Karen Reynolds Acupuncture

Avoid the flu: here’s what to do!

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Do you want to avoid the flu and stay healthy?

Here is information to help you avoid the flu. Are you worried about staying healthy during this cold and flu season? If so you are in good company of concerned citizens. There are whole families suffering from the current creeping crud. This article is about things you can do to keep yourself safe and sound.

Acupuncture boosts immunities to help avoid the flu

Yes, you too can avoid the flu!

First let me says that if you want to avoid the flu: this is prime time to come in for immune boosting acupuncture. (See my special offer at the bottom.) Science shows that acupuncture naturally ramps up the activities of your immune system to help keep you strong, when you are exposed to colds or flu.

Rather than freaking about the cooties floating about, I encourage you to take steps to enhance your remarkable immune system, boost that remarkable immune system AND help others do the same. Here is valuable information about exactly that!

 

What doctors say to do about how to avoid the flu

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends:

  • Get a flu shot.

    The best form is the inactivated influenza vaccine or the recombinant influenza vaccine. At this time, the CDC is not recommending the nasal spray, also known as live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) for the 2017-2018 flu season.

 

  • ”High-risk” populations strongly encouraged to get the flu shot include:

People over 65 years of age,

Children (older than 6-months)**,

Pregnant women,

People with chronic health issues such as: asthma, COPD, emphysema, diabetes, and heart problems.

**Please note that flu shots are not given to children under the age of 6 months. However, it is strongly recommended that child caregivers are vaccinated as a precaution. 1

 

But I have heard the flu shot is not working?

Yes, you may have heard that this year’s flu shot is not effective for the virus strains which are circulating. So how does this help you to avoid the flu? It is correct that the effectiveness for the current flu vaccine is lower than in past years. Getting a flu shot will not necessarily guarantee that you do not get the flu. However, it can give your body some benefits with respect to developing antibodies similar to the viruses which currently causing illness in our communities.

 

How are flu shots made each year anyway?

More than 100 flu centers in over 100 countries do year-round surveillance on flu viruses. Thousands of samples from patients from all over the world are collected and studied before each flu season. In February of each year, the World Health Organization (WHO) determines which viruses are most indicated for inclusion in the flu vaccination for the Northern hemisphere. (In September of each year, the WHO does the same for the Southern hemisphere.)

Acupuncture special to help you avoid the flu

Don’t get the flu!

Vaccines then are researched, tested, and assembled for our part of the world to be available before the end of October. If you live in the United States, it is best to get a flu shot before the end of October. There are 5 World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centers which are giant laboratories all across the globe participate which in research and development for each year’s flu shot.

 

Atlanta, Georgia: The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC

London: The United Kingdome Francis Crick Institute.

Melbourne, Australia: The Victoria Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory.

Tokyo, Japan: The National Institute for Infectious Diseases.

Beijing, China: The National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention.

 

Why do flu shots sometimes fail ?

When people get the flu even after getting a flu shot, it is not for lack of effort by the-powers-that-be developing the season’s flu shot. There are many variables that come into play with respect to getting the flu or staying healthy. Here are some reasons why a flu shot might not give optimal immunity.

 

  • The American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that proposed viruses to be included in flu shots be grown in chicken eggs. After being grown, they then must be tested and after those steps, a vaccine goes to production. However, some viruses do not grow well in chicken eggs. That is the case for the H3N2 flu strain which is a main player on the flu stage right now. It does not grow as well in chicken eggs; but can wreak havoc within the human body. All flus are “bad flus”. However, H3N2 is even bigger player. A version of it was responsible for the 1918 flu epidemic as well as the Swine Flu outbreak in 2009.

 

  • This year’s H3N2 strain actually mutated during the development stage of the flu shot. This complicates effectiveness.

 

  • Some strains of flu can occur late in a flu season. So, they are essentially unknown during vaccine development time then pop up late in the season and make people sick.

