This Week on the Web: The Healing Power of Vitamin B
Need an energy lift? How about a mood lift? B vitamins have been left in the dust recently, with all the hype on the healing powers of vitamin D and fish oil. But some “oldies” are still “goodies” and vitamin B is one of them. Read on for the latest on what the web has to say about Vitamin B.
The Vitamin Magazine notes the role that vitamin B12 plays in nixing the blues. Low vitamin B12 levels can feel like depression: anxiety, sadness, hopelessness, irritability, lack of interest in life, lack of energy, no appetite, trouble thinking, and over-sleeping. While Vitamin B12 does not treat depression, adding vitamin B12 may help restore your mood.
Vitamin B Deficiencies in Children
Dr. Donna Schwontkowski outlines common symptoms that reflect a lack of B vitamins, including slowed thinking, learning troubles and skin problems. She also discusses doctors’ tendencies to look for disease rather than vitamin deficiencies, and she notes the common signs of low vitamin B levels, as well as methods to test for vitamin B levels.
Vitamin B Lowers Risk of Stroke
Ana Johnson tells us how B vitamins lower the risk of stroke by twelve percent! Vitamin B seems to help by lowering homocysteine levels, which rise in part as a result of eating a lot of animal protein. These high levels damage blood vessels, which increases the risk of stroke.
The Vitamin Magazine outlines what role vitamin B12 plays in the body, helping with making red blood and nerve cells, making and using energy, circulation, and body temperature regulation. Foods like meat, eggs, dairy and seafood contain a lot of vitamin B12.
B Vitamins in Food: A Tasty Fall Recipe
Ever wondered what on earth to do with those little tiny beans, lentils? Cook a batch of Dr. Diane’s sweet potato and lentil soup, and store some in the freezer for dinner on a cool autumn day. Chock full of the B vitamin, folate, this will comfort your soul while it helps your body.
Vegetarians and older people remain at higher risk for low levels of vitamin B. Some people may need a high quality supplement to get all of the B vitamins they need. As always, please check with your healthcare professional before taking any supplement.
Resources:
- http://www.thevitaminmag.com/vitamin-b12-deficiency-and-depression/
- http://smartypantsvitamins.com/blog/does-your-child-have-a-b-vitamin-deficiency/
- http://www.thevitaminmag.com/what-is-vitamin-b12-good-for/
- http://smartypantsvitamins.com/blog/b-vitamins-may-reduce-risk-of-stroke/
- http://www.pureandhealthy.com/blog/2011/12/easy-healthy-recipes-rich-in-vitamin-b/
- http://smartypantsvitamins.com/index.php/adult-gummy-vitamins
Greg G, Los Angeles CA
