MTHFR mutations

I haven't figured out how to embed Vimeo -- if anyone knows, please feel free to explain
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From the Vimeo website:

How do I embed a video on another site?

Go to the video page and click the Share button that appears when you hover your mouse over the video player.

In the pop-up window, you'll see a field containing embed code for the video.

Just copy the magic code and paste it into your website or blogging software. Instant hotness.
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Important Note: When I tried this with your current video, I discovered that the embed code is only available at the Vimeo site itself as it is the main repository of all Vimeo videos found anywhere on the web. So I had to go back to the original video on the Vimeo site to copy the embed code over there in order to be able to paste it in here.

This is the result:


I take it you already know the embedding procedure over here viz YouTube videos?

Hope this helps a bit. :)

EDIT: syntax
 
Someone just sent me the following MTHFR Mutations For Dummies link which seems pretty useful, so I wanted to post it:

Welcome to the step-by-step guide that explains how to test for and manage MTHFR mutations.

Testing for MTHFR Mutations...
Want to know if you have MTHFR mutations? Follow these three steps:

Step 1: Order a 23andMe DNA Test
Your first step is to purchase an at-home DNA test from 23andMe. The test cost just $99, and in addition to providing data for MTHFR analysis, you will receive comprehensive reports about your health and ancestry. The test is easy to do—you just spit in the collection tube that they send you and then mail it back.

Step 2: Genetic Genie Methylation Analysis
After you get your 23andMe results, go to Genetic Genie for free methylation analysis. Your methylation report will include your MTHFR results. This service is free but donations are encouraged.

Step 3: Interpreting Your Results
Your methylation report from Genetic Genie will show if you are homozygous (+/+), heterozygous (+/-), or do not have MTHFR mutations (-/-). A homozygous mutation means you have two copies of the mutation and puts you at highest risk for negative health effects. A heterozygous mutation means you have one copy and puts you at moderate risk. Having more than one type of MTHFR mutation will also increase your risk.


Managing MTHFR Mutations...
Want to know what to do about MTHFR mutations? Follow these three steps:

Step 1: Methylfolate & Methyl-B12
Methylfolate and methyl-B12 are the biologically active forms of folate and vitamin B12. If you have any of the MTHFR mutations, you require increased amounts of these vitamins and cannot readily utilize synthetic forms (folic acid and cyanocobalamin) found in many foods and supplements. You should consider taking methylfolate and methyl-B12 supplements instead.

Step 2: Epigenetics & Lifestyle
Epigenetics refers to how our lifestyle influences genetic expression. This means you can reduce the expression of MTHFR mutations by following a healthy lifestyle— namely, one that limits inflammation. This includes eating a healthy diet, exercising in moderation (but not excessively), and using relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga to minimize stress. Consider reading the short ebook Cold Dark Keto: Winter Simulation for Optimal Health by Steven Thomas, which explains critical aspects of a healthy lifestyle most people are missing. Mark Sisson’s books The Primal Blueprint and The Primal Connection are also useful resources for learning what a healthy lifestyle should look like.

Step 3: Epigenetics & Supplementation
In addition to healthy lifestyle practices, you can further control the epigenetics of MTHFR mutations with a supplementation regimen that keeps inflammation in check. The powerhouse in this category is ubiquinol, which is the reduced form of Coenzyme Q10 and acts as a potent antioxidant in the body. Other anti-inflammatory supplements to consider include curcumin and resveratrol. Additionally, many people are deficient in vitamin D, vitamin K2, and DHA/EPA, and require supplementation of these nutrients to achieve optimal epigenetic control of MTHFR mutations.
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My mother has Scoliosis, Chiari and osteoporosis. The doctors said her bones were crumbling while they were putting rods in her back and a spring in her neck. One of my uncles is schizophrenic. So, it seems this is something I should look into.
 
monotonic said:
My mother has Scoliosis, Chiari and osteoporosis. The doctors said her bones were crumbling while they were putting rods in her back and a spring in her neck. One of my uncles is schizophrenic. So, it seems this is something I should look into.
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It's probably something everyone should look into if they have the means to do so. If you find you have any of these polymorphisms and are able to take steps to counteract their effects on your metabolism, you'll eventually be able to take better advantage of things discussed in depth here on the forum like detoxing heavy metals, fighting candida, and the using the ketogenic diet.

