Episode 137: Best Of – MTHFR with Dr. Ben Lynch

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Best of The Phoenix Helix Podcast

In support of my own autoimmune health, I’m taking a sabbatical for the month of December and releasing two of my favorite episodes from the archives that you might have missed. Today’s episode is one of the most popular of all time. Once you start researching alternative approaches to treating autoimmune disease, it isn’t long before you hear of a gene mutation that can be a root cause for chronic illness and also a healing stumbling block. It’s called MTHFR. It stands for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. This is a very complex topic, and it’s easy to misunderstand and make mistakes trying to treat it. Our goal today is to explain MTHFR clearly in layman’s terms, talk about how you can tell if this mutation is indeed impacting your own health, and help you find a qualified practitioner to guide treatment. Dr. Ben Lynch is a doctor of naturopathic medicine who runs the website MTHFR.net. He’s considered the expert in this condition, writing, researching and presenting worldwide. He’s the expert consulted by other experts.

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Show Notes

  • Intro (0:00)
  • Thank You to Our Podcast Sponsor – Paleo on the Go (2:12)
    • A frozen meal delivery service, 100% of their menu is compliant with the elimination phase of the paleo autoimmune protocol (AIP). They have over 5o items, including entrees, side dishes, broth, AIP-friendly bacon, and desserts.
    • Use the code PHOENIX for 10% off your first order.
  • Meet Dr. Lynch (3:12)
  • What is MTHFR? (10:55)
    • It’s an abbreviation for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, which is one very important gene involved in cellular function bodywide.
    • MTHFR mutation means that you have a gene variant that can interfere with this gene’s ability to function properly.
    • This gene transforms inactive folate into a form that can be used by the body (methylfolate).
    • Methylfolate is necessary to methylation – a process involved in over 200 vital bodywide processes, including proper immune function, optimal brain function, the creation of cell membranes, the creation of glutathione (the body’s master antioxidant), the creation of creatine (necessary for muscle function and strength), and the creation of carnitine (which helps our body burn fat). Those are just some of the important functions of methylation. It’s also essential to epigenetics: our ability to turn genes on and off.
    • Methylation (and methylfolate) needs increase during times of stress.
    • When methylation is hindered, homocysteine levels go up in the body, which is linked to an increase in chronic disease.
  • Folate vs. Folic Acid (11:49)
    • Folic acid is a synthetic version of folate that is often added to prenatal supplements and “fortified” processed foods. Unfortunately, the body must go through multiple steps to convert this into a usable form of folate, and if you have an MTHFR mutation, this is especially difficult. Folic acid should be avoided. Natural folate can be found in liver and leafy greens.
  • Health Conditions Associated with the MTHFR Mutation (18:56)
  • How Common Is the MTHFR Mutation? (22:30)
    • People with Hispanic, Chinese or Italian ancestry have a higher prevalence: close to 40%
    • Prevalence ranges between 20-30% in the general Caucasian population.
  • How to Test for MTHFR Mutations (24:46)
  • MTHFR Test Results (28:00)
    • The 2 genes tested are C677 and A1298
    • For each gene, there is a normal variation, a heterozygous mutation (inherited from just one parent), and a homozygous mutation (inherited from both parents).
    • Homozygous C677T reduces methylation capacity by 60-80%. (Heterozygous reduces it by half that much: 30-40%.)
    • Homozygous A1298C reduces methylation capacity by approximately 40%. (Heterozygous reduces it by half that much: 20%.)
    • A compound heterozygous mutation of both genes (C677T and A1298C) reduces methylation capacity by approximately 70%.
    • While it’s possible to be homozygous for both genes, that’s extremely rare.
  • Thank You to Our Podcast Sponsor: ShopAIP (31:59)
    • This episode airs in December, and a great last-minute gift idea are gift certificates from ShopAIP. They’re also on sale for the holidays, but the deal is slightly different. For every $100 gift card you buy for someone else, they’ll send you a free $10 gift card.
    • ShopAIP is an online store dedicated to the Paleo Autoimmune Protocol. With 300 items for the elimination phase of the AIP, and new products labeled by reintroduction category as well. You can find protein bars, sauces and condiments, AIP-friendly spices, cooking and baking ingredients, delicious snacks, non-toxic skincare, and more.
    • If you’re a first-time customer, use the code PHOENIX for 10% off your order. Purchase here.
  • Interpreting Your Test Results (33:02)
    • If you chose to get 23andMe genetic testing, you will receive raw data that needs to be interpreted.
    • Promethease is an online program that allows you to upload your 23andMe data and interpret it for $5. It’s self-directed, so it can be a little overwhelming, but it can it can also provide a great deal of information. Self Decode, created by Self Hacked costs more money but also offers more guidance.
    • StrateGene is a report designed by Dr. Lynch that interprets 23andMe results with MTHFR in mind. But Strategene also analyzes how the MTHFR genes interact with other essential genes and epigenetic factors. His goal is to provide people with a road map for health.
    • While there are other MTHFR analysis reports available online, Dr. Lynch warns against any test that provides supplement recommendations, because MTHFR protocols are very individual. Also, some MTHFR reports include genes that aren’t clinically significant, and Dr. Lynch believes they scare people unnecessarily. (Just because a box is red on a report, doesn’t necessarily indicate a true health problem). Resource: Frustrated By Genetic Testing? Me Too.
  • How to Measure Actual Methylation Function (40:45)
    • Having a genetic mutation doesn’t always mean impaired function. Never supplement based on genetic testing alone.
    • Dr. Lynch’s simple test to diagnose methylation function: If someone jumps out and says, “Boo!” startling you into a fright response, how long does it take you to calm down? If you calm down quickly, your methylation is working well. If it takes you a long time to calm down, your methylation is likely impaired.
    • If you eat plenty of leafy greens daily (like the 3 cups that Terry Wahls recommends) you are more likely to have stronger methylation, since this provides folate in a form your body can use. Liver is another excellent source of folate.
    • Signs that you might have impaired methylation: seasonal allergies, histamine intolerance, eczema, skin rashes, insomnia, hyper-responsiveness to stress, an inability to relax, exercise-induced asthma, long-lasting facial redness after exercise, early onset of gray hair. There are others also, but this is a sampling.
    • Methylation function can change throughout your life, based on everything from stress levels, to health complications, to pregnancy, to hormonal changes.
    • While Dr. Lynch finds a good health history predictive enough for most people, he does recommend lab tests for anyone planning to get pregnant. His favorite lab test is the Urine Organic Acids Test.
  • How is Impaired Methylation Treated? (53:27)
    • The most common mistake people make is following supplement recommendations included in an MTHFR analysis report. These reports often include conflicting advice, and they’re never personalized to the unique needs of the individual.  You cannot treat MTHFR in isolation. Every supplement we take impacts numerous genes, not just the MTHFR gene.
    • The foundation of methylation support is a healthy diet and lifestyle. Supplementation is fine tuning, but it can’t overcome poor lifestyle choices. Some of the things Dr. Lynch recommends are: eating real food, chewing well for optimal digestion, deep breathing, stress management, positive mindset, prioritizing sleep, avoiding toxins, healthy movement, etc.
    • Since everyone responds differently to supplementation, you can expect some trial and error in finding the right support for you. Dr. Lynch himself tailors his personal supplementation based on each day’s needs. On a high-stress day, he’ll take more supplementation. On vacation, he’ll take very little, if any.
    • He also recommends the Cronometer App to track the nutrients in your current diet, to see where you might be deficient and need to make changes.
  • Resources:
  • Outro (1:07:28)

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