What is methylation and why does it matter?
Have you ever felt like something’s off — low energy, brain fog, or hormonal swings — even though your tests come back “normal”? The answer might lie in a powerful, yet often overlooked, biochemical process called methylation.
Health entrepreneurs like Gary Brecka, known for his work with high performers and celebrities, have brought attention to the importance of methylation and genetic testing. But what does it really mean for you?
Let’s explore what methylation is, why it matters for your energy, mood, hormones and long-term health, and how understanding your genes can unlock your potential.
What Is Methylation?
Methylation is a vital biochemical reaction that happens billions of times per second in your body. The science bit - It involves transferring a methyl group (one carbon and three hydrogen atoms) to other molecules, turning critical cellular processes on or off. These include:
Detoxification (removing hormones, toxins, alcohol - vital for health. If you can’t detoxify effectively then these will recirculate in the body and dampen down methylation even further)
Mood regulation (via serotonin, dopamine and other neurotransmitters - if you can’t remove these or dampen them down, you might feel ‘off’ ‘wired’ ‘on edge’)
Hormone balance (especially oestrogen and stress hormones - it might not JUST be perimenopause that is causing those pesky hormones to make you feel rubbish)
Energy production (supporting mitochondria, the powerhouses of our cells)
DNA repair and gene expression (methylation needs to work for this to happen. Especially important if you are on a fertility journey)
Immune and inflammatory responses (if you are constantly getting ill or feel inflamed, your body might not be methylating properly)
In short: methylation keeps your body running smoothly.
Gary Brecka and the Rise of Genetic Testing
Picture of Gary Brecka
You may have come across Gary Brecka in popular interviews like the Diary of a CEO Podcast with Steven Bartlett or on Joe Rogan’s podcast. Brecka, a former mortality/insurance expert, became known for using methylation-related genetic testing to assess biological age, disease risk, and overall performance.
He highlights the importance of genes like MTHFR, COMT, and MTRR (all genes that I test on my methylation report), which directly impact your ability to methylate — and ultimately influence energy, focus, inflammation, and longevity.
While Brecka’s work is mostly based in the U.S., his core message is relevant globally: your genes influence how you function, and testing can guide personalised interventions.
At Melanie Flood Nutrition, I use the UK’s leading test provider, Lifecode Gx, to bring this science to everyday people in a safe, clinically-supported setting.
Want to dive deeper into this topic? Listen to Emma Beswick, CEO of Lifecode Gx, on YouTube explaining how genetic testing is changing the future of personalised health.
Could You Have a Methylation Imbalance?
When methylation doesn’t function optimally, you may experience:
Low energy or burnout
Anxiety or low mood
Brain fog or poor focus
Hormonal symptoms like PMS or oestrogen dominance
Poor detox response (e.g. hangovers, skin breakouts, histamine issues)
Difficulty managing stress
Fertility or perimenopausal symptoms
Migraines
These issues often arise from a combination of genetic SNPs (variations) and lifestyle or nutrient imbalances. That’s where personalised support makes all the difference.
Exhaustion
Testing Your Methylation Pathways
With a simple cheek swab, genetic testing reveals how efficiently your body processes key nutrients and detoxifies hormones — information that generic blood tests often miss.
My clients often say things like:
“I wish I’d done this sooner — it explains why I’ve always felt wired but tired, or why supplements never seemed to work for me.”
Using tools like the Lifecode Gx Methylation and Hormone reports, we explore:
MTHFR, MTR, MTRR – how you convert folate and B12
COMT – how you metabolise stress hormones and dopamine
CBS – detoxification and gut methylation
Your need for active forms of nutrients like methylfolate, B12, and choline
Interested in exploring your methylation genes?
Book a complementary call to find out which tests will be best for you or find out more about the different tests here
Nutritional and Lifestyle Support for Methylation
While testing gives the most targeted approach, many of us can benefit from gently supporting methylation with food and lifestyle changes:
Eat Methylation-Boosting Foods:
Leafy greens – spinach, rocket, watercress (natural folate)
Eggs and liver – rich in choline and B12
Cruciferous veg – broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower (support hormone clearance)
Lentils, beans, sunflower seeds – support methyl donor availability
Leafy greens
Consider Key Nutrients:
Active B vitamins: methylfolate (not folic acid), B12 (methylcobalamin), B6 (P-5-P)
Magnesium, zinc, and betaine (TMG)
Avoid synthetic folic acid if you have MTHFR variants
Supplements
Reduce Methylation Stress:
Prioritise sleep, stress reduction, and movement
Limit alcohol, toxic cosmetics, and processed foods
Use gentle detox support (like sauna, dry brushing, hydration)
Start Your Personalised Journey
If you’re intrigued by what you’ve heard and want a clinically-supervised, UK-based approach — I’m here to help.
I combine nutrigenomic testing, functional nutrition, and real-life coaching to help you thrive in life!
Download your free guide: Finding your key to optimal wellness through Genetic Testing
Final Thoughts
Methylation might sound complicated, but its impact is personal and profound. Whether you’re struggling with fatigue, mood, or hormone shifts — or simply want to optimise your health and longevity — understanding your methylation pathways can unlock the answers you’ve been looking for.
You are not destined to live with symptoms. You can take back control of your health & I will be delighted to help you on that journey.