It's also important to have the right perspective on this as well -- if we find out we're affected, it won't be helpful to fall into a "woe is me" mindset and use it as a crutch to excuse ourselves from doing whatever we can in relation to Work. However, taking it onboard as additional information about how our machine works and applying the knowledge we have gained can be empowering. The additional knowledge we've gained recently from the When the Body Says "No" thread provides a very important complement to this information as well, enabling us to treat both the body, mind and emotions in tandem.

I got my final results back from 23andme yesterday, and ran the raw data through Genetic Genie. Genetic Genie provides two readouts -- a methylation profile and a detox profile. I'm going to copy the text from my reports below to give everyone an idea of what they can expect if they choose to explore this option:

Methylation Profile

Before getting started: Understanding the basics

We have two copies of most of the genes we are born with - one from our mother and one from our father. Genetic Genie uses the SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) generated from your unique DNA sequence to determine if one or both copies of your genes have a mutation at a specific location in a specific gene. If there are no mutations present, your result will be displayed as (-/-). If one gene is mutated, the result will read (+/-). If both copies have a mutation, the result is (+/+). Along with the (+/-) symbols, the colors on the table also denote the type of mutation for visual comprehension. The color red indicates a homozygous (+/+) mutation, the color yellow indicates a (+/-) heterozygous mutation and the color green (-/-) indicates that you don't carry the specific mutation.

The terms heterozygous and homozygous are used by geneticists to denote whether one or both copies of a gene are mutated. Heterozygous mutations (+/-) may differ from homozygous mutations (+/+) in associated disease risk since a person with a heterozygous mutation will often still have one fully functioning copy of the gene. It is also important to understand that having a gene with a SNP mutation does not mean that the gene is defective or nonfunctioning, only that it is working with an altered efficiency. Sometimes this means that it is working at a decreased level, but it could also mean that it is functioning at a higher than normal efficiency, or that the gene is lacking regulatory mechanisms normally involved in its expression.

Although mutations can occur at any time during our lifetime, it is most likely that we are born with these mutations and will have them throughout our life. These inherited mutations have been passed down to us from previous generations (our parents and grandparents) and may be passed to future generations (our children). This may provide an explanation as to why certain traits or diseases "run in the family".

Although we cannot change our genetic code, we can change how our genes are expressed. Research has revealed that our gene expression is not determined solely by hereditary factors, but it is also influenced by our diet, nutritional status, toxic load and environmental influences or stressors. This phenomenon has been termed "epigenetics". Researchers in the growing field of epigenetics have demonstrated that certain genes can be over- or under-expressed with certain disease processes. Researchers in this field hope that by understanding of how these genes are regulated and what is influencing them, we may be able to change their expression. Using epigenetic concepts along with a good understanding of the methylation cycle, researchers have begun to make recommendations to optimize genetic expression and help to restore health.

Disclaimer: The information on this website is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be used a substitute for a consultation with a healthcare provider. You, the reader, are instructed to consult with a qualified healthcare provider prior to acting on any suggestions presented on this website. This information is not intended for the diagnosis, treatment or cure of disease.

MTHFR Mutations

First we'll look at a few of your MTHFR mutations. According to research, these mutations are important and can be implicated in various disease states.

You have 2 heterozygous (yellow) mutation(s). These are generally not as bad as red homozygous mutation, but they may still worth paying attention to. They include:

MTHFR C677T
MTHFR A1298C

Now let's move on to discuss what these MTHFR mutation(s) mean.

MTHFR C677T

One function of MTHFR (Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) is to help convert homocysteine to methionine. A MTHFR C677T mutation means that the MTHFR enzyme may have trouble performing its task leading to high levels of homocysteine. According to Dr. Ben Lynch, impaired function of the enzyme can cause or contribute to conditions such as Autism, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Miscarriages, IBS, many birth defects, Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's, Bipolar Disorder, blood clots, Stroke, Chemical Sensitivity, and many other conditions.

MTHFR C677T can also lead to high homocysteine. High levels of homocysteine can be related to MTHFR C677T mutations. While homozygous (+/+) or heterozygous (+/-) mutations indicates reduced activity of this enzyme, it does not necessarily mean there will be high homocysteine levels in a clinical setting.

