I take supplements “in addition to” a healthy-plant-based diet. I take a lot of them. Because I have had intense chemotherapy, I have had to mitigate damage to my normal healthy cells that can be caused by chemo going after the cancer cells to prevent as much collateral damage as I could. I am also getting older (I’ll be 58 next month) and so there is the normal aging process to deal with. There is no way I could get all of the extra cellular protection I need from food (or Vitamin D from the sun) so I take lots of supplements that I feel are best for me and my personal history and situation. Many of these I have reviewed with Medical Doctors who have suggested several and endorsed what I do. These are doctors who have a deeper understanding of nutritional biochemistry. They are out there – you have to find them. Functional Medicine Doctors are a good place to start.
I probably take about 20 or so supplements every day at this point, 5 ½ months after I finished cancer treatment. Some of these supplements are well-known such as Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Probiotics, and some are less well-known such as Hyaluronic Acid, Ubiquinol (an advanced form of CoQ10), Glutathione and Dimethylglycine (DMG).
One of the least known supplements I take is DMG. Most people have no idea what it is when I mention it so I thought I’d introduce it to you. DMG is a nutrient that your body makes in small amounts. In food sources it is found in beans, cereal grains and liver. It acts as an adaptogen – meaning is helps restore the body back to balance (homeostasis) and helps cope with physical, metabolic and emotional stress. One of the most significant reasons I like this nutrient is that it assists in DNA and RNA repair (damages here can lead to cancer cell production/proliferation among other problems).
In my own case – my Mantle Cell Lymphoma was due to damage to my p53 gene in those cells– the gene that turns on a cell’s ability to recognize damage to its DNA and get rid of it. Without the p53 gene working correctly – my damaged cancer cells proliferated uncontrollably. This is a fact. I’m not saying taking DMG is the cure for cancer – but if it helps protect my normal cells from damage without any negative side effects then I happily take it in addition to the other things I do to protect my cells from damage.
Dr. Roger Kendall, PhD is one of the leading authorities on this little known but key nutrient. In his book Building Wellness With DMG, he discusses 7 major ways DMG can be beneficial for humans:
- Enhancing Metabolic Function – When taken as a supplement, DMG aids in the production of metabolic intermediates – building blocks used to create hormones, key vitamins, and nucleic acids for DNA and RNA repair. DMG gives up its pieces metabolically in the process. In the words of Dr. Kendall, “Dimethylglycine works by falling apart, so you don’t have to.”
- Supporting the Body Under Stress – DMG helps the body adapt to environmental, physical, mental, or emotional stressors. When the body continues to produce stress hormones over an extended period of time, nutrient stores can become depleted. Fatigue sets in. Living under constant stress can lead to degeneration, disease, and impaired immune and digestive function. DMG supports the body under stressful conditions by improving immune response, enhancing energy, and supporting mental alertness.
- Finding Balance – DMG is an adaptogen – a natural substance helping the body’s systems establish balance and homeostasis. In addition to helping the body regulate and manage stress, it improves efficiency in how cells function, whether they’re in the brain, heart, kidneys, or liver. Kendall’s studies show DMG can positively impact just about all the different organ systems and metabolic pathways in the body involved in his research.
- Enhancing Energy Levels – DMG is valuable in sports medicine practices for athletes and patients seeking greater endurance because it improves muscle recovery after strenuous activity. The supplement supports lung function and oxygen exchange, reducing fatigue and increasing energy. It also encourages efficient energy production and drives cellular reactions, so the body works more effectively.
- Managing Cardiovascular and Heart Health – DMG aids in reducing homocysteine levels, a risk factor in cardiovascular disease. It also has an impact on normalizing cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Additionally, it protects the body against hypertension and high blood pressure while improving circulation.
- Boosting Brain Function – Supports the body’s production of creatine and phosphocreatine, which fuel energy within the brain and curb mental fatigue. Because the supplement can cross the blood-brain barrier, it helps maximize brain function, bolster brain acuity, and improve mental focus.
- Bolstering Immune Function – Supports methylation – In the immune system, methylation is important in the production of antibodies and cytokine components.
As you can see – DMG is one of the most versatile nutrients involved in many different important actions within the body. It is also used in animals, for many of the same purposes as described above for humans.
I personally take 500mg./day of DMG from DaVinci Labs, the only kind I sell at my wellness center. I do not take it after 3PM as it does give me energy and it can keep me awake at night. I also take it with food. Lunchtime is the perfect time for me to take DMG, in fact I just took it while writing this blog. And as always – check with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you are on any medication or undergoing treatment for any disease.
While supplements are not a substitute for a healthy diet, they give my body that extra that it needs due to the stressors of my previous cancer and treatments, the “environment” we live in these days, and the aging process. I want to live a long “healthspan” not just a long lifespan.
Wishing you good health and a great life!
