Ask the Experts: What are some signs to watch for that point towards MTHFR gene mutations?

A healthy gut equals a healthy self, but what if it feels as if you’re taking care of your gut and are still having uncomfortable problems? You could have an MTHFR mutation. MTHFR gene mutations can lead to a number of health problems.

What is MTHFR?

MTHFR or Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase is a gene which produces an enzyme known as MTHFR. This enzyme is needed for a majority of our body processes to run smoothly. One of the most important aspects of this gene is converting folate into a useable form of energy for your body. Having an MTHFR gene mutation means you have a metabolic issue. Your body can’t create enough energy to send to specific parts of the body (such as your brain) resulting in foggy brain, lack of focus, and even depression. One area that is severely neglected due to MTHFR is the detoxification system. This results in inflammatory issues occurring due to the inability of your body to properly get rid of toxins. Click here for more information on healthy detoxing. 

Signs pointing towards MTHFR mutations:

1.  Allergies or Asthma.

2.  Autoimmune diseases such as Arthritis, Hashimoto’s, or Psoriasis. If toxins are constantly building up in the gut, then your gut lining can start to become inflamed. Your gut always feels as if it is being attacked resulting in chronic inflammation. For more information on healing autoimmune diseases, click here. 

3.  Chronic headaches. When the body is overwhelmed with toxins, it creates inflammation. Headaches are a common symptom of chronic inflammation.  Headaches are also a common symptom of Magnesium deficiency. Adding Magnesium support may help relieve headaches. Click here for an MTHFR Friendly, bioavailable form of Magnesium. 

4.  Chronic fatigue or a chronic pain syndrome. Your body is desperately trying to get energy to every part of the body but when there isn’t enough to go around, it has to quickly decide which area of your body needs it the most. Your body is focused on getting energy everywhere else, that there isn’t enough left over for you to feel motivated and ready to go. Instead, you might feel drained and exhausted all day long. Click here to read our article on Chronic Fatigue. 

5.  Skin issues: Bad acne, psoriasis, eczema, dryness.

6.  Mood and behavior changes. Depression, anxiety, ADD, ADHD. Once again, the body is having to conserve energy and the state of your mental health can suffer because of it. Without the proper breakdown of neurotransmitters and the production of new ones, you might have too much built-up adrenaline resulting in feeling anxious, or not enough dopamine resulting in feeling depressed. Click here to read our article about MTHFR mutations and anxiety. 

7.  Digestive problems such as bloating, diarrhea, SIBO, and IBS. Read more about SIBO here. 

8.  Hormonal Imbalances. Hormones need to be balanced to work to their best ability. These mutations can cause an overflow of estrogen or too little progesterone which can affect PMS cycles (painful PMS) and even lead to infertility problems. Click here for more information on reducing Estrogen. 

9. Family history of heart disease or stroke. MTHFR mutations affect how the enzyme Folate Reductase converts folate into a reduced form to be useable by the body. This folate problem can impact homocysteine levels, resulting in higher levels which can contribute to heart conditions. Click here to read more about homocysteine levels and learn how to lower your levels. 

Testing for MTHFR mutations

If you are experiencing some or all of these signs, you might want to test to find out if you have an MTHFR gene mutation. For more information on testing for MTHFR check out our website here.

Do you have an MTHFR mutation? Take our survey to get information regarding your specific mutation.

References:

“MTHFR gene – Genetics Home Reference.” U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, ghr.nlm.nih.gov/gene/MTHFR. Accessed 18 Sept. 2017.