The genes we are all born with, can have something to do with our health and well-being. I categorize the genes into two types: The genes that have an effect on diseases and medical conditions and the genes that have an effect on methylation. Since methylation is the process that regulates the expressions of all other genes, the genes that affect methylation, in my opinion, are actually even more important than the ones that affect diseases.

Out of all the genes that have a direct effect on methylation, by far the most significant one is MTHFR (METHYLENETETRAHYDROFOLATE REDUCTASE). MTHFR is also the most studied and researched of the genes. As of 2014, there have been more than 4,500 researches with the MTHFR gene.

Some of the conditions that have been associated by research with the MTHFR mutation are:

If you have a heterozygous mutation with the MTHFR gene C677T you may lose roughly 40% of the folate metabolization function and if you have a homozygous mutation you may lose up to 70%. Since the folate metabolization is a vital biochemical cycle on methylation it will directly affect the body’s ability to methylate.

Over 80% of the US population affected

When considering that over 80% of the US population has a mutation on at least one of the two most important alleles (C677T and A1298C) of the MTHFR gene, it is time to look into the genome of an individual. This is crucial for making the best treatment plan to prevent diseases.

(Statistics taken from the centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/genomics/population/genvar/frequencies/MTHFR.htm)

Cautions

As a patient you should refrain from trying to implement a plan solely on recommendations for MTHFR mutations. Although MTHFR is a major player in methylation, there are about 20 different genes that have different biochemical cycles affecting methylation as well. The wrong regimen will disrupt the methylation cycle even further. Seek the advice of a well trained health practitioner before dealing with any genetic mutation.

Everyone is unique

Every individual has a unique DNA make-up and we can look at a person’s uniqueness to determine what his or her needs are. The most toxic patients I see are the ones trying to solve the puzzle on their own and taking multiple supplements based on their own limited knowledge and exaggerated reading. Sometimes less is more…

The best regimen is a low to moderate dose of the right nutrients combined with the right protocol to correct other breakdown due to disrupting factors listed below.

Many factors can disrupt methylation:

The Solution:

Avoid trying to treat yourself, leave it to a health care practitioner trained in methylation dysfunction. Avoid any high dosages of supplements based on genetics alone. If a high dosage is needed it needs to be to address a very low biochemical marker on your blood test and it should not be taken for longer than a week in most cases. As with anything else exceptions do exist. I call a high dose supplement a “prescription dose”. It will disrupt the biochemical cycles if taken for long periods of time like medications do.

An individualized assessment is necessary as everyone has unique mutations at different genes and alleles. A non-individualized approach is a major biological stressor!

Correct internal organs malfunction to enable methylation and gene regulation activities, support the methylation cycle to correct gene mutations, optimize digestion to make sure your body will actually absorb any nutrients needed through diet or supplements.

For any questions you may call us at 310 914-1624 or email us at wellness@acupuncture.cc