MTHFR & Methylation. Why Is It Important?

The MTHFR gene gives instructions for making the MTHFR enzyme, which helps process folate. It takes folate from food and changes it into its active form, called 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF). The body uses this form of folate in a process called methylation.

Methylation is crucial for how our body works, affecting our physical, mental, and emotional health. Methylation is about moving molecules around your body with the help of enzymes and nutrients. The methylation cycle is key for important functions like gene expression, DNA repair, immune response, detoxification, making neurotransmitters, keeping our mitochondria working well, and producing energy. All of these aspects support our body’s ability to repaire, detoxify and deal with stress which determines how we feel in our overall health.

People with certain changes (mutations) in the MTHFR gene might have less enzyme activity, which can cause problems with the methylation process and can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Disruption to the methylation processes can impact all areas of health.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF POOR METHYLATION​:

• Fatigue

• Brain fog

• Anxiety & Depression

• ADHD

• Cardiovascular disease

• Hormonal imbalances

• Digestive issues

• Autoimmune disorders

• Allergies

• Insomnia

• Skin problems

SUPPORTING METHYLATION​​

Identifying the cause of your methylation issues is key for my treatment protocols to provide long-lasting treatment to my clients. Areas that i focus can include:

• Poor gut health

• Stress

• Heavy alcohol consumption

• Consumption of Folic acid

• Environmental toxin exposure

• Bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections

• Mould illness and oxalate toxicity

• Inadequate Vitamin B12 intake

• Low Vitamin B6 and Zinc

Utilising functional testing and blood tests helps to assess each patient as well as educating my clients on what the test results indicate is a crucial part of my treatment process. These tests can include:

• MTHFR gene mutation

• Gut Microbiome Testing

• Full blood count

• Biochemistry

• Lipid studies

• Iron studies

• TSH

• RBC folate

• Active B12

• Fasting homocysteine

• Plasma zinc

• Serum copper

Knowing an individual genetic make-up as well as understanding their biochemistry is super important when it comes to creating personalized treatment plans. These both have a big impact on how someone reacts to different treatments and medications and of course why they are experiencing the symptoms they are presenting with. By interpreting the results, I can find out if they might be more likely to have certain health issues, spot any nutrient deficiencies, and understand how their body processes things differently. This personalized approach enables me to deliver more targeted and successful outcomes for my clients including elevating overall wellness.