*Consult your doctor before making any changes in your dietary intake related to folic acid. This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice.
Nowadays, many people have issues such as fatigue, irritability, brain fog, anxiety, insomnia and other aches and pains without an apparent cause. Some might think that genetic disorders are the obvious cause. There are many minor genetic differences that influence the way we look and can cause many health problems.
MTHFR stands for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. MTHFR is the enzyme that breaks down folic acid by adding a methyl group to it. MTHFR physicians say that if you have a MTHFR gene mutation then you should stop consuming folic acid and replace it with its active form, Methylfolate. Our bodies can’t process excess folic-acid and it is stored as toxins in our organs and tissues. MTHFR practitioners say that the human body needs to convert folic acid into a form of folate that the body can use. The human body, without the MTHFR enzyme, can’t convert folic acid into methylfolate and it builds up in the body as endogenous toxins. As a part of MTHFR gene mutation treatment, you should avoid consuming folic acid or the products that contain it and replace it with methylfolate. Do so only under the guidance of a MTHFR physician.
MTHFR doctors warn people with low activity of MTHFR enzyme that it may cause elevated homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is an amino acid that could be inflammatory. Homocysteine is directly related to cardiovascular disease.
Treatment for MTHFR includes avoiding sources of non-metabolized folic acid which may cause other health problems that might not develop for years. Replace folic acid with methylfolate. An increase in the level of non-metabolized folic acid may also decrease natural killer cell cytotoxicity and weaken the body from fighting arthritis, cancer and anti-malarial drugs.
In older people who have B12 deficiencies, folic acid can cause cognitive impairment and anemia but methylfolate will not. Folate and Folic Acid have the capacity to fight against many cancers but an excess of Folate/Folic Acid can accelerate the growth of tumors that are already present in the body. The degree to which the body doesn’t activate folic acid to methylfolate increases your susceptibility to allergic responses and can also cause blood clots, strokes, anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, migraines and more.
Many thyroid issues have been associated with having a MTHFR mutation problem as thyroid hormones must be activated within the nucleous of each cell and it depends on methylation for this activiation. As part of a treatment for MTHFR gene mutation, women with a positive MTHFR status should consult a MTHFR doctor during pregnancy. MTHFR practitioners also encourage pregnant women to check their MTHFR mutations and suggest that they consume appropriate levels of methylfolate instead of folic acid.
Without knowing the genetics and exposure to toxins, it is better to follow the advice of MTHFR physicians and start the intake of activated folate instead of folic-acid. As a part of treatment for MTHFR, you should consume plenty of organic green leafy greens as they contain good quantity of folates. Eat more broccoli and spinach, and always shop organic. MTHFR gene mutation treatment also includes checking B complex and multi-vitamins to make sure the label says methylfolate and not folic acid.
For the naysayers who think this is all rubbish look at the prescribed drug for folic acid deficiency, Deplin’s active ingredient is L-Methylfolate and not folic-acid. The scientists know the choice to use, so when supplement companies use folic acid it is because it is cheaper, not better.
MTHFR gene mutation treatment can help those with MTHFR mutation to reduce their risk of health problems. Find out if you have a mutation by ordering a home test kit now. Also consider supplements for MTHFR mutations.