MTHFR

[AnnettStudent]

What herbs would you suggest are best for MTHFR?

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Can I buy a vowel? :confused:

Doc

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

[IdahoHerbalist]

From the sum of all human knowledge:

[AnnettStudentTopic Author]

What is the MTHFR Gene? (MTHFR is a mutation of a gene)

Also known as methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, the MTHFR gene is a genetic polymorphism, or what is seen as a genetic variance or flaw in today’s science. One in every two people may have this variance — about half of the population.

What Does the MTHFR Gene Do?

The MTHFR gene instructs the body to make an enzyme necessary to convert vitamin B9 into a usable form. This enzyme is also important in the process of converting homocysteine into methionine — an amino acid the body needs for growth and metabolism. Methylation, a process involving a methyl group activating an enzyme, is also associated with the MTHFR gene. Proper methylation enables the body to detoxify toxic metals, toxins, and other wastes more efficiently.

Effects on the Body

The process of methylation and the conversion of homocysteine to methionine play an important role in protecting both physical and mental health. Methionine is essential for producing glutathione, the body’s primary antioxidant. The liver also converts methionine into SAM-e, a chemical that helps metabolize brain chemicals dopamine, serotonin, and melatonin. Therefore, it is possible that a defect in the MTHFR gene may promote high levels of homocysteine levels in the blood, negatively affecting mental health and mood.

In the case of an MTHFR mutation, an inability to process folic acid (vitamin B9) can have serious effects.

Other Health Effects

As mentioned previously, a defect with the MTHFR gene can cause an abnormally high level of homocysteine in the blood. High levels of homocysteine are associated with cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma, ischemic stroke, and atherosclerosis. [3] Research links migraines and mental disorders (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression) to inadequate methylation resulting from variances of the MTHFR gene. [4] [5]

Some research has also examined the effects of the gene defect on influencing the development of certain cancers. The free radical damage and toxic buildup that results from poor methylation, for example, may contribute to certain cancers. [6] Those with hypothyroidism may experience problems associated with a MTHFR defect, mainly because the thyroid produces hormones needed by the MTHFR gene.

Info from:

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

I”ve never addressed this herbally. I guess I’d be supplementing B9 and methionine and address whatever symptoms the way I address them in any other circumstance. There is no herb to fix the gene.

Doc

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

[Laura MunsonStudent]

Taking a high quality methylfolate can help. Of course, maintaining a healthy diet, sleep pattern and exercise program goes along with it. This helps those in our family who have Hashimotos.

[Michelle AndersonStudent]

The MTHFR genes control a process called methylation in the body. One of the effects of having a mutation in one or both of these genes is your ability to turn folic acid (the synthetic version of folate) into a bio-available form your brain/body can use is impaired. The only way to treat it is to take the bio-available form of folic acid called methyl-folate and methyl B12. (You can also bulk up on veggies that are folate heavy, but I would start with the supplements so you know what it feels like when you have enough) There are a few good brands–Jarrow & Source Naturals are two. They are both in your local health food/supplement store or on Amazon. (Note, you can NOT just take more folic acid which is standard in most supplements–it must be the methyl version) They come in a variety of dosages, and that is the trick when most people get on these is finding the right dosage. I would start at 1 mg and see if you feel different, if not go up to a higher dose, if you get too “revved up” then go down to the smaller doses. There is a prescription strength or 15 or 30 mg available, the brand name is Deplin. But there is an over the counter brand that sells at this dosage as well (the name eludes me at this moment, but if you find out you need this high of a dose, post again and I’ll look it up).

Ben Lynch is an expert on this, his site on this topic is . It kinda looks like an infomercial site to me, but there is some excellent info on there, so stick with it. Taking these supplements has tremendously helped at least 10 people I know personally. Getting on these supplements can be like switching a light on in a dark room for folks.

[AnnettStudentTopic Author]

Thank you!

[IdahoHerbalist]

We should avoid SYNTHETICS anyway. Stick with whole food or at least natural sources if at all possible.

[VegasDjnira]

I just signed up for this forum today. So happy to find it. I’ve been watching Doc for a while on YouTube and most of his advice has panned out for me. I came to the website today because my 19 year old is in the hospital with acute psychosis and dissociation issues. Police found her walking barefoot in the middle of traffic. She said she was out walking in nature. She doesn’t eat, sleep, or take any supplements. She’s anemic as well. The perfect storm! So I am going to have her doctor to check her for this gene. I pray that this is the answer I have been looking for. Blessings.

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