What You Need To Know About The Gene Mutation That Affects 40% Of The World

Your body is made up of trillions of cells, each containing your genes — the specific instructions that make you who you are. Genes are sections of DNA, your body's master manual. The latest estimate is that there are around 20,000 genes in the human genome.

And one of those is called the MTHFR gene.

What in the world is a MTHFR?

No, it's not short for an expletive. The MTHFR gene provides instructions for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, the enzyme used to convert folic acid (vitamin B9) into folate’s active form, methyl-folate (5MTHF).

Activated methyl-folate plays a key role in a biochemical process called methylation. Methylation is the powerhouse detoxification, production, and DNA protection system that almost every cell of your body depends on.

Methylation happens more than 1 billion times a second in your body to keep you alive and healthy. In short, if methylation is not working well, a lot can go wrong with your health.

MTHFR gene mutations don't send all the instruction to make that important enzyme. Some research estimates that those of us with MTHFR changes make up to 70 percent less methyl-folate!

What should I do?

Some estimate that as many as 40 percent of people have a MTHFR mutation — and most don't know it. I just so happen to be one of the four in ten people who have this genetic change. If you're concerned you are too, here are some steps you can take:

2. Avoid synthetic folic acid.

Steering clear of foods and supplements with added folic acid is important for anyone with MTHFR mutations, since it could be toxic. Be sure to read labels on anything you eat or take.

3. Take activated B vitamins.

General support of methylation impairments can be started by taking activated B vitamins — like B9 L-Methylfolate (L-5-MTHF) and B6 Pyridoxyl-5-Phosphate (P5P).

4. Eat green, leafy vegetables and organ meat.

Greens like spinach, okra, and turnip greens have many health benefits, including their folate content. And organ meats like chicken liver or grass-fed beef liver have the highest levels of bio-available B vitamins.

5. Calm inflammation and support detoxification.

Taking natural medicines such as curcumin, resveratrol, phosphatidylserine, super oxide dismutase, n-acetyl cysteine, and alpha lipoic acid can help promote healthy detox pathways, dampen inflammation, and promote antioxidant functions in the body.

6. Avoid B vitamin-depleting medications.

Birth control pills can block folate function, and antacids can decrease B12 absorption. Talk with your doctor about what is right for you.

7. Find the right B12 for you.

Depending on your specific MTHFR polymorphisms, certain types of B12 may be better tolerated by you. Working with a qualified practitioner can help determine if methyl B12, hydroxycobalamin B12, adenosynl B12, or cyano B12 is best for you.

8. Manage stress.

Studies have shown that stress can alter the methylation of DNA, which in turn alters the activity of certain genes. Mindfulness meditation, yoga, and tai chi are all effective ways to buffer the stress in your life.

9. Avoid toxins.

People with MTHFR changes have a harder time detoxing. What we eat, put on our skin, and breathe in is vitally important to address. Read 11 Tips To Remove Toxins From Your Life & Revamp Your Health for more information on how to live as nontoxically as possible.

10. Consider working with a functional medicine practitioner.