Since such a large percentage of the population (40-65%) have some variant (polymorphism) of MTHFR, Dr. Ben Lynch and other MTHFR specialists, are of the opinion that early childhood testing could eliminate MANY chronic illnesses later in life. I certainly wish I had discovered my MTHFR status MUCH earlier than 3 years ago. Among other things, combining MTHFR with Lyme, or other diseases which require detoxing, leads to a toxic nightmare where one is unable to detox from the die-off of the organisms causing the illness = VERY sick. If you have Lyme, or ANY chronic illness, please consider testing for MTHFR. It could make a HUGE difference in your healing journey. The cost for the testing at www.23andme.com is MUCH more reasonable than any other genetic testing I have researched.
Lymerick
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SNIP

This is how I feel after spending the last month researching this extremely common, yet often undiagnosed, genetic mutation. Who would have thought something with such a funny name (my doctor referred to it as the “Monday-Thursday-Friday” mutation, hence M-TH-FR) would not only be so common, but also, possibly the cause of a monstrous slew of physical and mental issues effecting us today?

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Why is it associated with all these illnesses?

Methylation

The Methylation Cycle is the major biochemical pathway in our bodies that contributes to a wide range of crucial body functions, such as detoxification, immune function, mood balancing, and more. If one pathway is hindered, such as in the case of MTHFR mutations, other pathways which are reliant on it, will also be hindered. This will end up causing a “hindered” ripple effect throughout the entire body, and many of its processes, resulting in a myriad of chronic diseases.

For example, think of the body as a major highway. When one "lane" is blocked, this ties up traffic until it is fixed, or until there is a detour available. Although, many times the detour is not always efficient, and not only use more energy, but is also prone to back-ups and problems.

In the specific case of MTHFR mutations, the enzymes are responsible for converting folic acid into methylfolate, which is the active, and usable form of folate. Folic Acid is actually a synthetic form of folate, not found in nature, and unless it is converted into methylfolate, the body’s cells can’t use it. The tricky part, is that this conversion from folic acid to Methylfolate is a 4-step process, and those with the MTHFR genetic defect cannot properly complete this process, resulting in a severe lack of the ever-so-important methylfolate.

SNIP