Page 35 - Winter2017

• Alcohol and recreational drugs Rather than blindly supplementing with methylated B , start by
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• Chronic infections consuming foods that are methyl donors daily. Your body knows what
• GMOs to do with the nutrients in food. Cooked dark leafy greens, soaked and
• Gut permeability cooked lentils, liver and beet kvass are all excellent methyl donors and
• Electro-magnetic fields, radiation should be consumed regularly. By increasing dietary sources of methyl
• Antibiotics and other prescription and over- donors, including vitamin B and folate, the liver’s methylation process
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the-counter medications is supported in the most natural way.
• Toxic personal care and cleaning products,
most of which contain known estrogenics. SUPPORT GLUCURONIDATION AND SUPPORTIVE FOODS
Glucuronidation takes place in the liver and is often involved in the
SUPPORT LIVER FUNCTION metabolism of substances such as drugs, pollutants, bilirubin, androgens,
As important as it is to eat right for our estrogens, mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, fatty acid derivatives,
hormones’ sake, we must also nourish our bod- retinoids and bile acids. The body uses glucuronidation to make a large
ies well for proper liver function. Most people variety of substances more water-soluble, and, in this way, allow for their
interested in health these days are aware of the subsequent elimination from the body through urine or feces (via bile
concern regarding certain genetic mutations from the liver).
that affect liver function and detoxification. The Factors such as hypothyroidism, overweight, excessive estrogen, a
most talked about mutation influences the liver’s compromised immune function and smoking affect the rate and efficacy
methylation pathway. Methylation is involved in of one’s glucuronidation process.
almost every bodily biochemical reaction and Cruciferous vegetables support this pathway. They should be cooked
occurs billions of times every second in our (steamed or sautéed) or fermented. Raw cruciferous vegetables, such as
cells. Methylation mutations, as with all genetic broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, mustard greens and bok choy are
mutations, exist because of what was inherited very goitrogenic. This means they can lower thyroid function, which in
at birth. However, the genes you inherit from most cases, we do not want to do.
your parents are not your destiny. They are Gotu kola is a perennial plant that is native to the wetland regions
simply your tendency. Epigenetic factors can of Asia. It can be used for a variety of reasons. It supports the glucuroni-
change genetic expression and that is why a dation pathway. It is known to enhance microcirculation by increasing
Wise Traditions diet along with lifestyle factors blood vessel and collagen growth with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
and changes are so empowering. properties while preventing swelling. Think of it if you are have skin
When most people think of methylation, concerns (such as premature wrinkling, poor scar healing) and edema.
what immediately comes to mind is MTHFR Sulfation is a final phase in the liver’s detoxification process. Sulf-
genes. The tendency in many health circles oxidation transforms toxic sulfites into sulfate for elimination from the
is to hyper focus on this one mutation and its body. Sulfation plays an important role in hormone regulation and metabo-
potential effect on liver function and hence, lism. Cell signaling and inflammation control also rely on sulfation. The
hormones. However, there are multiple genes body uses sulfation to eliminate many toxic environmental compounds
that tag team with the MTHFR genes in the including mercury, acetaminophen, xenobiotics and food additives like
process of methylation. For this reason, it is aspartame and sulfites, as well as endogenous toxins from intestinal
not wise to just start supplementing with the bacteria, hormones (thyroid, cortisol and other steroidal hormones) and
typical recommendation of high-dose methyl- neurotransmitters.
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cobalamin (methylated B ). Many with MTHFR According to Stephanie Seneff, PhD, one of the world’s foremost
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SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms, the glyphosate experts, glyphosate depletes the liver of much needed sulfate.
most common type of genetic variation among Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Monsanto’s herbicide Roundup
people) react poorly to methylated B due to and is used in conjunction with genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
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other related genetic mutations involved in Seneff believes that glyphosate disrupts the transport of sulfate from the
methylation. MTHFR is a vital enzyme in the gut to the liver and pancreas. The result is a plethora of diseases. Autism
folate cycle and is required in the conversion as well as celiac and other diseases of the gut are all linked to faulty sul-
of folic acid into L-methylfolate. Synthesis of fation pathway function. Elimination of GMOs from the diet is crucial
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neurotransmitters (such as serotonin and dopa- for wellness.
mine) can be halted by lack of active folate due Foods that offer excellent support for the sulfation pathway include
to MTHFR and other mutations. organic garlic, leeks, eggs, raw cultured dairy, wild fish and shellfish,

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