Attn: Ann W

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Deb
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Post by Deb »

Whoops, typo! should be
www.geneticgenie.org
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AnnW
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Post by AnnW »

Gabes:

Genetic Genie is much easier to use than Promethease but the information given is limited to defects in the methylation cycle. Promethease will allow you to explore more SNP's. You might try using them both. They are not expensive services.

Dr. Ann
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Post by Gabes-Apg »

Ann
you are an angel!
heartfelt thanks again for your time and sharing your knowledge.
Gabes Ryan

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why genetic testing?

Post by Hopeful »

Gabes and Deb, could you explain to a Newby what this genetic testing discloses? Why would one want to undertake this? What does it cost??

Thanks!
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Post by Zizzle »

I've considered MTHFR testing for me, but I'd like to know if there's a way to know if I'm truly at risk. I had 2 healthy pregnancies taking lots of folic acid. I take Pure Encapsulations Multi now, which has the activated form, just in case.
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Gabes-Apg
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Post by Gabes-Apg »

Zizzle,
If you read the web sites/articles they say anyone with multiple AI issues, struggling to get management of symptoms is a very high probability of things like MTHFR. Estimated to be active /affecting 10-20% of the population.
It's not just about folic acid. And like most AI issues, majority of people are in their 30's /40's when the issues become chronic...

A bit like MC, it is not one size fits all for the solutions. It depends on which MTHFR you have, if you are under methylation or over methylation etc as to what supplements /approach will resolve the issues.
( some have high levels of toxins and heavy metals, some are deficient in copper etc)
Taking active forms of B12 and P5P will help, if you have issues in chronic flares, the testing and getting the right info is essential to attaining wellness.

In my case with the pyrrole (which has similarities to MTHFR) I was on the right track with the rsome of the supplements, I wasn't taking enough of them to be effective to resolve the issues.

Like the post about Crohns and gut microbes and your chat with tex. If you have these gene mutations and 'dodgy cells', then the gut is one of the first to be affected, and the hardest to resolve.
In 8 months taking high doses of the right supplements for the root cause of my issues,my gut is the best it has been in 10 years or more.
Gabes Ryan

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Post by Gabes-Apg »

Hopeful,
In the last 12 months or so, a gene mutation called MTHFR has been found to be a common aspect to people with multiple health/AI issues.

If you search the forum for MTHFR you will see previous discussions, explainations, links to info.
The other similar issue that I have is Pyrrole.

For both MTHFR and Pyrrole, the best layperson description i can offer is that the nutrient processing cycle in our bodies is not functioning properly. Our cells become deficient in key important ingredients, and therefore do not function properly. This heightens the inflammation cycle etc etc

As I mentioned above to zizzle, prior to knowing I had the Pyrrole, I was taking good quality supplements, but was still poorly, and struggling to get wellness. My test results revealed why, I needed 5 times more zinc than what I was taking, I needed 3 times more magnesium and Vit C.
The deficiencies and the ongoing inflammation was using all the Vit D3 I was taking.

Long story short, things like MTHFR are like the root cause for the issues, if you get the right info, you can make the right corrections, and viola, wellness can happen.
Like I mention above to Zizzle, the treatment protocol for MTHFR Is not a one size fits all.
Whether you have MTHFR or not, taking active forms of B12 and P5P is a good option.

Knowing for sure if you have MTHFR, and going the next layer to confirm how it is affecting you as the individual is key to resolving the issues.

My advice, any MC'er that after 12 months is struggling to get good wellness, and/or has multiple issues /AI issues flaring, ie skin, joint, muscle, ?thyroid ?hormones, have the testing.
It is a gene mutation therefore linked to parents/siblings. If parents and/or siblings and/or children are also struggling then this would be a strong indicator of likelihood.

Keep in mind, mainstream medicine is slow to acknowledge these as root cause for medical issues.
In Austrlia, currently, the Pyrrole issue I have is not recognised as an actual medical condition. I have to travel 1hr 20mins each way to see a doctor who is knowledgeable and treating Pyrrole/MTHFR patients.
I was very blessed and lucky to meet with a local nutritionist who is very familiar.

