Methylation Made Simple: What It Is and Why It Matters for Your Health

In this episode of the Elite Athlete Podcast, host Dr. Nicole Tatro dives into the often overlooked but crucial topic of methylation and how it can impact an athlete’s performance. Don’t tune out because it sounds complicated—this could be the missing key to unlocking your full potential as an athlete. Methylation plays a role in billions of processes in your body every single day, from energy production and detoxification to brain function and muscle repair. When this process is off, you might experience fatigue, slow recovery, mood swings, and even brain fog. Dr. Nicole breaks down what methylation is and how it works, explaining that it’s like flipping switches in your body to ensure everything runs smoothly. Dr. Nicole explains how blood work can provide insights into your methylation process by looking at key markers such as RBC, HGB, HCT, MCV, MCH, and RDW. Elevated levels can indicate B vitamin methylation issues, while low levels might suggest other imbalances, like iron deficiency. Dr. Nicole shares a personal example of an elite hockey player who was struggling with fatigue and muscle soreness, only to discover through blood work that her methylation was off. Once they corrected it with the right supplement plan, her energy levels returned, and she performed better on the ice. She also emphasizes the importance of using professional-grade supplements that work in synergy to support healthy methylation, optimize performance, and accelerate recovery. These supplements, sourced from trusted companies, provide athletes with the best tools for their bodies, without the guesswork of buying products off store shelves. Methylation is just one piece of the puzzle. Dr. Nicole reminds listeners that when she receives blood work results, she’s looking at the entire picture—liver function, gut health, vitamin D levels, cholesterol, and much more. Each marker is a piece of your unique puzzle, and by putting those pieces together, Dr. Nicole creates personalized plans that help athletes perform at their best, both now and in the future. If you haven’t had your blood work done recently or if you've never had a comprehensive panel, now is the time to reach out. Whether through your physician or by working with companies Dr. Nicole has partnered with, the key is knowing your numbers to optimize your health and performance from the inside out. To learn more about Dr. Nicole’s programs and services, visit the-eliteathlete.com.