 

  • On top of the above variables, the US population overall has had less exposure to H3N2 in recent years. When a flu strain circulates around communities, people will develop immunities. However, if large segments of the population have not recently been exposed to a specific strain such as H3N2, then that strain will have more of an ability to cause illness.2

 

How to help avoid the flu:

  • During flu season: get acupuncture at least once per month!

I currently have special immune boost sessionsàpriced at $89.

Your first immune boost treatment also includes one set of complimentary

homeopathic oral remedies too.

These are ideal to take during cold and flu season to help keep immune support going in between sessions. The remedies are safe for children and adults, do not taste bad, and can be used whether you get or do not get a flu shot.

 

  • During flu season: wipe off items which easily spread germs. Anything touched by many hands can spread viruses. Here are some day-to-day items you might not necessarily consider:

Money,

Coins,

Parking meters,

Credit cards,

Door handles,

Glasses in restaurants,

Magazines in waiting rooms,

Counters at the post office and grocery,

Shopping carts and baskets,

Computer equipment & mousepads,
Tray tables and armrests in airplanes or on buses.

There is a lot value in physically knocking off little cooties which can hang out on surfaces and in public places. Carry alcohol based hand sanitizer or bleach based wipes with you. Use these on things you touch after you know someone else or lots of someone(s) have likely touched the same thing. Invest in bacteriostatic computer mousepads and make sure to wipe off computer equipment used by many parties or in homes with children.

 

  • During flu season: avoid touching your face while out in public and wash your hands immediately upon arriving home.

 

  • During flu season: refrain from shaking hands.

    Although it might seem socially off-putting, it can be the difference in keeping you healthy. One of my clients flies all over the world weekly for her work. During flu season, she declines business handshakes and simply, cordially says:

“I would shake your hand but during this intense cold and flu season my doctor has advised that I temporarily avoid handshakes.” The most recent time she declined a handshake the person with their hand extended admitted he was ‘fighting a cold’. Her good habit of declining handshakes at this time of year shielded her from an exposure.

 

  • During flu season: avoid refined sugar as much as possible.

    It reduces immune function.

 

  • During flu season: take in a small amount (i.e.: a teaspoon) of local honey once per day

    . It improves immune function.

 

  • During flu season: cover your neck or neck and ears when you are outdoors.

    A simple scarf will do the trick. This is especially important to do in windy or damp weather. Oriental medicine considers the acu-points at the back of the neck to be delicate areas, which are easily attacked and can lead to cold and flu exposures.

 

 

 

1https://www.cdc.gov/flu/consumer/prevention.htm

2 https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2018/01/flu-influenza-h3n2-virus-outbreak-vaccine-spd/

Thank you for reading!

  • Please leave any questions you may have here and I am happy to answer them.
  • If you found this article helpful, I would appreciate liking my Facebook page at:

Karen Reynolds, LAc, RN Acupuncture for Optimal Health 

 

All content here is written personally by me in with the goal that it is be helpful to you. As long as you include the link for this blog entry to credit me as the author, it is fine to repost or share if you wish.

 

For scheduling information and appointment availability, do please visit my website at: KReynoldsAcupuncture.com.

Be well!

~Karen Reynolds, RN, MS, LAc

Bay Area: Please Protect Your Lungs

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Protect Your Lungs!

In the aftermath of the Santa Rosa and Wine Country fire disasters, here is an easy To-Do list to protect your lungs. Keeping your lungs and the lungs of your loved ones as safe as possible is key in this high air pollution situation. It can not be said enough: please protect your lungs at this time.

protect your lungs. air pollution. best masks, acupuncture

N95 Particulate Matter masks most efficiently protect your lungs during high air pollution days. Acupuncture boosts your Lung Qi and immunities.

 

When outdoors, always wear an

N95 Particulate Respirator Face Mask

-Especially for people with asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia and autoimmune histories it is key to protect your lungs. The N95 is superior vs plain masks.

-Snuggly fit the aluminum strip to the bridge of your nose to make the most effective barrier to air particles.

-On-line ordering is a good option since many stores are sold out.

-For more immediate needs, consider asking contractor friends or neighbors if you can get a mask from them. Tradespeople frequently stock this type of mask.

