TL;DR: Methylation problems can make it harder for your body to stay healthy, but improving your gut health and fixing digestive issues are smart first steps. One key reason is the link between a harmful toxin called acetaldehyde and an important enzyme called methionine synthase. Acetaldehyde is made when too much Candida, a type of yeast, grows in your gut. This toxin affects methionine synthase, an enzyme that helps repair your DNA and keeps your body working the way it should. When methionine synthase doesn’t work right, you might experience issues like brain fog, feeling tired all the time, and stomach problems. To help solve these problems, managing Candida overgrowth is important by following a healthy lifestyle, eating a balanced diet and taking care of your gut health.
What is Methionine Synthase?
Methionine synthase is an important enzyme that uses methylfolate, a product made by the MTHFR enzyme and methylcobalamin, a form of vitamin B12, to do its job.1
It has two main jobs:
- First, it converts homocysteine, a potentially harmful amino acid, into methionine, which is essential for supporting the building of proteins and cell repair. It works by transferring a methyl group from methylfolate to homocysteine.2
- Second, it transforms methylfolate into tetrahydrofolate, a crucial DNA creation and repair molecule.3
This process may not work properly at times for people with MTHFR mutations, leading to higher homocysteine levels and lower tetrahydrofolate levels, which can disrupt DNA repair and other vital processes.4
How Candida Overgrowth Impacts Methylation
Some chemicals can stop methionine synthase from working the way it should, and one of these is acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde is a harmful chemical made by Candida, a type of fungus.5 When methionine synthase doesn’t work properly, it can cause problems with important processes in the body, leading to various symptoms.6
Interestingly, acetaldehyde is also made when alcohol (ethanol) is broken down in the body. This might explain why Candida can cause symptoms that feel like a hangover.
| Hangover Symptoms | Yeast Overgrowth Symptoms | Reduced Methylation Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Headache | Headache | Headache |
| Foggy thinking | Foggy thinking | Foggy thinking |
| Irritability or depression | Irritability or depression | Irritability or depression |
| Fatigue | Fatigue | Fatigue |
| Soreness | Soreness | Soreness |
| Sensitivity | Sensitivity | Sensitivity |
You can see that the symptoms for all three are a lot alike. That’s why it’s important for your healthcare practitioner to look closely at your health history and digestion if they think you have a methylation or MTHFR issue.
Is Candida Overgrowth a Hidden Issue For You?
Here are some signs and symptoms that could point to yeast overgrowth:
- History of frequent antibiotic or steroid use
- Digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, or IBS
- Use of birth control pills
- Medications for lowering blood sugar, such as metformin
- Itchy skin, recurring infections (e.g., nail fungus, vaginal infections)
- A constant craving for sugar or sweets
- Mold exposure
- White coating on the tongue
- Low immunity
- Chronic fatigue
- Constant brain fog
These signs are often linked to too much yeast in the body and should be considered when looking at problems with methylation. Talking to your healthcare practitioner to handle these issues properly is important.
Effective Steps to Reduce Yeast Overgrowth and Support Methylation
Here are some steps you can take to reduce yeast overgrowth and the compound that inhibits methionine synthase:
- Cut out sugars, simple carbs, and alcohol – These feed Candida and/or encourage yeast overgrowth.7
- Support your immune system health – With key nutrients like magnesium, zinc, and vitamins D, C, and A.†
- Reduce acetaldehyde production – Consider using oral xylitol products to help lower acetaldehyde levels and, again, cut out alcohol from your life.
- Encourage beneficial bacteria – Take a potent multistrain probiotic to support a healthy gut.†
- Support yeast balance – talk to your healthcare provider about using supportive supplements, herbs and nutrients. Saccharomyces boulardii, for example, can support healthy microbiome balance.†
- Help detoxify acetaldehyde – Take molybdenum, vitamin C, NAC, and glutathione to support normal acetaldehyde elimination.†
- Improve gut motility – Use chia seeds, stay hydrated, and cut back on dehydrated foods.
- Prioritize a balanced diet – Eat meals filled with high-quality proteins and vegetables for overall health.
- Break down biofilms – Use specific enzymes to address recurrent yeast overgrowth by eliminating biofilms. Consult a healthcare practitioner for this.
- Support methylation – Consider supplements like methylcobalamin and L-5-methyl folate to support methylation when needed.†
The Complexity of Methylation
Methylation is a complex process, and it's not just about your genes.
While genetics are important, it's also crucial to understand that dealing with problems like methylation issues and Candida overgrowth depends on your lifestyle, diet, and environment.
The main point is that methylation is influenced by more than just one gene, like MTHFR. Your internal health, including your gut and problems like yeast overgrowth, also play a big part. Understanding this can help you create a personalized plan to support methylation and improve your overall health.
The Bottom Line
Having too much Candida in your body can cause problems because it releases a toxin that blocks an important enzyme called methionine synthase. This can lead to issues like brain fog, feeling really tired, and stomach problems. You can support yourself by eating healthier foods, taking care of your gut, and using certain supplements when needed. These steps can help your body work the way it should, support balance and overall health. It’s important to think about your whole health, and working with a doctor or healthcare professional can help you find the best plan for your needs.†
References:
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8775811/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8775811/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10958818/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8703276/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23445445/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780128007730000215
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5848478/