Getting enough vitamin B is a concern when we go WFPB. Often times one will take a B12 every day not realizing that it cannot be absorbed without B6. The body needs twice as much B12 as B6 to be able to absorb it into the 3″ of intestine that utilizes the vitamin.
So, let’s say you figured it out and take a supplement with B6 and B12. What if you STILL don’t feel well after being plant based for months or even years? You might even have multiple symptoms of B deficiency: Anemia, neurological disorders, inflammation, dizziness, high blood pressure, edema, hair loss, dry skin, numbness or a “pins and needles” sensation in the hands or feet, pale skin, dark circles under the eyes, feeling of being cold and thyroid issues.
The MTHFR can also accentuate the symptoms of diabetes, autoimmune diseases and heart disease.
Animal products don’t help!
Your physician will immediately tell you to eat red meat, eggs, poultry, fish and dairy such as yogurt. Well, after being WFPB for 3 years and developing anemia, my husband and I decided to add a little meat to our diet. We added trout, wild salmon and a little chicken to our diet. Probably 3-6 oz total for a week. Guess what, the anemia remained. Not only that, Harry developed Lymphedema in his legs. We were both suffering from dry skin. I had the hair loss, neurological issues and dizziness.
after 6 months, it was evident that eating animal protein was not helping our conditions. We were gaining weight and our cholesterol and triglycerides were going up, but the anemia remained along with the other symptoms.
The MTHFR Gene
Methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the methyl cycle, and it is encoded by the MTHFR gene. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase catalyzes the conversion of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, a co-substrate for homocysteine re-methylation to methionine. That is quite a mouth full. Essentially it means the body cannot adequately convert certain types of folic acid and results in high homocysteine levels.
It sounds like a curse word but the MTGFR gene is simply a genetic condition that causes the body to react adversely to synthetic folic acid. Although the MTHFR term is fairly new, the reaction to synthetic folic acid is not new. Synthetic folic acid replaces natural folate in most supplements. With MTHFR, synthetic folic acid should be avoided while adding natural folate to the diet.
You can find natural food folates in vegetables (especially dark green leafy vegetables), fruits and fruit juices, nuts, beans, peas, seafood, eggs, dairy products, meat, poultry, and grains. Spinach, liver, asparagus, and brussels sprouts are among the foods with the highest amounts of folate per serving. It is difficult to get all of the folate you need, especially if you are WFPB.
The body needs those greens!
With a B12 and Folate deficiency, the body may weaken the immune system which can in turn cause other issues. It can make it very difficult to diagnose the underlying issue.
Symptoms seem to be all over the place. Dementia. Alzheimer’s, leukemia, Parkinsons are linked to deficiencies brought on by the MTHFR gene. A folic Acid deficiency has long been linked to neural tube defects like Spinal Bifida. Folic acid is recommended at higher levels for pregnant women and often included in prenatal vitamins. Even if the MTHFR gene is defective, taking high amounts of folic acid is better than having a deficiency in case of pregnancy.
Getting Tested
A DNA test or blood test can determine if the MTHFR gene is present or defective. The DNA test is more accurate as blood tests can vary greatly depending on the diet.
The genetic mutation may also vary considerably. Some people may not have any symptoms at all while others may seem to have them all.
Personally, I had decided that my severe neurological symptoms were from my breast implants. They were ruptured and leaking silicone into my body. I heard about BID (Breast Implant Disease or BII, Breast Implant Illness). In June 2021, I had the implants removed and a lot of my symptoms went away. However, Harry and I still shared some of the same issues.
My blood work revealed the defective MTHFR gene. Although Harry didn’t get the test, we shared most of the anomalies in our blood. Not surprising since we eat pretty much the same thing. Harry and I also have the same blood type (AB).
My daughter took the DNA test and called me to say SHE has a defective MTHFR gene. She is also type AB. It makes me wonder if the blood type has anything to do with the gene.
I found no articles linking blood type to the gene but it IS genetic. Each parent passes a MTHFR gene to a child. I have to wonder if there are things in our food that can cause the gene to become defective. Never in my life have I had a vitamin B deficiency until I went WFPB and hit my mid 60’s. Man-made vitamins are not necessarily good replacements for natural vitamins. Often an ingredient in a vitamin is replicated but lacks supporting ingredients that may be necessary for the supplement to “work” correctly.
Heavy metals may have something to do with the high homocysteine levels. We are exposed to heavy metals every day in our air, food and water.
What to do?
I found a supplement on Amazon called Homocysteine. It supplies the body with B6, B12 and Folate.
Increase greens and green vegetables to the diet.
Get protein from nuts and beans.
Drink plenty of water.
Avoid supplements with folic acid.
Drink hibiscus tea, lemon juice, cucumber or celery juice, blueberry juice, cranberry juice or a smoothie of greens, low glycemic fruits and cleansing herbs on a daily basis.
I intend to return to a 100% WFPB after the holidays.
Seaweed, cilantro, spirulina, barley grass extract and mushrooms are great at absorbing and eliminating heavy metals. Incorporate them several times a week.
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