​Could MTHFR Be the Hidden Root of Your Health Struggles?


Nearly 20 years ago, I made a dramatic change in my life — I overhauled my diet and detoxed every corner of my home.

At the time, I didn’t have a diagnosis or a clear roadmap. All I knew was that eating clean, eliminating chemicals, and living as toxin-free as possible was the only way I could feel even somewhat okay.

Everyone around me thought I was crazy for being so strict — but for me, the alternative wasn’t an option. As long as I avoided processed foods and chemical exposure, I felt normal.

But if I slipped? The brain fog, fatigue, and other symptoms would crash back in.

Still, I didn’t know why my body reacted the way it did. It would take years — and a surprising turn of events — to finally find out.

A Turning Point: My Son’s Story

At the same time, I watched my son struggle with:
  • Focus challenges
  • Sensory sensitivities
  • ADD
  • OCD tendencies
  • Mild Tourette’s symptoms
Following the same instincts that had helped me survive, I did the same for him:
We cleaned up his diet, removed toxins, and focused on nourishing, real foods — and just like with me, it worked. His symptoms improved dramatically.

But as he got older and entered middle and high school, processed snacks, fast food, and sweet drinks began to creep back in. Slowly, his symptoms returned.

Right before heading off to college, he asked me if he could take a genetic test that was sitting on my desk — just for fun, to learn more about his ancestry.
Little did we know that test would reveal the real root of both his struggles — and mine.

The MTHFR Discovery

Sure enough, when the results came back, he tested positive for MTHFR mutations. After doing my own research, I realized my symptoms pointed to this as well.

When I asked my practitioner if I should get tested too, she smiled and said:
“Honestly, based on your history and symptoms, we don’t even need a test to know you have it.”

What is MTHFR?

MTHFR stands for Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase — the name of a gene that produces an essential enzyme your body relies on.

This enzyme plays a key role in a process called methylation — a biochemical reaction that’s crucial for:
  • Processing folate (vitamin B9)
  • Repairing and maintaining DNA
  • Detoxifying the body
  • Regulating neurotransmitters (like serotonin and dopamine)
  • Turning certain genes on and off
When there’s a mutation (or more accurately, a variant) in the MTHFR gene, methylation can become impaired — and this disruption can ripple across nearly every system in the body.

That’s why some people feel like their symptoms are “all over the map.”

There are a few main types of MTHFR mutations, with C677T and A1298C being the most common. You can inherit one or two copies of these variants from your parents. (If you inherit two copies — called a homozygous mutation — symptoms can be more intense.)

Common Symptoms Linked to MTHFR Mutations

Because methylation affects so many vital processes, a compromised MTHFR gene can show up in countless ways — often in patterns that seem unrelated at first.

Some of the most common symptoms include:
  • Recurrent miscarriages or fertility struggles
  • Chronic fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
  • Brain fog, memory lapses, and focus problems
  • Hormonal imbalances (PMS, thyroid issues, PCOS)
  • Mood disorders like depression
  • Difficulty detoxifying (sensitivity to chemicals, fragrances, medications, or alcohol)
  • Digestive issues (including IBS symptoms)
  • Frequent migraines or unexplained headaches
  • Elevated homocysteine levels (a risk factor for heart disease)
I personally experienced almost every one of these.

The tricky part? MTHFR symptoms vary widely from person to person — and many conventional doctors don’t connect the dots. So people spend years treating individual symptoms without ever addressing the true root cause.

What You Can Do About It

Here’s the most important thing to remember:

"Having an MTHFR mutation isn’t a life sentence.
It’s simply a sign that your body needs a little extra support — and with the right approach, you can absolutely thrive."
Here are a few foundational steps that made a powerful difference for me and my family:

1. Switch to Methylated Nutrients

MTHFR mutations make it harder to process synthetic folic acid.

Supplement with the active forms — methylfolate (5-MTHF) and methylcobalamin (B12) — to help your body bypass the roadblock and keep methylation working efficiently.

2. Focus on Nutrient-Dense, Real Foods

Fill your plate with naturally folate-rich foods like:
  • Leafy greens
  • Liver
  • Avocados
  • Asparagus
  • Beets
Avoid foods fortified with synthetic folic acid, which can make symptoms worse.

3. Support Gentle, Daily Detoxification

Because methylation is tied to detox, it’s key to support this system gently.

Try tools like:
  • Dry brushing
  • Infrared saunas
  • Epsom salt baths
  • Activated charcoal
  • Clean, filtered water

4. Minimize Environmental Toxin Exposure

Choose non-toxic personal care, cleaning, and household products whenever possible. Every small swap makes a big difference — especially for those with MTHFR.

5. Prioritize Nervous System Health

Chronic stress can worsen methylation issues.

Daily practices like grounding, breathwork, prayer/meditation, and gentle movement help your body stay calm, centered, and ready to heal. Regular visits to get chiropractic adjustments is critical for spinal health and supporting your nervous system so it's able to communicate efficiently and effectively.

How to Get Tested

If you’re wondering whether MTHFR could be part of your health puzzle, testing is simple — and could be life-changing.

As a holistic practitioner, I offer MTHFR testing and can walk you through the entire process.

📩 Reach out to me directly to learn more about testing options and how they can support your journey.

Keep in mind: It’s not just about the mutation itself — it’s about how your body is expressing it and what it needs to function at its best.

Final Thoughts

Discovering that MTHFR was the missing link in my health story wasn’t scary — it was empowering.

It finally gave a name to everything I had intuitively known for years.

It made sense of my symptoms and gave me a clear, compassionate path forward.

If you’ve been struggling with “mystery symptoms” that don’t seem to add up, trust your instincts.

Keep looking deeper. You deserve real answers — and real healing.