What You Need to Know. For others, it could be alcohol (1, 2). Some have issues that increases their risk of Alzheimer’s disease, known as APOE4. This is because we all have certain genetic variations or “defects” that can influence how we metabolise and use certain nutrients. One of the more common and potentially dangerous variations is known as an MTHFR mutation. The CIA has had the ability to turn routers and network access points into surveillance devices for years, according to secret documents published by WikiLeaks on. This gene variation can impact how well your body metabolises folate and folic acid. Both are forms of vitamin B9, required for numerous critical bodily functions. Unfortunately, a fault in this metabolic cycle is linked to many serious health problems (3). This article describes the MTHFR mutation and explores what implications it may have for your health and diet. ![]() What is MTHFR, the MTHFR gene, and MTHFR mutation? MTHFR, short for Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase, is a very important enzyme in the body. It’s necessary for Methylation to occur, a metabolic process that switches genes on and off, repairs DNA and many other important things. Methylation is also essential to convert both folate and folic acid – each a form of Vitamin B9 – into its active, usable form called 5- MTHF. This is a diagram of how complex it is, but you only need to see the final step. All the steps required to convert folate and folic acid into their active form, 5- MTHF(Source: Image adapted from MTHFR Support Aus.)You can see that the final (bottom) step requires MTHFR in order to create the active form. So without the enzyme activity of MTHFR, methylation of folate and folic acid cannot occur properly. For a more detailed yet easy to follow explanation of this process, see Methylation for Dummies. MTHFR gene. Put simply, the MTHFR gene triggers the production of MTHFR enzymes. Think of the gene as the flower, the enzyme as the honey- bee, and active folic acid as honey. Without flowers, there will be no honey- bees. Without honey- bees, no honey is created. MTHFR mutation. Roughly 3. MTHFR gene, passed down from our parents. Shipping Speed Items & Addresses; FREE 2-day shipping: Items sold by Walmart.com that are marked eligible on the product and checkout page with the logo. How can I tell if my child is constipated? Young children usually have bowel movements several times a week. Your child may go after every meal, or she may wait a day. ![]() The two main functional mutations (also known as polymorphisms) of the gene are MTHFR C6. T and MTHFR A1. 29. C (3). Specifics aside, these genetic mutations are collectively known as MTHFR mutations. They can be like a “defect” which limits production of your MTHFR enzymes. Most people with a mutation remain unaffected and do not experience symptoms. ![]() However, for some, enzyme efficiency can drop down to between 3. Note that there are numerous genetic mutations that can potentially hinder methylation. An MTHFR mutation is just one of many, but it’s the most well- researched and likely most important. Summary: MTHFR is an enzyme necessary for an important metabolic process called methylation. It is this process that converts folate and folic acid into an active form the body can use. ![]() ![]() The MTHFR gene produces this enzyme, but a genetic mutation can inhibit its function. MTHFR mutation may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and vitamin B deficiencies. Those with an MTHFR mutation are at risk for poor MTHFR enzyme efficiency. Consequently, folate and folic acid cannot be efficiently converted into their active form, known as 5- MTHF or L- methylfolate. Therefore those nutrients can’t perform one of their key functions: breaking down (recycling) Homocysteine. Homocysteine is an amino acid thought to damage the lining of your arteries and other cells of the body.
![]() ![]() It is naturally formed in the body, but gets broken down (recycled) by 5- MTHF. Elevated homocysteine levels in the blood is an independent risk factor for heart disease, stroke and other forms of cardiovascular disease (5, 6, 7). It has also been linked with a wide range of other health problems including macular degeneration, Alzheimer’s disease, hearing loss, and cancer. A lack of active folic acid (alongside a low folate diet) can also lead to a Folate Deficiency, which has major health implications on its own. Therefore, those with a “bad” MTHFR mutation are at an increased risk for health problems if the issue is not addressed and their diet is not rich in folate. Summary: Those with