The Impact of MTHFR Genetics on Methylation, Detoxification, and Overall Health

By Susan Tanner, MD – complete article written originally for and found at SinusitisWellness.com.

There has been heightened interest in the last few years regarding genetics and one’s genetic predisposition to certain acquired diseases and illnesses. Autoimmune conditions and environmentally-triggered illnesses seem to be of particular focus for genetic testing. In fact, for years, members of the Academy of Environmental Medicine have had as one of their statements “genetics loads the gun and environment pulls the trigger” to embody their take on the genetics-environment interplay. Genetics are predetermined for each person, but without an environmental or lifestyle trigger–be that mold, chemicals, stress, etc.–some genetic variants never get expressed or become problematic. Put simply, most diseases and illnesses do not occur without something (often that we can control) causing the body to become less resilient and more susceptible to that illness or disease. This should be empowering information because while we are made up of our genetics that we cannot control, our genetics do not seal our fate! We can alter health outcomes significantly with lifestyle and environmental changes that we CAN control.

What is MTHFR and why is methylation important to overall health? Click here to continue reading.