Could this gene be the missing piece in your health puzzle?
If you’ve been struggling with fatigue, mood swings, recurrent miscarriages, or hormonal imbalances, and no one seems to give you a clear answer, you’re not alone. It’s a pattern we see often and there are tools that help. Today’s episode of the podcast shines a light on a topic that is both commonly misunderstood and deeply relevant to women’s health—MTHFR and methylation.
EPISODE 08 | HOLISTICALLY WELL PODCAST: MTHFR, Methylation & Your Fertility: What Every Woman Should Know
This episode is your go-to guide if you’ve ever wondered:
- What is the MTHFR gene?
- How does methylation impact hormone balance, mental health, and fertility?
- Why do some prenatals do more harm than good?
- And how can you holistically support your body if you carry this common gene variant?
Prefer to listen or watch? Listen in on the full conversation on the Holistically Well Podcast available on your favorite platform!
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Let’s dive into why this genetic variant matters, how to test for it, and what you can do to support your body naturally—especially if you’re preparing for pregnancy.
What Is MTHFR and Why Is It So Important?
MTHFR stands for Methylene Tetrahydrofolate Reductase—a key gene involved in a crucial process called methylation. Methylation plays a major role in:
- Detoxifying harmful substances (like environmental toxins and excess estrogen)
- Converting folate into a usable form (methylfolate)
- Supporting hormone production and balance
- Making key neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine
- DNA repair and cellular function
When this process is impaired due to a variant in the MTHFR gene your body might not methylate folic acid effectively. This can contribute to a host of symptoms, including:
- Chronic fatigue
- Brain fog and mood disorders
- Miscarriages or pregnancy complications
- Hormonal imbalances
- Histamine intolerance and inflammation
How to Know if You Have the MTHFR Gene Variant
The only way to confirm whether you have this gene mutation is through genetic testing. Here are a few options:
- 23andMe or AncestryDNA: Use raw data with tools like Genetic Genie
- Functional lab panels: Dutch or Genova testing often include methylation markers
- LabCorp or Quest Diagnostics: Your doctor may be able to order specific MTHFR gene variant testing
Some of the most common MTHFR variants are C677T and A1298C, and you can carry one or two copies—impacting the severity of symptoms!
What to Do if You Have the MTHFR Variant
Avoid Folic Acid—Use Methylated Folate Instead
Most prenatals and fortified foods contain folic acid, a synthetic form of folate that many women with MTHFR cannot properly use. Look for prenatals that contain methylated folate (5-MTHF) or folinic acid.
Be cautious of foods like:
- Cereal
- Bread
- Crackers
(All often fortified with folic acid)
Even if you haven’t tested for the MTHFR variant, choosing methylated folate is a safer option for optimal absorption.
Focus on Real, Folate-Rich Foods
If you know us, you know we preach how food is powerful medicine at holistically Well. Prioritize naturally folate-rich, nutrient-dense options like:
- Dark leafy greens (spinach, kale, arugula)
- Lentils and legumes
- Avocados and asparagus
- Liver and organ meats (consider Force of Nature ground beef with organs or desiccated liver supplements)
- Pastured eggs and wild-caught fish
These are rich not only in folate but also in B vitamins, which are often depleted in those with the MTHFR gene.
Support B Vitamin Intake—Especially B12 and B6
Those with MTHFR often struggle to utilize B12 and B6 effectively. Choose a methylated B-complex with:
- Methylcobalamin (B12)
- Pyridoxal-5-phosphate (B6)
You can also get B vitamins from food sources like:
- Pasture-raised eggs
- Organ meats
- Nutritional yeast (bonus: adds a cheesy flavor to meals!)
Reduce Toxin Exposure to Lighten Your Methylation Load
Detox pathways are impaired when methylation is sluggish. Reduce your toxic burden with these tips:
- Use filtered water
- Swap to non-toxic cleaning and beauty products
- Ditch plastic—opt for glass or stainless steel food containers and cookware
- Prioritize daily sweating (sauna or exercise)
- Get in regular lymphatic movement (like dry brushing or rebounding)
- Maintain daily bowel movements to eliminate toxins
🎧 For a deeper dive into daily detox strategies, go back to Episode 4: Hormone-Safe Home Swaps.
This May be Why Certain Symptoms Might Not Be Random After All
If you’ve discovered (or suspect) you have an MTHFR gene mutation, don’t panic. You are not broken. This simply means your body may need more intentional support when it comes to detoxification, vitamin absorption, and fertility planning.
With the right lifestyle, nutritional, and supplemental choices, you can thrive—even with this genetic variant.
Tune in to the Full Episode
Does MTHFR still sound like alphabet soup? That means you’re exactly who this episode is for. Press play!
🎙️ Listen Now: Understanding MTHFR & Methylation for Hormonal and Fertility Health
