MTHFR: Is This Gene Causing Your Health Issues?
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Join Dr. Kevin Schultz on the Foundational Health Podcast as he discusses the body’s critical process of methylation and the MTHFR gene mutation that could be the root cause of countless health issues. Discover how this genetic anomaly—affecting nearly half of the global population—can impact everything from mental health to infertility. Dr. Schultz shares groundbreaking insights from a recent study published in Clinical Medicine, offering hope and actionable steps for those affected.
Whether you're dealing with ADD, anxiety, or unexplained health issues, this episode provides essential information on how to test for the MTHFR mutation and the natural wellness practices that can make a difference. Tune in for a life-changing discussion that promises to empower you with the knowledge to heal better and live healthier. Don't miss the opportunity to transform your health and share this vital message with loved ones.
What Is MTHFR and Why Does It Matter?
MTHFR stands for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase—an enzyme involved in a process within your body called methylation. Methylation affects everything from how your body detoxifies to how it repairs DNA, builds neurotransmitters, and regulates inflammation. When your MTHFR gene is mutated, your body’s ability to methylate properly can be significantly impaired, leading to a wide range of symptoms and chronic health problems.
Roughly 40–50% of people have at least one variant of the MTHFR gene, and it’s increasingly being linked to issues like:
Anxiety and depression
ADD/ADHD
Infertility and miscarriage
Chronic fatigue
Insomnia
Estrogen dominance
Inability to detoxify properly
While these symptoms may seem unrelated, they can often share a common thread: impaired methylation due to MTHFR dysfunction.
Why Methylation Is Foundational to Health
Methylation is a biochemical process that happens billions of times per second in the body. It’s essential for:
Making neurotransmitters (like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine)
Detoxifying heavy metals and environmental toxins
Regulating immune function and inflammation
Supporting cardiovascular health
Processing hormones, particularly estrogen
If your methylation cycle is sluggish due to an MTHFR mutation, these systems begin to break down. This can result in chronic anxiety, poor sleep, hormonal imbalances, and low motivation—even if you’re eating well and exercising.
Testing for MTHFR Mutations
Often, symptoms related to methylation go undetected in standard lab work. You might have “normal” folate and B12 levels, but your body could still be struggling to use them properly due to underlying genetic mutations.
Option 1: Simple MTHFR Cheek Swab (RUPA Health)
We offer a simple at-home cheek swab test through RUPA Health that specifically looks for MTHFR variants. It’s quick, non-invasive, and can be a great starting point for those experiencing symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, or detox issues.
This test tells you whether you carry one or both variants (C677T and A1298C), which can significantly impact your methylation and B-vitamin metabolism.
Learn more about the MTHFR Cheek Swab test by contacting us!
Option 2: Comprehensive 3X4 Genetic Blueprint
For a deeper dive, the 3X4 Genetics Test evaluates not only MTHFR but also dozens of related genes that influence your ability to detox, absorb nutrients, manage inflammation, and produce neurotransmitters.
3X4 is ideal for those who want to look at the full picture—not just one gene. It translates your genetic data into actionable insights that guide your nutrition, supplements, movement, and lifestyle strategy for optimal health.
Both options can be powerful depending on where you are in your wellness journey. If you’re ready to understand the root cause of stubborn symptoms, one or both of these genetic tests can help guide the path forward.
Order your 3x4 Genetics Test today through our Foundational Health Lab!
How to Support Healthy Methylation Naturally
Even if you have an MTHFR mutation, you can take steps to optimize methylation through targeted lifestyle choices.
1. Get the Right Nutrients
Targeted supplementation and whole food nutrition can have a huge impact on your body’s methylation process, and, of course, your overall health.
Folate (NOT folic acid) – from leafy greens and methylated supplements
B12 (methylcobalamin) – supports energy and brain function
B6 (pyridoxal-5-phosphate) – crucial for neurotransmitter synthesis
Magnesium + Zinc – vital cofactors in methylation reactions
The Supplement Designed for MTHFR and Methylation
NutriDyn’s Methyl Complete contains each of these nutrients in a single, easy to take supplement—the perfect supplement for methylation health with or without an MTHFR gene mutation!
2. Avoid Synthetic Folic Acid
Folic acid is often added to processed foods and low-quality vitamins. If you have MTHFR mutations, your body struggles to use this form of folate, and it can even lead to folic acid toxicity. Instead, choose methylated or whole-food folate.
3. Reduce Toxin Load
Since methylation helps you detox, your daily toxin load matters:
Eat organic when possible
Filter your water
Prioritize sweat (saunas, workouts)
4. Manage Estrogen
Poor methylation can slow estrogen clearance, leading to PMS, weight gain, or estrogen dominance. Cruciferous veggies, exercise, and targeted support like DIM or calcium-d-glucarate can help.
5. Heal Mood Naturally
Because methylation affects neurotransmitters, MTHFR mutations can worsen anxiety, brain fog, or low motivation. A nutrient-dense diet, sunlight, daily movement, and deep sleep are critical for emotional health.
Final Thoughts
You can’t change your genes—but you can change how they express themselves in your body. Understanding your methylation pathway through either a simple MTHFR swab or a 3X4 test gives you the power to take control of your health.
The body is designed to heal. When you support it with the right nutrients and remove the roadblocks, transformation becomes not only possible—but predictable.
FAQ: MTHFR, Methylation & Genetic Testing
Q: What are the symptoms of an MTHFR mutation?
A: Common signs include anxiety, brain fog, insomnia, fatigue, infertility, and difficulty detoxing.
Q: What’s the best way to test for MTHFR?
A: You can use a simple at-home cheek swab test via RUPA Health to check for the common MTHFR variants (C677T and A1298C). For a more comprehensive view of your genetic blueprint, 3X4 Genetics offers insight into 30+ related pathways.
Q: What’s the difference between folate and folic acid?
A: Folate is the natural, active form your body uses. Folic acid is synthetic and can be harmful if you have MTHFR mutations.
Q: Can I still improve my health with an MTHFR mutation?
A: Absolutely. Your genes are not your destiny. With the right nutrition, supplements, and detox support, you can feel and function better.
Q: Is the MTHFR gene mutation connected to mental health?
A: Yes. MTHFR affects neurotransmitter pathways like serotonin and dopamine, which directly impact mood, focus, and emotional well-being.
