​Medical science misguidedly suggests that we are victims of our genetics, but this statement is not entirely true. While our genes help determine how certain disease onset and develop over time, our lifestyle choices can actually manipulate how, or even if, these genes are expressed. Take celiac disease, for example. The National Institute of Health determined that roughly 30-40% of the population in the US have one or both genetic markers for celiac disease, but only about 3% of that population actually actives them, developing celiac disease.

What is MTHFR, and Why is it Important?
Properly referred to as Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase, the MTHFR gene codes for a rate limiting enzyme used in the methylation process of our body’s elimination of waste, toxins, heavy metals, and more. There are two main mutations, referred to as polymorphisms, which researchers focus primarily on. Both of these mutations can be inherited and occur on different locations of the MTHFR genes.

​MTHFR is responsible for the conversion of homocysteine into methionine, which supports the body’s natural antioxidant pathways, as well as the activation of folic acid into folate (required for cellular development, pregnancy, and so on). Methionine gets converted into SAMe, a chemical that metabolizes dopamine, serotonin, and melatonin, and therefore deficiencies are correlated to impaired cognition and mood disorders. Research shows that MTHFR gene mutations have been linked to mental disorders like bipolar, schizophrenia, and depression, as well as migraine headaches [1][2]. Furthermore, high levels of homocysteine in the bloodstream have been correlated to high blood pressure, ischemic heart disease, and cardiovascular disease like atherosclerosis [3].

Effects on the Body
As a result, MTHFR mutations can affect the way in which our bodies metabolize various nutrients from foods, beverages, vitamins, and supplements we consume and how they are converted into active minerals, proteins, and vitamins our bodies use to give us energy, fight off infections, and so on.

These mutations further affect how hormone levels and neurotransmitters function within the body, as well as, in certain cases, affect the function of enzymes that influence brain function, cholesterol levels, endocrine functions, digestion, and may even contribute to the development of certain cancers [4].

To determine whether you could have a MTHFR mutation, the first thing you should do is get a detailed examination conducted by a naturopathic doctor. One tell-tale sign of this mutation is severe nausea that onsets after taking vitamins, particularly B-vitamins.
There are several underlying symptoms and medical conditions which could contribute to MTHFR mutations, including:

• Migraine Headaches
• Diabetes
• Fibromyalgia
• Bipolar Disorder
• IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
• Digestive Issues
• Drug and Alcohol Addictions
• High Cholesterol
• High Blood Pressure
• Heart Disease
• Anxiety
• Depression

Keep in mind this is just a sampling of potentially related health problems and conditions and there are others that could be related to MTHFR mutations.

Treating MTHFR Mutations Naturally
There are several natural treatments available to address MTHFR mutations. Your naturopath will work with you to determine which ones would be of the most benefit for your health and well-being. Possible treatment options may include:

• Addressing Digestive Problems and IBS – This requires adjusting your diet to reduce foods that cause stomach and IBS symptoms and increase the intake of foods that are considered “gut-friendly.”
• Increasing Consumption of Foods High in B6, B12, and Folate – Those that suffer from MTHFR mutations often have lower levels of B6, B12, and folate, all of which are important to maintain proper health.Consume a diet with folate-rich foods such as spinach, asparagus, chickpeas, beans, and broccoli. Avoid folic acid in supplements, which will further burden the methylation pathways.
• Making Hearth Healthy Choices – Improving heart health, like quitting smoking, exercising, and consuming more natural and organic foods helps reduce “bad” cholesterol levels, strengthens the heart muscle, and reduces the overall effects from MTHFR mutations.
• Detoxing the Body – Supporting oxidation pathways, overseen by your naturopath, helps flush out chemicals and waste from your body and can help.
• Reducing Anxiety and Stress – Discover stress relievers, like essential oils and massage, and increase the amount of omega-3 and use other soothing exercises to reduce stress and anxiety.
• Getting Sufficient Rest – Most health conditions, including MTHFR mutations are often linked to people experiencing problems sleeping or not getting sufficient rest.
• Reviewing Medications You Take – Certain medications can interfere with the way the body converts and metabolizes vitamins, proteins, and minerals, which could further contribute to issues related to MTHFR mutations.

​Most people have no idea they have a MTHFR mutation that could be contributing to other health-related issues.
For testing and diagnosis, or for further information about MTHFR, please feel free to schedule an initial consultation appointment with Dr. Courtney Holmberg, ND by booking online or calling 647-351-7282 today!

1. Gilbody S1, Lewis S, Lightfoot T. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) genetic polymorphisms and psychiatric disorders: a HuGE review. Am J Epidemiol. 2007 Jan 1;165(1):1-13.
2. Prasad VV1, Wilkhoo H. Association of the functional polymorphism C677T in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene with colorectal, thyroid, breast, ovarian, and cervical cancers. Onkologie. 2011;34(8-9):422-6.
3. Li P1, Qin C2. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to ischemic stroke: a meta-analysis. Gene. 2014 Feb 10;535(2):359-64. doi: 10.1016/j.gene.2013.09.066. Epub 2013 Oct 16.
4. Prasad VV1, Wilkhoo H. Association of the functional polymorphism C677T in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene with colorectal, thyroid, breast, ovarian, and cervical cancers. Onkologie. 2011;34(8-9):422-6

Join us for the next 6 weeks as we challenge each other to incorporate healthy habits into our lifestyles. Share with a friend to challenge them with you!
 
