Need guidance regarding methylation - Help :(

[alloy83]

Hello everyone.

 

Using google I found similar posts in this forum regarding the issues of methylation and it seems some of you are very well experienced and knowledgeable in the subject. Thank you for taking the time to read my post.

 

Without going into real detail, I am really struggling and have been on a hunch for a long time that methylation is an issue for me. I have tried and tried to find a practitioner that would help me address it but have spent a lot of money and have been left trying to tackle it on my own if I want any chance of recovery.

 

I am in the process of trying to get my histamine levels tested, btw, and hopefully copper levels as well.

 

I seem to have qualities of both under and overmethylation. I have experimented with a lot of different supplements, I am doing acupuncture frequently as I have a friend who is an acupuncturist and has been helping me out, and I'm on a strict gluten and casein-free diet. I look really healthy...if only I could start feeling that way!

 

I seem to react horribly to zinc, folate, and vitamin C and just can't make sense of what's going on. Sometimes I think these supplements may be evoking symptoms of "copper detox," but I have no idea.

 

Vitamin C and zinc seem to make me feel much better at first, and then awful hours later. It is amazing. Folate (methyltetrahydrofolate) makes me tank back into horrific depression and fatigue, even at tiny 200mcg dosages. I never know if these reactions are something I need to wait out or if it means I'm making things worse. I get no support from my family and considering I can't find a practitioner that would help, it's left me feeling hopelessly frustrated.

 

I seem to do okay with Methylcobalamin. I take 500mcg 1-2 times a day. It seems to relax my nerves and help some with my anxiety/palpitations. I am also taking vitamin D, fish oil, cranberry and bilberry extracts, magnesium and ginkgo...All were carefully added one at a time and all seem to have a beneficial effect on me.

 

I just don't know what else to do. If anyone has experience with methylation issues, your advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

I wasn't sure what details exactly to include, so if I'm leaving things out please let me know. I'm not thinking very clearly right now

 

Thanks for your time!

 

Until recently I was taking a whole-food multi-vitamin that had copper in it, I realize this may have been bad news.

[LNN]

I'm not sure any of us on this forum are methylation experts. We are parents of kids who suffer from infections and autoimmunity and neurological symptoms. What knowledge I have on methylation is only on its possible effects on the issues within my own family.

 

You seem to have studied the topic a fair amount and I'm not sure what I could offer. Have you read the things published by Amy Yasko and Rich Van Konynenburg? Have you done any genetic testing discussed by these two? It could help you pinpoint your individual challenges and maybe avoid the confusion you seem to have over whether a reaction is an outright negative/incorrect supplement or if it's necessary detox event that needs to be weathered or perhaps supported with additional steps.

 

I can sympathize with your frustrations in not finding medical support but I would urge you to keep looking. Given the complexity of the topic, I would think having someone who can order genetic tests, blood and urine tests would be extremely important. Labs are an important way to track your progress and catch any warning signs early. Naturopaths, D.O.s, DAN!s and integrative doctors may be more open/experienced than conventional doctors. You may also find this Q&A with Nathan Neil helpful http://www.prohealth.com/library/showarticle.cfm?libid=16338,or maybe his book. He may also do phone consults - I'm not sure.

 

It sounds like you are right to keep pursuing this. I hope you can find a doctor to support you and that you find the good health you know you deserve!

[alloy83]

Thank you for responding.

 

I will try to read more and look up the people you mentioned. I'm just out of money and ready to give up. No support from my family, live alone, on disability, and in therapy of course but it's not enough unfortunately. I'm only in my 20s, but I'm tired of being so uncomfortable.

 

Thank u again.

[lfran]

Thank you for responding.

 

I will try to read more and look up the people you mentioned. I'm just out of money and ready to give up. No support from my family, live alone, on disability, and in therapy of course but it's not enough unfortunately. I'm only in my 20s, but I'm tired of being so uncomfortable.

 

Thank u again.

 

Where do you live? Someone may know a doctor or other practitioner in your area.