In previous articles, I haven't been shy about the pregnancy losses I have experienced and the emotions experienced through them. After my second miscarriage, I finally got some answers about why I was having to go through this pain. MTHFR is the answer to my problems (I know, it looks like a m*therf*cker, and it truly is one).
MTHFR is a gene called methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). This gene is in charge of breaking down folic acid into its natural state folate. Folate and folic acid are almost interchangeable in society, but they are very different. Folic acid is the man-made version of folate and it's crucial to the development of babies in utero. It's in charge of creating their nervous system and many women who struggle with an MTHFR mutation have babies with autism or spina bifida. When originally being diagnosed with this mutation, I thought it would be easy to manage. Take a baby aspirin a day and take my methylfolate pills every day. Why a baby aspirin? An MTHFR mutation also makes you prone to blood clotting which explains my previous two miscarriages.
But, maintaining this mutation is a lot more work than I originally believed. I joined a thriving Facebook group that helps all women dealing with this mutation that opened my eyes into the real everyday struggle.
Did you know that cereal, flour, rice, bread, and so many other everyday foods contain folic acid? With this mutation, folic acid is a big no-no. It can clog your system so it makes it harder for you to digest the good of natural folate. Digesting folic acid even when not pregnant is still terrible for individuals suffering from the MTHFR mutation. This mutation can cause a lot more than multiple miscarriages, it can cause migraines, depression, chronic fatigue, IBS, high cholesterol, and etc. Personally, before having miscarriages, I struggled with migraines constantly and never knew why. It was only after my miscarriages and being tested for the mutation that I realized where my migraines stem from. Taking my meythlfolate pills every day and avoiding folic acid in my diet has helped my migraines tremendously.
Other signs of an MTHFR mutation could be you're low in B12 as well as vitamin D, I personally have to take vitamin D pills every day as my morning regimen.
I have changed my life of eating whatever I want when I want into an almost completely gluten-free diet filled with fruits and veggies. It's a lot of work and I find myself craving sweets constantly, but it gets easier once you realize this is best for your health and you start seeing all the positive outcomes from the change. I'm happier, I feel healthier, and I haven't had a migraine in who knows how long.
If you, someone you know, is struggling with fertility and has experienced multiple miscarriages, tell them about this mutation. It's more popular than you would think, it's just not very well-known in the medical community yet. You may have to ask to be tested, but maybe it will finally get someone the answers they need.
