Why is it the case that one person may be chronically ill, and the next person seemingly healthy & well with no real difference in diet and lifestyle?
A missing part of the puzzle may just be genetics.
Having an understanding of genetic types can really empower a person with knowledge to learn how to navigate around potential issues.
When it comes to health and gene types, you may have heard people discussing ‘MTHFR’.
MTHFR is a very common inherited gene type – in fact, it’s estimated that 60-70% of the population carry this gene type! I think it’s vital that we all understand what this means, as if it doesn’t affect us directly, it’s likely it could be affecting someone in the family.
It’s important not to worry if you do have the MTHFR gene type (which many do!) as there’s nothing wrong with you!! It simply means it’s helpful to know what vitamins and lifestyle habits will work well for you.
A person who carries the MTHFR gene may struggle with deficiencies, will need to be careful with taking supplements, and these people also don’t detox well so would need to be extra careful about toxins (such as fluoride in toothpaste/ microplastics/ heavy metals ) but as I say- it’s not a problem! It’s simply about knowing what will work well for you.
It’s definitely possible to ‘override’ your genes by having simple understandings to make the best lifestyle choices.
I will explain each area in more detail and try to keep things as simple as possible.
Firstly, testing – a simple mouth swap can detect this genetic type, so should everyone test? Well you can if you like – home kits are available online (mybodyfabulous.com) but testing is expensive, and I take the view that if 60-70% of the population does have this genetic type then the best thing to do is to simply make the same healthy choices as this would be of benefit to every person anyway!
There is a saying amongst experts who discuss genetics; ‘The genes load the gun and the lifestyle pulls the trigger’. So just to emphasise that if a person does have the MTHFR gene type it does not have to mean they will have health issues.
Why might a person with the MTHFR gene have a problem with deficiencies?
The MTHFR gene affects processing of folate (B9) which is a vital nutrient. The folate pathways in the body help keep our cells and nervous system working properly. They prevent the build up of inflammation and toxins in the body.
When you carry this MTHFR genetic code, the folate pathways can be compromised.
The main problem here comes with synthetic folic acid, which is found in most multivitamins and recommended to all expecting mothers. It is also added into lots of flours, pastas, bread and packaged foods – so reading labels is very important!.
A person with MTHFR is unable to make the conversion of this synthetic form into the active form the body can use so a deficiency occurs. Furthermore the synthetic version blocks the bodies natural folate receptors, preventing folate being absorbed from food sources.
So what problems can occur as a result of the MTHFR gene type not being able to process the synthetic folic acid?
The first symptoms of a folate deficiency may be tiredness, fatigue, muscle weakness, pins and needles, tingling.
The studies attached below show the association between MTHFR & multiple miscarriages, tongue-tie, developmental disabilities, autoimmune diseases, neurological conditions and cancers.
A person with the MTHFR gene type may have problems with methylation- what does that mean?
Methylation is a cycle, a key process that ensures healthy bodily function, including detoxification.
during methylation, methyl-folate comes together with methyl-cobalamin (B12) and homocysteine to make a substance called methionine, which is then converted to SAM (S-adenosylmethionine). Our bodies need SAM for many different purposes: maintaining energy, mood, and focus; healthy cell production; breaking down adrenaline; ridding the body of histamine; making glutathione; and ensuring good sleep.
Our genes are responsible for the production of the needed enzymes to make the methylation cycle work, a person with the MTHFR gene may have the cycle become impaired.
So what to do about all of this!?
You could take a test and if the MTHFR gene type is confirmed you would know you need to be mindful with the following list below, or you could be mindful with the list below just to be on the safe side;
- Supplementing with the following vitamins in natural/ active forms: Folate (methylfolate ), B12 (methylcobalamin)& B6 (p5p). The Mighty Kids Multivitamin has your little ones covered here!
- Avoiding synthetic forms of these vitamins (folic acid, cyanocobalamin, pyridoxine)
- Be careful of toxins ; filter your water to rid it of any harmful contaminants such as heavy metals, plastics and synthetic hormones, pesticides (wash fruit in baking soda / or organic), avoid plastics (lunch boxes / water bottles / plates / cups). Choose glass or stainless steel and go non-toxic for all cleaning products. If you can make the investment for an air purifier this is helpful too.
- Make food your medicine. Prioritise real food over packets full of additives which burden your system and limit gluten & dairy (try raw dairy for a non inflammatory option which is delicious and filled with nutrients still intact).
Knowledge is power – it’s our biggest wish for our community at Mighty Kids to become their own expert on their own health and our children’s health. In a world where we have access to infinite information, it is possible to feel more confident than ever in taking charge of our own health. Information overload can be overwhelming, and you don’t need to have all the answers but taking that first step in searching is you taking back your power to be the gatekeeper of your home and the champion of your family’s health.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3167178
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7517654
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8073588
