Adjusting to Life With MTHFR Gene Mutation
Adjusting to Life with MTHFR Gene Mutation
Living with MTHFR gene mutation may take some adjusting to, but the good news is it is doable!
Firstly, there are some nutritional tweaks and dietary considerations that you should be aware of. You hear me say it all the time but eating less from a box and more from the outside aisles in the grocery store is going to make life so much more bearable for you. The main reason being is that many of the processed foods are fortified with folic acid. Doesn’t sound so bad, you say? Let me tell you about folic acid that you may not know about.
Folic acid is the synthetic version of the naturally-occurring folate. Folic acid, if you have mthfr, is like poison in your body. An article from sunwarrior.com states this about synthetic folic acid. “Folic acid doesn’t exist in natural foods, is crystalline, and is not easily absorbed despite the large amounts that are added to vitamins and supplements. It comes from petroleum derivatives, acids, and acetylene.” Since those of us with the mthfr mutation, it makes sense that we may not be able to convert this mess!
It is important to read the labels of the packaged foods you eat. This includes your vitamins. Healthline states, “Be sure to check labels, as this vitamin [folic acid] is added to many enriched grains, like pasta, cereals, breads, and commercially produced flours.” Anything that reads folic acid, steer clear of. You want to see words like folate or methylfolate or methylated folate, etc. So, it’s a no go on the folic acid.
Eating real foods grown from the earth has the nutritional benefits we need. I always say to eat a variety. Eat with the seasons if you can. God has provided us with so much to limit ourselves to just a few choices.
To aid your body with methylation, you’ll want to eat more foods that are good sources of folate (vitamin B-9), vitamin B’s and any other vitamins you may be lacking. Keep to the natural versions of these vs the synthetic versions as well. I find this has made a huge difference in my health! Dark leafy greens, avocado, and chickpeas are some of my favorite natural sources. Check out my Roasted Italian Garbanzo Beans here!
Good food choices include:
proteins like cooked beans, peas, and lentils
veggies like spinach, romaine, asparagus, lettuce, beets, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, organic corn, Brussels sprouts, green onions, and bok choy
fruits like cantaloupe, honeydew, banana, raspberries, grapes, grapefruit, oranges, mangoes, raspberries, and strawberries
peanut butter
sunflower seeds, flax seeds, almonds, and nutritional yeast (Nutritional yeast does contain synthetic B vitamins so pay attention to how this makes you feel.)
Be sure to eat only organic fish, grass-fed meats and dairy that are hormone-free, and organic pasture-raised chicken and eggs. Check out this article that breaks down all these food choices.
https://mthfrliving.com/food-and-recipes/ingredients/good-foods-mthfr-what-to-eat/
Always remember that having any of the mthfr mutations aren’t always the cause of making us feel unhealthy. Poor diet with too high of dietary sugars combined with other poor lifestyle choices, will exaggerate these negative responses that other people without the mutation can get away with. Be wise, eat well, and live more naturally.
https://www.healthline.com/health/mthfr-gene#supplements
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition or disease.
Reference:
https://www.healthline.com/health/mthfr-gene#supplements