CHENG NATURAL HEALTH

If you experience a high level of stress, it might deplete your body of B vitamins, which are essential for the nervous and circulatory systems. It can also reduce the absorption of nutrients from the foods you eat and the supplements you take since the sympathetic system is activated and the digestive system is slowed down. 

 

Vitamin B12 and Chronic Stress

 

 

Obtaining adequate amounts of vitamin B12 from the diet can help reduce stress by promoting a healthy nervous system function. If the nervous system is functioning correctly, the adrenal glands do not secrete as much cortisol—the hormone produced during times of stress causes a “fight or flight” response. 

 

 

How does vitamin B12 deficiency typically present? 

 

However, it is estimated that 10 to 30 percent of older people may not absorb naturally occurring vitamin B12 from their diet. Some research advises those older than 50 years to meet their RDA mainly by consuming foods fortified with vitamin B12 or a vitamin B12-containing supplement. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK114302/)

 

Vitamin B12 deficiency impacts the body to manage stress physically and mentally. Symptoms below are a typical presentation:

• Loss of balance and trouble walking
• Tingling sensations or numbness in hands, legs, or feet
• Memory loss or cognitive difficulties
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Anemia
• Depression
• Paranoia and delusions
• Incontinence
• Loss of taste and smell
• Jaundice

 

 

Am I getting enough B12 from my diet?

 

The key role of Vitamin B12 in our body is to maintain healthy nerve cell and red blood cell functions and is needed for DNA synthesis. Vitamin B12 is also involved in homocysteine metabolism and plays a critical role in proper energy metabolism, immune function, and nerve function.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is relatively common, especially among older populations. Other groups at risk of inadequate vitamin B12 intake or absorption include:

• Strict vegetarians and vegans
• People who have had stomach stapling or weight loss surgery
• People with Celiac or Crohn’s disease
• People who frequently use prescription drugs to control heartburn
• People with autoimmune diseases
• People who smoke
• People who consume a lot of alcohol
• People who have used a lot of antibiotics

 

Some people might not consume enough vitamin B12 rich foods, and others can’t absorb enough B12 through their diets no matter how much they take in if without intrinsic factors. Like most vitamins, B12 can’t be made by the body. Instead, it might come from food, supplements, or injections if indicated.

Naturally, vitamin B12 is found in animal products such as red meat, fish, eggs, milk, and poultry, but it is low in plant foods. Some foods are fortified with vitamin B12, such as some cereals. (https://metabolixwellness.com/vitamin-b12-and-stress/)

 

 

Vitamin B-12 Supplementation

 

Optimizing health by incorporating alternative treatments with conventional therapies for chronic stress, is a novel idea. Adding vitamin B12 can help improve the methylation pathways necessary to help your body and mind adapt to environmental changes.

 

If a vitamin B12 deficiency is left untreated, it can cause neurological problems and blood diseases like anemia.

 

A serious vitamin B12 deficiency can be corrected by weekly shots of vitamin B12 or daily high-dose B12 oral supplements if indicated.

 

(Source: Vitamin B12 and Stress by Metabolic Wellness Center)