-Physically take N95 masks to the elderly. They may not seek them out on their own; but they are more likely to make use of a mask if they have it.

 

Choose a wet mopping or moist towel method of cleaning

-Sweeping flips particles into the air.

 

More frequently bathe your dogs, cats and pets who lounge about outside

-They will be collecting particulate matter on their coats.

 

Change cabin filters in your vehicle

 

When driving, select the setting that circulates air within the car as opposed pulling in air from outside of your vehicle

-Pulling air from outside will pull more particulate matter into your vehicle.

 

Change HEPA filters on your vacuum

 

Use HEPA and air filtration devices indoors

 

When cooking, use the exhaust fan over your stove for EVERYTHING, not just greasy items

-The goal is to preserve the air quality of your indoors as much as possible.

 

Protect your lungs, Cleansing the nostrils

Cleanse your nose with a traditional Neti pot and warm salt water.

Purchase an inexpensive Neti pot for rinsing your nostrils

-The fine hairs inside our noses filter and catch particulate matter. However, these are delicate hairs. They can get bogged down with abnormally high levels of air pollution.

-A Neti pot is preferable for rinsing your nose as opposed to bulb syringe or pump-like spray. This is because the Neti pot is gentle gravity drainage as opposed to forceful pressure into your nose.

Directions for using a Neti pot:

-Make a nasal irrigation solution by dissolving several crystals of fine salt into warm water.

-Tilt your head to one side. Allow the saline mixture to run into the higher nostril and drain out of the lower nostril. Tilt your head to the opposite side and repeat.

 

Exercise INDOORS

 

Provided you do not have allergies, incorporate Lung qi building foods into your diet such as walnuts and pears

 

For even more support, see your acupuncturist for applicable lung support treatments and herbal formulas.

 

Thank you for reading!

  • Please leave any questions you may have here and I am happy to answer them.
  • If you found this article helpful, I would appreciate liking my Facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/KarenReynoldsLAc

 

All content here is written personally by me in with the goal that it is be helpful to you. As long as you include the link for this blog entry to credit me as the author, it is fine to repost or share if you wish.

 

For scheduling information and appointment availability, do please visit my website at: https://karenreynolds.wpengine.com/

 

Be well!

~Karen Reynolds, RN, MS, LAc

Statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. All information on this site is provided as education and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. No information on this site is intended to replace or delay the use of any conventional medical treatment.

Treatments for Women with Positive Antiphospholipid Antibodies

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Antiphospholipid antibodies contribute to high levels of inflammation. Acupuncture reduces inflammation.

Acupuncture & specific medications reduce inflammation if you have antiphospholipid antibodies

Welcome back to my Autoimmune Fertility series. This blog discusses common treatments for women with positive antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). In the blog prior to this one, you will see information about how aPL associates with both blood clotting, pregnancy complications and Antiphospholipid syndrome.

My name is Karen Reynolds and I have specialized in acupuncture for women’s health and infertility for 18 years and have been a critical care RN for 29 years. I have fertility patients on various medications to address low levels of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) as well as women with a bona fide diagnosis of Antiphospholipid syndrome. Medications are thoughtfully selected by your medical doctor based upon your health history including laboratory testing, your reproductive history and your pregnancy history.

In this article, I want to share information on typically used aPL medications as well as acupuncture. Both are treatments for women with positive anti-phospholipid antibodies  (aPL). Both are also key with improved pregnancy outcomes.

What types of medications treat women with positive antiphospholipid antibodies or with Antiphospholipid syndrome?

Below you will find commonly prescribed medications for aPL or Antiphospholipid syndrome. Broadly speaking, most agents address prevention of blood clots or reduction in inflammation. Please note there are multiple medical approaches with respect to treating aPL. There is also agreement among experts that more research is needed in this area.

A word about anticoagulant medications

Because aPL are intimately connected to blood clot risks or “thrombotic events”, anticoagulant medications are most frequently prescribed by doctors. Historically it was believed that aPL contributed to blood clotting in the placenta which then resulted in pregnancy loss.1 However, over time and examination of placentas, doctors were not finding evidence of this. It is now believed that anticoagulant medications like Heparin or Lovenox help by indirectly reducing inflammation. Specific types of inflammation in your immune system can target and attack fetal cells.2

What specific medicines are used to treat aPL?