an MTHFR mutation may be predisposed to increased levels of homocysteine, a strong risk factor for cardiovascular disease. They are also more likely to develop a folate deficiency if their diet is not rich in folate. What about other disease states and disabilities, like cancer and hypothyroidism? Considering that genes are influenced by our diet and environment, many studies are also able to find a link between MTHFR and a particular disease process or disability. This ranges from cancer risk to autoimmune diseases and more; however it’s difficult to pinpoint an MTHFR mutation alone as a direct risk factor. There is a dubious compilation of the research here, but the studies are far from conclusive and not all the research is listed. Take thyroid hormone, for example, which appears to help regulate conversion of vitamin B2 (1. Vitamin B2 is crucial in the methylation of folate (more on that below), so we can make the assumption that those with hypothyroidism (an under active thyroid) and an MTHFR mutation are high risk. It could be true, yes, but it’s still just a theory. The reality is that overall evidence for these health claims are hypothetical, and MTHFR mutations are unlikely to be a direct causal factor. Innocent until proven guilty. Summary: MTHFR could very well contribute to or exacerbate heart disease and folate deficiency, but this is due to excessive homocysteine. The mutation itself is unlikely to be a direct cause of certain disease states or disabilities. MTHFR symptoms of a problem. If you believe you may have an MTHFR issue, there is no way to know for sure without getting tested (more on that below). In saying that, there are some trending “MTHFR symptoms” among those with a defect that warrant an MTHFR test: High homocysteine levels: Caused by poor methylation. Those with potentially “severe” mutations should check homocysteine with their doctor. Folate deficiency: A deficiency in folic acid (folate) could be linked to MTHFR and is worth checking out. Common symptoms include extreme fatigue, light- headedness, and forgetfulness. Had a miscarriage: Many alternative practitioners recommend testing for MTHFR mutations if you have had one or more miscarriages. Longstanding gastrointestinal issues: Such as irritable bowel syndrome, but this is just a theory. An autoimmune disease: Such as fibromylagia, although this is based more on anecdotes than solid science. Long history of anxiety or depression: Based more on anecdotes than solid science. It’s important to note that an MTHFR mutation itself is not inherently dangerous. If you experience any “MTHFR symptoms” it could be worthwhile getting tested. Folic acid is a problem, L- Methylfolate (5- MTHF) is an alternative. Folic acid is the conventional supplement for treating B- vitamin deficiency, lowering homocysteine levels, and reducing the incidence of Neural Tube Defects (8, 9). It is so effective that the addition (fortification) of folic acid back into to wheat flour is now mandatory in Australia, USA, Canada and several other countries (1. This is a big problem for people who don’t metabolise folic acid well, whether from low MTHFR activity or another enzyme issue (1. It becomes an even bigger problem when you consider the recommended daily intake for folic acid is 4. However, claims it has other harmful effects are unproven. Fortunately there is an alternative. Aside from cutting your intake of fortified wheat flour (commercial bread), folic acid supplements can be replaced with the active form: 5- MTHF or L- Methylfolate. It bypasses any MTHFR defects, and is shown to be equally (if not more) effective at increasing plasma folate levels and reducing homocysteine concentrations (1. MTHF is also better absorbed and interacts with fewer medications than folic acid (1. So far the FDA and European Food Standards Agency have approved several products containing 5- MTHF. Some speculate it will soon replace folic acid as the protocol treatment (1. There are some important factors to consider before taking 5- MTHF though. I strongly recommend you read this guide before going further. That said, if you choose to supplement I recommend this L- methylfolate (5- MTHF) supplement (disclosure: affiliate link). It contains 8. 