Methylation problems can lead to hundreds of diseases
By SUZY COHEN on Jul 13, 2013, at 2:26 AM Updated on 7/13/13 at 4:43 AM
Column - Dear Pharmacist
Dear Pharmacist, I take a dozen antibiotics per year due to frequent infections. What else can I take?
Dear Pharmacist, I have neck pain, sciatica and headaches. I've tried prednisone, Celebrex, Ibuprofen, Vicodin, physical therapy, chiropractors, massage, reiki, acupuncture, prayer work, laser and two surgeries on my neck.
Dear Pharmacist, I met you at a book-signing, and you told me that if I have allergies, fatigue and multiple chemical sensitivities that I may have a "methylation" difficulty. You also told me not to take Green Coffee Bean extract. Can you please tell me more? - S.J., Vail, Colo.
As humans, we all have an enzymatic pathway going on in our body called "methylation." It has numerous life-sustaining functions. One of its primary purposes is to convert folate from your meals into glutathione, a potent antioxidant that neutralizes poisons. A problem anywhere along this metabolic pathway spells illness. My concern is that your symptoms are being medicated when it's just a problem of methylation, which can be addressed by a physician.
Methylation snps (pronounced snips) are genetic problems, but it's not always a genetic problem. About 45 percent of people have a genetic issue, but blockages in this pathway can happen if you take certain medications or have certain nutrient deficiencies. Green coffee bean extract is high in catechols, and those block methylation. Same deal with potatoes (regular or sweet), tea and coffee.
Testing for methylation is often covered by insurance. Because people with a methylation difficulty have trouble eliminating poisons, they build up in the body and cause health concerns. Opening up the road block helps clear your body of poisons.
If you can't methylate properly, you cannot produce CoQ10, carnitine, creatine or ATP (energy). You will also have nerve pain. That's because the methylation process helps make the protective wrapping around your nerves. Some medications are "drug muggers" of nutrients that are needed for the methylation process. Among them are methotrexate, metformin, antacids, acid blockers, estrogen-containing drugs and nitrous oxide. Drinking alcohol will pretty much shut down your methylation. If you'd like more information about testing and supportive supplements, sign up for my free newsletter at
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Column - Dear Pharmacist
Dear Pharmacist, I take a dozen antibiotics per year due to frequent infections. What else can I take?
Dear Pharmacist, I have neck pain, sciatica and headaches. I've tried prednisone, Celebrex, Ibuprofen, Vicodin, physical therapy, chiropractors, massage, reiki, acupuncture, prayer work, laser and two surgeries on my neck.
