DNA and MTHFR

I thought the military had the corner on the market for acronyms and abbreviations but of course there are so many more outside the military world!

Have you heard of the MTHFR gene mutation? It looks like an abbreviation for a dirty word, but it’s actually an abbreviation for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. What? Keep reading...

The MTHFR gene mutation causes an inability to process certain forms of key nutrients and makes it very difficult for the body to detox. People with the MTHFR mutation are unable to “methylate” ingredients like Folic Acid, as well as certain B vitamins, and instead, these ingredients turn toxic in their body. Methylation is a very complex thing but simply put, it’s the ability to process toxins and hormones. When the methylation process is inhibited for any reason, Glutathione levels drop, making the body more susceptible to oxidative stress, and far less tolerant to toxins. This lack of detoxification can lead to all kinds of behavioral, mental, and even physical illnesses or disabilities. 

Here’s a good article to help further understanding of this whole MTHFR business: 

https://draxe.com/mthfr-mutation/

I first learned about the MTHFR gene mutation a little over a year ago when a dear member of my extended family had quite a health crisis. This got the rest of my family into research mode as it is something that is passed through the family line. I began taking a couple extra supplements to help my body with the methylation process, but over more time it became clear that I needed to straight up change some of my go-to vitamins and supplements. 

If you don’t know if you have a MTHFR gene mutation, you may want to strongly consider getting tested as 30-50% of the population has it without knowing. It’s not something to be afraid of, but it is something important to know because consuming the right things (or unknowingly consuming the wrong things) can impact many aspects of your health over time.

Anyway, I got started on some new (high quality, in the proper form) vitamins. Now I get to add my DNA! When I get the DNA report back, it will also tell me any vitamin deficiencies, best types of workouts for me, foods to eat & avoid, rest & recovery needs, tendency toward inflammation/injury, how I metabolize caffeine & alcohol, etc. And I’ll get to merge that with what I'm already doing to further tweak my vitamin regimen. So amazing! #science

This is what the DNA kit looks like. 

Collecting your DNA is a simple cheek swab. Super easy. 

So now I'll just stick these swabs in the mail and wait a little bit. I'll post an update with what I learn when I get my results back. (!!!) 

From what I know, there are many DNA test options out there. Some are more extensive and/or expensive than others. Some are complicated to interpret and you may need professional help understanding your results. So check around all the options and see what looks best for your needs.

Edited to add: I have also tried some Sleep Strips I ordered when I got the DNA kit, and they are awesome. I've always had trouble sleeping and feel unnecessarily irritated with my husband for the fact that he's able to knock out on command and wake up cheerfully with or before his alarm clock the next morning. Now I know what he feels like as that's exactly what I've experienced the handful of times I've used a Sleep Strip. 

It looks, feels, and even tastes much like a Listerine strip.

Here's a picture of the back of the package.

_{^{Have a great day! I'll post more when I get my DNA results back.}}