posted
has anyone used the 23 and me or other genetic testing and have you found it helpful?
my doctor had suspected i had an issue with MTHFR gene a long time ago and so i went on a trial of using specific type of b12 and folic acid in combo with antibiotics. i cant recall this making much of a difference.
is there another gene that could impair saomeone getting better from lyme. the reason i think of this is this, i have treated for going on five years for lyme and coinfections with all the best antibiotics (iv, meds for coinfections, rife, herbals, ozone etc) and nothing helped.
i also have a heavy metal test showing i have high levels of lead and mercury even though i cant recall a time in my life i was ever exposed to mercury or lead. this makes me think i may have a problem detoxing things from my body.
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(breaking up the post for easier reading for many here)
posted
Yes, I have found it very useful to do the 23andme test. I think they are now sending interpretation back along with the results.
The test shows which genes are working ok (--, meaning no mutation), which are kinda still ok (+-, meaning one parent's gene ok, the other not), and which are ++, meaning both parents' genes are missing for coding that enzyme. When we don't have the enzymes, we are compromised in that biochemical pathway.
It really helps to see exactly where we're compromised and where we're not. A knowledgeable doctor knows how to boost the missing biochem cycles - there's around 4 or 5 methylation cycles involved.
Posts: 13116 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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LisaK
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 41384
posted
I have had it, found it useful in some ways, but be careful! my gene person gave me pills that really changed a lot in the way my body works. now I have other issues that were not there before.
one thing it really did help with was my anxiety.
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3558 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
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posted
Katrinab, folic acid is a synthetic, and should be avoided by people with MTHFR issues. Most often folate is recommended instead.
I learned some very useful things from my 23andMe test. One was that my liver is vulnerable to damage from alcohol and other things. This could explain why I react so badly to the nightshades and other plants containing solanine.
Solanine is a poison, but present in vegetables in such a small quantity that most livers handle it with no problem. But not mine, apparently.
Even more useful was learning I have a CBS mutation. Put simply, when I ate foods containing sulfur (onions, garlic, cabbage, broccoli, etc.), my serotonin got depleted. You can imagine how that felt. :-(
When I read that this mutation is often caused by taking antibiotics, it made perfect sense to me. After doing some research, I found that molybdenum, taken along with probiotics, helped enormously.
Posts: 117 | From Pennsylvania | Registered: Jul 2010
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Jordana
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 45305
posted
When you say nothing helped-- have you not improved at all in five years? What are your symptoms that have not improved?
Also...just a shot in the dark, speaking of genetic mutations - have you checked for celiac?
Posts: 2057 | From Florida | Registered: Feb 2015
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ukcarry
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 18147
posted
I am still in the process of evaluating, but I am pleased that I did this.
However, I do feel it is vital to work with someone who is experienced and understands the major or indeed subtle role genetic mutations may play in an individual's health once you have the raw results. Without knowledgeable guidance, you can be quite overwhelmed by it or fail to make the best use of the information. Choose someone with recommendations though.
Not every mutation is necessarily being expressed and it would be a mistake to try to act on too much at once. Also because this knowledge is still in its infancy, there will be differing opinions.
It has already helped me to make decisions regarding the most appropriate form of various vitamins and supplements for me, which over a period of months, has helped me with painful neuropathy.
Once you have the information, you have it for now and to refer to for ever as more and more is learned, so I am pleased to have done it.
Posts: 1647 | From UK | Registered: Nov 2008
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