The Importance of Vitamin B12

The human body needs B12 in order to make red blood cells, which are needed to carry oxygen through the body. If the body does not have enough red blood cells, as condition called anemia will develop.

Anemia causes you to feel weak and tired. B12 deficiency can be caused by not eating enough foods containing B12, such as eggs, milk, meat and cheese. B12 deficiency may also occur if the vitamin is not able to be absorbed by the stomach or intestines.

Other causes could be from the result of taking heartburn or ulcer medication over an extended period of time. Other conditions that block the body's ability to absorb B12 are Crohn's disease, bacteria growth in the small intestine, a parasite or celiac disease.

Taking a daily supplement of B12 may be needed for many people lacking the vitamin. Some may require B12 injections in order to get the vitamin into the system faster.

Some of the symptoms related to B12 deficiency are:

• feeling weak or tired
• light headedness
• bleeding gums
• sore tongue
• pale skin
• weight lose
• upset stomach
• diarrhea/constipation
• nerve damage

Nerve damage can result if B12 deficiency is allowed to go unchecked for prolonged periods of time.

Some symptoms of nerve damage are poor sense of balance, numbness or tingling sensation in fingers and toes, depression, or loss of mental abilities.

A simple blood test can be done to determine if a person is low on B12, as well as, folic acid, which is another B vitamin that may also be low as well and can cause similar symptoms.

Treatment for B12 deficiency anemia is usually a B12 shot once a month or daily B12 pills. If you are experiencing the previous mentioned symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor and get tested.

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Charles

Probiotics – For Overall Good Health

Friendly bacteria in the stomach are important, even vital, to a good working immune system, to protection against microorganisms that could cause disease, and aid in the digestion and the cellular absorption of nutrients.

Each person's mix of bacteria in the gut is different and is affected by various factors. The microorganisms in a person’s body can be crucial to the person's health and well-being, hence the good advice to take pro-biotic supplements.

Probiotics are live microorganisms, in most cases bacteria, that are similar to the good or beneficial microorganisms found in the gut. Probiotics are available to people mainly in the form of dietary supplements however the consumer needs to be careful as the well documented difference between food grade manufactured probiotics and pharmaceutical grade probiotics are great.

Bacteria in the stomach can become imbalanced primarily two ways: by anti-biotics that kill friendly and unfriendly bacteria in the gut alike; and, by micro-organisms that cause diseases – this include parasites as well.

Any number of factors can negatively impact the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, including age, stress, certain medicines, and poor diet. The effects of poor digestion can range from uncomfortable stomach upset to conditions that are potentially harmful to our long-term health.

A good Probiotic is a food supplement designed to help replenish beneficial bacteria in the gut to re-establish a healthy balance, which is essential to keeping our digestive process working properly and maintaining strong immune function.

Most adults can benefit from using Probiotics, albeit a quality product, but it is especially recommended for those who travel regularly, those who have depleted their “friendly” bacteria due to antibiotic use, or those with less than ideal eating habits.

Digestive health lies at the core of our overall health. A healthy digestive system helps our body efficiently break down many of the nutrients we consume into forms that are easily absorbed, maximizing the benefits of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and defending against nutritional deficiencies.

Healthy digestion is also important to bowel regularity—another critical component of overall good health.

Probiotics are also great for general immune system support. It is thought that up to 80 percent of the immune cells in our bodies are located in the gut. A good quality Probiotic will interact with, and stimulate, the immune system to help strengthen our natural defenses and sustain healthy immune function by promoting healthy bacterial growth.

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Stay Healthy!

Charles