To Health With That! MTHFR Mutations and Methylation.

The internets get hugely focused on particular mutations, so here's my nod to A1298C. In this episode we'll talk about: What makes a difference in your clinical outcomes according to research and my own clinical practice What doesn't (that matters just as much!) The confusing nomenclature of A1298C and what it all means The one factor that is far more important than your particular mutation A supe...

This episode might surprise you! This week we'll go over: The bizarre and confusing array of names for the C677T mutation The gaps in current research How much you can trust the research regarding enzyme activity and level of compromise The two factors that actually matter about the mutation Which information reigns supreme, clinically speaking - your mutation or your basic over/undermethylation s...

Detox is for life, at least it is if you, like me, have an MTHFR situation. In this episode we'll discuss: Why detox kits are not always the best for us (it isn't the answer you're expecting) Three strategies for ongoing gentle detoxification What a "gut sponge" actually is And the unsexiest detox topic. Thanks for listening and if you'd like to see the full show notes, you can click here. Don't f...

It's important to keep the goals in mind when you're working with MTHFR, but... what are they? We'll talk about: Three concrete health goals to work toward  The misguided idea of perfection A gentler view of the aims with MTHFR You can see the full show notes here , and sign up to the mailing list to get a free symptom tracker and some other free goodies at tohealthwiththat.com

Starting methylfolate can be a rocky road, so it helps to know what is a normal part of starting and what is a signal that something has gone wrong somewhere. In this episode we'll talk about: When ups and downs matter. Signs and symptoms that you're pushing detoxification too hard. Why detoxification is even involved in this. How to support your body through different scenarios. The complete show...

Dosing 5-LMTHF isn't typically just finding a right dose and sticking with it until you die.  Typically, you have to be able to roll with the punches. In this episode, we talk about three different dosing strategies.  My favorite, intuitive dosing, Dr. Ben Lynch's Pulse Method, and a mixed strategy. We'll discuss: The three things you actually do have to take regularly. Who might not do...

This is, of course, what everybody wants to know first thing out of the gate, before they do anything else with MTHFR, so let's talk about it. This week we'll discuss: The three things you should already be doing before you start 5-LMTHF. The three rules for starting any supplement effectively (but especially methylfolate) The three types of reactions you can expect with methylfolate What to do if...

Of course MTHFR is about folate, but the whole methylation pathway is so vital to your health, that lots of other nutrients are tied up in this process, too. Today we'll discuss: What nutrient you absolutely must take if you've got non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is shockingly common in MTHFR folks. What food source of magnesium has convinced Amy that there is a God. How much the...

The question of whether you're moving to health or disease is a silly one, right? Of course you know. Except with MTHFR, this might be tricker than you think. In this episode we'll talk about: Finding your own MTHFR red flags that are your early warning signs that you're going in the wrong direction. Why I (Amy, your host) am in love with symptom trackers. How to use a symptom tracker. The tricky...

Folate is supposed to cure what ails you with MTHFR, so what happens if you just don't tolerate it... at all? This is a problem lots of MTHFR folks face, so in this episode we'll cover: The most crucial step if you don't tolerate folate - changing this one thing can fix something that has probably been making you feel worse your whole life. Two cheat work-arounds when folate isn't an option The di...

This is a topic of some debate among the MTHFR community, and one area where Dr. Ben Lynch and I have differing opinions. In this episode we will deep dive into: The ways your personality is shaped by your basic state. The archetypes of the basic states (are you the executive, the black sheep or somewhere in the middle?) Whether or not optimizing your methylation will change your essential persona...

MTHFR has its sticky fingers in almost everything and energy is no exception. Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms that MTHFR folks experience, but let's face it - it's one of the most common symptoms we all experience. In this episode we'll learn: The six factors that link fatigue and MTHFR Steps one, two and three to tackling fatigue Eight basic steps toward good sleep hygiene The best tri...

Glutathione is called the "master antioxidant," which sounds important, so obviously the MTHFR polymorphism is going to mess it up. In this episode we'll talk about: Why glutathione is the antioxidant of antioxidants. What diseases are associated with low glutathione (more than half of which are also associated with MTHFR. Guess why!) How to boost your glutathione naturally and effectively What fo...