There are varieties of medications that are used and these are selected by your doctor. Please note that these may not be the same for each woman owing to different health, reproductive and pregnancy histories.

Pharmaceuticals used to treat aPL

Common Treatments for Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Common Treatments for Antiphospholipid Syndrome

  • Low Dose Aspirin (LDASA)
  • Anticoagulants such as Unfractionated Heparin (UFH) or Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH) (see below for more information on Heparin)
  • Prednisone or Betamethasone
  • Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)
  • Chloroquine
  • Indomethacin
  • Intravenous Immune Globulin (IVIG)
  • Pravastatin (can be used in instances of preterm pre-eclampsia)3

 

Why are there different types of Heparin used to treat aPL or Antiphospholipid syndrome?

Unfractionated Heparin (UFH)

This type of Heparin is the oldest in use but is considered limited with respect to aPL treatment. UFH binds more generally to body proteins beyond those in the blood clotting cascade. Dose-response is quite variable person to person too. This means frequent blood draws are needed to monitor bleeding times and a there is a higher risk for bleeding side effects. I have seen intravenous drips of this style heparin emergently used in intensive care units when patients have developed large clots.

Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH)

LMWH products have precise molecular weights which determine specifically where in the blood clotting cascade they work. LMWH are specific also in length of time in which they are active in the body. This means the dose-response is more reliable; so, there are fewer risks for bleeding. Lovenox is the type of LMWH which I most frequently see prescribed by doctors to my patients.

 

So why is an acupuncturist so interested in writing about autoimmune related fertility topics? How can I help and why listen to me?

Acupuncture has been shown to reduce inflammation in autoimmune conditions

Acupuncture has been shown to reduce inflammation in autoimmune conditions

Firstly: at heart, I am a science nerd. At any given time, my home office has at least 2 banker’s boxes stuffed full of research studies which span many topics. I have a passion for studying research, pulling the demonstrated medical facts as we know them at this time, and helping my patients apply that information to make them healthier and happier. My nursing background gives me a solid foundation for understanding what I am studying.

Secondly: there is substantial research showing that acupuncture has the ability to drop levels of inflammation in the body4,5,6,7. This is key for patients with autoimmune diagnoses such as aPL, Lupus, ANA, MTHFR, thyroid and connective tissue issues to name just a few. Reducing inflammatory factors floating around your system is key to a healthy pregnancy. Acupuncture together with conventional medicine optimizes your fertility!

Additional information on Antiphospholipid syndrome can be found here:

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/the-antiphospholipid-syndrome-beyond-the-basics

Thank you for reading!

  • Please leave any questions you may have here and I am happy to answer them.
  • If you found this article helpful, I would appreciate liking my Facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/KarenReynoldsLAc

All content here is written personally by me in with the goal that it is be helpful to you. As long as you include the link for this blog entry to credit me as the author, it is fine to repost or share if you wish.

 For scheduling information and appointment availability, do please visit my website at: https://karenreynolds.wpengine.com/

Be well!

