Have You Heard of MTHFR?
Have you heard of MTHFR?
I have been recently diagnosed with MTHFR. MTHFR is a gene mutation (also known as the mother fu*$er gene). Usually it’s passed down form one parent or the other. (Thanks, mom, or dad!) There can be some real concerns for health here so it may be important to get this checked if you find that you are having symptoms that aren’t being taken care of or that are possibly unexplained. Let’s talk about what it is and what it isn’t.
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MTHFR is a gene that gives instructions in the making of the mthfr enzyme called methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. As mentioned above, it is passed down from one or both of our parents. Here’s the scienciecy stuff. This enzyme plays an important role in the chemical reaction of folate, also called B9. Methylation is the important process used to convert folate into its usable form, 5-MTHF. Those of us with mthfr do not make this conversion. Further, this is a multistep process that converts the amino acid homocysteine to another amino acid, methionine. Without this conversion, there are low levels of folate and other vitamins, and homocysteine levels build in the blood. This could be a sign the body is not detoxifying, and systemic inflammation is building. Methylation affects literally every single gene in the body and this process turns genes on and off like a light switch. It is absolutely necessary for methylation to occur as it repairs DNA and does many important things in the body.
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I’d like to point out here that you will hear the term folic acid being used interchangeably with folate. It is not the same. Folate is the vitamin found naturally in nature and in whole foods. Folic acid is the synthetic version of folate. Folic acid is the oxidized form of folate, to which the FDA mandated in 1998 to “fortify” or “enrich” our foods with. Our (body) system is slow to process folic acid because it is synthetic. It’s conversion is inefficient compared to folate, especially people with mthfr. Our body has no use for folic acid, but it absolutely needs folate!
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There are two variants, or mutations, of this gene. Also known as polymorphisms, C677T and A1298C - heterozygous (meaning different portions of the gene sequence received from your parents are different) or homozygous (meaning the same portions of the gene sequence that are received are identical). Some perceive the homozygous version to be a bit more serious for concerns in health. My report reads that I have the C677T variant that is heterozygous. Studies show that there is upwards of about 45% of people with these mthfr gene mutations and the research is still evolving.
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What exactly does methylation do for our bodies?
Methylation is hugely important and fundamental when it comes to the proper function of almost all of our body systems! Here is what it’s involved in:
Repairing and regenerating your cells, tissues, and DNA
Regulating gene expression and protein function
Synthesizing neurotransmitters that influence mood, sleep, behavior, cognition, and memory
Controlling homocysteine (an amino acid that can damage blood vessels)
Keeping inflammation in check
Assisting your liver in processing fats
Activating and regulating the immune system
Modifying toxins and heavy metals
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Basically, if you don’t methylate properly, you don’t detox properly. You also don’t absorb Folate or vitamin B’s and other vitamins properly. Living malnutritioned with toxins floating around in your body and organs can only spell trouble. If your body doesn’t get the nutrition it needs, it cannot possibly keep you strong, well and free from disease and cancer. Good lifestyle choices matters greatly here!
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Here are some symptoms that may be associated with MTHFR:
cardiovascular and thromboembolic diseases (specifically blood clots, stroke, embolism, and heart attacks)
depression
anxiety
bipolar disorder
schizophrenia
colon cancer
acute leukemia
chronic pain and fatigue
nerve pain
migraines
recurrent miscarriages in women of child-bearing age
pregnancies with neural tube defects, like spina bifida and anencephaly
I realize these symptoms can be caused from a number of things. I also experience dizziness, nausea, and gut issues, joint pains, headaches, brain fog, and sleeplessness. (I’ll blog more about my own personal journey in another post.) Typically, in this situation, the diagnosis would have all of these conditions at the same time.
high homocysteine levels
a confirmed MTHFR mutation
vitamin deficiencies in folate, choline, or vitamins B-12, B-6, or riboflavin
Speak with your doctor on any symptom, even if you think it is nothing. This also means that just because you have the gene mutation, does not mean you will automatically suffer from any of these symptoms. It only means you may be at higher risk if the environment is right.
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It is not a disease and it is not a death sentence, but you will have to take care of yourself. While we cannot change our genes, we can absolutely do things to benefit our health and wellbeing even with this gene mutation. According to Gary Brecka, we can supplement for their function. Firstly, test – don’t guess. Find an excellent functional medicine doctor like mine who understands this condition well, one who will listen to you and do the right testing. Testing is important. Second, eat foods that will naturally support your body’s needs, now and forever more. Living healthy is a lifestyle, not a fad. Ask your doctor about the right kinds of supplements you will need that includes everything from daily multi-vitamins, separate B (be sure it is in the form of methylcobalamin), C and D vitamins, 5-MTHF folate, liver support like glutathione, and also gut support with probiotics and digestive enzymes, magnesium, and zinc. Opt for natural, whole food sourced supplements rather than synthetic versions. For more information on vitamins, check out my blog post here.
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Support pain and anxiety with added transdermal magnesium therapy. You can find that here.
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Finally, learn as many ways as possible to detox and take on some regimens during the week. Some of my favorite detox methods are using infrared saunas (must be near or far infrared), Epsom salt baths, dry brushing and drinking green tea. Exercise, rebounding, and sweating (saunas are a great choice here) are also included in my favorites list. Just make sure you are feeling well enough before exercising. Consult with your doctor about any program you wish to engage in. Check out my blog on food choices here. For a detailed list of eliminating toxins from your environment, check out my masterclass here.
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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.
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Consult with your doctor about any program you wish to engage in. Check out my blog on food choices here.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition or disease.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/mthfr-gene#variants
https://blog.daveasprey.com/the-mthfr-gene-mutation-and-how-to-rewire-your-genetics/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/folic-acid-vs-folate
https://www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/abcs-of-nutrition/folic-acid-glyphosate/#gsc.tab=0