The Key Genes That Influence Methylation We Test For


What is Methylation?

Methylation is a basic chemical process your body uses millions of times every day to:
✔ Detoxify chemicals and heavy metals
✔ Make neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine)
✔ Control inflammation
✔ Support hormone balance
✔ Turn genes on and off appropriately
✔ Support energy, focus, mood, and sleep
Think of methylation as your body’s internal recycling and communication system.
When methylation works well → your body adapts, detoxes, and heals efficiently.
When it’s stressed or inefficient → symptoms can build up.

🔄 The Methylation Detox Cycle (Big Picture)

Your body:
  1. Takes nutrients (especially B vitamins)
  2. Converts them into active forms
  3. Uses them to:
    • Detox
    • Repair cells
    • Balance brain chemistry
  5. Recycles them so the process continues
This cycle relies on specific genes that act like switches or enzymes.

🧪 Key Genes That Influence Methylation

🧠 COMT

What it does:
Helps break down stress hormones and neurotransmitters like dopamine and adrenaline.
Why it matters:
  • Affects how you handle stress
  • Influences anxiety, focus, and emotional resilience
When stressed or slow:
❌ Anxiety
❌ Racing thoughts
❌ Sensitivity to caffeine or stress

♻️ AHCY

What it does:
Helps recycle methylation chemicals so the cycle doesn’t stall.
Why it matters:
  • Keeps detox pathways flowing
  • Prevents buildup of toxic byproducts
When stressed or slow:
❌ Poor detox
❌ Chemical sensitivities
❌ Fatigue or brain fog

🔁 MTR

What it does:
Uses vitamin B12 to convert homocysteine back into methionine (a key methylation fuel).
Why it matters:
  • Supports heart health
  • Supports nerve function
  • Keeps methylation moving forward
When stressed or slow:
❌ Elevated homocysteine
❌ Fatigue
❌ Neurological symptoms

🔧 MTRR

What it does:
Keeps vitamin B12 in its active, usable form so MTR can work.
Why it matters:
  • Supports long-term B12 function
  • Prevents methylation burnout
When stressed or slow:
❌ Functional B12 deficiency
❌ Poor energy production
❌ Neurological stress

🧬 MTHFR

What it does:
Converts folate (vitamin B9) into its active form used in methylation.
Why it matters:
  • Foundation of the entire methylation cycle
  • Influences detox, mood, pregnancy, and cardiovascular health
When stressed or slow:
❌ Poor detox
❌ Mood changes
❌ Inflammation
❌ Trouble handling synthetic folic acid

🧩 Why This Matters to Your Health

If one or more of these genes isn’t functioning optimally, you may experience:
  • Chronic stress or anxiety
  • Fatigue or burnout
  • Brain fog
  • Poor detoxification
  • Hormonal imbalance
  • Increased inflammation
This does NOT mean something is “wrong” with you.
It means your body may need more targeted support.

🌿 How We Support Methylation

Care may include:
✔ Targeted nutrition
✔ Proper forms of B vitamins
✔ Nervous system regulation
✔ Chiropractic care to reduce stress on the body
✔ Lifestyle strategies that support detox and recovery
The goal is efficiency, not overload.

✨ Key Takeaway

Methylation isn’t about genetics being “bad.”
It’s about understanding how your body processes stress, nutrients, and toxins—and supporting it intelligently.