Have you heard of this genetic mutation? Testing your MTHFR gene is one of Dr. DeSylvia’s Top 5 tests every person should get for optimal health.
If you haven’t tested your MTHFR yet, call our office today to discover your MTHFR genetics!
What is MTHFR?
MTHFR is an acronym that stands for methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase. The MTHFR enzyme is responsible for the process of methylation in every cell in your body. (The important of methylation is described further down the page). A mutation of this key enzyme causes the body to function at a lower than normal rate, which can potentially lead to a variety of medical problems. The two primary MTHFR mutations are called C677T and A1298.
C677T and A1298C Mutation
The C677T mutation is either homozygous or heterozygous; A1298C mutation is either positive or negative. If you are heterozygous that means you have one affected gene and one normal gene. You enzyme activity will run at about 50-60% efficiency (40% of the population). If you are homozygous or have 2 abnormal copies, then enzyme efficiency is between 7-10% (30% of population). This can be very serious. The most compromised combination is 677T/1298C in which you are heterozygous to both. Many chronic illnesses are linked to this anomaly.
Why is methylation important?
The methylation process is responsible for cellular repair, detoxification and neurotransmitter production, and healthy immune system function. The MTHFR enzyme impairs your ability to make glutathione. Glutathione is your body’s main antioxidant for removal of toxins, such as mercury and other heavy metals. People with MTHFR anomalies usually have low glutathione, which makes them more susceptible to stress and less tolerant to toxic exposures.
Have one or more of these gene mutations?
If you have one or more of these gene mutations, it is highly recommended to make lifestyle changes. Supplements such as methyl-folate and methyl B12 (the active forms of these B vitamins), TMG, N-acetylcysteine, riboflavin, curcumin, fish oil, Vitamins C, D, E, and probiotics are other recommendations Dr. DeSylvia may make. Whole Life Health MD offers a wide variety of these supplements as well as Methyl B12 injections.
Gene Mutation & Lifestyle Changes:
- Avoid taking proton pump inhibitors, like Prilosec or Prevacid or antacids, like Tums, which may block essential Vitamin B12 absorption
- Avoid taking folic acid blocking or depleting drugs, such as birth control pills
- Avoid eating processed foods, many of which have added synthetic folic acid. Instead eat whole foods with no added chemicals or preservatives.
- Get your daily intake of leafy greens, like spinach, kale, swiss chard or arugula, which are loaded with natural levels of folate that your body can more easily process.
- Eat hormone-free, grass-fed beef, organic pastured butter or ghee, and eggs from free-range, non-GMO fed chickens.
- Remove any mercury amalgams with a trained biologic dentist. Avoid aluminum exposure in antiperspirants or cookware.
As we learn more and more about genetics, we are discovering ways that our genes impact our health. Typically, when we think of genetics, we think of things that are not under out control. However, with this mutation, there are actually several steps you can do to counter the effects this mutation has on your health.
Call our office today at 310-914-3400 to learn more about your methylation genetics!