Thirty to 40 per cent of the general population has this genetic mutation, unbeknownst to most, wreaking havoc on lives, whether we are the ones not knowing we have the mutation, or others, such as our children, our siblings, our parents, our teachers, or our students. When the prevalence is 30-40 per cent of the general population as it is in this case, we are all affected by it.

 The mutation is called MTHFR. What it does, essentially, is create a faulty enzyme in the body, needed to methylate hormones properly, and to absorb Vitamin B12 properly. Because the enzyme does not perform as it is meant to, and therefore hormones do NOT methylate properly, and Vitamin B12 is NOT absorbed by the body properly, a whole host of sensitivities and problems result: lethargy, volatility in mood and behavior, allergies to certain foods and beverages. Furthermore, and ultimately, because of the sensitivities created by the mutation, these individuals are diagnosed instead with all kinds of disorders and diseases including autoimmune deficiencies, digestive problems, inflammation, and mental health conditions, including addiction, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Some experts have found that as many as 96 per cent of persons on the spectrum of Autism, those with ASD, have this genetic mutation. The problem with this typical way of diagnosing people’s complaints, is that individuals with MTHFR are EXTREMELY sensitive to many different substances including the synthetic medications typically given for such conditions. Suffering continues when we don’t get to root causes. Finally understood and detectable through recent advances in medicine, we only need to order a blood test through our general practitioner to rule the mutation out. We need to specifically ask for two tests of MTHFR: numbers 1298 and 677. If found, in the case of either test, there is no cure. However, there is extremely helpful treatment that is all natural, without horrible side effects. This is critical to know for those seeking mental health services because in that population the prevalence of MTHFR goes up to 80-90 percent. Treatment includes: 

1. Specific supplements that boost the body’s capacity to absorb Vitamin B12 (i.e. Hero’s Formula);
2. Specific supplements that boost the body’s capacity to methylate hormones (i.e. Methyl Protect);
3. Additional natural supplements that are critical to the sensitivities of those with MTHFR (i.e. Magnesium, Vitamin D, and Borage Oil);
4. A nutrient rich diet FULL of fruits, vegetables, nuts, eggs, and lean proteins (with an exclusion of alcohol, white flour, processed or refined sugar, and all the other usual suspects);
5. Regular exercise that’s fun;
6. Consideration of CBD for specific symptoms;
7. Meditation and/or grounding exercises like 60 Seconds.

 Generally, I believe in simply living a healthy life and focusing our thoughts on health and not on digging up medical information that can be alarming. However, when it comes to MTHFR, I make an exception for the very personal reason that since I have known about my genetic mutation and have allowed the recommendations that come with it to inform my daily choices, I have felt much MUCH better. In my particular case, MTHFR caused a lifelong and extremely debilitating condition called Pre-Menstrual Dysphoria, which can look and feel like Bipolar Disorder, or like a Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde condition. I felt healthy and wonderful two weeks of the month and downright miserable two weeks of the month, irritable, anxious, sleepless at night, exhausted during the day, agitated, and therefore aggressive, often full of dread. I needed to boost my faulty enzyme’s capacity to methylate my hormones and absorb B12 so I could feel like myself every day of the month, which is how I get to feel now 90 per cent of the time. Let’s not continue to suffer because of information we don’t have. If we know suffering, let’s get tested. Let’s take all the necessary steps to take our lives back without shame. I have found that if I respect this condition by caring for it properly, I live with a greater sense of empowerment over my own life. I wish that for all of us.