It has been estimated that about 70% of the population has a mutated or variant MTHFR gene and, unfortunately, these variations can wreak havoc in the body.
So what is this gene and what role does it play? The MTHFR gene plays an important role in ensuring the proper functioning of an enzyme (Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase). The MTHFR enzyme is responsible for converting folic acid into a form the body can actually use to function properly.
If the MTHFR gene does not work properly, the enzyme does not function the way it should and can no longer effectively break down folic acid into a form that the body can use.
Additionally, the MTHFR enzyme is an essential component of a detoxification process within the body. This enzyme plays an important role in changing homocysteine into methionine. If the homocysteine cannot be converted to methionine, the levels of homocysteine rises in the blood. When this happens, homocysteine’s abrasive nature may end up eroding blood vessels, resulting in stroke, heart attack, and dementia. The impairment of the MTHFR gene has also been linked to migraines, fertility issues, miscarriages, birth defects, cancer, and other serious health conditions.
What does MTHFR treatment consist of?
To avoid or reduce your risk of serious health issues caused by a mutation in the MTHFR gene, you will need to seek treatment. The MTHFR treatment helps to overcome the effects of the gene’s variant or mutation. However, the first course of treatment is to make sure that you do—indeed—have a variant gene. The best testing to be done is genotyping which tells you positively whether or not you have a mutated MTHFR gene.
Another way of testing for a defect in this gene is to measure the histamine levels in the blood. Elevated histamine levels can lead to a diagnosis of MTHFR gene mutation. Once you know or at least strongly suspect that this gene has mutated, you can overcome or reduce the effects of the mutation in your body by following a treatment plan that normally consists of:
- Substituting methylfolate for folic acid and removing folic acid from the diet while also increasing the amount of active B12. Methylfolate can help detoxify your body and blood and lower the histamine levels thus reducing your risk for many of the serious health issues caused by the MTHFR deficiency
- Frequently have your histamine levels monitored and follow your doctor’s advice for lowering these levels
- Avoid processed foods
- Don’t use deodorant or other products that contain aluminum
- Avoid dental fillings that may contain lead
- Some supplements may help but check with your doctor to find out which supplements they recommend
Finding out for sure if you have a variant MTHFR gene and seeking the right treatment to deal with this health issue can help improve your overall health and give you peace of mind.
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