The term “methylation” was something I discovered by happenstance several years ago. Since then, I have learned a lot more about this vital bodily process, especially when it comes to potential Breast Cancer triggers. The information presented below may be a little bit technical, but it is information YOU NEED TO KNOW if you are on a healing journey with any form of cancer. The bottom line is that you DO have control over many processes in your body, and methylation is definitely one of them.
What is Methylation?
I first learned about methylation when I was getting some blood work done and I discovered, to my alarm, that my homocysteine levels were off the charts. I was a heart attack waiting to happen! I was baffled as to why the levels were so high since back then, like today, I strove to take very good care of myself, including a supplementation regime, healthy eating and regular exercise.
I knew I had to find out for myself what was going on. The researcher in me jumped to
the challenge and I soon found myself swimming in a sea of very technical articles, a lot of which had to do with methylation. Basically, what I have learned about the topic is this:
- Methylation is a complex bio-chemical process that occurs in the body every day.
- Technically speaking, methylation is the process of taking one carbon and three hydrogens (known as a “methyl group”) and using them for hundreds of functions in your body. To provide a visual, it is similar to how spark plugs work in a car. Certain “plugs” evoke certain chemical reactions.
- Methylation plays a part in cognitive function, DNA repair, immune system function and gene expression and detoxification, along with many other functions in the body.
- Methylation causes hormones and proteins to actually “change” into different substances. Methylation helps convert serotonin into melatonin, for example.
- Methylation is a crucial process for maintaining the healthy detoxification pathways of the liver.
- Methylation plays a part in hundreds of health issues such as autism, diabetes, depression and addictive behaviors, autoimmune disorders and cancer.
The Methylation-Cancer Connection and What You Can Do
Recent research has discovered that cancer cells have abnormal methylation processes. Most importantly for Breast Cancer healing and prevention is the fact that methylation helps change aggressive estrogens (like foreign Xeno-estrogens) into milder estrogens. When the processes of methylation are off in the body or when this process does not occur at all, however, healthy genes get turned “off” and unhealthy ones get turned “on.”
So how do you know if you have a poor methylation process? Here are four ways to find out:
- Ask your doctor to check the levels of homocysteine in your blood.
- Order a simple, at-home urine test (that is then sent to the lab) to check your estrogen levels and determine if you are metabolizing and breaking down estrogen properly.
- Obtain a DNA test to determine if you have a genetic defect that would prevent your methylation processes from functioning effectively (as it turned out, this was the issue with me).
- If you don’t want to go through the expense and hassle of getting tested and you suspect you may have issues with methylation, make sure you are supplementing with something like DIM-I3C formula. This potent formula supports hormonal balance and is comprised of phytonutritional compounds found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage.
Most of all, make sure your methylation pathways are working properly by reducing your toxic load. Eat an organic Healthy Breasts diet, reduce your exposure to chemical toxins in foods and from the environment, get plenty of quality sleep and keep your body moving. Be proactive though prevention!
Dr. Veronique Desaulniers (“Dr. V”) is a best-selling author and specialist in Chiropractic, Bio-Energetics, Meridian Stress Analysis, Homeopathy and Digital Thermography. After 30 years in active practice, she decided to “retire” and devote her time to sharing her personal, non-toxic Breast Cancer healing journey with others. Her years of experience and research have culminated in “The 7 Essentials™ “, a step-by-step coaching program that unravels the mystery of healing the body. Her website and personal healing journey have touched the livhttp://www.unitedpatientsgroup.com/blog/2015/07/05/do-amalgam-fillings-increase-your-risk-of-breast-cancer-by-veronique-desaulniers/es of thousands of women around the globe. To get your F.R.E.E. 7-day mini e-course and to receive her weekly inspiring articles on the power of Natural Medicine, visit http://breastcancerconqueror.com/.