It seems like it's all about the MTHFR these days!
Having a defect in this enzyme can be linked to depression, autism, ADHD, schizophrenia, heart disease, nutrient deficiencies, and many other illnesses. So, how can one simple enzyme cause so many problems in the body?
A mutation in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) causes a chain reaction in many metabolic processes because it is a key player in building neurotransmitters, creating antioxidants, along with B12 and other nutrients.
Take a look at the graph below for an overview of how this enzyme can affect many pathways in the body.
I won't bore you with the in-depth biochemistry behind all the complex reactions for MTHFR but, this gene defect could be the cause of some underlying diseases.
Testing for this gene defect is a common procedure in naturopathic medicine to aid us in finding root cause of many symptoms and shows much promise to help patients in the future.
Here’s a guide to some of my favorite medicinal plants while forest foraging in the Pacific Northwest…