What is the MTHFR gene and methylation?

 

It may sound strange, but basically stands for Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase. The MTHFR gene is needed for the production of MTHFR. A very important enzyme needed for:

• The conversion of folate to its usable form to enter cellular pathways
• Methylation: an important detoxification process in the body and the MTHFR gene influences the enzyme that increases this detox
• Converting homocysteine to methionine. This is important for protein production
• Keeping homocysteine low and this is important as a preventative measure against cardiovascular disease
• Production of glutathione, a very important antioxidant for liver function and energy production
• The production of SAMe- important for mental well being and sleep

So if you have an MTHFR gene mutation, your bodies ability to apply these fundamental processes may be reduced because your ability to produce the enzyme important for these functions is reduced.

“Individuals with low activity of the MTHFR enzyme may present with elevated homocysteine levels, which have been associated with inflammation and heart disease, birth defects, difficult pregnancies, and potentially an impaired ability to detoxify.” Dr Wentz

Clinically, we often see the MTHFR gene mutated in those suffering with:

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, OCD, panic
• Chemical and food sensitivities
• Migraines
• Fibromyalgia
• Sleep disturbance
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Recurrent miscarriage and neural tube defects
• Digestive inflammation

The MTHFR gene can be affected by many polymorphisms. However, it is the C677T and A1298C that are the most clinically relevant. They are classed as either homozygous (two copies of the gene are affected) or heterozygous (one copy of the gene is affected). Disease risk and symptom manifestation is generally higher in those with a homozygous mutation.

The test is easy and inexpensive. Testing is offered on the Sunshine Coast and Australia Wide. For our international clients we are able to assist in organising this in your country.

Are you wanting to know if you are affected?

We recommend booking a FREE Naturopathic Assessment Consultation with one of our Naturopaths either in one of our Sunshine Coast Naturopath Clinics,  Gold Coast Naturopath or  Brisbane Naturopath Clinic.

What is involved in this Free Naturopath Assessment Consultation? 

1. You will be able to spend up to 30 minutes with one of our Naturopaths
2. There is the option meet in our Brisbane Naturopath or Sunshine Coast Naturopath or speak with us online via skype. 
3. The consulting Naturopath will go through your health concerns with you
4. Your Naturopath will then explain the potential cause
5. Pathology testing that is likely beneficial will be discussed
6. You are encouraged to ask as many questions are you like
7. Your Naturopath will then assess who the best Practitioner is for you to see and the type of Naturopathic plan that would best suit you. If you decide to go ahead with further treatment, great. If you do not, that is ok too. We hope that you leave learning new information.

We guarantee you will leave this Free Naturopath Assessment with 3 key learnings!

Book this Highly Educational Free Naturopath Assessment Consultation online or click the phone number to speak with our team (07) 5458 4800 .

We would love to see you in our Brisbane Naturopath Clinic, Gold Coast Naturopath our Sunshine Coast Naturopath Clinics in both Buderim and Caloundra. Alternatively, no matter where you are, we can offer naturopathy services by phone or skype consultations and provide nutritional supplementation and pathology testing advice.