Genes 101
Genes are the basic units of inheritance within our bodies. This means that genes contain all the information that specifies which physical and biological traits are passed down from our parents to us and, eventually, from us to our children. These segments of DNA are responsible for keeping the body functioning the way it should.
The human body has an estimated 20,000-25,000 genes, which contain the information needed to make specific proteins and sets of proteins. Proteins are large, complex molecules that play critical roles within the body. Everything from building structural components like bone and muscle to how well your body metabolizes food to fighting infection and many other necessary bodily actions begins with protein.
As you can imagine, with that many genes to copy and proteins to make, our bodies don’t get it right every time. This is when genetic mutations can appear.
Breaking Down Genetic Mutations
Genetic mutations occur during the process of cellular division. This process is necessary for our bodies to grow, maintain, and repair itself. When our cells divide, the genetic code from our old cells is copied to create the new ones. DNA is not simply a bulk copy-and-paste job; rather, each code is rewritten letter by letter and nucleotide by nucleotide. There’s a lot of room for error during cell division because your cells might substitute, delete, or insert extra letters while they’re copying.
When this happens, mutations occur. If you have an error, also known as a genetic break, your genetic instruction manual for your cells may not be understood by the cells. They may have missing parts or even unnecessary parts added. All of this can mean that your cells can’t function as they normally should.
What is MTHFR?
Now that we know how genes work let’s get into one of the more well-known genes: MTHFR. The MTHFR gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. Big word, we know! This enzyme plays a role in processing amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins and is also necessary for optimizing the methylation cycle in the body.
The methylation cycle is responsible for converting raw materials that you consume (i.e., food) into usable forms that support critical processes in the body. The methylation cycle must work correctly because so many vital bodily processes like detoxification, energy production, hormone regulation, cell repair, and more depend on proper methylation.
What Happens When There’s an MTHFR Gene Mutation?
Inside each of us, there are two MTHFR genes, one inherited from each of our parents. Mutations can affect one or both of these genes. A mutation in the MTHFR gene is relatively common. In fact, up to 44% of the world’s population has this mutation. As you might have guessed, a mutation on either of the MTHFR genes negatively impacts the methylation cycle in the body.
If your body is unable to convert raw materials into usable forms because of an MTHFR mutation, you might suffer from a nutrient deficiency that, when left untreated, may result in certain conditions and lead to some diseases.
Conditions that researchers have associated with MTHFR gene mutations include:
- Homocysteinemia: the term for abnormally high levels of homocysteine in the blood or urine
- Ataxia: a neurological condition that affects coordination
- Scoliosis: which refers to an abnormal curvature of the spine
- Anemia: which means that there is a lack of healthy red blood cells in the body
- Cardiovascular diseases: such as blood clots, stroke, and heart attack
- Mental health conditions: such as depression
- Behavior disorders: such as ADHD
Precision Genetic Testing For an MTHFR Gene Mutation
According to the National Human Genome Research Institute, virtually every human ailment has some basis in our genes. While that might sound overwhelming, this is actually good news. Genetic testing has never been as safe, attainable, or accurate as it is now. Genetic testing is a simple process that can uncover priceless information about your body and how it functions.
10X Health’s top-of-the-line Precision Genetic Test specifically looks at the MTHFR gene (and 54 other genes!) for mutations, since this gene is most in command of turning raw nutrients into usable forms for your body.
The 10X Health Precision Genetic Test process is quick, easy, and non-invasive — no needles are required! We send you a test in the mail with easy-to-follow instructions, walking you through how to provide a saliva sample. You put the sample in the provided envelope, mail it to us, and our lab team analyzes it.
Once we’ve completed the analysis, we will provide you with a comprehensive report (over 400 pages) along with recommendations based on what your genetics tell us. You will get access to 10X Health Complete Precision Nutrition Supplements & Drip IVs and Precision Weight Management, along with food and weight loss insights and recommendations.
Not only will you learn more about how your body functions, you will be able to fuel it more efficiently. With the 10X Precision Supplements, each supplement packet and treatment recommendation will be tailored to your particular genomic makeup.
If you have symptoms that match those of an MTHFR gene mutation, including anxiety, ADHD, poor sleep, gut issues, weight gain, brain fog, and high blood pressure, the 10X Precision Genetic Test can provide in-depth answers and a personalized plan to improve the deficiencies caused by the gene break. Don’t wait another day to get the answers you have been waiting your whole life for.
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Reach out to 10X Health today to learn more about the MTHFR gene and order your Precision Genetic Test today!
