INPUT ARTICLE: Article: MTHFR gene deficiencies do not exhibit the sort of symptoms you would expect of a disease. Since the problem lies within your genetic code, the symptoms of MTHFR deficiency will actually reveal themselves as other illnesses, conditions, and disorders. Many of the medical conditions linked to MTHFR deficiency are fairly common, and on their own, they may not be indicative of a deeper problem. If you experience two or more of these medical conditions, however, it might be worth getting tested. This is especially true if the conditions you develop otherwise seem unrelated. Inadequate amounts of methionine can hinder the function of neurotransmitters in the brain, resulting in certain mood and memory disorders. MTHFR deficiency could be to blame if you struggle with clinical depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, insomnia, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, chronic fatigue, migraines, and neurological conditions. Additionally, MTHFR related neurotransmitter issues could increase the risk of developing addictions to tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or other chemical substances. MTHFR mutations can also cause the body to have difficulty processing folic acid (vitamin B9). A woman who is unable to process folic acid is more likely to experience problems related to pregnancy, including infertility, frequent miscarriages, still births, and pre-eclampsia. This inability can also affect the developing fetus and might be responsible for certain birth defects, including cleft lips and cleft palates. The fetus can also develop brain defects like spina bifida, in which the bones of the spinal column fail to close around the nerves of the spinal cord, or anencephaly, in which large parts of the brain or skull bone do not form. The baby may have a higher chance of being on the autism spectrum. MTHFR deficiency can also reduce the body's ability to eliminate heavy metals and other toxins, which can cause stress on nearly all bodily systems. Genetic immune and autoimmune disorders can be linked to this deficiency, as can severe allergies, chronic fatigue, frequent headaches, and insomnia. An inability to eliminate toxins can also lead to thyroid disorders, menstrual disorders, kidney damage, and cancer. Medical problems that result from a combination of neurotransmitter, cardiovascular, developmental, and/or toxin elimination problems can also be indicative of MTHFR deficiency. In particular, this can include fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, and peripheral neuropathy. Since MTHFR deficiency is a genetic disorder, it will probably run in the family. Others in your family will probably have the deficiency, too, especially close relatives. If one of your relatives has a known MTHFR deficiency, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor about testing yourself, too. This is especially true if you, your parents, your siblings, or your grandparents have experienced any of the known disorders linked to the deficiency. Since medical knowledge about MTHFR is fairly recent, it is possible that your ancestors may have had the deficiency without an official diagnosis. If your family medical history includes many of the disorders linked to MTHFR, there is a stronger probability that an unknown MTHFR deficiency has been passed down to you. By testing for MTHFR abnormalities, you can identify future risk factors and take preventative measures to avoid certain health problems. Since you'll need to develop a condition indicative of MTHFR deficiency before you might suspect a problem, testing for irregularities in the gene might seem pointless at first. By testing for the MTHFR abnormality, though, you can learn whether or not the problem is actually linked to the MTHFR gene. If it is, you can take preventative measures to stop other related disorders and conditions from developing.

SUMMARY: Familiarize yourself with the possible symptoms. Look for neurotransmitter issues. Take certain pregnancy and developmental conditions into consideration. Pay attention to problems with toxins. Consider complex disorders. Know your family medical history. Understand the value of MTHFR testing.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Wrap the measuring tape around the center of your neck. Make sure the tape is flat against your neck and not bunched up or twisted. Note the measurement you get. Don't measure your neck with the measuring tape wrapped too tightly around it or your bow tie will be too tight. You should be able to fit your finger in between your neck and the measuring tape. Lay your bow tie on a flat surface so the back of the bow tie is facing up. You should see a row of numbers going across the thin part of your bow tie. Find the number that matches the measurement you took of your neck. For example, if your neck measurement was 15 inches (38cm), look for the number 15 (38) on your bow tie. The t-hook will look like a small plastic or metal hook that's in the shape of a capital "t." Once the t-hook is in the hole, gently pull on it to make sure it's secure. Now that the t-hook is hooked into the number that corresponds with your neck size, your bow tie should fit you when you tie it around your neck.

SUMMARY:
Measure the circumference of your neck with measuring tape. Look for the corresponding measurement on the inside of your bow tie. Insert the t-hook on your bow tie into the hole next to the right number.