As S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) accumulates, the COMT enzyme may become impaired. Inhibitiion of COMT can increase dopamine levels in COMT V158M (-/-), but for those with COMT V158M (+/+), the high level of SAH can lead to behavior problems and mood swings according to Dr. Amy Yasko.

MTHFR A1298C

MTHFR A1298C is involved in converting 5-methylfolate (5MTHF) to tetrahydrofolate (THF). Unlike MTHFR C677T, the A1298C mutation does not lead to elevated homocysteine levels. This reaction helps generate BH4. BH4 is important for the detoxification of ammonia. The gene is compromised about 70% in MTHFR A1298C (+/+) individuals, and about 30% in people with a heterozygous (+/-) mutation.

BH4 acts as a rate limiting factor for the production of neurotransmitters and catecholamines including serotonin, melatonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. A MTHFR A1298C + status may cause a decrease in any of these neurotransmitters or catecholamines. BH4 is also a cofactor in the production of nitric oxide. A dysfunctional BH4 enzyme may lead to mental/emotional and/or physical symptoms. Mercury, lead, and aluminum may act as a drain on BH4.

All of Your Other Mutations

Now we are going to look at all of your mutations. You do not necessarily need to worry about all of these mutations, but certain mutations may cause problems in certain individuals. Genetic Genie does not look at the expression of your genes, it only looks at specific gene SNPs. Keep in mind that even if you are homozygous or heterozygous for a certain mutations, it doesn't necessarily mean there is a problem with the functioning of that gene. You have 3 homozygous (+/+) mutations and 5 heterozygous (+/-) mutations.

Here are your homozygous mutations as indicated in your SNP gene table above (not including MTHFR):

VDR Taq
MAO-A R297R
MTRR A664A

Here are your heterozygous mutations as indicated in your SNP gene table above (not including MTHFR):

MTRR A66G
BHMT-02
BHMT-08
CBS C699T
CBS A360A

CBS Mutations

CBS (cystathionine beta synthase) catalyzes the first step of the transsulfuration pathway, from homocysteine to cystathionine. CBS defects are actually an upregulation of the CBS enzyme. This means the enzyme works too fast. In these patients, it's common to see low levels of cystathionine and homocysteine since there is a rapid conversion to taurine. This leads to high levels of taurine and ammonia. The CBS upregulation has been clinically observed to result in sulfur intolerance in some patients. It has also been observed that BH4 can also become depleted with a CBS upregulation. BH4 helps regulate neurotransmitters and mood. Other mutations, such as MTHFR A1298C, Chronic bacterial infections, and aluminum can also lead to low BH4 levels. Lack of BH4 can lead to mast cell degranulation and possibly mast cell activation disorder (MCAD).

Note: While some physicians think the CBS mutation is one of the most important mutations to address, there is very little medical research to support these claims and some doctors in the field disagree. In normal populations, studies have shown CBS upregulations to be protective against high homocysteine. However, CBS upregulations have shown to be harmful in Down Syndrome. Medical research has not determined if CBS upregulations are harmful in those with syndromes or disorders leading to impaired methylation.

MTR/MTRR Mutations

MTRR (Methionine synthase reductase) helps recycle B12. The combination of MTR and MTRR mutations can deplete methyl B12. MTR A2756G, MTRR A66G, MTRR H595Y, MTRR K350A, MTRR R415T, MTRR S257T, and MTRR A664A all work together to convert homocysteine to methionine.

MTR (5-methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase) provides instructions for making the enzyme methionine synthase. Methionine synthase helps convert the amino acid homocysteine to methionine. To work properly, methionine synthase requires B12 (specifically in the form of methylcobalamin). An MTR A2756G mutation increases the activity of the MTR gene causing a greater need for B12 since the enzyme causes B12 to deplete since it is using it up at a faster rate. Mutations in MTR have been identified as the underlying cause of methylcobalamin deficiency. Megaloblastic anemia can occur as a consequence of reduce methionine synthase activity.

A homozygous mutation of MTR A2756G is not very common (<1% of CEU population). Some studies have demonstrated that people with a combination of MTHFR C677T and MTR A2756G have persistently high homocysteine levels unless they are treated with both B12 and folate.

