I have been sick for a long time, and I still struggle daily with my illness- yet my days are better than say ten years ago.

I was labeled with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Celiac Disease, Multiple Food and Chemical Sensitivities over twenty years ago.

Some days my life is quite challenging with fatigue, pain or some strange reaction or sensation in my body. Yet, through it all I have learned so much about my body, that a healthy diet and love ( love of myself and love from others) are the best medicine for me.

I have always wondered why others healed or were able to heal enough to get back to work, travel and have a family, yet I was not. Perhaps it was just not in the cards for me, until a few weeks ago.

Three weeks ago I found out something that I never knew- which may just be the missing link in why I continue to have health challenges.

I am working with a wonderful doctor, Dr Rodger Murphree, and he is the first doctor in a long line of many who asked me to have genetic testing done with a lab called 23andme.

Upon receiving the lab results I found out that I not only have one, but many genetic mutations. Yes, I know, my husband now calls me a mutant ninja turtle, ha ha. But guess what, one of those mutation is called MTHFR.

“This MTHFR gene mutation affects how our bodies process B vitamins for absorption and use; this biological process is called methylation.  Methylation is simply the transformation of food into enzymes or ‘active elements’ the body’s cells can directly and immediately use.”

Our cells cannot actually use folic acid, it must be converted into methylfolate first. This process involves many steps and if a person has this MTHFR mutation they are unable to perform one of these steps.

These pathways are responsible for clearing the body of toxins, making serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine and reducing homocysteine levels.

There are two types of MTHFR genes, one causes heart issues, blood clots, anemia, and miscarriages. The other causes depression, fibromyalgia, migraines, IBS, psychiatric problems and memory loss.

What does this all mean? For me, it makes sense that when I eat certain foods I am not able to convert them into energy. That when I take some medicines or supplements, that they do not break down properly and can cause me extreme reactions when most people have no reactions at all.

That when I used to eat fish twice a week I ended up getting arsenic poisoning because I cannot detoxify the trace amounts of arsenic in the fish that most people would be able to secrete out via their urine of their skin.

That when I try to sleep at night I lie wide awake for hours.

To say it was a Eureka moment is an understatement. I no longer feel crazy!

Ninety- eight percent of Autistic children have this gene mutation, and seventy percent of the world’s population has this known genetic defect and yet many have no idea.

I wonder if this might be the missing link for many who are still struggling to find wellness within chronic conditions like Fibromyalgia, Celiac Disease, Thyroid issues, Heart Disease, Depression and other conditions?

To find out more about genetic testing click here and to find out more information about Dr Rodger Murphree click here.