The MTHFR Mutation and Anxiety, ADHD, Depression and Autism
Although the study of genetics is in its infancy, the MTHFR genetic variation has gained considerable attention in the past decade as researchers are becoming more familiar with the downstream effects of this common gene variation.
With that being said, the medical system in the US hasn't nailed down an approach to treatment that offers holistic support to individuals with this gene variation.
At Brain Harmony, we find ways to suppress the expression of the MTHFR mutation by regulating the senses, specifically the vestibular system which is a factor for regulation and muscle tone. The vestibular system also impacts the autonomic nervous system with its connection to respiration, GI mobility and heart rate. By providing neurological organization starting with the regulation of the vestibular system, we can lessen the expression of characteristics related to the MTHFR mutation.
In this article, you'll learn:
What the MTHFR gene is, and how it works in your body
Common conditions linked to MTHFR gene variations
How to support your body if you have an MTHFR variant
How to test for MTHFR genes and its variants
What Is The MTHFR Gene?
The MTHFR gene (which stands for Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) is responsible for producing the MTHFR protein. This protein is an enzyme that helps your body process the B vitamin folate, which plays an essential role in methylation. “Methylation protects your body by repairing damaged cells and optimizing DNA cell function. It also processes toxins and hormones, metabolizes B vitamins, and regulates neurotransmitters. The neurotransmitters including dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine control mood, behavior, sleep, and your overall mental health[*].” Having these processes working optimally is essential for optimal performance.
What Is The MTHFR Gene Variant?
A gene variant or mutation is a permanent change in the DNA sequence that makes up a gene. Mutations of the MTHFR gene are common with some variants correlating to debilitating conditions, which is understandable given the role of the MTHFR gene and methylation.
Gene variants like MTHFR are inherited from your parents. At conception, you receive one copy of the MTHFR gene from your mom and one from your dad. If both of your parents have variations in this gene, your risk for an MTHFR variant becomes higher. The more layers variants, the less your body is able to perform expected functions.
With that being said, the MTHFR gene variant is quite common. It is estimated that 50% of the population of all people carry a mutation of the MTHFR gene. Research also tells us that 98% of friends on the Autism spectrum have MTHFR mutations. That’s a big link between MTHFR and autism.
Since this gene is responsible and connected to many basic processes of the human body, the downstream effects of the variant are wide-ranging. Let's take a look at some of the symptoms associated with the MTHFR variant.
What Are The Symptoms Of MTHFR variants?
Symptoms of the MTHFR gene variant include[*][*]:
Infertility
Chronic Fatigue
Inability to detox
Low muscle tone
Poor arch development hands and feet
Poor handwriting
Depression
Anxiety
Hashimotos/Thyroid Issues
Birth defects
Cardiovascular irregularities
Poor coordination
Migraines
Miscarriages
Pregnancies with congenital disabilities
Cognitive issues
How To Support Your Body If You Have The MTHFR Variant
Since variations in the MTHFR gene can result in a wide range of symptoms, you'll want to call on a variety of resources to help manage the downstream impacts of this gene variant. From working with thousands of clients with the MTHFR gene variation, we've found a combination of Brain Harmony's tools and protocols, along with cellular support with a focus on detoxification, seems to be the magic formula.
Brain Harmony's Approach
At Brain Harmony, our focus is getting to the root cause of neurological imbalances through neuroplasticity therapy. MTHFR mutations impact the neurological and vestibular system heavily; therefore, our program can offer a holistic approach to managing symptoms that arise from these areas of biology and physiology.
By strengthening the vestibular system (which is responsible for muscle tone, balance, and spatial awareness) and enhancing vagal tone (responsible for feelings of safety and connection), we see our friends with MTHFR develop more muscle tone in their arms and legs, enhance postural control, improve auditory processing and articulation, and combat depression and anxiety[*][*].
As you can see in the Pyramid of Learning below, the vestibular system is a basic building block at the base of the pyramid.
Our trained occupational therapists combine manual exercises with integrated listening systems (iLs), developed by Dr. Ron Minson, to strengthen the vestibular system and therefore having a “trickle up” impact on the entire system.
We also turn to the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), developed by Dr. Porges, which provides a pulse of safety to the nervous system, a welcomed state for those with high anxiety. By providing neurological organization in this order with our accelerant modalities, we can have a profound impact on the suppression of undesired genetic expressions.
Cellular Approach To Healing
In addition to Brain Harmony's accelerant modalities like the iLs Focus System and the Safe and Sound Protocol, working with the MTHFR gene variant on a cellular level is a crucial piece to the puzzle.
Working with a functional medicine doctor, you can discover which nutrients and supplements you or your loved one needs to support the pathways that are deficient with MTHFR
By addressing MTHFR on a cellular level, you'll be providing support to your body that can upregulate the pathways that are stagnant and boost your body's ability to process proteins, homocysteine, and other amino acids, which aid in crucial processes like detoxification.
Beware Of Toxins
For those that carry the MTHFR variant, being aware of toxic overload is crucial. Among the many roles of the MTHFR enzyme, detoxification is one of the most vital. In fact, the downstream activities of MTHFR is the generation of one of your body's most potent antioxidant and detoxification nutrients, glutathione[*][*][*].
Therefore, keeping an eye on toxins is essential for anyone with the MTHFR gene variation. Wendy Meyers is a Functional Diagnostic Nutritionist and is our go-to for all things detox. She provides fantastic research, protocols and various detoxification programs which has been significant for our families. Contact Wendy if you need detox guidance at https://myersdetox.com.
In addition, environmental toxins are everywhere these days. Water filters, air filters, and non-toxic personal care products will go a long way for friends with the MTHFR gene variation.
MTHFR And Vaccines
There's a lot of talk about the MTHFR gene variation and vaccines. We know thus far that people with MTHFR have a more difficult time detoxing and that many vaccines carry substances in them that require your detoxification system to ramp up to remove these potential toxins.
Therefore, instead of overloading a system with multiple vaccines, build a relationship with your primary care physician and discuss options to spread out your vaccine schedule to give the body a chance to detox each vaccine, one at a time. Vaccines save lives so plan ahead if you have the MTHFR gene and ensure you have additional support for detoxing.
How To Test For The MTHFR Gene Variant
The most straightforward way to test for the MTHFR gene variant is to obtain genetic testing. There are several companies these days that conduct genetic testing, but your doctor may have one in particular that they like.
Our research has us a bit frustrated in finding a good option for this without a prescription and with a robust number of variants tested. Some more well known and large corporations offer genetic testing but have not proven they protect the sensitive data. Some of the larger big box companies can test for a large number of variants in the MTHFR gene but only provide raw data which is meaningless until you have a knowledgeable practitioner to interpret and advise on how to use the information to prevent health concerns. Some savvy practitioners submit their genetic material to the big box stores but under an alias name, then obtain the raw data and have it read by a favorite practitioner. This way, you can have fast and comprehensive data but protect undesirables from connecting it to you.
Again, finding the right functional medicine practitioner who can help you obtain genetic testing safely and securely is best.
Takeaway
If you find that you or a loved one has MTHFR variants, there's no reason to panic. In addition to educating yourself on ways to support the body and treating MTHFR variations on a cellular level, neurological reorganization can do wonders for the symptoms associated with MTHFR and creating a foundation for you or your loved one to correct the imbalances associated with this genetic variation.