MAO-A R297R

MAO-A (Monoamine oxidase A) is a critical enzyme involved in breaking down important neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Males only have one allele since the gene is inherited through from their mother since it is located on the X chromosome. Only females can be heterozygous (+/-) for this mutation. When a (+/+) MAO-A mutation is combined with a (+/+) or (+/-) COMT V158M mutation, imbalances in neurotransmitters may be more severe. These imbalances can potentially lead to neuropsychiatric conditions and symptoms such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), mood swings, and aggressive and/or violent behavior.

Note: Genetic Genie reports the wild type as the defective variant as doctors have clinically observed that patients with methylation problems (especially those of Autism) often have trouble breaking down neurotransmitters. The high activity version of MAO-A (which is represented as -/-) can contribute to major depressive disorder. The significance of this SNP should be interpreted with caution.

COMT Mutations

COMT (catechol-O-methyltransferase) helps break down certain neurotransmitters and catecholamines. These include dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. Catechol-O-methyltransferase is important to the areas of the pre-frontal cortex. This area of the brain is involved with personality, inhibition of behaviors, short-term memory, planning, abstract thinking, and emotion. COMT is also involved with metabolizing estrogens.

COMT (-/-) individuals can usually break down these neurotransmitters efficiently, but COMT (+/+) individuals may have trouble breaking these chemicals down from impaired function of the enzyme. With a COMT + status, it has been clinically observed by physicians that people may have trouble with methyl donors. This can lead to irritability, hyperactivity, or abnormal behavior. They may also be more sensitive to pain.

VDR Mutations

VDR (Vitamin D Receptor) encodes the nuclear hormone receptor for vitamin D3. Low or low normal vitamin D values are often seen in those with chronic illness and even the general population. Low vitamin D is related to a lot of neurological and immunological conditions. Vitamin D stimulates enzymes that create dopamine.

VDR Tak and VDR Bsm are usually inverse from eachother. So if there is a (+/+) VDR Tak, there would be a (-/-) VDR Bsm. However, this is not always the case.

It has been clinically observed that the body may have trouble tolerating methyl donors with a COMT V158M + and a VDR Taq + status. VDR Taq (-/-) individuals may already have higher levels of dopamine, and combinations of variations COMT and VDR Taq can lead to a wide range of dopamine levels. Those that are VDR Taq (+/+) and COMT (-/-) may have lowest dopamine levels.

Note: Some have pointed out that VDR Taq is reported backwards since majority of medical journals report a different risk allele or use different notation. These arguments are well-founded, but Genetic Genie reports this way so results are compatible with existing methylation nutrigenomics literature. Many claims about VDR and methylation are clinical observations. There are no medical studies to support some of the observations.

BHMT mutations

BHMT (betaine homocysteine methyltransferase) acts as a shortcut through the methylation cycle helping convert homocysteine to methionine. The activity of the enzyme can be negatively influenced by stress. The Information on this enzyme related to methylation is mostly based on Dr. Amy Yasko's clinical experience and research.

According to Dr. Yasko, a homozygous mutation of BHMT 01, BHMT 02, BHMT 04, can produce results similar to one with a CBS upregulation even if you don't have a CBS upregulation. In her book, Autism: Pathways to Recovery, She also states that a BHMT 08 mutation may "increase MHPG levels relative to dopamine breakdown (HVA)". This can result in attention type symptoms. It is common to see elevated glycine in someone with a homozygous BHMT 08 mutation.

Detox Profile

Here are your homozygous mutations as indicated in your SNP gene table above:

SOD2 A16V
NAT2 R197Q

Here are your heterozygous mutations as indicated in your SNP gene table above:

CYP1A1*2C A4889G
CYP1A2 164A>C
CYP1B1 L432V
CYP1B1 N453S
CYP1B1 R48G
CYP2C9*2 C430T
CYP2C19*17
CYP2D6 S486T
CYP2D6 2850C>T
CYP2E1*1B 9896C>G
CYP2E1*4 4768G>A
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Genetic Genie doesn't provide much information in the detox profile, but I found some useful information summarized here:

http://howirecovered.com/my-genetics/
 
There is a lecture by Richard van Konynenburg below, in three parts; it's lengthy, but has a lot of very good additional information. I won't kid you that some of it is pretty dense -- I think the best way to go about studying this information is just to immerse yourself and repeat, repeat, repeat, until you start to absorb the general principles. Eventually, you start to get the big picture and understand how things fit together and, most importantly, what you can do about them.



