The MTHFR gene, which affects approximately 46% of the global population, is related to the body’s ability to process folate, as Gary Brecka explained in the Ultimate Human podcast.
The mutation in the MTHFR gene (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) can negatively impact the metabolism of folic acid, preventing the body from converting it into an active usable form. Brecka noted that deficiencies in this gene can lead to a higher frequency of disorders such as anxiety, ADHD, and miscarriages, symptoms that are often not associated with a treatable genetic factor. “People are not broken, they just have a deficiency,” stressed the expert, who added that the correction is simple once identified. It is recommended that those with the gene variant avoid folic acid and opt for methylfolate or 5-MTHF, the form that the body can use directly, especially pregnant women, who should consider methylated prenatal vitamins.
Brecka also differentiated between folate, which is naturally present in foods, and folic acid, a compound that was first synthesized in the laboratory in 1943. In many countries, folic acid has been added mandatorily to processed grains since 1993, which Brecka questions: “You will never convince me that a nutrient we didn’t even synthesize in a laboratory until the 1940s is essential for a healthy pregnancy.” For those with the MTHFR mutation, added folic acid may not only be ineffective but can also accumulate without being processed. The recommendation is to replace these supplements with methylfolate, regardless of the treating doctor’s instructions.
Another topic addressed by Brecka was vitamin D3, whose clinical range of normalcy varies between 30 and 100 nanograms per deciliter. However, he suggested that 30 nanograms is practically equivalent to a deficiency. He pointed out that the optimal level should be between 60 and 80 nanograms per deciliter, which is related to a decreased risk of breast cancer in women. He also recommended a minimum of 5,000 international units (IU) daily, even for those who receive sufficient sunlight, and emphasized that D3 should be combined with K2 for appropriate effects on calcium metabolism.
Within his morning protocol, Brecka mentioned the use of a scoop of Perfect Amino, which contains the nine essential amino acids, and two molecular hydrogen H2 Tab pills. Amino acids are crucial since the human body cannot produce them autonomously. Brecka was emphatic about the potential of molecular hydrogen, citing evidence of its ability to reduce inflammation, facilitate tissue repair, and balance redox, in addition to its use in conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Regarding diet, Brecka dismissed the notion that following a strict diet prolongs life. He noted that the places in the world with the greatest longevity share the absence of ultra-processed foods and flexibility in dietary patterns. There is no single formula for a healthy diet; there are regions with high carbohydrate consumption that show longevity and others that consume a lot of meat and achieve similar results. He advised a diet based on fresh, real foods, such as pasture-raised eggs, grass-fed meats, fresh vegetables, and slow-absorbing carbohydrates.
Finally, Brecka highlighted the importance of controlled breathing as a healthy and accessible tool, suggesting it can influence the state of the autonomic nervous system. In the mornings, he practices deep breathing in the Wim Hof style, and at night, he employs long exhalations to promote relaxation.
Source: www.infobae.com
