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MTHFR  methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase

What you need to know

Positive for MTHFR?

To enhance your health Avoid this list:

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  • Smoking

  • Alcohol (all wine, beer and liquor)

  • Folic Acid

  • FLOXIN Antibiotics (can cause tendon issues in patients with MTHFR)

  • Nitrous oxide gas (used at the dentist)

  • Foods that cause sensitivities or allergies

  • Toxins in the environment (pesticides, radiation, EMFs, etc)

  • Heavy metals (like mercury and aluminum)

  • Tylenol (the number one glutathione depleter)

  • Elevated cortisol (stress hormone)

 

 

Make sure to check your multivitamin, because most will contain folic acid and not folate. It is important to also make sure there is adequate B12 for proper absorption too.

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Choose L5-MTHF for supplementation.  It is More Effective than Folic Acid (A report suggests that 5-MTHF increases plasma folate more effectively than folic acid irrespective of mutations of MTHFR.)

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Individuals positive for MTHFR are more susceptible to inflammation, so inflammatory foods and substances should be avoided

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Be sure to avoid Gluten as 40% of individuals with MTHFR are also gluten sensitive.

Avoiding fortified flour or cereal, processed drinks, enriched foods and supplements containing folic acid, reduces inflammation and oxidative stress.

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Folate plays a critical role in the prevention of chromosome breakage and damage of DNA. Pregnant women and women hoping to conceive should be sure they are getting adequate folate in their diet and supplements.

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MTHFR mutations reduce the body’s ability to make glutathione. Glutathione is the body’s most important endogenous antioxidant.

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“Oxidation” is a normal process in the body that happens when we use oxygen to create energy for the cell.  The byproduct of oxidation is the creation of “free radicals”. This causes DNA damage

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When the body takes a large oxidative “hit” it causes the depletion of active glutathione.  The result is lots and lots of oxidative damage. This pathology is worse in kids because their immune systems are immature.

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Heal your cells by knowing your genetics. Eat Clean, Sleep Well. Exercise often and Methylate properly.

 

 

What does MTHFR stand for?

methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (methyl-ene-tetra-hydro-folate-reductase).

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What is the normal function of the MTHFR gene?

The function of the MTHFR gene is simply to produce the MTHFR enzyme.

However, if the MTHFR gene is mutated, the enzyme produced is not entirely correct.

The MTHFR gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase.

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MTHFR (5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) is a specific gene found on chromosome #1.  The MTHFR gene produces an enzyme responsible for a multi-step process that converts the amino acid homocysteine to methionine. The body uses methionine to make proteins and other important compounds. Without it there is no ability to “metholate” or detox without body detox toxins build in the body and cause harm.

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Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase is important for chemical reactions of folate.

This enzyme converts 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate.

MTHFR enzyme, made by the MTHFR gene, converts 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate

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Importance of MTHFR

The MTHFR gene is responsible for making a functional MTHFR enzyme.

If the MTHFR gene is mutated, enzyme’s function is impaired

MTHFR enzyme must be perfect in order for it to function properly

Dysfunctional MTHFR enzyme may lead to health problems.

 

Health Problems Associated with MTHFR

Homocystinuria

Alzheimers Dz

High homocysteinemia can lead to coronary artery disease, common carotid atherosclerosis other Vascular Diseases.

Cardiac Disease

Food Allergies and Celiac Disease

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Less severe issues associated with MTHFR

Infertility

Preeclampsia

Thyroid Problems

Chronic Fatigue and other Fatigue type Illnesses

Drug Sensitivities

ADD/ADHD/ASD/SID

Eczema

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