Symptoms of Overmethylation
Overmethylation, which refers to a higher-than-normal level of methylation in the body, has been associated with certain imbalances in brain chemistry that can cause the brain to panic, leading to a range of confusing symptoms. Methylation is involved in the regulation of neurotransmitters in the brain, and imbalances in methylation can lead to changes in neurotransmitter activity that can affect mood, behavior, and other brain functions. Overmethylation, in a basic sense, is having too much of a good thing (neurotransmitters) available to your brain and body. This is the opposite of undermethylation. (Read more on methylation.)
By adopting a proper diet, taking supplements as needed, and engaging in the right activities, you can balance your methylation and reduce the severity of symptoms.
Symptoms
- Anxiety: feeling overwhelmed, overstimulated, worried, panicked, and wanting to retreat inward.
- Being stuck in your head: overthinking, overanalyzing, excessively self-reflective, and ruminating about past hurts and future scenarios.
- Sensitivity: being emotionally hypersensitive, weepy, withdrawn, feeling down, sad, depressed, frustrated with yourself or others, or guilty.
- Indecision: having trouble deciding, second-guessing, feeling confused, having trouble staying motivated for routine things, or remembering to do something, and rehashing details with no clear conclusion.
- Relationship tension: feeling that you are to blame, paranoia that others are out to offend, hurt, or focus on your mistakes.
The severity of these symptoms depends on your Methyl Scale™ score. It's important to note that sequencing your DNA is essential for determining which foods not only help you balance your methylation but are also safe for you to consume. If you have issues with histamine, for example, this list may not be suitable for you.
Things that lower methylation
Other things (not recommended) that lower methylation are illness, stress, folic acid, aluminum (found in antiperspirant, baking soda, some vaccines, and when food cools while on aluminum foil). Other drinks that lower you methylation (to an unknown degree) are: Kombucha, wine, beer, and alcohol. Other food items that lower (to an unknown degree) include spices like cinnamon, turmeric, cumin; citrus fruits like oranges, limes, lemons, grapefruit; legumes (lentils, beans, peas, chickpeas); and food additives (colorants, preservatives, stabilizers, flavorings).
Wantke F, Götz M, Jarisch R. Histamine-free diet: treatment of choice for histamine-induced food intolerance and supporting treatment for chronic headaches. Clin Exp Allergy. 1993 Dec;23(12):982-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.1993.tb00287.x. PMID: 10779289.
Laura Maintz, Natalija Novak, Histamine and histamine intolerance, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 85, Issue 5, May 2007, Pages 1185–1196, https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/85.5.1185
