Glorious Life Essences

25/01/2026

Did you know that obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is the most common anxiety disorder reported in people with thyroid antibodies?

The connection between Hashimoto’s and OCD is a very interesting one. Here are a few ways the two conditions are connected:

- Elevated thyroid antibodies have been linked to OCD
- Inflammation and immune system dysregulation play a role in both Hashimoto’s and OCD
- Nutrient deficiencies may be at the root cause of both conditions
- Gut infections and gut dysbiosis may also be a potential root cause of both conditions (specifically, an overgrowth of Streptococcus)

I personally experienced OCD symptoms when my thyroid antibodies were at their peak, and my symptoms resolved as I lowered my thyroid antibodies and put my Hashimoto’s into remission.

Since then, I’ve noticed that many people who are diagnosed with mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and OCD may actually be dealing with a thyroid disorder. Their mental health symptoms subside when they start to optimize thyroid function.

Have you ever been diagnosed with OCD or experienced OCD symptoms? What was your experience like?

I wrote up a white paper chock full of information on the connection between Hashimoto’s and OCD, and root-cause strategies for overcoming OCD. Comment OCD101 below and I'll send it straight to your inbox.

PMID: 35443249, 35013105, 31367805, 29358206

24/01/2026

You aren't defined by your past. You aren't your mistakes. ☀️🕊️

24/01/2026

The Lady Chapel - the most ornately carved area of Rosslyn Chapel

23/01/2026

🧬 Niacin: The Methylation “Buffer” No One Talks About

Most people think methylation is just about adding more methyl donors
(methylfolate, methyl B12, SAMe).

But biology isn’t a gas pedal only — it needs brakes too.

That’s where Niacin (Vitamin B3) comes in.

⸻

⚖️ Why Niacin Matters in Methylation

Niacin is methylated during metabolism, meaning it uses up excess methyl groups.

This makes it a natural buffer when methylation is running too fast.

That’s why, in some people, high-dose methylated B vitamins can cause:
• anxiety
• agitation
• insomnia
• “wired but tired” feelings

Niacin helps restore balance, not block methylation.

⸻

🧠 Especially Relevant for MTHFR

People with MTHFR variants often struggle with methylation regulation, not just deficiency.

Niacin can act as a safety valve when methyl donors overshoot.

Balance > overload.

And niacin is one of the most overlooked tools for keeping that balance.

23/01/2026

21/01/2026

How common Is MTHFR in America — and Is Synthetic Folic Acid Part of the Problem?

You’ve probably heard claims like “40–60% of Americans have MTHFR” or “synthetic folic acid is harming people with MTHFR.”
But what’s actually true — and what’s been misunderstood or exaggerated?

Let’s separate genetic fact from nutrition myth, and explain what the science really says.

⸻

What Is MTHFR? (In Plain English)

MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) is an enzyme your body uses to convert folate into its active form, 5-MTHF.
This active folate is essential for:
• DNA synthesis and repair
• Detoxification and methylation
• Neurotransmitter balance
• Regulation of homocysteine (a cardiovascular and neurological risk marker)

Some people carry genetic variants in the MTHFR gene that reduce how efficiently this enzyme works.

⸻

How Common Are MTHFR Variants in the United States?

Very common — but context matters.

The two main variants:
• C677T
• A1298C

Research shows:
• ~40–50% of Americans carry one copy of C677T
• ~10–20% carry two copies (the form with the greatest reduction in enzyme activity)
• When both variants are considered, over half of the population carries at least one MTHFR polymorphism

Important distinction:
These are normal genetic variations, not diseases.

True severe MTHFR deficiency — a rare metabolic disorder — is extremely uncommon and is not what most people mean when they say “I have MTHFR.”

⸻

Does Having an MTHFR Variant Automatically Cause Problems?

No.

Most people with MTHFR variants:
• Live completely normal, healthy lives
• Never develop symptoms
• Are unaware they carry the variant

Health issues tend to appear only when genetic variants interact with lifestyle or environmental stressors, such as:
• Poor intake of B vitamins
• Chronic stress
• Alcohol or drug use
• Pregnancy
• Certain medications
• Elevated homocysteine levels

Genes influence risk — they do not determine destiny.

⸻

Does Synthetic Folic Acid Cause MTHFR?

No. This is a common myth.

MTHFR variants are inherited.
They are not caused by diet, supplements, food fortification, or environmental exposure.

Synthetic folic acid does not increase the prevalence of MTHFR variants.

⸻

So Why Is Folic Acid Controversial?

The debate isn’t about genetics — it’s about biochemistry.

Synthetic folic acid:
• Is not biologically active
• Requires multiple enzymatic steps to be converted into usable folate
• Relies partly on MTHFR activity
• Can accumulate in the bloodstream as unmetabolized folic acid when intake is high, especially from supplements

Some studies suggest individuals with reduced MTHFR enzyme activity may not convert folic acid efficiently, potentially leading to:
• Lower availability of active folate
• Elevated homocysteine
• Functional (not genetic) folate insufficiency

This does not mean folic acid is toxic — but it does mean it may not be the optimal form for everyone.

⸻

Why Folic Acid Fortification Still Exists

Mandatory folic acid fortification in the U.S. was introduced to reduce neural tube defects such as spina bifida — and it has been highly successful.

Public health bodies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to recommend folic acid for women of childbearing age because the population-level benefits are clear.

However, public health policy is designed for populations — not individual biochemistry.

⸻

Folic Acid vs Active Folate (5-MTHF)
• Folic acid is synthetic and requires conversion
• 5-MTHF is the bioactive form the body actually uses
• 5-MTHF bypasses the MTHFR enzyme
• 5-MTHF does not accumulate unmetabolized in the blood

For this reason, many clinicians now prefer methylfolate (5-MTHF) for people with:
• Known MTHFR variants
• Elevated homocysteine
• Neurological or mood concerns
• Cardiovascular risk factors
• Pregnancy planning or prior pregnancy complications

⸻

The Bottom Line
• MTHFR variants are common, not rare
• They are not diseases
• Synthetic folic acid does not cause MTHFR
• Some individuals simply function better with active folate instead of synthetic folic acid
• Personalized nutrition matters more than fear-based messaging

Understanding MTHFR is about optimizing biology, not creating anxiety.

21/01/2026

21/01/2026

Thanks for the heads up Melissa Tessaro

What a wonderful idea 💡

Julian Barnard has always loved to write. He has absorbed so much of Dr Bach’s wisdom and then looked at it afresh from every angle.

Inevitably this has led to numerous books over the years. We refer to them often here bringing quotes into context or offering moments of reflection.

Julian takes Dr Bach’s ethos very seriously. He has always wanted ideas and information to travel freely to those who need it.

The reality is that posting physical books overseas to our international customer base is not so easy. Local postal delivery is challenging to say the least.

And so, a novel idea surfaced – what if all his books were made available free to read?

Well, that’s what we have done.

We are delighted to announce the opening of the Julian Barnard Library. This includes PDF versions of almost all Julian’s books like Form and Function, The Collected Writings of Edward Bach, The Essence Within and more.

Not only can you read them online for free, they are all in downloadable PDF format.

Of course, should you wish to buy a physical book we would be delighted to help you out either via our website or through Skylark Books which posts internationally.

The team at Healing Herbs hopes you enjoy these resources.

https://www.healingherbs.co.uk/learn/julian-barnard-library/

21/01/2026

Note for today. 🧘🏿‍♀️