When you’re feeling run-down, with no energy, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to take a good quality Vitamin B complex. Stress, overwhelm and our modern lifestyle will all deplete our body’s of these essential nutrients, so it’s important to replenish them regularly.
Vitamin B is made up of eight chemically distinct vitamins that once were thought to be one vitamin. It is known as vitamin B-complex. They ‘loves’ to hang out with each other, so always ensure you take a complex, even if you have been prescribed B12 for deficiency.
Fun facts about vitamin B
- They are water soluble. That’s why you don’t want to take more than one at a time, you’ll just end up with expensive wee! If you are super-stressed, take one at breakfast and one at lunch.
- It’s the Riboflavin (B2) that makes your wee look so neon!
- At high doses, Niacin (B3) can cause facial flushing.
- They are not stored in your body, so it’s important they get replenished daily.
- Each of the vitamins has its own part in healthy brain function, development and mental acuity.
- The B vitamins are necessary for the formation of serotonin, dopamine and epinephrine – our feel good, I can cope with stuff neurotransmitters.
They also help with:
- Improving memory
- Converting carbohydrates to glucose (hello brain power, goodbye 3.30itis)
- Maintaining and enhancing the function of the nervous system
- Promoting cell growth, reproduction and division
- RNA and DNA synthesis (read: healthy ageing)
- Protecting the body from cardiovascular disease
- Strengthening the immune system
- Helping the digestive system to work properly
- Maintaining healthy muscle tone and skin
And last, but certainly not least…(drum roll please)
- Fighting depression, anxiety and stress
What’s not to love!
Vitamin B can be found in foods, but in our modern world it is very difficult to meet our requirements from nutrition alone, hence the need for supplementation.
In the clinic I use a few different forms of good quality Vitamin Bs, depending on the needs of the person.
If you would like more information on how to boost your energy or manage your stress more effectively, feel free to get in touch.