Methylation & Detoxification in the Prevention and Treatment of Neurological Disorders

I would like to introduce Dr. Kurt N. Woeller from our practice at Stillpoint Center. For the past 11 years Dr. Woeller has worked as a biomedical specialist for adults with chronic illness and children with autism-spectrum disorders. Dr. Woeller introduces us to the importance of a healthy detoxification and the role it plays in various health disorders including autism, Alzheimer’s disease and autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and Parkinson’s disease – Dr. Tranchitella.
There is a common link between many neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, autism and other spectrum disorders such as ADD and ADHD. This link is called methylation. The chemical influence it has on our health is profound.
Methylation is a vital biochemical reaction that supports the cardiovascular, hormone, immune, nervous and detoxification systems, DNA/RNA structure and function and other key metabolic systems. Without proper methylation, individuals can suffer from increased susceptibility to many illnesses.
One of the problems in autism is that the methylation system does not operate properly. This has an enormously negative impact on a child’s health, contributing to chronic infections, inability to detoxify chemicals and heavy metals and neuro-cognitive difficulties affecting language processing, attention and concentration. Genetic susceptibility certainly plays a role in methylation function. However, for many the problem does not manifest itself until a child's system is negatively impacted by nutritional deficiencies; digestive problems from yeast, bacteria, parasites or malabsorption due to digestive inflammation; chemical pollutants; and heavy metal toxins from vaccines or environmental exposure.
In adults with neurological disorders, the same influences can cause chemical imbalances leading to an increased susceptibility to altered neurological function. Parkinson’s disease is a disorder of dysfunctional dopamine production. Dopamine production is altered, leading to physical problems with movement and coordination. Glutathione – one of the most powerful antioxidants in our body, and part of the methylation system – helps to preserve the sensitivity of dopamine in the nervous system. An impressive therapy outlined by Dr. Perlmutter, a well-known neurologist in Florida, is intravenous (IV) glutathione. In many cases, consistent IV infusions to individuals with Parkinson’s have greatly improved physical capacity with more normal gait and agility. To watch some video of Parkinson’s patients before and after intravenous glutathione therapy, search on Google for “You Tube/Parkinson’s/glutathione.” The before-and-after videos are remarkable.
Glutathione therapy has also been useful tool for children with autism by helping to reduce their sensory problems. This can lead to less self-stimulatory behavior, better eye contact, greater awareness and improved language skills. Glutathione therapy helps reduce oxidative and free-radical damage at the cellular level. Free radicals are chemicals that lead to oxidative stress, which is seen in all neurological diseases.
Another important therapy that supports methylation is methylcobolamin, or methyl-B12. Vitamin B12 helps blood production, boosts the immune system and aids overall normal cellular metabolism. B12 deficiency can be common in elderly patients due to poor diet, faulty digestion and even use of certain medications which lead to a deficiency in B12 levels. Vitamin B12 deficiency can mimic the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, including poor memory and decreased cognitive function.  B12 deficiency can also contribute to fatigue and poor immune function often seen in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome. B12 injections are commonly used in complimentary health clinics to boost energy levels and provide additional nutrient support to enhance cognitive function. These injections are usually in the form of cyanocobalamin rather than methylcobalamin.
Methylcobolamin or methyl-B12 is a unique form of vitamin B12 that has a specific function on methylation biochemistry. It greatly enhances attention and focusing capacity, as well as promoting improved ability for language and speech – all major issues with children on the autism spectrum. The administration of methylcobalamin via injection or nasal sprays can have a profound and far-reaching effect in helping these children recover from autism. Methylcobalamin is also critical for cardiovascular health helping to lower homocysteine levels, which are a contributing factor in heart disease.
In my practice, methyl-B12 has become so important that I use it as one of my primary tools to help children on the autism spectrum improve their cognitive abilities. The same form of B12 can be helpful in other neurological disorders such as neuropathies, dementias and autoimmune neurological diseases. To learn more about the importance of methyl-B12 therapy, see www.MethylB12forAutism.com.
The ability of our bodies to detoxify, combat oxidative stress and keep neurochemicals functioning optimally is key to overall health and disease prevention. Methylation chemistry is at the center of this support. With various natural remedies such as glutathione and methyl-B12, much can be achieved in helping those suffering with neurological challenges.
Kurt N. Woeller, D.O., is an osteopathic physician at Stillpoint Center for Integrative Medicine in Murrieta. If you would like more information about Dr. Woeller and IV Nutritional Therapy, please call 951-461-4800 or visit our website at www.mystillpoint.com