Health Habits Challenge: Eat a BALANCED breakfast!
Thats right, its week 4 of the #healthyhabits challenge!
The goal this week is to start your day off right with a breakfast balanced with proteins and healthy fats.
The word breakfast literally means "to break the fast", and you want to do so by intaking nutrients the body has used up all night long. That primary macronutrient is protein. 
By reaching for something quick and easy on your way out the door, like coffee + a banana or bagel, you're essentially fueling your fasted body with a handful of sugar, and not much else. 
A simple, quick burning carbohydrate meal like the examples mentioned above leads to insulin spiking, cortisol release, and ultimately an energy crash a few hours later. 
Instead, consider proteins and fats such as like eggs, nut butters, overnight oats, or chia pudding.
Fruit can be a great, light option as well, but don't let it be your only breakfast item. Adding a fibre sources + some cinnamon offsets the blood sugar spiking effects of fruits, and breaks them down slower.
Most importantly, don't skip it. The food you intake in the morning stimulates metabolism, and fuels the rest of your day!

​Join us for the next 6 weeks as we challenge each other to incorporate healthy habits into our lifestyles. Share with a friend to challenge them with you!
 
Health Habits Challenge: Lemon Water in the Morning 
For the next 7 days, wake with a glass of fresh lemon water on an empty stomach. Not only is it citrusy and delicious, it's packed with health benefits you might not have known.
​ 
#1 It aid digestion - lemon water stimulates gastric juice production, strengthening the effects of your stomach acid and building digestive enzymes. This makes it a great solution for constipation, bloating, gas, and heartburn.
 
#2 It's rich in potassium - you can skip the starchy banana, because lemon water is a great source of potassium, making it great for heart health, brain function, and the nervous system. 
 
#3 It promotes liver cleansing - waking every morning with a glass of this stuff slowly and naturally supports the body's natural ability to detoxify, since lemon water stimulates the liver and encourages enzyme production.
 
#4 It reduced inflammation - while we think of lemon as an acidic fruit, it actually creates a very alkaline state in the body. A more alkaline environment has been correlated to lower incidences of chronic disease and cancer.
 
#5 It stimulates your immune system - the acetic acid wakes up your mucous membranes, and the dosage of vitamin C helps support immune system function, especially during times of added stress. 
 
Always make sure the lemon is fresh (no concentrate), and be sure to leave some time between your glass of lemon water and brushing your teeth, to save the health of your enamel. 

     "I've been feeling down lately", reports patient X. "Its becoming harder to get out bed, I'm irritated by everyone around me, and I can't get a grasp on these negative thoughts. I know its all in my head, but...".
     
     More often than not, the way we feel easily becomes isolated to a psychological state. Depressed or anxious feelings = a mental condition, even though the symptoms can often be very physical. But what if I were to tell you that thats not the whole story, and that evidence suggests otherwise? 

     We know that our hormones (and feelings, for that matter) are continuously creating a series of beautifully coordinated chemical reactions with the intent of communication within the body. And while these chemical reactions may produce very metaphysical feelings, I assure you, the process is very physical.  Therefore, the way you feel isn't just all in your head, and believe it or not, theres a lot you can physically do to change it.

I thoroughly enjoyed this recipe tonight. Spaghetti squash is a great alternative to pasta, and when cooked right, you almost wouldn't know the difference. The best part is, its gluten free and doesn't spike your insulin the way usual pasta does. 
Plus, the scallops are high in protein, selenium, phosphorous, vit B12, zinc, choline, iron, omega-3 fats, copper, magnesium, potassium and calcium! Not to mention, delicious.

So without further ado, heres what you do...

Heres what to do:

1. Cook spaghetti squash (either roast in oven at 400F for 45 mins, or microwave like this.)
2. Dry Scallops with a paper towel and sprinkle with garlic powder. Set aside.
3. Chop up bacon into 1/2 inch pieces and add to a skillet on medium heat. Allow to cook until crisp and then remove onto a paper towel. Drain excess bacon grease, leaving about 2 Tbsp in the skillet
4. Chop up asparagus and scallions and sauté in the pan in the remainder of the bacon fat. Add garlic and salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add stringed spaghetti squash to the veggies, add the bacon and toss together. Keep on low heat while you cook the scallops.
6. In a clean skillet, add butter and turn to medium/high heat. Once it hisses when you throw a drop of water in, place all the scallops in the pan. Sear for 3-4 minutes (do not move or disturb them during this time). Once seared, carefully flip over and sear the other side for about a minute. Remove from the skillet carefully
7. Plate the scallops over the squash mixture and enjoy!

This recipe is dairy free, gluten free, & paleo friendly!

    Tis the season for soups and warming foods! A fall favourite in my household, this soup is packed with nutrition; from b-vitamins to fibre to immune stimulants (perfect to ward off cold and flu season). 
     But the best part ... its clean, free of preservatives, and easy to make