Epigenetics, MTHFR Gene & Potential Dangers of Folic Acid w/ Dr. Ben Lynch, ND

Dr. Bubbs interviews epigenetics expert Dr. Ben Lynch, who dives into the emerging field of epigenetics, outlining how the environment impacts how your genes are expressed. Dr. Ben discusses the MTHFR gene and its implications on your health and performance.
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[@Cecilie58]

I was told I have the MTHFR gene after I had 3 miscarriages. I was pregnant again and they put me on blood thinners. I’ve always had issues with fatigue, depression, anxiety, hair loss, I get itchy rashes around my neck and shoulders. I had preeclampsia with my first daughter. I have been lost in how to feel better and treating it. So I appreciate this podcast so much !

[@DrBubbs]

Thanks for listening!

[@gremlin2550]

I don't know if I have the gene, but cutting folic acid from my diet and switching to a methylfolate multivitamin has changed my life. My depression and anxiety are much easier to manage to the point of being almost nonexistent, I can concentrate so much better, I don't feel the unconscious urge to reach for my phone all the time. It's amazing, I've never had something change me so much.

[@DrBubbs]

Thanks for sharing

[@navyretired230]

My spouse has 25yrs of bipolar depression \ anxiety . She has been inpatient hospitalized three times in five years. I found folic acid in all our multivitamins and foods. We recently stopped all processed foods, seed oils, anything that would spike blood sugar including most fruits. We added liver ...nasty but we are eating liver. I will try a multi folate supplement nd made an appointment with a certified nutritional expert. Need prayers. Lets hope she recovers

[@gremlin2550]

@@navyretired230 if you have a natural grocers near you they have a methylfolate by itself or in multivitamin form, pure incapsulations has a good multivitamin that I got on Amazon, just started trying it so far so good.

[@tammyczigan1864]

@@navyretired230I would love to hear the outcome of your changes. I have a similar family member. Prayers!

[@BetaBuxDelux]

@@navyretired230Have you tried creatine?

[@alid6616]

I have been plagued with depression, anxiety, fatigue, excessive tiredness my whole life. I knew something was off but never could figure it out, once my genesight came back and showed I have this gene mutation I finally feel vindicated that it wasn't me just being lazy and unmotivated. I am a successful nurse and start NP school, but my days off I have severe fatigue and can barely clean my place. My dads family is from southern Italy where this gene mutation is prevalent.

[@DrBubbs]

Hi Ali, thanks for sharing!

[@dez6278]

Check out DrJanelleSinclair's channel and videos on mental health and MTHFR. She has downloadable pdf's on her website and they advise on supplements. I'm bipolar and have homozygous MTHFR AND several other genes required for mood like COMT. Taking methyl versions of folate & B12 multivitamins helped me a lot. Turns out if you have genes like mine you may still not handle methyl versions well and need TMG supplements or folinc acid and hydroxycobalamin B12, or SAM-E. The channel Levelheaded Mind has a great MTHFR video too. (COMT is linked to mental health issues, moreso with homozygous MTHFR.)

[@dianelakata1308]

This discussion is the clearest and most accessible description of this piece of human physiology that I have heard.

[@valerier4308]

Thanks! Your comment convinced me to watch this video!

[@DrBubbs]

Thank you Diane!

[@mariatomoyasu8198]

Very much! I m understanding my body now !

[@Lyaworski123]

I was told I had fibromyalgia years ago. Now I find out my daughter did a test for genetic genes. She tested positive for MTHFR. C667t Homozygous. She has celiac and anxiety attacks. That’s why she had the test done. I am tempted to do the test also.

[@DrBubbs]

Thanks for sharing. Those are complex conditions with lots of 'root causes'... so while folate can play a role... it's important not to put too much emphasis on DNA testing. At the moment, there are not too many 'actionable' genetic snips.

[@gwensunmd786]

Excellent episode in so many helpful details to pay attention to. Thank you so much!

[@DrBubbs]

Cheers Gwen!

[@zoepierce8271]

Wow. My sister just found out she has this (after a stroke and blood clot in her leg). I got tested yesterday. If I have this, it will explain why I’ve always felt so bad.

[@DrBubbs]

Hope you're feeling better Zoe.

[@zoepierce8271]

@@DrBubbs I did end up having the gene variant. I’m trying to implement Some dietary and lifestyle changes. Sadly, my sister has passed away. She had lymphoma.

[@lorraineb396]

@@zoepierce8271 hi Zoe...I have double mutation..so sorry to hear about your sister...glad you got tested..knowledge is power

[@karend.9218]

My hypertension situation was reversed by giving up enough carbs to get to about 30g per day. Accidentally found that out when I pursued fixing metabolic syndrome. Will never go back. Whole foods are the only way to eat. Our great grand parents lived long and well, our parents and grandparents changed their diets in the early 80’s with SAD. Beginning of all diet related problems with health. People stopped smoking around the same time and that was a great movement, but cardiovascular problems that are diet related became the next challenge a couple decades later with processed foods.

[@DrBubbs]

Hi Karen, thanks for sharing. Well done making changes in your lifestyle to improve your health and longevity. Question for you... What prompted you to 'take action' and start making changes?

