Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/101127
��� Over time, the accumulated chemicals, reduced neurotransmitter production, and increased cardiovascular risk will wreak havoc.��� L-methylfolate has numerous essential functions in the human body, which is why one may experience a variety of symptoms or conditions when levels are low. When the MTHFR gene mutates, the amount of l-methylfolate produced decreases proportionately to the severity of the mutation. The MTHFR mutation that gains the most attention in research occurs at position 677 of the gene. Twenty percent of Americans test positive for this mutation. So do nearly 50 percent of Mexican, Italian and American Hispanics; 33 percent of Spaniards; and 25 percent of Russians, Australians and Dutch. For better or for worse, genes work in pairs. We get one copy of each gene from our father and one from our mother. This means that a person with a single copy of the 677 MTHFR mutation may experience a 40 percent reduction in l-methylfolate production while those with two copies (one from each parent) may experience a 70 percent reduction. This 40 percent to 70 percent drop in l-methylfolate may cause serious symptoms and medical conditions. If the levels aren���t restored and maintained at a young age��� ideally from gestation���one may internally accumulate chemicals from the environment, have reduced neurotransmitter production, and experience increased cardiovascular risk as well as many other problems. Over time, the accumulated chemicals, reduced neurotransmitter production, and increased cardiovascular risk will wreak havoc on an individual���s biochemistry. Unfortunately, MTHFR issues often go unaddressed by physicians. Few physicians test for MTHFR and only in certain situations. The most common situations involve recurrent miscarriages, elevated homocysteine, nonresponsive depression, and pulmonary embolisms. MTHFR tests, however, rarely take place for those diagnosed with cancer, migraines, addictions, impaired cognition, dementia, cervical dysplasia, autism, chronic fatigue, and other significant health issues. The good news is you can be proactive. Ask your doctor to screen you for the MTHFR mutation, which can be done through many common labs. If you do find yourself positive for MTHFR mutation, your doctor may not have a clue what to do. Many doctors will write a prescription for l-methylfolate. In high doses, however, this can cause serious side effects. Inform your doctor that you���d like to receive as much education about MTHFR as possible and that you want to avoid side effects from l-methylfolate. Although it���s important to restore your levels of l-methylfolate, it���s also critical to understand what depletes it. Yes, l-methylfolate occurs in lower amounts in those with the 677 MTHFR mutation. In addition, it is commonly low in those with a diet void of uncooked leafy greens. Stress also increases the utilization of l-methylfolate, as does exposure to chemicals in the environment. Smoking, drinking alcohol, recreational drugs, and various medications also increase the demand for l-methylfolate. Addressing MTHFR mutations properly is not as simple as swallowing a pill. You have to put in the work. You must change your diet, optimize digestion, improve your lifestyle, and clean up your surrounding environments. If you or someone you know is suffering and not improving, the MTHFR mutation may be an underlying factor. Finding out the truth, though scary at times, can empower better living and a proactive solution. Improve your levels L-methylfolate levels can be increased and restored through lifestyle changes. Here are some tips: ��� Eat raw leafy greens, such as spinach, collard greens, turnip greens, mustard greens and romaine lettuce. ��� Eat citrus fruit, beans, peas and lentils. ��� Consume whole grains. ��� Optimize digestion through exercise and spices such as ginger, coriander, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom and black pepper. ��� Quit smoking and reduce or stop alcohol use. ��� Decrease stress and achieve optimal sleep. ��� Eliminate deep fried foods from your diet. Dr. Ben Lynch is a naturopathic physician specializing in disease prevention and health promotion. He helps optimize the lives of those living with genetic mutations. Reach him at drben@mthfr.net or visit www.mthfr.net. JANUARY 2013 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | 31