Even though we talk about folate *constantly* and don't seem to talk about any other vitamins, it isn't just about the folate. In this episode, we'll talk about: What entire group of vitamins works together to make methylation and cellular energy happen What other B vitamin is absolutely necessary for MTHFR to function - it might even be more important than folate! Amy's MTHFR story and why she's...

What we have here, is an MTHFR situation. In this episode we'll talk about: The three scenarios when taking the right kind of folate feels yucky What that might mean about you How to fix it Easy-peasy-lemon-squeezie (as my 5-year-old says it.) Here are the full show notes with links to more information. Keep your eyes peeled for MTHFR courses - we're starting out with a Help! I've Just Been Told I...

We've talked about the difference between natural folate and synthetic folic acid, but what does that mean in terms of eating for your MTHFR mutation? LOTS of things... Tune in to learn: The two foods that you absolutely should never eat, ever. The ten foods highest in natural folate that you can add to your diet today. Easy substitutions for foods that are fortified with folic acid. The big payof...

The term "folate" is incredibly confusing because for whatever reason, the term is used interchangeably with "folic acid," which is an entirely different thing. This week let's talk about folate, folic acid, folinic acid, and 5-LMTHF and also, which is best to take if you happen to be an MTHFR mutant because really, who actually knows what the eff folinic acid is? We'll talk about: Which type buil...

There is a vitamin that is helpful in normal doses, but toxic in high doses. It is added to your food, energy drinks, and of course, your multivitamin. It's folic acid - and it's not just a problem for MTHFR mutants. In this episode you'll learn: How folic acid is linked to cancer promotion The strange, double-edged relationship between folic acid and cognitive decline in the elderly What happens...

Why does MTHFR have so many mental and psychological effects? This is it! Find out: What MTHFR has to do with neurotransmitter formation What BH4 is and why should I possibly care? Why low serotonin feels like you want pizza and Ben & Jerry's and low dopamine feels like *meh.* What you can do with SAMe to help How sleep gets tangled up in all of this One simple step to start fixing sleep. For...

MTHFR doesn't seem obviously linked to hormone balance, so what is happening here? Listen to find out: Why in the world MTHFR gets its sticky fingers into everything. Why one particular estrogen is called the "Marilyn Monroe Hormone" How broccoli can save the day The horrifying link with man-boobs. For the full show notes and more explanation about the Marilyn Monroe hormone, check it out here . N...

What is the glamorous MTHFR lifestyle? It's maybe a bit less glamorous and more just... lifestyle.  In this episode we'll talk about: What does detox mean for normal people who don't live on wheat germ and sprouts? What do methylation and MTHFR have to do with detoxification? What types of things need to be methylated to be eliminated? What does that have to do with urea? And why do I care? D...

In this episode we'll cover: The four major reasons why methylation matters The mutant Mickey Mouse of methylation The big reasons why we need to be able to turn genes on and off and why we need to methylate to do that Why brains and babies are so methylation dependent The proof that we can actually impact this by optimizing our methylation cycle  It's a big episode! If you want to see pictur...

The internet seems to think that everyone should, but it simply isn't true. In this episode we'll cover: The four circumstances in which MTHFR mutations REALLY matter The main symptoms that indicate that you may want to dig deeper into your methylation status Who doesn't need to be worried about it at all. For the written version of this podcast, you can check here .

Testing isn't for everyone. In this episode, you'll learn: When your doctor might test. Who really should test Who really shouldn't How to test on your own How to read the results (what do those plusses and minuses really mean?) How far your DNA can stretch, if you use all of it in your body (just for fun). For detailed show notes, links to resources and pictures of test results, check out the com...

This week we'll talk about the health issues associated with MTHFR mutations (or polymorphisms). These include: Midline abnormalities Cancer Cardiac disease Fertility issues Neurological problems Mood and psychological differences. It's kind of a depressing list, made far less depressing by the miracle that is epigenetic. Remember, MTHFR polymorphisms are actionable, meaning you CAN change their i...