 
Thank you Shijing, and others, for posting this information. I had a 23&me test done a few years ago that showed I have one MTHFR heterozygous mutation and 2 COMT homozygous mutations. After I got the test results I looked at Dr. Yasko's and others' work trying to understand how all the pieces fit together. It's complex! It hurts my brain to try make sense of it ;) As complex as it is, it's clear that there is more that is not known. Very interesting stuff. Thanks :D
 
Apologies for this slightly off-topic post, but I was thinking that perhaps the following may be important to stress when we come up with information such as the one shared in this thread:

Although it is very interesting, personally I tend to not get too obsessed about genetics. It is good to know what mutations we have and all that they can make us prone to, but like Gabor Maté says in When the Body Says No, "one inherits the genes but not the disease". Many people share the same mutations, and yet some develop a disease and others don't. With more accumulation and sharing of knowledge, I don't think anything is impossible in terms of prevention. That is, if we act early enough. But even then, who knows what a good diet, healthier emotions and Work on oneself, coupled with doing things for others can do to our own bodies? :)

When reading about the diseases associated with this particular mutation, for example:

Shijing said:
I really want to emphasize that if anyone suffers from autoimmune conditions (arthritis, diabetes, lupus, multiple sclerosis, etc), neurodegenerative disease (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, etc), mitochondrial dysfunction (chronic fatigue syndrome), psychological disorders (depression, anxiety, bipolarism, schizophrenia, etc), cancer, cardiac disease -- or any number of other conditions -- you should be taking a look at the information on this thread.
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I have to wonder... The causes for the above issues can be so diverse, from genetics, to the environment, to blocked emotions to diet, that focusing too much on only one aspect (the mutation) is not that productive. Diet and emotions and beliefs are said to be able to change even our genes! Evolution is not just about the genes we carry, but mainly about how we can learn the lessons provided to us by life, which in turn may make those who can SEE qualified for the "survival of the fittest", in a certain way. OSIT.
 
Chu said:
Apologies for this slightly off-topic post, but I was thinking that perhaps the following may be important to stress when we come up with information such as the one shared in this thread [...]
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No apologies necessary, and I think it's a good idea to clarify the points you bring up in case there's any confusion about them.

Chu said:
Although it is very interesting, personally I tend to not get too obsessed about genetics. It is good to know what mutations we have and all that they can make us prone to, but like Gabor Maté says in When the Body Says No, "one inherits the genes but not the disease". Many people share the same mutations, and yet some develop a disease and others don't. With more accumulation and sharing of knowledge, I don't think anything is impossible in terms of prevention. That is, if we act early enough. But even then, who knows what a good diet, healthier emotions and Work on oneself, coupled with doing things for others can do to our own bodies? :)
Click to expand...

I agree that it’s not good to become obsessed with genetics – I mentioned above that the additional knowledge we've gained recently from the When the Body Says "No" thread provides a very important complement to this information, enabling us to treat the body, mind and emotions in tandem. The mental and emotional parts of our lives are probably the more important part of self-care, and can explain (as you say) why two people with the same genetic profile can have different degrees of actual health – if you had to choose between the two (physical vs mental/emotional), I’d go with the latter.

That being said, we fortunately don’t have to choose, and all of these things can be complementary. If you know that you have mutations which block your methylation pathway and prevents normal detoxing, then taking the appropriate supplements to counteract that blockage can be a significant factor in healing your body, in much the same way that one might use 5-HTP and GABA to correct brain chemistry imbalance. It makes sense to me that doing this would put us in a better position to Work on ourselves and help others, because we’re helping our body in a position to operate more optimally, which will in turn impact emotions and enable us to think more clearly.

Chu said:
When reading about the diseases associated with this particular mutation, for example:

Shijing said:
I really want to emphasize that if anyone suffers from autoimmune conditions (arthritis, diabetes, lupus, multiple sclerosis, etc), neurodegenerative disease (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, etc), mitochondrial dysfunction (chronic fatigue syndrome), psychological disorders (depression, anxiety, bipolarism, schizophrenia, etc), cancer, cardiac disease -- or any number of other conditions -- you should be taking a look at the information on this thread.
Click to expand...