~Karen Reynolds, RN, MS, LAc

1Pantham, P., Abrahams, V. M., Chamley, L. W. (2106). The role of anti-phospholipid antibodies in autoimmune reproductive failure. Reproduction, 151, R79-R90.
2De Jesus, G. R., Agmon-Levin, N., Andrade, C. A., Andreoli, L., Chighizola, C. B., Porter, T. F., Salmon, J., Silver, R. M., Tincani, A., & Branch, D. W. (2014). 14th International Congres on Antiphospholipid Antibodies Task Force Report on Obstetric Antiphospholipid Syndrome. Autoimmunity Reviews, 13, 795-813. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.autrev.2014.02.0031568-9972/
3Pantham, P., Abrahams, V. M., Chamley, L. W. (2106). The role of anti-phospholipid antibodies in autoimmune reproductive failure. Reproduction, 151, R79-R90.
4 McDonald, J.L., Cripps, A.W., Smith, P.K. (2015). Mediators, Receptors, and Signaling Pathways in the Anti-Inflammatory and Antihyperalgesic Effects of Acupuncture. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Volume 2015, Article ID 975632, 10 pages.
5Xiao, Q.S., Ma, M.Y., Zhang, X.S., Deng, M.H., Yang Yan, Z. (2015). Effect of Acupuncture on Prognosis and Immune Function of Sepsis Patients. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi, Jul; 35(7): 783-786.
6Kim, S K, Bae, H. (2010). Acupuncture and immune modulation. Autonomic Neuroscience: Basic and Clinical, 2010-10-28, Volume 157, Issue 1, Pages 38-41.
7 Ding, S.S., Hong, S.H., Wang, C., Guo, Y., Wang, Z.K., Xu, Y. (2013). Acupuncture modulates the neuru-endocrine-immune network. Quarterly Journal of Medicine, 107, 341-345. doi: 10.1093/qjmed/hct196
Statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. All information on this site is provided as education and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. No information on this site is intended to replace or delay the use of any conventional medical treatment.

 

 

Antiphospholipid antibodies and miscarriage

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antiphospholipid antibodies and recurrent miscarriage

Antiphospholipid antibodies associate with blod clots & recurrent pregnancy loss.

Welcome back to my Autoimmune Fertility series. The topic of this blog is anti-phospholipid antibodies and miscarriage. Antiphospholipid antibodies are commonly abbreviated aPL in literature and on lab work. You will see this abbreviation as well as some others explained in this article. Could anti-phospholipid antibodies be affecting your ability to have a healthy pregnancy? Let’s discuss and you can consider for yourself.

Antibody quick review

Here is a quick review about antibodies in general. Antibodies are normal and needed parts of your immune system. They circulate in your blood stream and in body tissues to keep you healthy. Typically, antibodies seek out intruders or foreign substances. These intruders might be bacteria or viruses. In some cases, antibodies can attack your own tissues or in the case of pregnancy: the fetus. This is the nature of autoimmune problems: the body is attacking itself.

Antiphospholipid antibodies and miscarriage

 

The presence of Lupus anticoagulant, Anti-cardiolipin antibodies, and Anti-beta-2-glycoprotein I antibodies significantly increases risk of blood clotting and loss of pregnancy

Various types and levels of aPL in your system can contribute to repeated miscarriages.

Anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPL) are a specific type of antibody found often in women and men with autoimmune issues, such as Lupus erythematosus. Do keep in mind that persons without obvious disease processes can also have measureable amounts (known as titers in the blood stream) of aPL. Even experts do not know exactly aPL works in your body. However medical research recognizes that the presence of aPL, even in small amounts, is significantly associated with: blood clotting, pregnancy complications and pregnancy loss.1

Treatment success for antiphospholipid antibodies and miscarriage

Treatment enormously improves pregnancy outcomes in women with aPL. Eight research studies reviewed by the 14th International Congress on Antiphospholipid Antibodies found that treatment improved live birth rates by 71-83%.2 My next blog post this week will include most common conventional medicine as well as complimentary medicine treatment approaches. A healthy pregnancy and baby is the key point you. For my part: I strongly advocate testing especially if your history reflects patterns such as those below.3 Additional valuable information is available through local genetic counselors too. These are conversations well worth having with your health care team.

SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID SYNDROME

Blood clots

(aka Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT)

 Transitory ischemic attacks (TIA)
History of miscarriage Rashes with lacy or web-like patterns

(aka Livedo reticularis)
History of stillbirth Chronic headaches or migraines
High blood pressure in pregnancy

(aka Preeclampsia)

 Heart valve diseases
Stroke

Bleeding tendencies

(aka Thrombocytopenia)

 

What tests check for aPL?

