Methylation is the body's regulation of gene expression by tagging DNA with methyl groups, and actually plays a role in mental illnesses that even most psychiatrists aren't aware of...

Methylation actually has the ability to regulate serotonin and dopamine levels!

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It does this by coiling DNA strands more tightly around protein "spools" called histones, this blocks of part of the DNA and reduces expression of certain genes

Acetylation is in many ways the opposite of methylation, increasing gene expression by expanding DNA strands

Methylation reduces expression of the serotonin and dopamine reuptake transporters, which normally pull these neurotransmitters out of the synapse where they're active

Methylation mimics the effects of SSRI antidepressants, which also block the serotonin reuptake channels

Undermethylation is the most common depression biotype, making up about 40% of all cases

Overmethylation is associated with bipolar mania and schizophrenia, the constant excess dopamine/serotonin that resulta is what causes many of the primary symptoms

Activated B12 and betaine (methylated choline) are two of the main nutritional factors that increase methylation in undermethylated individuals

Excess methylation in some schizophrenics can be managed using acetylation increasing agents, most often niacin and folate

You can leverage these principles to manage most mental disorders if you understand the biotypes correctly

Be aware that while the medical community uses diagnoses like depression or schizophrenia as umbrella terms, each may have half a dozen unique biotypes within it

For example some people diagnosed with depression may be undermethylated, but others could be overmethylated or have another issue like copper overload present

In some cases, two or more of these factors can coexist simultaneously (this is especially common in schizophrenia)

If you want to use nutrients as a complimentary or alternative option to medication for mental illness I recommend working with someone who understand these biotypes

There are many doctors that specialize in this area, as well independent researchers like myself

I say this because it's possible to make things worse, or not see results for some time even if you are using the right supplements

I'm offering discount consults currently if anyone wants a full session covering this, and as always I'll try to answer any questions here as well