Fibromyalgia has always been thought to be a rheumatic disease. Although it feels like it affects the soft tissue of the muscular system, it’s actually the misfiring signals of the brain that make you feel more sensitivity to pain. It stems from the brain and it’s neurological issues. What does this have to do with anything and the MTHFR?
The MTHFR gene was something that was discovered when I met with a naturopath to see if these levels were affecting anything on my body. Various studies have shown that this gene mutation can cause one to be susceptible to developing fibromyalgia. Sure enough, after testing I found that I had this gene expression.
MTHFR known as methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase,
gene controls the enzyme that metabolizes folate and its biochemical pathway, methylation.
MTHFR affects the body’s ability to create methylfolate. Methylfolate is key for producing neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which help regulate mood and pain perception. Serotonin is the big player in pain as well as dopamine for movement disorders.
One way to replace missing folate deficiency is to take folate supplements as well as working on lowering inflammation in the body. This includes going on an anti-inflammatory diet, taking B vitamins, folate, fish oil, olive oil, and avoiding anything sugary or processed. Try brisk walking, yoga or swimming for lower impact workouts that get you healthy.
The more you work on balancing the body and brain, the more you will start to feel better.