What Is the MTHFR Gene Mutation? đ§Ź
Letâs talk about MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase)âa ridiculously long word for something incredibly important. This enzyme helps convert folate (vitamin B9) into its active form, 5-MTHF. Itâs a big deal because it supports methylationâa process your body relies on to detox from mold, parasites, chemicals, and other toxins.
Oh, and hereâs the kicker: we ALL have the MTHFR gene. In fact, we each carry two copiesâone from each parent.
Whatâs Methylation and Why Should You Care? đ
Methylation sounds complicated, but itâs basically your bodyâs 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 cycleâincluding 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 bodyâs main detoxifier: glutathione. When methylation isnât working, your body canât make enough glutathione, and youâre left holding on to way too many toxins.
When Things Go Wrong⌠đ§Ş
Back in 1994, scientists discovered two common mutations of the MTHFR gene. And theyâre more common than you thinkâabout 40â50% of people in the U.S. have at least one.
Even one mutation can reduce how well your body detoxes. Two? Thatâs even more of a challenge.
In my case, I have one MTHFR mutation. Itâs helped me piece together why Iâve struggled with certain health issues. Itâs wild to think about whatâs possible for someone with two copies affected!
How To Know If You Have an MTHFR Mutation đ
Youâve got options:
- Talk to your doctor about MTHFR and methylation pathway testing
- Order a DNA test kit online (thatâs 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 đŞ
This is where things get exciting. Thanks to epigenetics (aka the study of how your environment affects gene expression), you can actually support your methylationâregardless of what your genes say.
Hereâs what I recommend:
đ Eat Clean & Green
Support your bodyâs 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.
đ Take the Right Supplements
If you have a mutation, regular B vitamins wonât 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.
đ§ââď¸ Manage Stress Like a Boss
Stress is a major methylation killer. So donât wait for burnoutâget ahead of it. Try:
- Journaling
- Meditation
- Deep breathing
- Time in nature
- Saying no (without guilt!)
Whatever calms your nervous system, prioritize it.
đˇ Cut Back on Alcohol
Alcohol puts a ton of strain on your liverâespecially if youâre already struggling with detox. Reducing or eliminating alcohol can help you feel better and give your body space to heal.
Final Thoughts â¨
Not every mutation causes problems, but if youâre someone with unexplained health issues, poor detox, or neurological symptoms, MTHFR could be part of the puzzle.
Iâll 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 Bullshitâitâs loaded with information about getting to the root of those symptoms rather than over-medicating.

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