Blood testing for aPL’s is available. Currently the 3 most clinically important aPL’s related to reproductive health are:

Lupus anticoagulant                                          (abbreviated as LA)

Anti-cardiolipin antibodies                             (abbreviated as aCL)

Anti-beta-2-glycoprotein I antibodies         (abbreviated as ß1GPI)

 

It is possible to have only one or two of the above types of aPL in your body or even all three present at the same time. It is recommended to have aPL blood work titers drawn and then redrawn again 12 weeks.4 This is because some brief infections are associated with false-positive results, especially with the aCL test. Please note: there are other types of aCL antibodies beyond those listed above. Tests are available for them as well. However, detailing them goes beyond the scope of this article. If you have further questions, do please leave me a message in the comments section.

 

This quote is taken from a 2016 extensive review of research in Reproduction journal:

“…there is growing acceptance that LA’s are strongly correlated with disease and that patients who are positive for all three aPL are the most risk of disease (Ruffatti et al. 2011, Galli 2012, Roggenbuck et al. 2012).” 5

 

Live birth outcomes increase by as much as 71-85% with treatment of aPL

Treatment of aPL significantly improves live birth outcomes

Pregnancy problems considered to be related to Anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPL):

  • Recurrent spontaneous abortion (miscarriage) before week 10 of pregnancy.
  • Development of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia (high blood pressure) before the 34th week of pregnancy.
  • Development of placental insufficiency before the 34th week of pregnancy.4

The good news is that both conventional medicine and complimentary medicine treatment drastically improves pregnancy outcomes for women with aPL. Stay tuned for my next blog which addresses both aspects of treatment.

 

Thank you for reading!

 

All content here is written personally by me in with the goal that it is be helpful to you. As long as you include the link for this blog entry to credit me as the author, it is fine to repost or share if you wish.

 

For scheduling information and appointment availability, do please visit my website at: https://karenreynolds.wpengine.com/

Be well!

~Karen Reynolds, RN, MS, LAc

1De Jesus, G. R., Agmon-Levin, N., Andrade, C. A., Andreoli, L., Chighizola, C. B., Porter, T. F., Salmon, J., Silver, R. M., Tincani, A., & Branch, D. W. (2014). 14th International Congres on Antiphospholipid Antibodies Task Force Report on Obstetric Antiphospholipid Syndrome. Autoimmunity Reviews, 13, 795-813. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.autrev.2014.02.0031568-9972/
2 IBID.
3 Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/antiphospholipid-syndrome/symptoms-causes/dxc-20307662
4 Pantham, P., Abrahams, V. M., Chamley, L. W. (2106). The role of anti-phospholipid antibodies in autoimmune reproductive failure. Reproduction, 151, R79-R90.
5 IBID.

Statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. All information on this site is provided as education and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. No information on this site is intended to replace or delay the use of any conventional medical treatment.

MTHFR Infertility & What You Can Do

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MTHFR genetic testing is recommended for histories of miscarriage, failed IVF cycles, and specific familial risk facotors

Learn here about when to consider MTHFR genetic testing.

MTHFR infertility: here are two challenges I frequently see in my acupuncture practice. Did you know your fertility can affected by an MTHFR gene mutation? How would you know? This blog helps you understand exactly that.

MTHFR infertility?

The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene is in charge of instructions for the body to convert folate to folic acid. This chemical process (called methylation) is crucial for the health of your brain, processing of toxic heavy metals, your hormone balance, your immune system and your cardiovascular system. MTHFR gene variances are more frequently found in women with infertility and are associated with fetal development issues.1  Some of those developmental and pregnancy problems include: miscarriage, blood clotting irregularities, autism, spina bifida, and Down’s syndrome.

 

Keep in mind: there are varying degrees of symptoms with genetic mutations. Some genetic abnormalities cause few problems and others create enormous health challenges. It is also now recognized that significant numbers of the human population carry MTHFR mutations.2

 

Take for example this quote from the immensely respected, Dr. Francis S. Collins. He is the former director of the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Collins also directed the National Human Genome Research Institute and led the Human Genome Project to its successful completion.

MTHFR infertility: gene mutations impact fertility

MTHFR infertility: gene mutations impact fertility & are connected to miscarriage, blood clotting disorders and neural tube birth defects.

