MTHFR Mutation is a genetic defect that is a key factor in cancer, heart disease, and stroke. DNA Methylation to correct DNA errors requires a completed methylation cycle. Poor methylation thus becomes a HUGE problem!
The “Poor Methylation” Gene
I am going to tell you about one of the greatest health and longevity risks that most of us face, and how you can take steps to defeat it! Approximately 66% of the North American population has this defective gene, but there IS something we can do about it.
MTHFR Mutation is known as the Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene or MTHFR for short. There are various mutations of this gene that affect dna methylation. Errors in your DNA that are not corrected in the methylation cycle, can lead to cancer.
Errors in the expression of this gene variant cause a toxic buildup of the amino acid Homocysteine which can lead to heart disease, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease.
An interesting note about the so-called French Paradox where the French people eat more fat than Americans but have significantly less heart disease. Whereas 66% of Americans have this gene mutation, approximately 2-3% of the French have it. This could very well explain the secret of the “French Paradox.”
Genetic tests can reveal this gene mutation, however there is a simple and inexpensive way to determine if you have it. You simply eat asparagus and note if your urine has a strong odor afterwards. If so then the gene is present.
DNA Methylation and The Methylation Cycle
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) is the master blueprint for your entire body. Each of your cells contains a complete copy of this master blueprint. When the instructions in your DNA become damaged by viruses, free radicals, ect. your cells divide with “bad instructions.” This can lead to cancer, and other serious health problems.
DNA methylation is the process whereby your immune system checks your DNA for errors and fixes them. The methylation cycle is critical to this process and must complete so that these errors can be corrected.
MTHFR mutation causes problems with this methylation cycle because it can alter folate metabolism and cause toxic buildup of homocystiene. Folate is a b-vitamin that is needed to complete the process of methylation.
Methyl Donors To The Rescue
A methyl donor is a substance that can transfer a methyl group [a carbon atom attached to three hydrogen atoms (CH3)] to another substance. Methyl donors can be utilized in the form of a nutritional supplement to help ensure completed DNA methylation.
5-Methyltetrahydrofolat
e
The problems caused by this “poor methylation gene” can thus be alleviated to a large degree through the use of these “methyl donors,” to help complete the methylation cycle
A number of nutritional companies make such products, but I believe the two best formulas are these:
Methylator Complex – by Poliquin Performance
Methyl Guard Plus – by Thorne Research
Please note that I have no financial interest in these products. I only recommend it because these supplements are of VERY high quality, from trusted companies.
Being aware of the MTHFR mutation is vital to your continued health and longevity. It is perhaps the most critical health risk you can face but one which you can neutralize with a relatively inexpensive nutritional supplement.
Additional Resources:
Check out the website of Dr. Ben Lynch on all aspect of
the MTHFR gene mutation
Microwave Cooking and Your Health
The A1C Blood Test for Antiaging