The Role of the Microbiome in DNA Methylation

Dr. Alex Jimenez Discusses Microbiome and Methylation

Research studies have demonstrated that our microbiome can help regulate our DNA methylation. The human microbiome is considered to be a counterpart to the human genome. In current research studies, the methylation of intestinal epithelial cells was determined to be considerably abnormal in germ-free mouse models when compared with conventional controls. This research study also demonstrated that bacteria introduced through fecal transplants considerably increased CpG methylation.

Moreover, research studies have determined that gut microbes may also produce butyrate, which can potently prevent the development of histone deacetylase, ultimately affecting the function of DNA methylation. Researchers have discussed that these outcome measures suggest our microbiome may play a fundamental role in host epigenetic regulation, beyond digestive health.

Specific types of bacteria may also cause different effects on DNA methylation. In one human pilot research study, increased levels of the bacterial phylum Firmicutes, compared to the bacterial phylum Bacteroidetes, were associated with the increased methylation of 568 genes as well as the decreased methylation of 245 genes (P=0.05). The affected genes were associated with a variety of health issues, including inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Previous research studies in humans have also identified various ratios of the bacterial phylum Firmicutes and the bacterial phylum Bacteroidetes in overweight and obese individuals.

Gut Microbiota and Nutrient Status

Our gut microbiota can also affect our nutrient status and this may also indirectly affect our or DNA methylation. The majority of Lactobacillus species are in vitro consumers of folate with the exception of L. plantarum strains which can produce folate in the presence of para-aminobenzoic acid, or PABA. Many Bifidobacteria species, including strains of B. bifidum and B. infantis, can also produce folate, along with B. breve, B. longum, B. adolescentis, and B. pseudocatenulatum. Many of these species also produce folate in both its THF and 5mTHF forms, with B. adolescentis producing the highest levels of methylated folate.

In vivo, the administration of B. adolescentis, referred to as MB 227 and MB 239, and B. pseudocatenulatum, referred to as MB 116, increased serum folate levels in folate-deficient rats and the co-administration of prebiotic fructans increased serum folate levels further in folate-deficient rats. While human folate absorption generally occurs in the small intestine, it can also occur in the colon. By way of instance, the administration of B. longum in hemodialysis patients decreased serum homocysteine levels the same as serum folate levels increased in folate-deficient through the administration of a variety of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.

Furthermore, abnormal populations of bacteria in the small intestine can prevent normal nutrient absorption and appetite signaling, ultimately affecting DNA methylation. An abnormal microbiome may also cause inflammation which, as we have previously discussed, can also affect methylation. A healthy microbiome can ultimately be achieved through proper nutrition and lifestyle habits. Smoothies and juices, such as those described below, can also help improve DNA methylation as well as promote a healthy microbiome.

The human microbiota is made up of 10 to 100 trillion symbiotic microbial cells, most of these which primarily consist of gut bacteria. The role of our microbiome is fundamental towards our overall health and wellness, especially when it comes to DNA methylation activity and status, according to research studies. The human microbiota is important for a variety of bodily functions and recent research studies have demonstrated that an abnormal microbiome can tremendously affect methylation, a chemical process which affects the function of genes as well as gene expression and promotes several essential functions.

Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight

Smoothies and Juices for Methylation Support

While many healthcare professionals can recommend nutritional guidelines and lifestyle modifications to improve methylation support, there are several options you can try yourself at home. As described above, methylation support supplementation should be determined by a healthcare professional. Smoothies and juices are a fast and easy way to include all the necessary nutrients you need for methylation support without any side-effects. The smoothies and juices below are part of the Methylation Diet Food Plan.

Sea Green Smoothie
Servings: 1
Cook time: 5-10 minutes
• 1/2 cup cantaloupe, cubed
• 1/2 banana
• 1 handful of kale or spinach
• 1 handful of Swiss chard
• 1/4 avocado
• 2 teaspoons spirulina powder
• 1 cup water
• 3 or more ice cubes
Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until completely smooth and enjoy!

Berry Bliss Smoothie
Servings: 1
Cook time: 5-10 minutes
• 1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen, preferably wild)
• 1 medium carrot, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seed
• 1 tablespoons almonds
• Water (to desired consistency)
• Ice cubes (optional, may omit if using frozen blueberries)
Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy. Best served immediately!

Sweet and Spicy Juice
Servings: 1
Cook time: 5-10 minutes
• 1 cup honeydew melons
• 3 cups spinach, rinsed
• 3 cups Swiss chard, rinsed
• 1 bunch cilantro (leaves and stems), rinsed
• 1-inch knob of ginger, rinsed, peeled and chopped
• 2-3 knobs whole turmeric root (optional), rinsed, peeled and chopped
Juice all ingredients in a high-quality juicer. Best served immediately!

Ginger Greens Juice
Servings: 1
Cook time: 5-10 minutes
• 1 cup pineapple cubes
• 1 apple, sliced
• 1-inch knob of ginger, rinsed, peeled and chopped
• 3 cups kale, rinsed and roughly chopped or ripped
• 5 cups Swiss chard, rinsed and roughly chopped or ripped
Juice all ingredients in a high-quality juicer. Best served immediately!

Zesty Beet Juice
Servings: 1
Cook time: 5-10 minutes
• 1 grapefruit, peeled and sliced
• 1 apple, washed and sliced
• 1 whole beet, and leaves if you have them, washed and sliced
• 1-inch knob of ginger, rinsed, peeled and chopped
Juice all ingredients in a high-quality juicer. Best served immediately!

Protein Power Smoothie
Serving: 1
Cook time: 5 minutes
• 1 scoop protein powder
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
• 1/2 banana
• 1 kiwi, peeled
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of cardamom
• Non-dairy milk or water, enough to achieve desired consistency
Blend all ingredients in a high-powered blender until completely smooth. Best served immediately!

ProLon® Fasting Mimicking Diet

Balanced methylation support can be achieved through proper nutrition. The ProLon® fasting mimicking diet offers a 5-day meal program which has been individually packed and labeled to serve the foods you need for the FMD in precise quantities and combinations. The meal program is made up of ready-to-eat or easy-to-prepare, plant-based foods, including bars, soups, snacks, supplements, a drink concentrate, and teas. The products are scientifically formulated and great tasting. Before starting the ProLon® fasting mimicking diet, 5-day meal program, please make sure to talk to a healthcare professional to find out if the FMD is right for you. The ProLon® fasting mimicking diet can help promote methylation support, among a variety of other healthy benefits.

Many doctors and functional medicine practitioners may suggest evaluating a patient’s microbiome to determine their DNA methylation status. Through proper nutrition and lifestyle habits, a healthy microbiome can improve methylation. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .

Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez

Additional Topic Discussion: Acute Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most prevalent causes of disability and missed days at work worldwide. Back pain attributes to the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience back pain at least once throughout their life. Your spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, among other soft tissues. Injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of back pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of back pain, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have painful results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease back pain through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief.

Formulas for Methylation Support

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