I have to wonder... The causes for the above issues can be so diverse, from genetics, to the environment, to blocked emotions to diet, that focusing too much on only one aspect (the mutation) is not that productive. Diet and emotions and beliefs are said to be able to change even our genes! Evolution is not just about the genes we carry, but mainly about how we can learn the lessons provided to us by life, which in turn may make those who can SEE qualified for the "survival of the fittest", in a certain way. OSIT.
Click to expand...

I agree with you that focusing too much on only one aspect isn’t productive, and I certainly don’t want to give anyone the impression that they should focus exclusively on genetic problems -- it would be foolish to do that. One of the primary ways that diet, emotions and beliefs are able to change our genes is epigenetically – using the methylation process to turn genes on and off that are problematic (Gabor doesn’t address this specifically in his book, but this seems to be a key way in which emotions, environment and stress impact our health). In my present understanding, correcting that pathway enables your body to do just that, which will complement the Work we do on the self in the other areas you mention, in turn better enabling us to learn those crucial lessons (the ultimate reason why we're here).

It makes sense to me that if you have access to knowledge which can help heal your physical body, then this will place you in a better position to work on the more important topics of emotions and beliefs, because in doing so you’ll feel better and have more energy to devote to that part of your life. But I want to reiterate that I agree with you that it would be wrong to focus solely on the physical problem – rather, doing so merely puts you in a better position to continue to Work on yourself and be of service to those around you because of the energy it frees up to do so.
 
Chu said:
Although it is very interesting, personally I tend to not get too obsessed about genetics. It is good to know what mutations we have and all that they can make us prone to, but like Gabor Maté says in When the Body Says No, "one inherits the genes but not the disease". Many people share the same mutations, and yet some develop a disease and others don't. With more accumulation and sharing of knowledge, I don't think anything is impossible in terms of prevention. That is, if we act early enough. But even then, who knows what a good diet, healthier emotions and Work on oneself, coupled with doing things for others can do to our own bodies? :)
Click to expand...

I agree that it's not good to obsess over genetics. Especially when it's just a tiny snapshot of genetic information that we're not even sure is being interpreted correctly. It’s nice to know, but not even close to the whole picture. The field of genetics is still in the early stages and there is much that they don’t know. There's so much DNA that is not turned on. It’s very likely that within that pool there is DNA that can be activated via diet and work on the self which eclipses the small so-called “mutations” that we can identify.

When the Body Says No is on the way and I'm going to move it to the top of the reading list ;)
 
Shijing said:
It makes sense to me that if you have access to knowledge which can help heal your physical body, then this will place you in a better position to work on the more important topics of emotions and beliefs, because in doing so you’ll feel better and have more energy to devote to that part of your life. But I want to reiterate that I agree with you that it would be wrong to focus solely on the physical problem – rather, doing so merely puts you in a better position to continue to Work on yourself and be of service to those around you because of the energy it frees up to do so.
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I agree on not focusing solely on the physical problem and becoming obsessed with genetics, it makes sense to me too.

In this context I personally tend to seeing it as a feedback mechanism or reflection, I think, between matter and mind. Drawing from an excerpt you posted yesterday Shijing on the When the Body says "No" thread about viruses and DNA plus the idea of trans-generational (cultural and individual should I add!) impacts on trauma and much of anything else, there are really so many variables in between I can't see any approach as being a one size fits all solution.

MTFHR mutations and methylation heavily involve detoxification pathways. In this sense I see it as an intermediary. That being said little is understood about genetics and gene expression. Knowledge such as this can definitely free up energy and put you in a better position when applied to put into the Work and serving others. It probably goes without saying that it depends on the intent and nature or being of one with the knowledge as for the consequences.
 
Shijing said:
That being said, we fortunately don’t have to choose, and all of these things can be complementary. If you know that you have mutations which block your methylation pathway and prevents normal detoxing, then taking the appropriate supplements to counteract that blockage can be a significant factor in healing your body, in much the same way that one might use 5-HTP and GABA to correct brain chemistry imbalance. It makes sense to me that doing this would put us in a better position to Work on ourselves and help others, because we’re helping our body in a position to operate more optimally, which will in turn impact emotions and enable us to think more clearly.
Click to expand...

Indeed, that's a good way to put it. Extra support may be needed in many cases, and it can't hurt. But I think it's a bit tricky. To believe that those supplements are needed in order for a person to be in a better position to Work on themselves can be both the truth, or an excuse to not start Working on themselves right now. It would depend on the person, I guess.

