TLDR;
This video explains methylation, a crucial process that influences how quickly we age. Methylation involves attaching methyl groups to DNA, acting like a dimmer switch for genes. Disrupted methylation, or epigenetic drift, can accelerate aging by impairing repair mechanisms and increasing inflammation. The methylation cycle relies on nutrients like choline, folate, and B12 to produce Sammy (SAM), a key methyl donor that regulates genes and supports glutathione production, a powerful antioxidant. Supporting healthy methylation through diet, stress management, and reducing inflammation can help the body act younger.
- Methylation controls gene expression and aging speed.
- Epigenetic drift accelerates aging.
- Nutrients like choline, folate, and B12 support healthy methylation.
- Lifestyle factors like stress and inflammation impact methylation.
Introduction to Methylation [0:00]
Every cell contains the same DNA, but methylation determines which genes are active or silent, influencing the rate of aging. Methylation is the process of attaching a methyl group to DNA, acting as a switch to control gene expression. When methylation functions correctly, repair genes are active, inflammation genes are suppressed, and detox and hormone pathways operate efficiently.
Epigenetic Drift and Aging [0:57]
Over time, factors like stress, poor sleep, menopause, nutrient deficiencies, and inflammation can disrupt methylation patterns, leading to epigenetic drift. Epigenetic drift causes the body to age faster by slowing repair processes, increasing inflammation, and causing cells to behave older than they are.
The Methylation Cycle Explained [1:26]
The methylation cycle involves nutrients like choline, folate, and vitamin B12, which help the body produce Sammy (S-adenosylmethionine), a master methyl donor. Sammy drives gene-regulating methylation reactions, keeps homocysteine (an inflammatory marker) in check, and enables the production of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant and defense against aging.
Supporting Healthy Methylation [2:18]
Healthy methylation can be supported daily by consuming nutrient-dense foods rich in choline, folate, and B12, such as eggs, beef liver, salmon, and leafy greens. Getting enough magnesium and zinc, lowering inflammation by avoiding seed oils, excessive sugar, and alcohol, and improving sleep and managing stress are also crucial. Cortisol, which is released during stress, can directly alter methylation patterns. Biological age tests, like True Diagnostic, measure methylation patterns to assess the rate of aging.
Conclusion: Methylation and DNA [3:11]
Inflammation may initiate the aging process, but methylation determines whether DNA fights back. Supporting methylation pathways can help the body act younger.