Of interest, I have two close friends, both are naturopaths. The eerie coninicedence is that as each of us as we turned 40, we each got really sick. Me with MC, the 2nd with thyroid /collapsing issue, the third with leukaemia. (Over a 4 year period)

2 of us have Pyrrole, the third with leukaemia has MTHFR.
The friend with Pyrrole, had her daughter tested and it was starting to be active in her 11 year old daughter.
All of us had been very pro-active about diet and good quality supplements, not taking medications for over 10 years before this...

My other advice for those with high incidence of family members with issues, and who have children, get tested. If you have it, then finding out if your children have it, the earlier you apply the right supplements treatment protocol, you have a high chance to save/protect them from chronic illness.

Hope this helps....

In the past 4 months or so Quite a few PP forum members have done the testing and confirmed MTHFR.
Gabes Ryan

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Post by gluten »

Hi Dr Ann, You mentioned in one of your posts that heavy metal toxicity can effect the zinc/copper ratios. I had the water well tested for arsenic and the levels were very low, but uranium was high. This has shown up in my hair tests and was off the chart. The level in the water was just below the the high reference range for this state, but if I was in Vermont it would high. The question I have " can the uranium cause extreme hypomethlyation". Jon
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Post by AnnW »

Hi Jon:

Uranium is in the same column of the periodic table as copper. That means uranium can easily replace copper in the body. If one is already deficient in copper this will happen more easily. Thus uranium will interfere with those biochemical pathways that depend on copper as a co-enzyme. It will also affect the zinc/copper ratio as it replaces the copper. The methylation cycle is just one of many cycles that depend on both zinc and copper as co-enzymes. The methylation cycle also requires other minerals and vitamins, working as co-enzymes, for proper functioning.

There are a number of heavy metals that will interfer with this cycle, including uranium. So, to answer your question, "YES" uranium can cause hypomethylation. How severe depends on your nutritional status. I would start by only drinking bottled water, or purchasing a water filter capable of filtering out heavy metals. Also, consider using a filter for your bath/shower water. Water contaminants can enter the body through the skin. If your diet is restricted, and your MC is currently under good control, consider taking a good multi-vitamin mineral supplement. The best defense against heavy metal poisoning (besides avoidance) is optimal nutritional status.

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Post by AnnW »

Zizzle wrote:I've considered MTHFR testing for me, but I'd like to know if there's a way to know if I'm truly at risk. I had 2 healthy pregnancies taking lots of folic acid. I take Pure Encapsulations Multi now, which has the activated form, just in case.
Zizzle:

Folic acid is not the same as natural forms of folate found in food. Even those without MTHFR defects should not IMO be taking folic acid in supplement form. Folic acid is added to fortified foods and used extensively in supplements. Studies have shown that high doses of this synthetic form of vitamin B9 increases the risk of developing some types of cancer. When looking for supplements, read labels. The forms of folate should read, MTHFR, 5-MTHFR, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, natural folate, or folinic acid. Avoid supplements containing folic acid. By sticking to supplements that contain these forms, such as Pure Encapsulations, you avoid being at risk. :smile:

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Zizzle
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Post by Zizzle »

I just ordered my 23&me test kit! Woohoo!!
1987 Mononucleosis (EBV)
2004 Hypomyopathic Dermatomyositis
2009 Lymphocytic Colitis
2010 GF/DF/SF Diet
2014 Low Dose Naltrexone
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Post by Polly »

Hi Z.,

I thought that those of us who live in MD are not allowed to use the services of outside labs like 23 and me. When I had thought about doing it, I was going to have the test kit forwarded to Joe.....then he was going to send it to me, and I was going to send it back for him to send from NH.

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Post by Zizzle »

Polly,
I live in good old conservative Virginia, so no such rules here! No speeding cameras allowed in my state either. No common core, etc. Being semi-red has some advantages…

I'm happy to order the test kit for you!
1987 Mononucleosis (EBV)
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2010 GF/DF/SF Diet
2014 Low Dose Naltrexone
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