Is it really because of the gene mutation that some of us don't detox properly, or viceversa? And can we say that taking a supplement for an issue such as this mutation will be better or more beneficial than other changes in our lifestyle? AFAIK, once your system is healthier (with the ketogenic diet, for example), your cells (and your genes) can heal, and the mutated genes commit "suicide" (apoptosis) and leave room for the healthy genes to work better. In fact, many of the papers we've read about supplements say that if you are keto-adapted, your body is perfectly capable of producing the substances you need, without the need for supplementation. They even go as far as to say that taking supplements can sometimes be counterproductive. Because it's telling the body that it's incapable of healing by itself, thus feeding a vicious cycle. Again, some extra support may be beneficial (especially in the beginning!), in some cases and depending on the person.

But overall, I think that the reasonable approach is to take the body as a whole. If you have issues of any kind, then you take a supplement (?), work on detoxifying the body and the mind and the emotions. Say you don't have the "gene" for hemochromatosis, or you haven't had it tested, but your ferritine is high and you have some of the symptoms. Do you wait until you get the genetic test done, or do something about it anyway? If genes are similar to thoughts and beliefs, then I would say, "as long as you keep the wrong beliefs, you will allow for whatever mutations you have to manifest". A twisted emotional machine = a twisted gene here and there. Some people have gone so far in damaging their bodies that they need extra support. Some even see the "genetic proof" as a source of motivation to do something about it. So yeah, IMO it will depend on each person.

SMM said:
MTFHR mutations and methylation heavily involve detoxification pathways. In this sense I see it as an intermediary. That being said little is understood about genetics and gene expression. Knowledge such as this can definitely free up energy and put you in a better position when applied to put into the Work and serving others. It probably goes without saying that it depends on the intent and nature or being of one with the knowledge as for the consequences.
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Indeed! I think we can pretty much assume that, genetic mutation or not, we all have a problem related to detoxification, to some extent or another. Again, think about genes as thoughts and beliefs, and the environment we live in. How could one NOT be messed up? But we do have tools, exercises and means to do our best to overcome these obstacles! For all we know, that is a big part of our lessons, and these "mutations" have the positive side of giving us the drive to heal, Be and Do.

Justin said:
I agree that it's not good to obsess over genetics. Especially when it's just a tiny snapshot of genetic information that we're not even sure is being interpreted correctly. It’s nice to know, but not even close to the whole picture. The field of genetics is still in the early stages and there is much that they don’t know. There's so much DNA that is not turned on. It’s very likely that within that pool there is DNA that can be activated via diet and work on the self which eclipses the small so-called “mutations” that we can identify.
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Yeah! In a sense it reminds me of when people obsess a bit too much about "aliens", even though there is SO little hard evidence, and so little we can do about it. They blame their issues on 4D beings, instead of seeing what they can do to protect themselves from all sorts of 3D "invasions". It doesn't mean we shouldn't keep the possibility in mind an learn about it (same with genetics!), but if we focus too much on it, we may lose our sense of real responsibility, and therefore, our power to act. OSIT.

If only we could know exactly HOW everything is interconnected, including information theory, genetics, emotions, diet, conscience, etc. But I guess we are were we are at, and we can do the best with what we DO know. :)
 
Further thoughts:

What if autoimmune disorders, and problems with detoxing were another manifestation of "as above, so below"? The Earth is in such a state of chaos and entropy that we constantly see human beings hurting other human beings, or the planet doing a "cleansing" periodically. Humanity has a huge problem detoxifying from pathology. People don't know how to distinguish between a psychopath and a normal human being. Thus, they crush down the "good cells", because if they don't conform to the pathological norm, then they must be "evil".

So, philosophizing a bit, we could say that the whole of humanity is acting like an autoimmune disorder! And like in epigenetics, each generation has transmitted this distorted ("mutated") view or reality to the next ones, without realizing that knowledge, Work on the self and "soul communities" were the key to breaking the entropic chain. Are psychopaths (the "bad genes") at fault, or is it the rest of humanity that needs to reinforce its immune system? Both have the right to exist, after all. It is up to us to keep pathology at bay and to stop normalizing it.

Enough of crazy analogies. :P
 
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