Understanding Anxiety and Methylation

Introduction

• Host: Gary Brea, Human Biologist
• Podcast: Ultimate Human Podcast
• Topics: Biohacking, longevity, anti-aging, wellness, anxiety
• Focus: Non-pharmaceutical treatments for anxiety

Prevalence of Anxiety

• 45% of the population will suffer from anxiety at some point
• 33% suffer from chronic anxiety
• Anxiety defined as fear of future events that are unlikely to happen

Characteristics of Anxiety

• Fear is usually of events that have not and may never occur
• Anxiety might not be happening to you but within you
• Linked to nutrient deficiencies

Identifying Anxiety from Within

• Key Characteristics:
  1. Lifetime occurrence: on and off for a lifetime
  2. Lack of specific trigger: cannot always pinpoint what causes it
  3. Ineffectiveness of anti-anxiety meds: medications feel ineffective or make one feel like a zombie
• Gene Mutation: MTHFR (Can help explain anxiety if these three characteristics are met)

Methylation Process

• All compounds need to be converted into a usable form in the body
• Methylation: The process of converting raw compounds into usable forms
• MTHFR Mutation: Prevents proper conversion of folic acid/folate to methylfolate

Symptoms of MTHFR Mutation

• Anxiety, Depression, ADD, ADHD, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, etc.
• Due to the inability to degrade catecholamines (fight or flight neurotransmitters)

Diagnosis and Tests

• Test: Cheek swab to detect MTHFR mutation
• Supplements: Methylfolate (5-methylfolate) and SAMe (S-adenosyl methionine)

Dietary Considerations

• Helpful Foods: Cruciferous vegetables, dark green leafy vegetables, whole non-processed foods
• Deficient food supply can exacerbate mental health conditions

Study and Clinical Evidence

• Study: Journal of Integrated Medicine
• Effective non-pharmaceutical treatments for anxiety and depression
• 4 out of 5 patients saw positive outcomes with methylfolate and SAMe

Conclusion

• Methylation deficiencies can lead to anxiety
• Supplementing with methylfolate and SAMe can be beneficial
• Consult a physician before beginning supplements
• Note: Presenter is not a physician, but cites scientific studies supporting these treatments