[@KarenVidal7]

What about taking folinic acid with glutathione and r lipoic acid? I also have mthfr mutation and would like to improve my excessive tiredness which interferes with my daily productivity.

[@DrBubbs]

Supplements can be helpful, but don't forget about improving aerobic fitness... big factor!

[@williamhenry3337]

WOW! I am 75 years old and have the MTHFR gene. I have never been able to gain weight. I have had a 19.5 BMI my entire life. I lived on 8,000 calories and 300 grams of protein a day for 2 years and didn't gain weight. Thank you for giving me an answer. NOTE comment for host and guest ONLY. I do NOT read comments left for me.

[@DrBubbs]

8000 kcal per day at 75... not sure that's even been done before! What were you eating?

[@williamhenry3337]

@@DrBubbs No, the 8,000 calories and 300 grams of protein a day was when I was 18 & 19 years old (I wanted to look like Arnold). I would bring 11 sandwiches to work and eat two at lunch and one every hour. I would drink a full gallon of gain weight protein shakes made with whole milk, heavy cream, peanut butter and ice cream with gain weight powder through out the day. It would pour out as thick as honey. I ate from sunrise until 11:00 pm and didn't gain weight. I have been 135 lbs with a 29" waist my entire adult life. Apoe2 & MTHFR. My last doctor's visit (except one colonoscopy) was in 1969. Never had a blood test. One $4 prescription in my life (antibiotic for root canal). I have had 2 cheek swabs using those send away kits.

[@sandragermay2728]

sorry but where can i find the show notes ? i am trying to find the slides about the pathways you are talking about

[@DrBubbs]

Hi Snadra, Link here for you: athleteperformancenutrition.com/podcast-s1/38

[@PatrickA1]

I have the mthfr c677t double mutation. Can I just take Calcium Folinate and eat lots of greens instead of metyhfolate? Methylfolate ramps me up a little.

[@DrBubbs]

Unfortunately, can't answer medical questions online. But, always remember... start with what symptoms/conditions you're trying to improve (rather than responding/reacting to a single metric). Hope this helps!

[@josiahculley9877]

I have it the best treatment for it is Metagenics - ceralin forte

[@DrBubbs]

thanks for sharing

[@juliemalone9139]

So I found out I have a homozygous MTHFR mutation TT version. So started supplementing with larger doses of Methylfolate due to depression and anxiety. Then I found out I had the AG version of the SHMT1 gene. They said to avoid the methylated version of folate and take folinic acid instead. Why??

[@DrBubbs]

Anxiety and depression are complex conditions. A genetic SNiP is unlikely to be the sole contributor.

[@tangomcphearson74]

So is Methyl Folate good for folate deficiencies? Sometimes I wish people would try to simplify information.

[@DrBubbs]

Yes, it is. It's a more easily 'usable' form by the body. (Don't forget to eat your greens too!)

[@OttoNommik]

You have to simplify for yourself. Do the work. This apply with everything in life. Especially your health. Nobody is going to give you a list of what to do. Grow up

[@tangomcphearson74]

@@OttoNommik Thank you for such a kind reply and taking the time to clearly put into words.

[@suew4609]

What if I have no gallbladder, I took it out in ‘89. Do I still have to use Bile salts? If I don’t have I a gallbladder? Anything else I should change?

[@DrBubbs]

Bile is produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder. So, you haven't lost the full ability to emulsify (digest) fats but this is why you've likely been told to avoid high fat meals. A digestive enzyme (w ox bile) could help to support better digestion in this scenario. (Of course, I can't advise you to take anything, you would have to speak to your doctor).

[@claudiajohnson2935]

Thank you so much for your podcast! After seeing so many people with long COVID 19 “long haulers” I am wondering if MTHFR is present on most people with long Covid? When you said we no longer have malaria and that’s one of the few times the mutation would have been helpful. I started to wonder if that’s the reason many people with long Covid don’t get really sick from Covid but have brutal long effects after the infection has resolved.

[@claudiajohnson2935]

@@DrBubbs Thank you for the information. I am sure I contracted Covid in February when testing was not available to the public. My symptoms were those of a bad flu, I was able to manage my symptoms at home. However, after getting over Covid I noticed a lot of lingering issues; brain fog, exhaustion, vision problems, etc. which have lasted close to 10 months. I have 1 mutation of MTHFR, listening to your podcast helped me better understand some of my issues. I think Covid caused my system to go into overdrive and now I understand there are things I can do balance it. Thank you for all the helpful information you provided, I’ll make sure to keep sharing your podcast/videos with my friends and family

[@DrBubbs]

Diet, exercise and nutrition are really important for supporting immunity. For those with genetic susceptibility, long covid is an unfortunate possibility.

[@teejay4622]

I just found out after all of my life not feeling well.(51yr) I have MTHER gene looking for a thyroid dysfunction due to rapid weight gain for no reason . Difficult pregnancy ect . Had a spinal tap , MRI ... Endless test . Had the covid JJ vaccine about 4-5 months prior . I also had COVID 2x horrible. 14 days couldn't move . ANA are high . Nobody seems to find out all my life why I don't feel good , still don't ! Videos like this are helping me learn and treat myself . Why is this not popular with DRs?

