It's taken me a while to write a second blog since finding out my daughter and I are Homozygous MTHFR. I went through the normal cycle of depression and defeated attitude while researching and not getting a whole lot of good answers.
Fast forward through quite a few setbacks and some steps forward and now I feel I have a much better understanding for what our bodies and minds are dealing with and how to help us cope. Our setbacks reveal more answers and give us confirmation we are on the right track. They usually come from changing a supplement, stress, or eating the wrong foods. For my asthmatic daughter it is much more complicated. Being a preteen who can't eat what everyone else does and has to take quite a few supplements at a sleepover has proven quite embarrassing. It is also hard to keep up with school and social life on a very limited amount of energy. When someone is diagnosed with MTHFR it's complicated to explain to others. We look normal. We can be quite happy and functional on the outside. Unfortunately, what's happening on our insides can lead to quite devastating results if we don't stay on top of our health. So, how do you do that? Start with blood tests from a functional or Naturopathic Dr. who understands how to guide you through the blood work results. Understand that this is not a sprint but a lifelong race. That is not to sound daunting or depressing but more to warn you there is no quick fix. You may feel great for a few weeks and have a set back and feel confused and exhausted. Learn to embrace them because that's when you learn the most. This is true in all life situations! Next, well actually NOW, start cleaning up your diet. That means give up processed foods. Eat only grass-fed, antibiotic-free meats. Certified Organic fruits and vegetables. Go grain-free and dairy-free. Go plastic-free and reduce your toxic overload as much as financially possible. Due to my daughter's asthma we had already removed most carpet from our home, placed a good air filter (Oransi) in her room as well as replaced our 17 year old A/C by the time we confirmed she was homozygous MTHFR. Reduce and eliminate Flouride and chlorine from your toothpaste and shower/bath water. We use Young Living Thieves toothpaste which made my daughters gums go from bright red and inflamed to pink after one use! Eliminate over the counter medicines and turn to more holistic health aids such as herbals and botanicals. We use Young Livings Essential Oils and have been quite pleased with our results. Your doctor will guide you on what other meds and supplements you will need to start based on your blood work results. What should you expect to take? Most doctors will put you on a methyl folate and methyl B as well as a good probiotic. Other health related issues that may be affected by your MTHFR mutation(s) is vast and will be determined by your blood work as well as symptoms. Common issues will be cholesterol (particle size is crucial!) SAMe, glucose tolerance levels, thyroid health (broken down to T3 & T4 not just TSH), as well as a host of amino acids, liver, cortisol, and bladder functions. So by now you may be freaking out and getting overwhelmed, sorry! You didn't even know why you were feeling so horrible for years and now you have the answer. Embrace the knowledge and get educated for knowledge is power! You can make a difference for yourself and your children and anyone suffering without answers as to why. My best source of information comes from Dr. Ben Lynch. He too is dealing with his children and himself having MTHFR mutations but he has an epigenetics background to make sense of all of this for us. Here is a very informative article from him that I found very helpful in understanding our "set backs." I am very fortunate I can do Biofeedback scans when things feel off. Biofeedback gives me the info I need to supplement correctly. The physicians are not as readily available or have the knowledge to handle such complexities that come with MTHFR mutations. Share Dr. Ben Lynch's research with your doctor and help educate them to better serve you and your children. As always, I am available for Biofeedback appointments to help decipher the path you need to take for better health. My best advice is be happy and grateful and know that this information is empowering you to live a more conscious lifestyle. For a complimentary clarity call to determine a routine to best support your lifestyle of well-being please contact me.
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