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MTHFR-Genetic Mutation in Connecticut
MTHFR: Is this Common Genetic Mutation THE Underlying Issue That You and Your Doctors Have Missed?
Could a mutation of the MTHFR gene have led to a family history of heart disease, cancer or neurologic diseases?
How Does The MTHFR Gene Affect You?
MTHFR stands for the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene. This gene produces the MTHFR enzyme — essential for the crucial process called methylation.
Methylation is a chemical reaction that occurs in every cell, tissue and organ in your body. Chemically speaking, methylation is the process of adding methyl groups to protein that affects how that protein behaves. Enzymes and hormones are essentially proteins therefore this process of methylation affects them greatly. Your body’s ability to methylate affects your overall health by allowing your body to detoxify.
The Process of Methylation and Its Affect on Good Health
The methylation process helps convert homocysteine – a potentially toxic substance in your body – into the beneficial amino acid methionine. If your body cannot methylate properly, toxins build up in the blood stream that may eventually cause disease. Another crucial role of methylation is to help the enzymes in your body work efficiently. Enzymes are proteins that act like switches for chemical reactions initiating very important processes in every cell and tissue.
When the MTHFR gene is mutated it causes a depressed level of the MTHFR enzyme, that in turn is linked to hypertension, heart disease and strokes. Incidence of many cancers , Alzheimer’s, neurologic disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinson’s may be associated as well as. A personal or family history of any of these is REASON ENOUGH TO BE TESTED for the MTHFR gene.
A Simple, Inexpensive Blood Test Performed at Optimal Health Medical Can Determine Your MTHFR Status
Good News! You CAN Protect Yourself. Here’s How:
Although you cannot change the genetic mutation you carry, you can work around the inefficiency of the methylation/detoxification process that you are predisposed to.
Essential Supplements, Dietary And Lifestyle Changes Can Help To Protect You
Some nutrients affect methylation quite dramatically. Methyl donors (like folate and choline) actually donate methyl groups to proteins and methylating factors (specific forms of vitamin B12) and thereby help this PROTECTION process along. Practices of sufficient hydration and exercise help detoxify the body naturally through sweat. Dietary changes that reduce exposures to chemicals and preservatives (which your body may not methylate and detoxify from adequately) may make a substantial difference.
How Can Optimal Health Medical Treat You?
Employing INDIVIDUALIZED adjustments in diet, lifestyle and supplements that WILL help your body methylate and thereby detoxify properly.
A proper treatment plan from Dr. Henry Sobo at Optimal Health Medical will help improve and protect your nervous system, your immunity, your hormonal balance and affect symptoms such as anxiety/depression, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and headaches and as well affect your risk of heart disease, cancer and a multitude of other maladies.
MTHFR-Genetic Mutation
FAQs
What is the MTHFR genetic mutation?
The MTHFR gene provides instructions for producing the enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, which is involved in processing folate (vitamin B9) and converting homocysteine to methionine. Variations in the MTHFR gene, particularly the C677T and A1298C variants, can lead to reduced enzyme activity, impacting folate metabolism and potentially affecting various bodily functions.
How common is the MTHFR genetic mutation?
Variations in the MTHFR gene are relatively common in the general population. The prevalence of certain variants, such as the C677T variant, varies among different ethnic groups. Some studies suggest that up to 40-50% of the population may carry at least one copy of the C677T variant.
What health conditions or symptoms are associated with the MTHFR mutation?
The MTHFR mutation has been studied in relation to various health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, neural tube defects, pregnancy complications, mood disorders, and certain types of cancer. However, the impact of MTHFR variants on health is complex, and not everyone with the mutation will experience symptoms or develop related conditions.
How is the MTHFR mutation diagnosed?
Testing for the MTHFR mutation can be done through genetic testing, which may be ordered by a healthcare provider based on individual medical history, family history, or suspicion of genetic predisposition to certain conditions. Genetic testing can identify specific variants in the MTHFR gene, such as C677T or A1298C.
Can the MTHFR mutation be treated or managed?
Treatment or management of the MTHFR mutation typically involves addressing any associated health conditions or symptoms. This may include dietary modifications, supplementation with methylated forms of folate (such as L-methylfolate), vitamin B12, and other B vitamins, as well as lifestyle changes to support overall health and well-being. It’s important for individuals with the MTHFR mutation to work closely with healthcare providers to develop a personalized management plan.