00 mcg of biologically active folate (5- MTHF) plus 1 mg of vitamin B1. It’s also gluten, dairy and soy- free for those concerned, but always check with your doctor before taking any new supplements. Summary: Folic acid can be very problematic for some, particularly those with an MTHFR mutation. Those people should avoid fortified wheat flour and look to swapping regular folic acid supplements for 5- MTHF. Folic acid, MTHFR and pregnancy. Active folic acid is highly protective against Neural Tube Defects. However, a conventional folic acid supplement is likely not protective of your child if it remains inactivated in your blood stream. That’s why testing for and flagging an MTHFR mutation could be especially useful for women of childbearing age. Therefore, a more conservative and thoughtful approach to folic acid supplementation is warranted for those with MTHFR issues. If you are planning to have a child, or less than 1. L- methylfolate (5- MTHF) instead of folic acid is an option. The supplement I recommend is listed in the section above, but always consult with your doctor first. While you’re at it, you should be avoiding these 6 foods too. Summary: Women with an MTHFR mutation who are planning to have a child or already less than 1. MTHF rather than folic acid. MTHFR diet and nutrition recommendations. The importance of folate cannot be overstated. That’s why MTHFR symptoms warrant such concern in the first place. While more folic acid (often a synthetic vitamin B9 compound) is not desirable, more folate (natural vitamin B9 compounds) certainly is. This is especially true for those with an MTHFR defect as folate- rich foods naturally contain the active form of folate too. Isagenix Diet Reviews July 2. Why You Should Care? Name a diet plan and we’ve tried it. I’ve been (curvy, thick, chubby, Rubenesque, fat) overweight my whole life. Not morbidly obese but most assuredly overweight. I have tried every diet. Raise your hand if you’ve been on one of these simply bananas diets like The Cabbage Soup Diet, the Shangri- La diet (where you drink extra light, extra virgin olive oil in between meals) or the Twinkie Diet (really?). Yup, been there, done that. There will be a quiz. JK) And for sure you’ve been on one (or more, probably more) of these: Weight Watchers, South Beach, Nutri. System, Jenny Craig, Biggest Loser, Atkins, Beverly Hills, and Slim. Fast to name a couple of handfuls. What do these weight loss programs have in common? They don’t always come cheap. Dieters are losing money, but maybe not pounds, while weight- loss companies are gaining; weight- loss is a multi- billion- dollar market. Speaking of mega- money weight loss companies, let’s talk about Isagenix. To be clear, the company doesn’t sell just a weight loss program, but also “energy and performance solutions, age- defying skin care and targeted solutions; ” notsure what the latter means, but our concern here is Isagenix’ weight loss products and promises. Never heard of Isagenix? For starters, it’s immediately clear when you land on its website that Isagenix is a multi- tiered direct marketing company, indeed, it identifies itself as such. Compensation, Wealth- Generating. Opportunity. So it’s not surprising then that Isagenix says it made the Inc. U. S. The business model Isagenix employs is direct selling with Independent Business Owners (IBO) read: independent contractors or distributors, like Amway, for example. According to Direct Selling website’s blog, Isagenix generated revenue of $7. Isagenix says, “Our no- compromise approach to health and wealth generating opportunities help thousands achieve their dreams—physically and financially.”That’s awesome. No, I mean it, good for them. Here’s the thing: one way Isagenix has likely achieved this impressive standing is the revenue it earns. At almost $4. 00 a month, it’s either out- of- reach for many or for people that can afford it, well, they may not think it worth it. So is Isagenix worth the cost? What Isagenix Does (or Says it Does)The Isagenix system has users combining various products to detox, cleanse and lose weight as well as boost energy and athletic performance. It also carries a line of healthy aging and skin care products. The claim is Isagenix products will help folks burn fat while keeping muscle lean. With the Isagenix 3. Their products include an impressively long list of ingredients including wheat protein, enzymes, herbs, green tea, ginseng and the like. Depending on where (and how) one purchases the 3. What Science Says (or, Is There Real Science?)The Isagenix . It also funds its own clinical studies. In fact, the Isagenix- funded 2. Intermittent fasting combined with calorie restriction is effective for weight loss and cardio- protection in obese women,” which was published in Nutrition & Metabolism and peer- reviewed for a fee, found that over an eight- week period, people who used Isagenix meal- replacement shakes as part of an intermittent fasting and calorie- restriction diet lost 2. Isagenix