How Is MTHFR Hurting Your Health?

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is not widely known or understood, which means that most people have no idea that a MTHFR gene mutation could be the root of their health problems. If you are dealing with migraines, irritable bowel, fibromyalgia, infertility, or depression, MTHFR could be culprit. Here is what you need to know about this health condition in order to improve your health, especially if you are pregnant or plan to have children soon.

The Basics About Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase

MTHFR is an enzyme that helps the body use folate, also known as vitamin B9, in the way it is intended. Folate, not to be confused with its synthetic form folic acid, is a critical nutrient in the body because it assists with DNA synthesis and repair, encourages cell and tissue growth, supports normal fetal development in pregnant women, and even promotes sperm viability in men. The importance of folate to a healthy body and developing baby cannot be underestimated, so it makes sense that people lacking the MTHFR enzyme struggle from health problems.

MTHFR Gene Mutation

If you have the MTHFR gene mutation, your body cannot produce the enzyme needed to properly use folate. This means that all of the critical processes folate enables become stunted. This leads to some very serious problems, especially for pregnant women and their babies. The most common effects of the MTHFR gene mutation include inflammation, potential heart disease, chronic fatigue, difficult pregnancies, and neural tube defects in newborns.

Consider MTHFR Testing

One simple blood test is all you need to determine whether you have the gene mutation preventing your body from utilizing folate. Since parents can pass the mutation onto their children, and since women with MTHFR are at risk of pregnancy complications, this test can quickly provide the information needed to make health care changes that will improve or even a life.

Once your gene mutation is diagnosed, it’s much easier to identify the steps you should take to improve your health. Most people need to improve their overall gut health in order to support the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. This involves cutting out processed grains and refined sugars, eating more fermented foods and homemade broths, and eliminating environmental toxins from your surroundings.

A holistic and natural health expert is the best person to help you tackle MTHFR and take the steps necessary to improve your health. Just call (203) 348-8805 to make your appointment with Dr. Henry Sobo, a leading holistic doctor in Stamford, CT.  Dr. Sobo will complete a thorough evaluation of your health and create an individualized plan to help you overcome MTHFR gene mutation.