Tony's MTHFR Story - Part I. Anxiety, overwhelm, methyl folate intolerance

To Health With That! Podcast Season 5, Episode 4. Thank you so much to Tony for generously sharing his story - the full interview was fabulous and included much more than we could put in one podcast episode, so we broke it into two. In this episode, Tony shares his frustration at feeling bad, but doctors telling him he's "normal", the relief at finding MTHFR, which makes his symptoms make more sense, and the beginnings of his journey so far. He talks about brain fog, fears of cognitive decline, overwhelm, and more.00:00 - Introduction00:48 - Tony doesn't feel good, but doctors say he's fine01:18 - Being stuck in the disabled veteran category02:11 - Found out about MTHFR02:27 - Eliminating folic acid03:05 - Methyl folate feels like too much03:21 - Trying B1203:48 - The beginning is hardest with MTHFR04:53 - Methyl-free multivitamin05:42 - Tony's perfect storm of triggers08:07 - MTHFR and blood sugar dysregulation08:33 - Things we wish we knew when we were young09:33 - Brain fog or cognitive decline10:55 - Overwhelm and high sensitivity13:03 - Highly sensitive person as a form of neurodiversity14:27 - Not alone in this.hanks so much for watching! I have so many other resources for you. Here is the full version of this interview: https://youtu.be/SZmHnyCKd8UIf you would like to tell your own MTHFR story, you can schedule with Dr. Amy here: ⁠https://calendly.com/amy-tohealthwiththat/new-meeting⁠Check out the website first for lots of FREE stuff:WEBSITE: https://tohealthwiththat.com/ You can now Pre-order the book MTHFR Easy: Get Healthy For Life. https://www.amazon.com/MTHFR-Get-Started-Guide-Healthy-ebook/dp/B0FLFCY1YQ/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3E616JJOYSA12&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.7WXbrOZ6vkAu5Ncg9lJLavpPvim_O1kOvqp3LTim_snTq6Gahvu-NhWvC1mZurA6.XnOpY_FYGI_DbfEx9NmEwRrSM2USTXkw_HTykBFrMtw&dib_tag=se&keywords=amy+neuzil&qid=1755710249&sprefix=amy+neuzil%2Caps%2C98&sr=8-2  Look for Kindle, audiobook, and paperback versions also to be released on October 24, 2025.GENETIC ROCKSTARS (an MTHFR, methylation, and genetics community): community.tohealthwiththat.comThis story was shared graciously and generously with permission to post on the podcast, Youtube, and in print if that happens in the future. 

Thank you so much to Karene for generously sharing her story! Karene is new to MTHFR - she just found out that she and her children have an MTHFR gene mutation one week ago. Karene tested because of ADHD for herself and one of her sons, and is just starting to learn about the gene SNP and what to do. 00:30 - Introducing Karene01:03 - ADHD diagnosis01:39 - Why MTHFR explains so much for her son02:14 - MTHFR and ADHD02:47 - Methyl folate start02:14 - Trying to make sense of all the information04:01 - Diet and fortified foods with MTHFR05:04 - The folate issue06:19 - Dairy and MTHFR06:36 - MTHFR and overload07:13 - MTHFR and HSP07:51 - Interest in healthy eating is what we can leave our children when we die08:53 - What is the right dose of methyl folate09:42 - Methyl folate and the ADHD brain10:17 - Zeolites for detox in kids10:48 - Methyl folate supplements and doses11:57 - Does methyl folate build up?12:20 - Weekends off of supplements13:17 - BlessingsThanks so much for watching! I have so many other resources for you. Here is the full version of this interview: https://youtu.be/Gsj3F-9g55wIf you would like to tell your own MTHFR story, you can schedule with Dr. Amy here: ⁠https://calendly.com/amy-tohealthwiththat/new-meeting⁠Check out the website first for lots of FREE stuff:WEBSITE: https://tohealthwiththat.com/ You can now Pre-order the book MTHFR Easy: Get Healthy For Life. https://www.amazon.com/MTHFR-Get-Started-Guide-Healthy-ebook/dp/B0FLFCY1YQ/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3E616JJOYSA12&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.7WXbrOZ6vkAu5Ncg9lJLavpPvim_O1kOvqp3LTim_snTq6Gahvu-NhWvC1mZurA6.XnOpY_FYGI_DbfEx9NmEwRrSM2USTXkw_HTykBFrMtw&dib_tag=se&keywords=amy+neuzil&qid=1755710249&sprefix=amy+neuzil%2Caps%2C98&sr=8-2 Look for Kindle, audiobook, and paperback versions also to be released on October 24, 2025.GENETIC ROCKSTARS (an MTHFR, methylation, and genetics community): community.tohealthwiththat.comThis story was shared graciously and generously with permission to post on the podcast, YouTube, and in print if that happens in the future.

