MTHFR Gene Mutations - What you should know.

What Is the MTHFR Gene Mutation? 🧬

Let’s talk about MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase)—a ridiculously long word for something incredibly important. This enzyme helps convert folate (vitamin B9) into its active form, 5-MTHF. It’s a big deal because it supports methylation—a process your body relies on to detox from mold, parasites, chemicals, and other toxins.

Oh, and here’s the kicker: we ALL have the MTHFR gene. In fact, we each carry two copies—one from each parent.

What’s Methylation and Why Should You Care? 🔄

Methylation sounds complicated, but it’s basically your body’s way of turning functions on or off by attaching (or removing) tiny methyl groups to molecules.

MTHFR kicks things off by helping your body convert folic acid into usable folate. From there, it powers up your entire methylation cycle—including the conversion of homocysteine into methionine, a compound that:

Repairs cells
Detoxifies the body
Reduces inflammation
Supports neurotransmitters (hello, mood boost!)

Even better? Methionine creates SAM-e, which helps regulate your mood and contributes to your body’s main detoxifier: glutathione. When methylation isn’t working, your body can’t make enough glutathione, and you’re left holding on to way too many toxins.

When Things Go Wrong… 🧪

Back in 1994, scientists discovered two common mutations of the MTHFR gene. And they’re more common than you think—about 40–50% of people in the U.S. have at least one.

Even one mutation can reduce how well your body detoxes. Two? That’s even more of a challenge.

In my case, I have one MTHFR mutation. It’s helped me piece together why I’ve struggled with certain health issues. It’s wild to think about what’s possible for someone with two copies affected!

How To Know If You Have an MTHFR Mutation 🔍

You’ve got options:

Talk to your doctor about MTHFR and methylation pathway testing
Order a DNA test kit online (that’s what I did!)
Look out for symptoms that point to methylation issues

Some red flags might include:

Mood swings and anxiety
Poor response to supplements
Chronic fatigue or brain fog
Hormonal imbalances
Digestive issues like IBS
Autoimmune disorders

Certain conditions have also been linked to MTHFR mutation and poor methylation, including:

ADHD
Autism
Migraines
Cardiovascular disease
PCOS
Colon cancer
Schizophrenia

The Good News: Genes Are Not Your Destiny 💪

This is where things get exciting. Thanks to epigenetics (aka the study of how your environment affects gene expression), you can actually support your methylation—regardless of what your genes say.

Here’s what I recommend:

🍃 Eat Clean & Green

Support your body’s natural detox pathways with real, nutrient-dense food. Load up on:

Dark leafy greens
Beets
Avocados
Lentils
Broccoli
Spinach
Garlic
Tuna
Bell peppers
Cabbage

Eating clean matters big time when your body already struggles to process toxins.

💊 Take the Right Supplements

If you have a mutation, regular B vitamins won’t cut it. You need pre-methylated forms like 5-MTHF.

Also helpful:

Magnesium
Vitamin D
Glutathione

Avoid folic acid (the synthetic form of folate) if you suspect methylation issues. It can build up and cause more harm than good.

🧘‍♀️ Manage Stress Like a Boss

Stress is a major methylation killer. So don’t wait for burnout—get ahead of it. Try:

Journaling
Meditation
Deep breathing
Time in nature
Saying no (without guilt!)

Whatever calms your nervous system, prioritize it.

🍷 Cut Back on Alcohol

Alcohol puts a ton of strain on your liver—especially if you’re already struggling with detox. Reducing or eliminating alcohol can help you feel better and give your body space to heal.

Final Thoughts ✨

Not every mutation causes problems, but if you’re someone with unexplained health issues, poor detox, or neurological symptoms, MTHFR could be part of the puzzle.

I’ll keep updating this article as I learn more! And if you’re looking for a deeper dive into ADHD symptoms you can always check out my book ADHD IS Bullshit—it’s loaded with information about getting to the root of those symptoms rather than over-medicating.

💌 Please Share This Post!

If this article helped you learn something new, or gave you an “ah-ha!” moment—share it with a friend, pin it, or post it to your socials. Every click supports my little blog and helps spread the word about holistic health. I appreciate you more than you know. 💛

MTHFR Gene Mutations – What you should know.