“…genes are generally not destiny, especially for common conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or cancer.” 3

If you know you do have gene mutation such as an MTHFR gene mutation, rather than worry, you can be proactive about your health and self-care choices. In my Corte Madera, CA private practice, I share this information daily with my acupuncture and fertility patients. It is absolutely possible to reduce risk factors and thereby help your body function at its best.

 

Should you get MTHFR gene testing? How do you decide?

As I discussed in the blog post previous to this one, if you have experienced multiple miscarriages, infertility, blood clotting or failed IVF cycles, you may want to consider MTHFR testing. It is also valuable to consider the health history of your family members. If there are members of your family who have had: heart attacks at an early age, a history of addictions, or a history of mental illness, these are indications to consider MTHFR testing. All of the above noted health issues are associated with what are called “methylation defects”. Methylation defects occur if the MTHFR gene is not functioning well.

What do the MTHFR letters & numbers on your lab results mean?

MTHFR infertility gene mutations vary in severity and impact on fertility.

Should you consider MTHFR gene mutation testing?

If you seek MTHFR genetic testing, you will find lots of terms with letter and number combinations on your lab result reports. The names of genes or locations on specific genes contain both letters and numbers. The names may reflect normal genes as well as what are called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP’s or “Snips”). SNP’s are a type of genetic mutation. Below you’ll see the more common MTHFR gene names and MTHFR gene mutation names.

 

MTHFR INFERTILITY:

GENES & MUTATION NAMES & WHAT THEY MEAN

 
MTHFR 677CC Normal MTHFR gene
MTHFR 677CT One base on the MTHFR gene is mutated

(aka heterozygous mutation)
MTHFR 677TT Both base pairs of the MTHFR gene are mutated

(aka homozygous mutation)
MTHFR 1298AA Normal MTHFR gene
MTHFR 1298AC One base on the MTHFR gene is mutated

(aka heterozygous mutation)
MTHFR 1298CC Both base pairs on the MTHFR gene are mutated

(aka homozygous mutation)
MTHFR 577CT & MTHFR 1298AC Both base pairs at 2 different positions on the MTHFR gene are mutated

(aka compound heterozygous mutation)

 

Science nerd information for inquiring minds

SNPs, or “snips,” refer to single nucleotide polymorphisms. They are modifications in the DNA building blocks of adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C).

An SNP is a difference in one of the building blocks above or a difference in the order of those building blocks. Most have no significant effect on health. However, some can actually predict things like response or tolerance to drugs, risks of developing illness, or sensitivity to toxins, etc. There is great scientific interest in logging and studying SNPs in order to improve medical care and fertility challenges.

 

Regarding MTHFR infertility:

MTHFR 677CT & MTHFR 1298AC are the most common MTHFR gene mutations

MTHFR 677CT mutations are associated with:

  • Cardiovascular problems,
  • High homocysteine levels,

    MTHFR infertility is associated with neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly

    MTHFR leads to methylation defects, which can impair the cardiovascular, immune & reproductive systems as well as contribute to mood disorders and addictions.

  • Stroke,
  • Migraines,
  • Neural tube defects (birth defects of the brain & spine such as spina bifida & anencephaly).

MTHFR 1298AC mutations are associated with:

  • Fibromyalgia,
  • IBS,
  • Fatigue,
  • Chronic pain,
  • Schizophrenia,
  • Mood related problems.

 

What about high homocysteine levels & MTHFR? What is the connection?

Some MTHFR gene mutations cause high levels of homocysteine in the body. This happens as a result of folate not being processed correctly. When homocysteine levels rise in your body, you have higher risks for stroke, high blood pressure, blood clotting and pulmonary embolus. If you are seeking to become pregnant, those are significant concerns. Recommended supplements to address the build-up of homocysteine include types of Vitamin B.

 There are so many kinds of Vitamin B. What kind of Vitamin B is best if you have a MTHFR gene mutation?

