Blog

Bipolar Disorder & MTHFR
Do you have mood swings?
Could it be bipolar disorder?
Is your bipolar disorder caused by MTHFR gene mutations?
Bipolar is a mood swing disorder that is strongly associated with manic depression, those with bipolar disorder experience periods of depression followed by periods of elevated mood and can easily change their moods quickly without even being aware that it is happening.  Those with bipolar are often unaware of the dramatic changes in their mood and how it affects them and those around them.  Others are very conscious that they are having mood swings and feel out of control to do anything about it.

Bipolar Disorder & MTHFR

Bipolar is a mood swing disorder that is strongly associated with manic depression, those with bipolar disorder experience periods of depression followed by periods of elevated mood and can easily change their moods quickly without even being aware that it is happening.  Those with bipolar are often unaware of the dramatic changes in their mood and how it affects them and those around them.  Others are very conscious that they are having mood swings and feel out of control to do anything about it.

Here are the main symptoms of bipolar associated with MTHFR:

• Mood swings (uncontrollable mood changes)
• Manic Depression (serious shifts in mood, energy, thinking, and behavior.  From the highs of mania on one extreme, to the lows of depression on the other.)
• Mania (periods of great excitement or euphoria, delusions, and or over-activity.)
• Depression
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability
• Migraines
• Anger
• ADHD /ADD
• Sadness
• Dependency on drugs, alcohol or stimulants to maintain mood
• Low mood with racing thoughts
• Feeling tired but unable to go to sleep
• Feeling of constant high mood (unable to relax mentally)
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts

This Information may be of greatest interest to those who have been diagnosed with one of the following mental health issues linked to having an MTHFR mutation, such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or Autism.

MTHFR mutations also increase the risk of several physical health problems such as cardiovascular disease and stroke, recurrent early miscarriage, migraine with aura, osteoporosis, and some cancers. So, it’s worth knowing about this mutation even if one or more of the above conditions run in your family.

What is mutation?

It is a naturally occurring process that causes a specific variation on one or more alleles of a particular gene, changing a sequence in our DNA. Having a mutation on both alleles at a specific location on a gene is generally associated with a greater impact than if only one of a pair of alleles is different from normal.

How Common Are MTHFR Mutations?

By some estimates, up to 40% of the population may have an MTHFR mutation of some kind!

Normally, the MTHFR gene produces enough of the related enzyme to perform its associated functions well. One function that is particularly important to mental health is the conversion of an essential B-vitamin, folate, into the more usable form, l-methylfolate.L-Methylfolate enables our bodies to convert the amino acid homocysteine to another amino acid, methionine. The body then uses methionine to make proteins and other important compounds, including neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine).These brain chemicals are essential for a number of aspects of mental health; thus, when this process is impaired, it can increase the likelihood of the mental health issues. In addition, when the enzyme is not working at normal capacity, it can lead to elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood, which can lead to cardiovascular and other health problems.

It will be worthwhile to consider doing this genetic test,  If you have a personal or significant family history of one or more of the above illnesses, and in particular, if you have not responded as much expected to conventional treatment for depression or other mental health issues, it is worth speaking with your medical provider about being tested for an MTHFR mutation. The preliminary research on MTHFR, autism, and ADHD suggest that adequate prenatal intake of folate – both in the period 3 months before conception and during the first month of pregnancy in particular – can reduce these risks.

Natural remedies:

1. Eat healthy food that includes folate-rich foods. Leafy greens, broccoli, lentils, and many beans are great sources of folate, fiber, and other nutrients

Having more folate in your diet means you’re better able to create the active form of 5-MTHF. Some of the best high-folate foods include:

• Beans and lentils
• Leafy green vegetables like raw spinach
• Asparagus
• Romaine
• Broccoli
• Avocado
• Bright-colored fruits, such as oranges and mangoes

2.  Treat Digestive Problems, Including Leaky Gut and IBS

Rule out pathogenic overgrowth of bacteria fungus and viruses in the digestive tract, follow Gut healing 4 R Program.

3. Reduce intake of inflammatory foods:

• Gluten
• Added sugar
• Preservatives
• Synthetic chemicals,
• Processed meats,
• Conventional dairy,
• Refined vegetable oils
• Trans fats
• processed/enriched grains (which often include synthetic folic acid)

4. Increase intake of probiotic foods

Fermented food such as Saurkraut, Kimchi, Kefir which supply “good bacteria” that aids in digestion

5. Boost Detoxification

As reduced methylation leads to poor elimination of heavy metals and toxins, Extra effort to help flush waste and accumulated chemicals from your body is required.

• Consuming fresh vegetable juices to increase antioxidant intake
• Drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol or tobacco
• Dry brushing
• Taking detox baths
• Exercising regularly
• Far Infra red sauna
• IV Detox therapies
• Occasional fasting
•  Natural probiotic retention enemas
• Only using natural beauty and household products that are free from harsh chemicals

Because MTHFR impacts the process of methylation, it is also recommended to take a methylated form of B12, known as methylcobalamin, rather than the more commonly available cyanocobalamin form. B12 absorption is essential for good mental health, and is also compromised by the MTHFR mutation.

Finally discuss with a Functional Medicine Practitioner to assess your Nutritional status and incorporate whats is required for you.

Dr Kalpana Shekhawat- M.D.

Functional Medicine Specialist