MTHFR and Homocysteine

In our May, 2016 newsletter we introduced the problem in detoxification if you have a MTHFR genetic mutation.  Prior to reading this month’s newsletter, you might consider reviewing the information. 

Thermal imaging is a means to monitor for inflammation.  Inflammation is the precursor to a host of chronic diseases.  Thus, if you can limit inflammation, you can either help yourself avoid a disease, or limit the effects of an existing diagnosis.  For example, if you are a type 1 diabetic, managing blood sugar control is MUCH easier when the chaos of inflammation is reduced.  “Inflammation” is just another term for “whole-body chaos” that causes a disruption in your body’s ability to achieve homeostasis. 

The MTHFR pathway is one way you detoxify and then support your glutathione (antioxidant) system.  But to optimize your glutathione production, you need to know about homocysteine.
Homocysteine is a naturally occurring amino acid produced during methylation:

Figure 1

  

Increased levels of homocysteine is associated with:

• A strong correlation of predicting and preceding the development of cardiovascular disease (a more accurate predictor of death than cholesterol, blood pressure, or smoking)
• Alzheimer’s, dementia, declining memory, and poor concentration and judgment
• Difficulty in conception and repeated early miscarriage
• Migraines
• Diabetes
• Osteoporosis

The Fate of Homocysteine

Homocysteine can be rendered harmless when cofactors, vitamins, and enzymatic reactions are present to quickly convert it back to methionine or cysteine, both of which are harmless and necessary amino acids.   Methionine and cysteine are precursors to glutathione, your innate antioxidant system.

So, if there is a lack of cofactors that converts homocysteine into harmless amino acids, it accumulates in your body and leads to disease.  A reduction in the activity of the MTHFR gene plays a role in producing necessary cofactors for optimal conversion.  Without addressing this defect properly, detoxification is impaired and health is compromised.

Other contributing factors to high homocysteine include poor diet, poor lifestyle (smoking, high coffee and alcohol intake), some prescription drugs, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and poor thyroid function.

The Good News

High homocysteine levels can be normalized through diet and vitamin supplementation (vitamin B12, B6, B2, zinc, and others).

Summary of the Importance of Glutathione (GSH)

• GSH is involved in many cell processes, including cell differentiation, proliferation, and programmed cell death
• Daily living activities create free radicals.  Adequate GSH helps in cellular repair from free radical damage
• The liver is dependent on GSH to carry-out its role of chemical detoxification
• The liver needs GSH to make bile, an essential component of fat metabolism
• GSH is essential for optimal immune function, homeostasis, oxygen transport, protection of DNA, and the removal of heavy metals

Interesting Coincidence?

An established client came in for her full body scan and had been diagnosed with the MTHFR A1298C mutation and started on the supplements specific to her condition. She was concerned that she would have lots of inflammation due to this new diagnosis.
This client noted the following since starting on her new supplement regime she has been on for about 2 years:

• Decrease in bilateral breast tenderness
• Able to eat most anything without experiencing flu-like symptoms for several days afterwards / improved digestion
• Significantly decreased sinus congestion and allergies
• Overall feeling of well-being

Below are her images of breast and abdomen. (Due to significant allergy symptoms, client was unable to have her 2015 imaging, so there is a break in the continuity of imaging.)

Breast Images

2014	2016
Abdominal images
2014	2016

Realize, thermography cannot diagnose any condition, but often improvement in the ability to detoxify the body can be seen in comparative scans with reduction in inflammation.

Summary

We spend lots of money and time working to optimize health. With thermal imaging, we watch for changes over time as an early indication of changes in health. Both of us have noticed an increase in the number of our clients, both established and new, that come into our clinics with a diagnosis of MTHFR mutation. Many of these clients are finally finding answers to their struggles and we encourage all of our clients to explore this avenue for themselves.

The methylation cycle is complex and this newsletter is not meant to give a complete understanding of its importance. MTHFR mutations effect your detoxification system as well as neurotransmitter production. Please speak with your healthcare provider about any questions or concerns you may have regarding your risks.

Yours in health,

Brenda and Lynda Witt