall asleep
• Low serotonin activity
• Nervousness
• Obsessive compulsory behaviours 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF OVERMETHYLATION?

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Panic attacks
• ADHD
• Behaviour issues
• Negative reactions to histamines
• Extrovert
• Highly creative (especially in musical ability)
• Prone to schizophrenia

Undermethylation is determined by an elevated whole blood histamine test and this is why individuals in this category have higher levels of histamines. However, this is completely different to an actual histamine intolerance. It is usually the overmethylators that react badly to foods high in histamines.

You can be over, under, or normally methylated, and still have an intolerance to histamine due to GI issues and this is where most people get confused.

There is certainly some overlap between the two but individuals that are undermethylated essentially have difficulties unwinding.

Please also bear in mind that many of the symptoms for both overmethylation and undermethylation could be due to other issues such as an overworked liver, heavy metals, gut issues, mineral imbalances, etc. The important thing to remember is that there is always a reason why!

WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT?

If you suspect that you’re undermethylating or overmethylating, you don’t need to work on this right now.

You need to work on the foundation first which is: healing the gut, balancing hormones, removing heavy metals, working on the liver and replacing nutrient deficiencies. After you work on this for a while and you notice certain tendencies to overmethylate or undermethylate, then you can work on this with the help of a certified integrative health practitioner.