[@matthewstephens9685]

My daughter is taking methotrexate for RA. How much should she be taking of folinic acid daily to offset the methotrexate?

[@DrBubbs]

You'll have to ask your doctor for medical advice.

[@wizardatmath]

Yea, ask your doctor, cause he knows jack about vitamins.

[@michellelee5163]

​@@DrBubbsmainstream pediatric doctors will not go outside their fda box and they will not support the importance of vitamins and supplements.

[@leavesofchange]

OMG! I have huge off-the-chart B12 levels. I reckon I'm MTHFR.

[@DrBubbs]

Are you taking a B12 supplement? That may be a part of the issue.

[@leavesofchange]

@@DrBubbs very nice of you to respond to my typing-out-loud - no I do not take b12 supplements, never have done - I used to be low on iron years ago, then I gave up dairy and suddenly I had HUGE menstrual bleeding. a year later I figured out i had an IgE wheat allergy, gave it up, and my body spasmed for 14 months with dysmennorrhea (A&E stuff). My diet is based on bone broth, liver and meat. I LOVE liver - eat a lot of liver. Maybe it's too much liver?

[@celenebalvaneda4848]

@@leavesofchange I also love liver, but just 4oz of it has the vitamin A that you need for an entire week. Liver is the most nutrient food you can find, but vitamin A being fat soluble, accumulates in the fat cells and if you have elevated vitamin A that can create many health and very, very risky issues for you. Do some research about it and get tested to figure out how often and how much liver should you be consuming. Best wishes to you. 🙏🏻💗

[@merryannconte4754]

I hav mthfr, and I can’t digest any form of b vitamins- natural or synthetic. It causes severe anxiety and panic attacks, and heart palpitations and insomnia. I feel so sick! I took brewers yeast ystrday and I had an emotional break downe: panic attacks.Smallest amounts of dedicated beef liver takes me down,and so does the specially-made mthfr B vitd! extremely sensitive to any stimulants- b12 and caffeine give me insomnia, and panic -My hair is falling out, homeosistine very high, and ferritin is low. I hav anemia. Pls help.

[@Plantbasedworld]

MerryAnn Conte google www.b12oils.com and send a note stating your condition to the contact us page.

[@captainfalcon7227]

What vitamins have you tried

[@jimenacrespodeguerrero2301]

I’m suffering with the same problem, just gave my self a b12 injection and had the worst anxiety and depression, I’m anemic and low in all vitamin bs

[@ruthsalinas9479]

MerryAnn Conte Same here. The doctor never replied. Have you tried just supplementing with methylfolate only? No B12?

[@merryannconte4754]

Ruth Salinas I don’t know about tht method. I’ll hav to do some research. Thank you.

[@cynthiaharte8643]

Does thyroid become unrecognizable thru this defect? 🤔

[@DrBubbs]

Your thyroid is assessing all systems of the body... if it's out of balance, need to look deeper: re-assess diet, movement, stress, sleep, autoimmune, etc.

[@91Stellaakasteky91]

my homocystein is 4 how much glutathion do i need? do i need to take it daily? im so lost, my doctos is saying that 4 is good number

[@DrBubbs]

Supplemental glutathione is not well absorbed. Whey protein isolate provides nice precurors as does red meat.

[@91Stellaakasteky91]

@@DrBubbs i eat read meat a lot but idk how to bring my homocystein a bit up

[@DrBubbs]

@@91Stellaakasteky91 What symptom or condition are you trying to improve?

[@taylorartpc]

Wow that’s a lot of ads.

[@DrBubbs]

We've adjusted the profile. Thanks for listening

[@janakainz1315]

does it matter what blood type you are. if your have mthfr?

[@DrBubbs]

Good question Jana - it does not.

[@janakainz1315]

has there been any research that you know of on mummies? does this problem come out as you age, or can children have this too? do you think it's fair the average citizen has to pay for this problem out of pocket, and supplements.? what year has this been recognized as a issue? or has it always been.

[@janakainz1315]

If I have the gene does that mean my brothers and sisters have it or is it individual? for mthfr

[@DrBubbs]

@@janakainz1315 Hi Jana... if you don't have any specific symptoms, it's not something you should worry about. If you take a multi-vitamin, look for methylated forms of folate (B9) and cobalamin (B12). Hope this helps

[@DrBubbs]

PS. Many women with MTHFR concerns should direct their attention to ensuring adequate creatine intake. Check out this video from Dr. Krissy Kendall, PhD - kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYKrlWiCap2ZaMk

[@JuliusSP1]

Doesn't really address why people have thr negative side effects? And doesnt talk about any other alternative forms that could work for those people.

[@navyretired230]

Sam-e is dangerous for bipolar

[@DrBubbs]

Thanks for sharing. If you have a diagnosed condition, always check with your doc!

[@kimnovak3068]

Too many interruptions

[@DrBubbs]

Thanks for feedback Kim, my team has adjusted the ad settings.

[@jesseshepard2324]

As soon as that man said "bipolar disease", I stopped listening