Methylation cycle and genetic testing

Wow... it has been awhile! I spent the summer moving from Chicago back home to live with my father in Michigan. Since I'm unemployed due to my chronic health issues, financing my supplement addiction has been a real problem ;)
Though my boyfriend had a job in Chicago, it still wasn't enough to keep us financially afloat.

I started seeing a new Naturopathic doctor here in Michigan. She mentioned something about methylation cycle problems, which I had read a little about before but never really gave it a second thought. Some of you may have recently come across information about genetic mutations and their relation to something called the Methylation Cycle. Thanks to recent advancements in genetic testing, as well as accessibility to that testing, finding this kind of information about your genome is easier than ever. The testing is relatively affordable, depending on where you get it done (Quest labs vs. 23andme.com).

Basically, if you have certain genetic mutations, your body has a difficult time converting folic acid/folate into its usable (or “active”) form. But make no mistake; a difficulty in processing a simple B vitamin (folate) can lead to an alarming number of health issues. Theses issues include elevated homocysteine levels, a functional B12 deficiency, immune system dysfunction, energy production problems, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), problems eliminating toxins from the body, and even issues with neurotransmitter production (like low dopamine). As you can see, the methylation cycle reaches far and wide. For those of you treating chronic viral or bacterial infections, such as Lyme disease of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), and are finding that you are still sick or maybe even getting worse, finding out if you have methylation cycle mutations is crucial in order for treatments to work. Removing the blockage within the cycle might just be the missing piece to the puzzle.

As it turns out, I am heterozygous for a mutation in one of the MTHFR genes, A1298C. I got that testing done through Quest labs, and it also tested for the other well-known MTHFR gene, C677T (which I do NOT have the mutation for). There is still relatively little known about the function and relevance of the A1298C mutation. Some health professionals feel that a heterozygous mutation in the A1298C gene doesn’t result in any significant impacts to the functioning of the methylation cycle, while others believe that the mutation does indeed effect the cycle.

After getting my results for those two gene mutations, I was hooked! I did more research and discovered that there are more mutations that can impact this cycle. So I went ahead and ordered more comprehensive genetic testing through 23andme. I got the test for a mere $99.00, which is a great deal seeing as how they report on thousands of your genes as well as ancestry information.

The 23andme.com testing turned out to be very beneficial. I discovered that I have some mutations that need to be addressed first (prior to addressing the two mutations mentioned earlier) in order for my body to properly detox. This may explain why I felt so horrible when taking antibiotics. 

Anyways, below you will find my treatment plan. If you are interested in finding out more about the methylation cycle and associated genetic mutations, check out Dr. Amy Yasko's website. She has done a ton of research on this topic (and its relation to autism), which you can check out here.

 Dr. Ben Lynch is also extremely knowledgeable in this area and has been a great resource for MTHFR information as well.

It's amazing that ust one genetic mutation could throw this whole methylation system out off kilter, and ultimately, our bodily systems.

So currently, my supplement regimen goes something like this:

• SHMT spray - 5x/day - treats SHMT mutation, I am heterozygous for this first-priority mutation according to Dr. Yasko. She states that SHMT and CBS mutations need to be dealt with first before adding in the active form of folate. 
• BeCalm Spray - working up to 6x/day - helps to lower elevated glutamate levels, and provides low dose of Lithium (which is crucial for transporting B12 in the body)
• Resveratrol spray - also helps to reduce glutamate levels and provides  some antioxidant support
• Yasko's new All-in-One multi - trying to work up to taking one of these everyday, I've had to go low-and-slow with all of the supplements I add in because my system is so over-reactive. I had tried her old formula of multivitamin and could not take it even in half-tablet doses because it was causing me detox symptoms. This new formula is better tolerated.
• Klaire Labs probiotic, and Vital Zymes chewable enzymes, 1/2tab.
• Thorne Research Bio-Gest, contains Ox Bile, helps digestion and has brought the "half-moons" back into my nail beds
• Grape Seed Extract - for "short cut" support of methylation cycle, according to Yasko
• Vit. A,C,D,E
• Mag. malate, herbal calcium, other general support

Recent new symptoms: Right eye twitching, return of tingly scalp sensations on left side