As for Vitamin B: methylfolate is considered a better choice as opposed to folic acid or folate. If you are reading labels, you will probably see folic acid and folate listed in products a lot. In part, this is because it is a cheaper form of Vitamin B for manufacturers to use. Secondly, folic acid and folate have also been the topic of more research studies as compared with methylfolate.

MTHFR infertility Specific MTHFR gene mutations require specific types of Vitamin B

What is the correct type of Vitamin B supplement for you if you have a MTHFR gene mutation?

Please note: individuals with MTHFR 677CT mutations do not process folate or folic acid well. It is best for them instead to take supplements with methylfolate. Methylfolate is an easily digestible form of Vitamin B. When methylfolate is listed on labels, it is called:

“L-methylfolate”, “5-MTHF” or “L-5-MTHF”.

Being that methylfolate is safe, is immediately and easily absorbed, and not radically more expensive, I do recommend it to my patients. It is good to carefully read product labels, especially if you have the MTHFR 677CT or MTHFR 677TT mutations. Even though some debate continues: methylfolate is safe for almost all people; so why risk it?

Below is a list of supplements recommended for most people who have MTHFR gene mutations. I am deliberately not listing dosages because it is always best to consider these supplements while under the care of a health care professional.

*Please always consult with your physician and licensed health care team before embarking on any new course of action.*

  • Methyfolate

Labels will read: L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolatemethylfolate, L-5-MTHF or L-5-MTHF.

**Please note some literature exists cautioning use of high dose L-methylfolate for individuals with a bipolar diagnosis. These persons tend to tolerate Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B6, and Magnesium as alternate methylfolate.**

Please see this article written by Dr. Ben Lynch, ND on supplements to support best absorption of methylfolate http://mthfr.net/preventing-methylfolate-side-effects/2014/11/26/

  • L-Methylfolate Calcium

    also known as Levomefolic acid and Metafolin

  • Active B12 Also known as holotranscobalamin

  • CoQ10

  • Vitamin D3 oral drops

  • Fish oils with EPA/DHA in triglyceride form.

  • Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) Riboflavin has been found to lower blood pressure, specifically

     in patients with MTHFR 677TT gene mutation.5

Thank you for reading!

All content here is written personally by me in with the goal that it is be helpful to you. As long as you include the link for this blog entry to credit me as the author, it is fine to repost or share if you wish.

For scheduling information and appointment availability, do please visit my website at: https://karenreynolds.wpengine.com/

Be well!

~Karen Reynolds, RN, MS, LAc

 

1Reyes-Engel, A., Munoz, E., Gaitan, M.J., Fabre, E., Gallo, M., Dieguez, M., Ruiz, M., Morell, M. (2002). Implications on human fertility of the 677CàT and 1298AàC polymorphisms of the MTHFR gene: consequences of a possible genetic selection. MHR: Basic science of reproductive medicine, 8(10) October 2002, 952-957. https://doi.org/10.1093/molehr/8.10.952
2Wilson, C.P., McNulty, H., Ward, M., Strain, J.J., Trouton, T.G., Hoeft, B.A., Weber, P., Roos, F.F., Horigan, G., McAnena, L., Scott, J.M.  (2013).  Blood Pressure in Treated Hypertensive Individuals with the MTHFR 677TT Genotype is Responsive to Intervention with Riboflavin. Hypertension, 61, 1302-1308. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONHA.111.01047/-/DC1
3Collins, F.S.  (2010).  The Language of Life: DNA and the Revolution in Personalized Medicine. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers.
4Wald, D.S., Law, M., Morris, J.K.  (2002). Homocysteine and cardiovascular disease: evidence on causality from a meta-analysis. British Medical Journal, 2002: 325:1202. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.325.7374.1202
5McNulty, H., Strain, J.J., Ward, M  (2014). Riboflavin lowers blood pressure in hypertensive people with MTHFR 677TT genotype. Hypertension, 72 Supplement 1. https://doi.org/10.1186/2049-3258-72-S1-K2

 Statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. All information on this site is provided as education and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. No information on this site is intended to replace or delay the use of any conventional medical treatment.

 

 

 

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