MTHFR Stories are interviews with regular people who have MTHFR and are willing to share their health journey to help others. Mary's MTHFR journey centers around pregnancy loss with several second-trimester miscarriages and a stillbirth. She bravely talks about the exhaustion that she has struggled with after such a deep physical toll was taken on her body by the pregnancies, and the emotional journey she has been on. Mary has other issues associated with MTHFR as well including hypermobility and hypothyroidism, both of which contributed to her difficult pregnancies. Mary's journey is a reminder to women to advocate for themselves, not to blindly trust it when your doctor says "it's normal," and to do their own research about recommendations, such as 5 mg of folic acid for women struggling with infertility who also have MTHFR gene mutations. 00:46 - Mary and MTHFR01:46 - Hypermobility and MTHFR02:29 - Bad reactions to methylfolate (migraines)03:15 - More about hypermobility04:14 - Pregnancy loss and infertility with MTHFR06:04 - Hypothyroidism, MTHFR and stillbirth06:53 - Nutritional deficiencies08:05 - MTHFR is linked to all of these - infertility, multiple pregnancy loss, hypermobility, and hypothyroidism.09:04 - Raising awareness for women10:15 - Emotional impact of pregnancy loss11:30 - The societal value of childless women12:25 - problems with 5mg folic acid as a fertility intervention with MTHFRHere is a link to Mary's full-length interview: https://youtu.be/kw3srswszyEThanks so much for watching! I have so many other resources for you. If you would like to tell your own MTHFR story, you can schedule with Dr. Amy here: ⁠https://calendly.com/amy-tohealthwiththat/new-meeting⁠Check out the website first for lots of FREE stuff:WEBSITE: https://tohealthwiththat.com/ You can now Pre-order the book MTHFR Easy: Get Healthy For Life. https://www.amazon.com/MTHFR-Get-Started-Guide-Healthy-ebook/dp/B0FLFCY1YQ/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3E616JJOYSA12&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.7WXbrOZ6vkAu5Ncg9lJLavpPvim_O1kOvqp3LTim_snTq6Gahvu-NhWvC1mZurA6.XnOpY_FYGI_DbfEx9NmEwRrSM2USTXkw_HTykBFrMtw&dib_tag=se&keywords=amy+neuzil&qid=1755710249&sprefix=amy+neuzil%2Caps%2C98&sr=8-2 Look for Kindle, audiobook, and paperback versions also to be released on October 24, 2025.GENETIC ROCKSTARS (an MTHFR, methylation, and genetics community): community.tohealthwiththat.comThis story was shared graciously and generously with permission to post on the podcast, Youtube, and in print if that happens in the future.

Lisa's story is a testament to what having a community of people can do for your health journey. Lisa touches on many familiar MTHFR issues - allergies, impatience, food sensitivities, blood sugar imbalance, struggles with weight, lip tie, and perfectionism. Her biggest hurdles on this journey have been about self-acceptance and also learning to have patience and not over-push her body. She is sharing those lessons with her children and grandchildren in a way that is so inspiring for all of us with MTHFR.OO:41 - Lisa's health journey02:17 - Learning patience02:37 - One step at a time03:07 - Signs of MTHFR in the family tree04:01 - Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)05:12 - The power of community05:55 - Restaurant food and food sensitivities08:23 - Blood sugar and weight loss10:00 - Accepting yourself11:07 - Trust yourselfThanks so much for watching! I have so many other resources for you. Here is the full-length version of this interview: https://youtu.be/WJkUGiMWMXYIf you would like to tell your own MTHFR story, you can schedule with Dr. Amy here: https://calendly.com/amy-tohealthwiththat/new-meetingCheck out the website first for lots of FREE stuff:WEBSITE: https://tohealthwiththat.com/ You can now Pre-order the book MTHFR Easy: Get Healthy For Life. https://www.amazon.com/MTHFR-Get-Started-Guide-Healthy-ebook/dp/B0FLFCY1YQ/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3E616JJOYSA12&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.7WXbrOZ6vkAu5Ncg9lJLavpPvim_O1kOvqp3LTim_snTq6Gahvu-NhWvC1mZurA6.XnOpY_FYGI_DbfEx9NmEwRrSM2USTXkw_HTykBFrMtw&dib_tag=se&keywords=amy+neuzil&qid=1755710249&sprefix=amy+neuzil%2Caps%2C98&sr=8-2 Look for Kindle, audiobook, and paperback versions also to be released on October 24, 2025.GENETIC ROCKSTARS (an MTHFR, methylation, and genetics community): community.tohealthwiththat.comThis story was shared graciously and generously with permission to post on the podcast, Youtube, and in print if that happens in the future.

