In last week's blog I wrote about how heavy metals and the herbicide glyphosate can cause many health issues and what you can do to flush these toxins out of your body.
I personally do a heavy metal detox once a year for no one living in the 21st century can avoid exposure to these chemicals. I also touched on how I’ve seen a huge spike in the Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Gene (MTHFR) mutation over the last 3-4 years as I’ve treated clients from all over the world!
This week I want to unpack this a bit more.
The Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Gene
The MTHFR gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. This enzyme plays a role in processing amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, and in the metabolism of folate (vitamin B9 found in many foods) and homocysteine, a type of amino acid.
A research paper by Dr Dean further explains about MTHFR. Homocysteine is an amino acid that can be harmful to our health when present in high levels. The MTHFR enzyme also plays a role in the production of an important molecule called SAM, which is needed for many biological processes in our body, including the production of neurotransmitters (chemicals that help our brain function).
MTHFR Gene Mutations
Mutations in the MTHFR gene can affect the function of this enzyme, leading to various health issues. The most well-known mutations associated with the MTHFR gene are known as C677T and A1298C and it is predicted that a much as half the population could have this mutation!
The MTHFR gene mutation was discovered during the completion of the Human Genome Project . Researchers realised that people with this type of inherited mutation tended to develop certain diseases, including ADHD, ADD, Alzheimer’s, Bipolar, anxiety, depression, atherosclerosis, autoimmune disorders and autism plus many more issues listed below, than those without the mutation.
8 Health Issues Associated With MTHFR Gene Mutations
Here are the top 8 health issues associated with MTHFR gene mutations:
- Increased Risk of Heart Disease: MTHFR gene mutations can lead to elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood, which is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease, stroke, and blood clots.
- Neural Tube Defects: MTHFR gene mutations have been linked to an increased risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) in newborns, such as spina bifida and anencephaly. This is because folate is essential for proper neural tube development during early pregnancy, and mutations in the MTHFR gene can affect folate metabolism.
- Pregnancy Complications: MTHFR gene mutations may also be associated with other pregnancy complications, including recurrent miscarriages, preeclampsia, and placental abruption. Again, this is thought to be related to impaired folate metabolism and elevated homocysteine levels. We all know the importance of folic acid and even public health like the NHS tells all pregnant ladies to take folic acid B9 in pregnancy but what if the mother isn’t able to metabolise folate? Then the mother is at high risk of pregnancy complications.
- Mental Health Disorders: Some research suggests that MTHFR gene mutations may be associated with an increased risk of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, learning difficulties, ADD, ADHD , Alzheimer’s, atherosclerosis, autoimmune disorders, schizophrenia and autism more often than those without the mutation.I have personally seen this link with both close family and hundreds of clients in recent years.
- Increased Risk of Certain Cancers: There is some evidence to suggest that MTHFR gene mutations may be associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, including colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and leukaemia.
- Reduced Detoxification Capacity: Some researchers suggest that individuals with MTHFR gene mutations may have impaired detoxification pathways, which could potentially affect the body's ability to eliminate heavy metals. This is because folate and its metabolites are involved in various detoxification processes, including the methylation and excretion of toxins. This is why many with the MTHFR gene are also more prone the drug and alcohol binges and addictions.
- Elevated Homocysteine Levels: MTHFR gene mutations can lead to elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood. High homocysteine levels have been associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, which may contribute to the toxicity of heavy metals.
- Gene-Environment Interactions: It's possible that interactions between MTHFR gene mutations and environmental factors, including exposure to heavy metals, could influence health outcomes. For example, some studies have suggested that individuals with certain genetic variations, including MTHFR mutations, may be more susceptible to the toxic effects of heavy metals such as lead and mercury for they can’t process the heavy metals out as effectively as others
Support Your Health To Prevent MTHFR-Induced Health Issues
Like all genetic dispositions, it's important to note that having an MTHFR gene mutation does not necessarily mean that a person will develop these health problems.
It is possible to support your wellness journey to prevent MTHFR-induced health issues. We can support you if you suffer from any of the health issues listed to bring you back into optimum health.
We recommend our Methyl Guard for peace of mind that you're getting the type of folate you need. We personally use TDL lab in the UK and if you would like to get tested please reach out to us and we can send you a test request form.
MTHFR & Mental Health
My research in this space of mental health and MTHFR mutation actually started 9 years ago when I almost lost my husband to mental health issues. First we focused on depression, then anxiety, ADD and it wasn’t until the last few years as we have been doing a Masters in Neuroscience that I discovered the link with MTHFR, gut and mental health and all the dots started to join up and I have seen not only my husband, my daughter but my clients be able to scale up their health by adding this missing link.
Bioavailable Folate For Natural Methyl Support
That said getting tested can be expensive so I developed my new Rejuv Methyl Support Capsules that are being released this week with the bioavailable folate, giving your body the type of folic acid it needs to thrive - no conversion needed. I have seen a huge improvement with my daughter Isabella with her ADD and we opted for no drugs but treating her completely natural and she is thriving.
We also made our Methyl Guard Capsules very cost effective for only £19.99 so 67p per day so that we can help as many as we can get the right type of folic acid to avoid the long list of associated health issues.
Dealing With Heavy Metal Toxicity
Dealing with heavy metal toxicity is also really key to help support your detox pathways (see my tips from last week's heavy metal blog) and simply add in 1 capsule of our Methyl Guard for kids and 2 capsules for adults per day for peace of mind to support methylation.
It’s only a special type of B vitamin which is great for overall mental and physical health and it’s water soluble meaning whatever you don’t need will be released in your urine so what do you have ate lose?
Detoxing At A Rejuv Wellness Retreat
Doing a detox at one of our Rejuv Retreats is the most powerful way to detox both mind and body for it’s 5 days of a thorough mind body reset to allow your physical, mental and emotional bodies to recalibrate.
We all go through stressful times and the body holds the memory and these stressors can get stuck in our body and lead to disease many years later. This is what happened to me 7 years ago due to unresolved trauma from 20 years ago when I ended up with breast cancer.
I did my detox protocols plus the trauma and emotional healings that we now specialise in and 3 months later I was cancer free. You see, all disease have a physical and emotional root and you need to address both to thrive.
A Personal Retreat Testimony
Meredith is one of our clients who joined us for the retreat we did outside London last year. She sent us a testimony to share her experience with you and others:
Your expertise, guidance, love, and genuine care have transformed not only my mind and body but also equipped me with practical tools for my holistic wellness journey at home - a pursuit that holds immense importance to me.
The thoughtfulness in your program design and the profound understanding of the mind-body connection were evident throughout the retreat. The diverse sessions and personal well-being focus contributed to a comprehensive experience.
The impact on my gut, skin health, and overall well-being left me feeling significantly lighter and brighter. Your retreat has given me the inspiration and guidance needed to navigate positive changes, marking the beginning of a new and improved chapter in my life.
This retreat has been a catalyst for positive change, and I am looking forward to participating in many more with you.
Read her full testimony on the retreats page, where you can also download a sample retreat schedule to fully understand the experience.
Two Retreats, Detox Packs & Your Wellness Profile
So do yourself a favour and consider attending one of our retreats either in Dubai next month (we have 2 spots left) or Cabo Mexico this June.
You can also order one of our Rejuv Wellness Packs based on your goals and follow the free protocol to take you by the hand each step of the way.
If you haven’t yet taken our free wellness quiz - start there! It will help you pin-point the top 3 areas you need to focus on to scale up your health.
