A diagnosis of any major medical condition can definitely cause someone's mind to reel. However, for many people, a proper diagnosis answers so many questions regarding their health and is the first step to getting treatment that otherwise may not have been considered. One such medical condition that can take a long time to discover and be diagnosed with is a MTHFR mutation, which causes a range of symptoms including heart disease, headaches, cognitive decline, anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, and more.
Fortunately, with a diagnosis, an understanding of what happens due to a MTHFR mutation, and how to take care of yourself, you can be well on your way to feeling better with the help of a nutritionist and a wellness retreat. Here's what you need to know.
What happens when someone has a MTHFR mutation?
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a gene that is responsible for the body's processing of folate from folic acid and making of methylation. It's responsible for forming proteins and removing toxins. Since patients are unable to process folate, they are also unable to process some vitamins that need folate, such as B-6, B-12, choline, and riboflavin.
Also, folate is what reduces homocysteine in the body, which means people who have MTHFR gene mutation are at significant risk of having too much homocysteine in the body, which is called hyperhomocysteinemia. This condition is associated with blood clots and atherosclerosis as well as a high risk of stroke and Alzheimer's.
What can a patient do when diagnosed with MTHFR?
Since the body is unable to process folate and reduce homocysteine, patients need to consult with nutritionists to develop a well-balanced menu that contains all of the necessary natural folate and nutrients that don't need to be processed by the gene that is mutated. Essentially, patients need to learn how to influence their mutated genes into functioning as close to normal as possible.
Given that a drastic menu change will usually be necessary, which includes specific calculations of various nutritional requirements and an elimination of enriched grains and other foods that contain synthetic folic acid, a one- or two-week stay at a wellness retreat that focuses on optimal nutrition and health can be beneficial for long-term lifestyle changes regarding menu preparation and healthy living.
In fact, according to published research, environment and lifestyle have been found to have a positive effect on epigenetic factors, such as the methylation of genes. Therefore, ask your nutritionist to provide you with documentation outlining your various nutritional needs so you can have it on hand should any questions arise while you are enjoying the wellness retreat.
For more information, contact a company like Skylonda Lodge.