Guest guest Posted March 8, 2012 Report Share Posted March 8, 2012 No, no treatment for it. It hasn't been looked into that thoroughly. The doc seemed to think it's more to do with if I decide to have a baby, then it might come in handy to know. To be honest, I'm not sure why he tested me for that. Sorry can't be more help at this stage. Personally I think there could be something in it! > > > > > > Okay, this is kind of exciting (and may be totally off the mark), but I just discovered a potential culprit in some (maybe all?) fibro conditions. In January, I went for a general woman's check up and had blood drawn for my lipid and D levels. One of the readings I had never seen before wasn't so hot. It's called Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase or MTHFR (I won't say what I thought that stood for.) > > > > > > After doing some research on this mysterious lipid just now, I learned that MTHFR is shorthand for a gene that codes for a specific enzyme. Here's an explanation from the website > > > http://www.doctorbecky.net/mthfr.shtml: > > > > > > ********************** > > > FROM THE WEBSITE: > > > > > > This particular enzyme (MTHFR), is responsible for a process called " methylation " . It is most well known for changing homocystiene into methionine. The MTHFR enzyme is also involved indirectly in the production of many neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, norepinepherine, etc), as well as SAMe and glutathione (a pivotal anti-oxidant molecule involved in the body's natural detoxification process). > > > > > > There are 31 currently known variations of this gene. The two most common are known as the 677 and the 1298 (which makes reference to the specific location on the gene where the abnormality is). These variants produce a MTHFR enzyme that is 30-60% less active than normal. > > > > > > ********************* > > > > > > Further: > > > > > > ********************* > > > FROM THE WEBSITE: > > > Having one or two of the lower functioning variants can contribute to symptoms of: > > > > > > Cardiovascular risks associated with high Homocystiene: > > > Cardiovascular disease, Atherosclerosis, Stroke, Deep Vein Thrombosis (clots) > > > Folate deficiency related pregnancy and development problems > > > Still Births / miscarriage > > > Pre-Eclampsia > > > Neural tube defects (cleft lip, cleft palate, etc) > > > Neurotransmitter issues > > > Depression / Anxiety > > > Insomnia > > > Dementia > > > Schizophrenia > > > Parkinson's > > > Addictions > > > Significant decrease in ability to eliminate toxins, especially heavy metals > > > High oxidative stress in all body systems > > > Contributes to: immune disorders, allergies, autoimmune issues, fatigue, headaches, insomnia, mood issues, thyroid and menstrual disorders, kidney damage, neurological symptoms, cancer risk. > > > Complex disorders that usually cascade from a combination of the issues above: > > > Fibromyalgia > > > Chronic Fatigue > > > Irritable Bowel Syndrome > > > Autism Spectrum Disorders > > > Peripheral Neuropathy > > > Other Associated diseases (not caused by MTHFR, but significantly complicated by it) > > > Diabetes > > > Peripheral Neuropathy due to diabetes usually much more severe in patients with MTHFR deficiency > > > Lymphoma > > > Leiden Factor V > > > ************************ > > > > > > Ultimately, what drew my attention to the possibility that I might carry this unwanted MTHFR is that my folate levels are ample! Despite that, this marker shows problematic. In other words, my folate might not be getting where it needs to go, hence the fibro (or some symptoms thereof). > > > > > > I do plan to look further into this connection. According to the website above: > > > > > > " The good news is that the enzyme deficiency is correctable using a special form of folate in very high doses (available by prescription). Many patients that have these less-than-optimal genes experience significant (and sometimes dramatic) improvement once beginning the " MTHF Repletion " protocol. The protocol is simple and affordable. " > > > > > > Keeping fingers crossed this discovery can help us, > > > " ) > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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