THE BAD, THE GOOD, AND THE GREAT
Congratulations, you are blessed with the MTHFR deficiency gene! The good news is that people with this gene tend to be motivated, proactive, involved, dedicated and task-oriented. The bad news is that people with this gene tend to be stressed, anxious, obsessive, worried, addictive, fearful and/or angry. The great news is that there is an inexpensive, safe, and effective treatment that will decrease the negative effects while enhancing the positive effects.
What is MTHFR? MTHFR stands for methylene-tetra-hydro-folate reductase. It is an enzyme that is responsible for the conversion of B9 (also known as folate) into tetra-hydro-folate which is the key factor in making the Methylation process work.
What is an ENZYME? Enzymes facilitate every process in every cell of our body. There are many different kinds of enzymes; for example, digestive enzymes help us break down food so that we can absorb it; our white blood cells produce enzymes to kill viruses and bacteria; there are enzymes that help us build proteins, cholesterol, fats and hormones; to utilize, store and produce energy; we need enzymes to repair damage to our cells and manufacture new ones. Basically, every bodily function has an enzyme making it work. The MTHFR enzyme helps to process folate (folic acid), which in turn stimulates the methylation pathway.
What is the METHYLATION PATHWAY? This pathway is a series of biochemical reactions that are responsible for many of the processes in our body, such as the activation of the genes within our DNA; the production of glutathione (the body’s primary detoxifier); the conversion of proteins into useable form and the production of neurotransmitters, especially serotonin. A healthy Methylation pathway keeps us healthy in several ways. By regulating DNA activity we can protect ourselves from developing cancer, heart disease, premature aging, diabetes and many other genetic illnesses. By enhancing immune system function it protects us from viral and bacterial diseases. Adequate levels of serotonin protect us from anxiety, insomnia, depression and PMS. The methylation pathway is also responsible for the production of glutathione which is the body’s primary anti-oxidant and detoxifier. If you have the MTHFR deficiency gene, your body has to utilize other processes to accomplish these same tasks, resulting in a less efficient and less effective methylation pathway.
What is the MTHFR DEFICIENCY GENE? There are 2 basic sites on our genes that are most likely to mutate and alter the production of the MTHFR enzyme, A677C and C1298T. These sites produce critical parts of the enzyme and if you have this mutation, the enzyme will be defective and it will not function efficiently. The MTHFR gene produces the rate-limiting enzyme for the methylation pathway.
What is a RATE LIMITING ENZYME? Imagine going to the supermarket. You have to get there, get into the building, get a cart, go through the aisles to select your items, go through the check-out line then collect your packages and return home. What do you think is the “rate limiting” phase? What one thing determines your shopping experience and how fast you get out? Most people agree that it is the check-out line. If the checkout process is quick and efficient then chances are your shopping experience will be a good one. If the checkout line is backed up and the cashier is sluggish then chances are your experience will be unpleasant. This means that the checkout process is the rate-limiting step. In other words if we want our body to function well, we need to make sure that our rate limiting step, i.e. the methylation pathway, is functioning at its best.
What do I do if I have an MTHFR deficiency gene? All you have to do is supplement your diet with the proper nutrients to give your cells everything they need. If you cannot make it, then take it! VitaBens offers the right supplements for those blessed with the MTHFR deficiency gene. Order Vitamins
For how long must I take these vitamins? Because your condition is genetic, which means that this is how you are designed, your body will always require the addition of these supplements to function optimally.
Can I become addicted to these supplements? Addiction refers to a behavior that is damaging yet you cannot control it. Taking these supplements is like drinking water, eating and sleeping, you need them to feel good and function at your best. Since these supplements are good for you, it is by definition not an addiction. You are being responsible for taking care of your health.
How common is this gene defect? It is more common than you might think. The homozygous (i.e. you get the gene mutation from both parents) is found from 5-17% in the general population. Heterozygous (i.e. you get the mutation from only one parent) is found in about 20-40% in the general population. This one enzyme has a role to play in all of our cells, either directly or indirectly, and it affects most if not every function in our body. When this genetic abnormality is present, anxiety is a common ramification. Feelings of panic and crisis can be almost pervasive in many sufferers of this defect. The positive aspect of the MTHFR gene mutation is that it can encourage us to excel. However, since this gene mutation interferes with the effective utilization of the B vitamins and production of serotonin, a large percentage of people who have this gene mutation suffer from anxiety. It is interesting to note that approximately 40% of the population is currently being treated for anxiety and depression with psychiatric medications. Could this parallel the 40% of the population with MTHFR deficiency? Fortunately, the problems caused by this gene are easily managed by taking a few key co-factors that strengthen the methylation pathway. In addition to reducing anxiety, this will support many critical functions of your body and may help prevent many diseases as well.