MTHFR Methylation Support: Understanding its Importance and Function
There are many processes happening in your body at any point in time, even as you are reading this article.
One of these processes involves methylation, something that affects every single cell that is present in your body.
The molecules that are present in the methylation process are known as methyl groups and consist of hydrogen atoms, as well as carbon atoms.
These bind to various molecules in your body to perform important functions. There are different genes involved in this process, and our focus in this article is on a particularly important one, known as methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, or simply MTHFR.
What Is MTHFR And What Role Does It Play?
MTHFR refers to a gene known as methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase.
The gene is responsible for the conversion of folic acid into a form that the body can use, called folate.
This particular process plays a critical role in initiating methylation.
In addition to converting folic acid to folate, it is important to note that the MTHFR methylation process also uses certain nutrients, including B vitamins and certain amino acids.
When your MTHFR uses these components alongside homocysteine, it helps to create certain compounds that play different roles in your body.
Cysteine is one of these compounds, which is an amino acid that is important for the synthesis of protein and to assist with energy metabolism.
This amino acid also plays a role in the body’s detoxification processes and helps to protect against heavy metal exposure.
S-adenosyl-L-methionine is also produced through your MTHFR gene, which ensures methyl groups can be delivered to organs and tissue throughout your body.
To support the repair and growth of tissue, the MTHFR gene also makes methionine.
This compound also serves as a cysteine precursor and further provides support for detoxification.
The gene makes a very important antioxidant as well, known as glutathione.
This particular antioxidant is capable of providing protection against free radicals at a DNA and cellular level.
Another important function of glutathione is its ability to reduce the activity of NF-kB, which is a factor known to contribute to inflammation in your body.
Supporting MTHFR And The Methylation Process
There are many factors that contribute to the way your MTHFR gene affects methylation.
Some of these things, such as your family history, cannot be changed or controlled.
With this said, there are some things you can do to support the methylation process and improve the function of the MTHFR gene.
MTHFR and Sleep
Proper sleep is one of the most important things, as during sleep, there are many important processes that happen in your body.
While you’re awake, however, you need to ensure you do not live a sedentary lifestyle.
Exercise is great for improving these processes. It’s also important to ensure you keep your body hydrated and to carefully select foods to eat.
Try to avoid processed foods and snacks. Nutrients play an important part in the methylation process, so be sure to create a meal plan that focuses on balance.
Apart from these tips, you should also consider how many toxins you are exposed to on a daily basis.
Try to implement strategies that can reduce your toxin exposure, as toxins can cause serious health problems in the long run.
Mutations In MTHFR Gene
It is quite common for mutations to be present in the MTHFR gene.
There are different types of mutations that can occur in your MTHFR gene.
Due to the role that the gene plays in the methylation process, some mutations can cause problems, such as a reduction in your body’s ability to detoxify itself.
You may also have low folate levels when your MTHFR gene contains a mutation.
The MTHFR methylation link also affects nutrient metabolism,
which means a mutation could lower the rate at which your body metabolizes nutrients.
In addition to these factors, mutations can sometimes also lead to an increase in the amount of homocysteine in your body.
Concluding thoughts on MTHFR Methylation Support
Methylation plays an important role in your health.
MTHFR, in particular, helps with the conversion of folic acid to folate, which helps to ensure the methylation process can be activated.
Proper sleep, drinking enough fluids, and limiting exposure to toxins are just some of the methods you can use to support the function of your MTHFR gene in the methylation process.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/4524
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK6561/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28520345/