Have you been told you have an MTHFR gene variant but don’t really understand what this means?

Are you curious to learn more about what this is, and maybe get yourself tested? You’ve come to this right place!

MTHFR is short for Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). MTHFR is an enzyme that is a part of the folate cycle in the the body that assists in the conversion of folate into its active form (among other things). Without this conversion, homocysteine may build up and lead to an increased risk of heart disease or cardiovascular related issues.

Let’s talk more about this..

There are two MTHFR gene variants that are most commonly tested and studied. These are C677T and A1298C. If you are ‘heterozygous’ for one or both of these MTHFR gene variants, this means you have 1 copy of each of these genes – inherited from ONE parent, not both (But one could have one, and one have the other)

If you are ‘homozygous’ to one, or both gene variants – you inherited this from both of your parents.

Unfortunately your ability to covert inactive folate, into active folate is impaired. This means your diet must contain foods that already provide folate in its most bioavailable form.

What does this mean?

This means your methylation cycle doesn’t work as effectively as if you didn’t have these gene variants. Your methylation cycle plays a huge part in the detoxification of a wide range of chemicals, toxins and substances into safer forms so the body can excrete it effectively. This process is dependant on Folate, B12 and B6. Therefore, you need to support your body’s ability to detoxify in other ways such as:

• Chew your food! This is one of the most important things you can do for your body to ensure you are absorbing enough nutrients

• Sit down and eat – when we eat on the go we increase our fight and flight mechanism which inhibits our ability to digest effectively

• Include lots of green leafy vegetables – These contain folate in their natural form, folinic acid or folate. This will support detoxification and support the conversion of MTHF effectively

• Ensure you are eating a macro balanced diet with protein, carbohydrates, fats and fibre with each meal.

Foods to avoid

• Avoid all foods and cereals fortified with folic acid. This includes any supplements that contain folic acid as the form of B9.

• Avoid processed foods, artificial colour and flavours, MSG containing foods

• Keep histamine containing foods low – this includes alcohol, cows diary, processed meats, fermented drinks and sweetened beverages

Want to learn more or find out of you have this gene variant?

Email me at connatenaturopathy@gmail.com or book in below!