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B-12 deficiency impacts millions of people –and many of those individuals are not even aware they are lacking it. Because it mimics so many other conditions, it is not uncommon for doctors to prescribe medication to treat the symptoms rather than getting to the root cause.
Vitamin B-12 is often associated with energy levels. But its role throughout the body goes even further —
● Support for the adrenal glands
● Memory
● Nutrient absorption
● Nerve/brain regeneration
● Cellular energy
● DNA synthesis
● Reproductive function
● Formation of red cells
Here is everything you need to know about B-12deficiency.
The leading cause of B-12 deficiency is often due to simply not getting enough of the vitamin. In other words, not consuming enough of the right foods or not taking a high-quality supplement every day.
Unfortunately, what catches most people off-guard is that you actually could be taking in enough B-12 through food and supplements, but the body may not have the ability to absorb it as it should.
The result? Deficiency.
Adults over 50, vegetarians, and vegans tend to make up a large part of the population with a B-12 deficiency, but there are still many others who are at risk, such as those who:
● Have had weight loss or bariatric surgery
● Have acid reflux
● Have had H. pylori bacterial infection or stomach ulcer
● Have a leaky gut or other gastro or digestive issues
● Are pregnant
Individuals who routinely take medication for gout, high blood pressure, birth control, high cholesterol, diabetes, and more.
How do you know if you have a B-12 deficiency? The good news is that there are tests that can help determine your levels and if action needs to be taken. Of course, this is assuming you have a healthcare professional who is taking the time to get to the root cause of your symptoms, rather than just masking the bigger problem.
Below are a few symptoms that may signal you could be lacking this very important vitamin:
● Muscle tension
● Low energy
● Lack of motivation
● Digestive issues
● Hypothyroidism
● Mood swings
● Poor memory
● Difficulty with focus
● Confusion
● Irritability
These symptoms usually do not appear instantly but rather begin showing over time.
Being deficient in B-12 and letting it go without taking action can have serious consequences, some more severe than others. A few examples include:
● Memory loss
● Tinnitus
● Anemia
● Dementia
● Migraines
● Macular degeneration
● Asthma
● Neuropathy
● Pernicious anemia
● Shingles
● Fatigue
● Multiple Sclerosis
● Depression
● Kidney disease
● Cognitive development issues in children
This proves why it is so important to work with a functional medicine doctor in Stuart, FL to get to the root cause of your health issues.
Want to raise your B-12 levels? You cannot just eat a meal rich in B-12 and assume that your levels are increasing. It can take 6 months to a year to overcome a deficiency. However, making a plan to regularly consume foods that are rich in B-12 and/or take a high-quality supplement is always a great place to start.
A few foods to add to your diet include:
● Grass-fed beef
● Cottage cheese
● Nutritional yeast
● Eggs
● Salmon
● Tuna
● Fortified non-dairy milk
Perhaps the best step you can take for your overall health, including testing and treating B-12 deficiency, is to work with a functional neurologist in Stuart, FL. This will give you an opportunity to work with a healthcare professional who is willing to get to the bottom of your health issues —- helping you to heal your whole body naturally from the inside out.