The To Health With That! Podcast for MTHFR folks has been a wild ride, but so far it's really just Dr. Amy talking about MTHFR.In Season Five, which will start airing in September, I want YOU to talk. Tell me about your experience of being a person with MTHFR gene mutations, tell me what has helped you, what hasn't been helpful, and what you want all the other MTHFR folks out there to know.Your journey probably has other conditions intersecting as well. Maybe it's diabetes, migraines, thyroid conditions, infertility, or breast implant illness. Maybe it's chronic fatigue, mold illness, or something totally different. I want to hear about all of it. If you're an MTHFR mutant, I'd love to hear from you.Share your story on the podcast! Schedule your interview at tohealthwiththat.com or email me with questions. [email protected], go straight to the calendar link here: https://calendly.com/amy-tohealthwiththat/new-meetingThanks so much for watching! I have so many other resources for you. Check out the website first for lots of FREE stuff:WEBSITE: https://tohealthwiththat.com/ GENETIC ROCKSTARS (an MTHFR, methylation, and genetics community): community.tohealthwiththat.comAFFILIATE LINKS: Thanks so much for using these links to buy the products you would buy anyway. This allows me to keep putting information out there at no cost to you. You’re the best!SEEKING HEALTH (methylation and histamine support supplements - ships internationally): https://bit.ly/3afXYH4STRATEGENE REPORT (detailed genetics using 23andme or ancestry raw data): https://bit.ly/3retbm5FULLSCRIPT (professional grade supplements): https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/thwtQUEEN OF THE THRONE (castor oil and castor oil packs):  https://shop.queenofthethrones.com/amy-tohealthwiththat use code AMY_TOHEALTHWITHTHAT10 for 10% off of any order of $59 or more

In the last episode, we talked about CBD as a methylation adaptogen, but we haven' talked too much about that term so let's dive in. We know that everyday methylation is important for people with the MTHFR gene or with any methylation dysfunction, but it turns out that long-term methylation care is important too and this can be achieved by getting methylation adaptogens.Methylation adaptogens are substances that help to regulate the amount your genes are methylated. Remember that when genes are methyalted, they are turned off and when they are unmethylated they are turned on. So having stretches of your genome that are undermethylated means the genes in there are allowed to function out of control, and that could lead to bigger problems like cancer.Methylating your genes appropriately is one of the long-term ways to prevent disease and even benefit your children, because research has shown that the way you methylate your genes might pass to your children. Not just the genes themselves, but the methylation tags.The most researched compounds that have been called methylation adaptogens come from food sources - things like caffeic acid from coffee and cruciferous veggies, lycopene from tomatoes and watermelon, resveratrol from red wine. Thanks so much for watching! I have so many other resources for you. Check out the website first for lots of FREE stuff:WEBSITE: https://tohealthwiththat.com/ GENETIC ROCKSTARS (an MTHFR, methylation, and genetics community): community.tohealthwiththat.com

Pot is the third most used drug in North America after alcohol and tobacco, so questions about Cannabis and MTHFR are important to ask. The answers, of course, are mixed with some serious pitfalls and also some surprising benefits of CBD for people with MTHFR gene mutations.Nothing is ever fully good or fully bad, and marijuana for MTHFR is the same. When you have an MTHFR gene variant, it is important to know your own risks to make an educated decision about what you want to put in your body. Medical marijuana is widely available and can come in various strengths of THC and CBD, which will affect people with the MTHFR gene mutation in different ways.With MTHFR we do have a different risk profile than average, so educate yourself, advocate for yourself, and be careful about what you put in your body.Thanks so much for watching! I have so many other resources for you. Check out the website first for lots of FREE stuff:WEBSITE: https://tohealthwiththat.com/ GENETIC ROCKSTARS (an MTHFR, methylation, and genetics community): community.tohealthwiththat.com