says “Science backs our products. The researchers found this: by not eating one day a week, drinking two meals a day and dramatically cutting calories for the one meal you get your teeth into, you will lose weight. Maybe it’s just me but this doesn’t seem like rocket science: don’t eat and you’ll lose weight. But what do I know? Let’s ask customers. What do Isagenix customers say? To be balanced what follows are headlines from Amazon. Isagenix. Product- by- product, a number of Isagenix shakes, cleanses, supplements, snacks, flushes, and protein powders, enjoyed many high ratings. But the Isagenix 3. Amazon — with Isa. Lean shakes, Isa. Flush, energy Accelerator, snacks, brochure and CD — did not fare as well — 2. The review that 6. Regardless of any potential health benefit, if you can’t ingest the goods, you never have a chance.”“Big No” (sans all caps and at least four exclamation points) said, “Don’t waste your money. I constantly felt like I was hungry. It made me go into a minor depression because I couldn’t eat and it wasn’t like a detoxing irritation it was a horrifying sadness where I felt like I was torturing my body. All the negative reviews that you’ve read already: TRUST THEM (their caps, not mine) this is a big waste of your money, honey.”But there were plenty of fair to positive reviews, too.“Fast and Effective (minus caps and exclamation point) proclaimed, “I love this system. It was easy to follow, made meals convenient, and it made me feel good. Overall on the taste of the shakes, they aren’t the best thing I’ve ever tasted or anything, but they are actually a close second. I usually hate vanilla protein/meal replacement shakes and it ended up being one of my favorites.”And there’s reviewer Kathy E. Gill who says Isagenix has “worked for me when nothing else did,” adding, “The system is solid, backed by research, and complete with a money- back- offer. What have you got to lose?”Other sites with Isagenix reviews saw rants from customers that felt they’d be taken, complaints from others who said the products, while maybe effective, were inedible and still plenty more that sounded like they were on the payroll; many reviewers add that they are in fact not on the payroll. So reviews are mixed, but given Isagenix is a successful nutrition business globally with locations in Australia, Singapore, Canada, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, Puerto Rico, and Columbia. Crossed Ts and Dotted Is. Ready to try it? Best to know what are among the most Isagenix FAQs starting with are Isagenix products FDA approved? They don’t have to be since they’re described as dietary supplements and food products and not drugs and biologics. But, the company says it is under FDA jurisdiction for meeting Good Manufacturing Processes. All Isagenix products are gluten- free except Slim. Cakes and while some of the products “meet the needs” of a Vegan lifestyle, none are vegan- certified. And, the company claims it uses organic ingredients in a few of its products but claims “not all are organic due to lack of availability or failure to meet standards of our Isagenix “no- compromise quality policy.” Some of its products are Kosher and the company says it doesn’t do animal testing of its products. A word of caution, and something Isagenix itself recommends, if you have any medical condition where you think, even remotely, that fasting, doing an Isagenix “cleanse” or consuming its supplements may be a problem, definitely speak to your doctor first. And as far as pregnant or breastfeeding women are concerned, just don’t do it. Even the company will admit that pregnancy “. Bottom line: If you’re pregnant, it’s probably wise to skip Isagenix. Athletes have asked if Isagenix products could cause them to fail performance enhancing drug testing. Isagenix says none of their products contain any substances that have been banned by the “World Anti- Doping Agency, or any other professional sports organizations.”And about refunds –the policy is multi- tiered and rather complex, but bottom line, for regular people (not Isagenix “associates”), if you return what you purchased within 3. Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA), must ship within 7 days of getting the go- ahead and get tracking and insurance from carrier, etc. But if you have questions we haven’t answered, Isagenix has a help email address . Or, listen to the experts who have a pretty good handle on what works. The Cleveland Clinic’s . Priceless.*Please keep in mind that with any diet or weight loss program, individual results will vary.
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