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Nov. 6th, 2009
Methylation is an important metabolic process, especially in the brain, but also in the bones and joints. Most people's methylation pathways become degraded by modern lifestyles.
The list of foods that contain the necessary methyl donor molecules will probably look familiar: green leafy vegetables, legumes, citrus, berries, and nuts. Although in this particular case, it’s very important that the foods have been processed as little as possible before you eat them—and that includes heating and freezing. Keeping these foods as fresh and “raw” as possible helps preserve the methyl donor molecules they contain.
There are also a few supplements that supply methyl groups, including particularly S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), followed by methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), betaine (including the betaine from betaine hydrochloride), 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (a “new-in-the-stores” and more natural form of folic acid), and methylcobalamin (a form of vitamin B12).
Improving the methylation process by "boosting" the precursor count can improve depression (SAM-e in particular has been studied in this regard) by helping the conversion of 5-htp into dopamine, and can make your joints and bones more strong and flexible (by improving the methylation of calcium).
It also will improve the metabolism of estrogen, for all of those on HRT.
The list of foods that contain the necessary methyl donor molecules will probably look familiar: green leafy vegetables, legumes, citrus, berries, and nuts. Although in this particular case, it’s very important that the foods have been processed as little as possible before you eat them—and that includes heating and freezing. Keeping these foods as fresh and “raw” as possible helps preserve the methyl donor molecules they contain.
There are also a few supplements that supply methyl groups, including particularly S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), followed by methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), betaine (including the betaine from betaine hydrochloride), 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (a “new-in-the-stores” and more natural form of folic acid), and methylcobalamin (a form of vitamin B12).
Improving the methylation process by "boosting" the precursor count can improve depression (SAM-e in particular has been studied in this regard) by helping the conversion of 5-htp into dopamine, and can make your joints and bones more strong and flexible (by improving the methylation of calcium).
It also will improve the metabolism of estrogen, for all of those on HRT.