[vc_row][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]A couple of posts ago, I mentioned that I was going to look after myself like a nutrition client, and unravel what was really going on inside my body… and… well… I have!
I had a sneaking suspicion for a while that there was a little mutation on one of my genes due to some of the symptoms, and so I set off to have a DNA test. After a bit of a wait, the results came back yesterday, and as suspected, there was indeed that little mutation (see, I’m trusting my gut instinct!).
It’s what’s called a genetic SNP (pronounced snip) at the gene regulating an enzyme involved in a process called methylation. It’s called methylentetrahydrofolate reductase, or MTHFR for short.
Whilst I only had a single, rather than a double mutation at this gene, it still means that my enzyme is working about 30% less efficiently than it should be.
MTHFR is responsible for converting folic acid from our food into the folate form we can use for important processes in the body. It is involved in converting homocysteine into methionine, and if this doesn’t work effectively, it can lead to heart disease, birth defects, inflammation, difficult pregnancies, mood imbalances, and a reduced ability to detoxify.[/vc_column_text][mk_blockquote font_family=”none”]Whilst I only had a single, rather than a double mutation at this gene, it still means that my enzyme is working about 30% less efficiently than it should be[/mk_blockquote][vc_column_text]Together with other nutrients like B12 and B6, folate is responsible for creating immune cells, eliminating chemicals and toxins, producing neurotransmitters (like happy hormones), creating energy in the body, and processing sex hormones like oestrogen.
In addition, those with a defect in this gene are unable to use synthetic forms of folic acid, and folic acid- enriched foods, meaning it can build up in the body and actually lead to further toxicity.
Not only this, but my genetic test revealed I have another mutation in my FUT2 gene, involved in vitamin B12 absorption and utilisation, which is important for brain and nervous system functioning. B12 is also involved in preventing anemia, fatigue, pale skin, irritability, and keeping blood cells healthy. Guess where B12 mainly comes from? Animal foods. What have I not been eating? Animal foods. Was I regularly taking a B12 supplement that I always recommend to vegetarians or vegans? No. Have I been tired and pale? Yes.
What I thought was “clean eating” was possibly doing me some harm.
B12 is essential in the methylation process too… and even if you eat lots of leafy greens and foods rich in folate, if there’s not enough B12, the body won’t be able to utilise it properly.[/vc_column_text][mk_blockquote font_family=”none”]What I thought was “clean eating” was possibly doing me some harm[/mk_blockquote][vc_column_text]Stress can also inhibit the methylation process in general, so it’s no wonder that starting a business, moving house, getting married, being exposed to toxic fumes on the juice truck, and eating a low B12 diet, would have had a negative impact on my body! It’s kind of fascinating when you think about it….
There are many different health issues and symptoms that may be associated with an MTHFR mutation, and include some of the following:
- ADHD
- Migraines
- Chronic Pain
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Atherosclerosis
- Stroke
- Parkinson’s disease
- Autoimmune conditions and thyroid issues
- Autism
- Chronic fatigue
- Anxiety and depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia,
- Hormonal and fertility problems including PCOS and miscarriages
- Fibromyalgia
- Diabetes
- Heart Disease
- IBS
- Problems during pregnancy and post partum depression.
It is estimated that around half the population has a genetic mutation in the MTHFR gene, and 1 in 2 people have a genetic risk of a B12 deficiency, which is a LOT of people.
The great thing about this though, is that once you know, you can start to implement some nutritional strategies to overcome the genetic risk. Your genes are not your destiny![/vc_column_text][mk_fancy_title tag_name=”span” color=”#000000″ size=”20″ font_weight=”300″ txt_transform=”uppercase” margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”Raleway” font_type=”google”]Nutritional and lifestyle strategies to re-gain health:[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text]
- Including a methylated supplement: Methylcobalamin (B12) and Methylfolate (i.e. the already broken- down, bioavailable versions)
- Eating lots of folate rich foods like leafy greens (lightly cooked, to prevent issues with thyroid…. That’s a whole other blog)
- Healing the gut
- Implementing stress reduction techniques
- Eating quality proteins (and maybe… dare I say it… eating some animal products and organ meats)
- Boost detoxification by doing a liver cleanse, dry skin brushing, and sitting in saunas
There’s so much you can do to look after your health once you get to the route of the problem, which is why I love functional medicine so much!
For more information on how you can get yourself a DNA test, please give me a shout & I can send you over a testing kit![/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]