If there is one thing I have learned in this crazy journey to reclaiming my health, it is that there is a not a ‘one size fits all’ method of treatment. Crazy, I know! How can you and I both have the same disease and one thing work for you and not for me?
While we may have the same condition, the road that paved the way to that condition is very different for each us.
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Hashimoto’s is one complex puzzle and to find healing you have to figure out each piece that fits your puzzle. The different pieces range from out of whack hormones, adrenal stress, mineral depletion, gut infections, heavy metal toxicity and even genetic components.
For me, my Hashimoto’s symptoms started after my second miscarriage, although I’m sure there were signs before then. It took awhile to find a doctor that would test for it and support me in treating it naturally.
In my journey to healing I came across a great book called, ” Hashimoto’s Thyrodidits: Lifestyle Interventions for Finding and Treating the Root Cause” by Dr. Izabella Wentz (available on Amazon*). Dr. Wentz is a pharmacist with a passion to bring hope to those with Hashimoto’s because she knows what is feels like….she has Hashimoto’s too.
The book lays out a lot of the different health/lifestyle issues that can contribute to Hashimoto’s, one of them being the MTHFR gene mutation. This was one that I hadn’t really looked at as I thought it would not really factor in my puzzle.
But, the more I read, the more I became convicted to get tested. Dr Wentz really stresses the way to healing is to DIG AT IT. If I am going to get my Hashimoto’s into remission than I seriously need to look at everything.
I ordered the 23andme test and in a few weeks the results showed I did in fact test positive for MTHFR.
How does that fit into the Hashimoto’s puzzle?
When someone tests positive for a mutation of the MTHFR gene, it means that their bodies can not properly process certain vitamins such as folate, b6 and b12 which can cause high levels of homocysteine. High levels of homocysteine lead to a multitude of diseases, including thyroid disorders.
It also means that the MTHFR enzyme isn’t produced properly making it not function to its full capability. When the gene is defected your body may not be able to filter out toxins and heavy metals.
What does that mean exactly?
It means you need to give your body the proper forms of the B vitamins, the methylated versions that your body can use. When your body begins to function at a healthier level, because it has nutrition it can use, then your homocysteine levels will lower. It also means your body will begin to have the capacity to filter out the excess toxins and heavy metals.
Depending on how depleted your body is or how toxic, you may need to do a bit of cleansing to jump-start your body getting back to a healthy place.
You cannot change your body’s genetic code but you can support the mutations by proper supplements and a healthy diet.
With lower homeocysteine levels and toxins filtering out of your body, if this is a piece in your Hashimoto’s puzzle, then you may see a drop in your thyroid antibody count.
Our bodies are so complex. Finding our individual puzzle pieces help us piece together how to get our bodies functioning and healthy!
Have you been tested for MTHFR? How have changes in supplements improved your health?
Jessica
Hormones for endometriosis?
The 23andme no longer do the testing. Here is an article on it.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2013/12/06/bowing-again-to-the-fda-23andme-stops-issuing-health-related-genetic-reports/
Actually, they are doing the testing but can no longer tell you what genetic predispositions to disease and disorders you have. Which is totally fine because all we want is the raw data to run through something like GeneticGenie.com to find out what mutations there might be. So you can still get the testing done and get the info you need!
So I order the test, get my results and then go to genetic genie? I just want to make sure I do it right. 🙂 Every symptom mentioned for Hashimoto’s I have.
To find out if you have MTHFR? Yes. The 23andme.com test checks for genetic mutations that may cause chronic health issues. They list on their site all what they check for, and then when you run it through Genetic Genie, it gives you the info in easier to read language.
To find out if you have Hashimoto’s? No. You’ll need a doctor to order a full thyroid panel that includes labs for antibodies to see if you have an auto-immune condition.
Such a great post. This whole subject has me floored and I can’t wait for healing!!!
It may take time but you will get there, Renee! 🙂 Each piece just brings you one step closer.
I have started taking Fermented Cod Liver Oil with High Vitamin Butter Oil and/or 10,000 units A with 2000 D3 and some K2. I have noticed a change in 3 areas 1) from the D3 alone I have no asthma like cough every fall (this also happened to my mother’s friend) 2) since adding a source of Vitamin A my coarse grade sandpaper elbows are now smooth and my hair is no longer oily 3) no need to take 200mcg of T4 anymore. The not needing the T4 may coincide with a much lower carb diet but I really think the combo of A with D3 and K2, either synthetic or natural is a factor because I have lowered my carbs before and sometimes needed the T4. I may attempt to increase the vitamin A a little bit as the Weston Price people don’t seem to think that a little more would be a problem.
Hi,
Thank you for the article.
Just recently I have been diagnosed compound heterozygous with respect to MTHFR. I know that I am supposed to take the methylated forms of the supplements that you had mentioned but I still have one question unanswered and I was not able to find the answer on the internet. Maybe you can help me. The question is: If I take all the 3 methylated supplements does it mean that my body will work as if I do not have the mutation? I just would like to know to what extend can the supplements help me.
Thank you in advance.
For me, I couldn’t feel a difference, however my B12 and folate levels are optimal after supplementing so I know they are working for me. Some people can tell because they can feel the difference.
So, your body should be able to use the methylated vitamins betters and there for start to get your levels where they should be. If you have other underlying issues, it may take longer though from what I’ve read.
I hope that helps you a little bit.
For the most part, that is true for most people. The proper supplements that the body can process will help your body function at a better level. Everyone is different though and other underlying factors can complicate it. For me, since starting methylated B’s my levels are optimal. I hope that helps you.
All I see offered is ancestry testing.
Jen, after some issues with making claims, they will not give you a full DNA report. However, you can put your results into other websites to get the genetic report like Genetic Genie.
I hope that helps.
They can no longer offer the genetic aspect of the testing but you can put the raw data from 23andme into a place like geneticgenie.com to give you the results you’d need.
I am curious. A year ago their website said that if you wanted a full report, you needed a male family member to do the testing but now it is stating either male or female gets the full scope of testing. Is this because they discontinued some of their testing results?
My family-of-7 has been on the GAPS protocol for just over 6 months now…and I’m on it to deal with my Hashimoto’s, that I’ve been on medicine for for 10 years. My thyroid antibodies went from 112 (pre-GAPS), to 22 (3.5 mos. in), and now they’re under 20 (normal). My doctor and I have begun to reduce the dosage of my thyroid medicine.
That is amazing!! So happy for your progress.
If you have only one copy, how would this affect your health? According to peer reviewed research, only having homozygous copies would put you at risk for having an elevated homocysteine level, and sometimes homozygous individuals are even able to maintain normal homocysteine. Have you ever tested your homocysteine before taking supplements that you may not need?