Methylation imbalance and the causative factors leading to methylation imbalance, like the MTHFR gene mutation, show themselves in four distinct personality types. These methylation personality types, methylation archetypes, or MTHFR personalities are called The Achiever, The Athlete, The Activist, and The Artist.The Activist and The Artist are very closely linked. Neither are terribly ambitious or driven, except in the thing that matters to them, whether it's their art, their job (which might not be art or activism), or the cause that matters to them. Both tend to have fewer allergic-type reactions but are more likely to have food sensitivities or chemical sensitivities. Things like wheat sensitivity, soy sensitivity, rashes with the wrong laundry detergent, or headaches after smelling perfume. Both of these personalities thrive on leftovers and fermented foods, even though leftovers and fermented foods are high in histamine.These two personality types also tend to react predictably to supplements, nutrients, and even pharmaceutical drugs. Anything that boosts serotonin, so SSRI medications, St. John's Wort, and melatonin aren't great for these groups. Likewise, the major methyl donors like SAMe, TMG, and DMG are typically not well tolerated by the artist and the activist. Conversely, these groups usually do very well with good sources of folate, like L-5MTHF, food-sourced folate, or folinic acid. Like all people with methylation imbalance, folic acid should not be taken because it can make methylation imbalances worse. Also, the benzodiazepine class of pharmaceuticals is usually well tolerated (although your doctor knows the best choice of pharmaceuticals for you, and your doctor's information is always more informed and correct for you than ours.)Thanks so much for watching today! If you haven't yet discovered your methylation archetype or methylation personality, take the quiz for free now at tohealthwiththat.comAlso, if you're a crappy methylator, MTHFR mutant, or have chronic health issues and you can't figure out why, then check out our online health community. Community.tohealthwiththat.com

,Methylation imbalance and the causative factors leading to methylation imbalance, like the MTHFR gene mutation, shows itself in four distinct personality types. These methylation personality types, methylation archetypes or MTHFR personalities are called The Achiever, The Athlete, The Activist, and The Artist.The Achiever and The Athlete are very closely linked. Both are extremely ambitious, perfectionistic, competitive, and driven. Both tend to have more allergic-type reactions to the world. Things like hay fever, hives, dermatographia, and skin flushing with a workout. Neither of these personalities tend to tolerate leftovers very well (because leftovers are also high in histamine).These two personality types also tend to react predictably to supplements, nutrients, and even pharmaceutical drugs. Anything that boosts serotonin, so SSRI medications, St. John's Wort, and melatonin do well for these groups. Likewise, the major methyl donors tend to do well. These are SAMe, TMG, and DMG. Conversely, these groups don't do as well with folate, even the MTHFR-safe forms like L-5MTHF or folinic acid. Also, the benzodiazepine class of pharmaceuticals isn't usually the best choice (although your doctor knows the best choice of pharmaceuticals for you, and your doctor's information is always more informed and correct for you than ours.)Thanks so much for watching today! If you haven't yet discovered your methylation archetype or methylation personally, take the quiz now at tohealthwiththat.comAlso, if you're a crappy methylator, MTHFR mutant, or have chronic health issues and you can't figure out why, then check out our online health community. https://community.tohealthwiththat.com

Methylation imbalance, often caused by the MTHFR gene mutation, by folic acid excess, or by nutritional deficiencies, shows itself in several personality traits. Some personality traits are common to people with methylation dysfunction, like perfectionism, OCD-tendencies, anxiety, hyper-focus or hypo-focus, and others. These common traits emerge in each methylation archetype pattern in slightly different ways, and by using your personality to determine your methylation archetype, you can benefit by getting general guidelines about supplements and even prescription medications that might work for you.GENETIC ROCKSTARS (an MTHFR community): community.tohealthwiththat.comFREE COURSE: MTHFR Basics: https://to-health-with-that.teachable.com/p/mthfr-basicsWEBSITE: https://tohealthwiththat.com/