Are you concerned about your body's nutrient absorption? Maybe you've been eating healthy but still feeling run down and not at your best. The solution might lay in understanding the process of methylation and the role of minerals like Magnesium and Zinc. Learn more about it from holistic wellness expert and human physiologist Lexie Haren.
Understanding Methylation (in short)
Methylation is a crucial biological process that prepares the nutrients we consume for utilization in the body. It involves the activation and deactivation of certain processes and functions like detoxification pathways, nutrient absorption and transport, enzyme activity, digestion, and more.
If there are issues in this methylation process, someone may experience an array of symptoms related to nutrient and mineral imbalances, poor energy levels, poor cognitive function, digestive issues, and more! So, what can we do to support this process?
Role of Magnesium (Mg) and Zinc (Zn) in Methylation
While there are many factors to consider in the methylation process, focusing on the intake of two key minerals, Magnesium and Zinc, can significantly support the process for optimal nutrient breakdown, transport, and utilization.
Magnesium and Methylation
Magnesium plays a crucial role in the effectiveness and efficiency of the methylation process. It is required for specific enzyme activity related to the digesting, transporting, and activation of nutrients. Moreover, a deficiency in Magnesium can cause oxidative stress in the body, contributing to further methylation issues.
So, where can you get more Magnesium? Foods like squash, kelp, wheat bran, brewers yeast, coconut meat, and figs are rich in this mineral. You can also consider using Magnesium chloride flakes (for foot or bath soak), Magnesium lotion or oil, and consuming beef liver supplements.
Zinc and Methylation
Like Magnesium, Zinc is essential for the activation of particular enzymes that play a crucial role in various methylation processes. It also plays a role in protecting the body against excessive stress and inflammation.
Adequate Zinc intake can help with the processes of digestion, transport, and activation of nutrients. Foods like beef liver, oysters, beef, and sprouted pumpkin seeds are excellent sources of Zinc. You can also opt for a desiccated oyster supplement like MitoLife’s.
Beyond Diet: The Role of Testing
Besides diet, understanding your body's unique mineral ratios can be a valuable tool in supporting methylation. The Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) is one such tool that can provide further insight.
If you or someone you know could use some mineral TLC, consider joining Mtn Gal Well Co, an online holistic wellness community. Here, you can engage in daily discussion on topics like this, with real tangible steps to get your mineral foundations dialed.
You can also book a free 15-minute discovery call with Lexie to determine which functional labs would be of most value to you. For more information, check out the "Work 1:1" tab.
Conclusion
Mineral deficiencies or imbalances of Magnesium and Zinc may impact your body's ability to process and absorb nutrients efficiently. By focusing on consuming mineral-rich foods and understanding your body's unique mineral ratios, you can support your body's methylation process and improve your overall health.
If you found this information helpful, please like, comment, or share this post to spread the knowledge!
Disclaimer
None of the information in this post is medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat or cure medical conditions. Work with a qualified practitioner to address any medical concerns.
Works Cited:
Azimi, Z., Isa, M. R., Khan, J., Wang, S. M., & Ismail, Z. (2022). Association of zinc level with DNA methylation and its consequences: A systematic review. Heliyon, 8(10), e10815. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10815
Brito, S., Lee, M. G., Bin, B. H., & Lee, J. S. (2020). Zinc and Its Transporters in Epigenetics. Molecules and cells, 43(4), 323–330. https://doi.org/10.14348/molcells.2020.0026
Hartwig A. (2001). Role of magnesium in genomic stability. Mutation research, 475(1-2), 113–121. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0027-5107(01)00074-4
Menezo, Y., Clement, P., Clement, A., & Elder, K. (2020). Methylation: An Ineluctable Biochemical and Physiological Process Essential to the Transmission of Life. International journal of molecular sciences, 21(23), 9311. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21239311
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