Lasting Change Begins by Addressing…

Targeted nutrients may help calm symptoms where they begin.

By Dr. Paul Bernitt

TriVita Director of Wellness Services and

Board-Certified Doctor of Holistic Health

Inflammation that causes stiffness, fatigue or brain fog doesn’t just “happen.” It is often driven by hidden imbalances in the blood—things not revealed by most routine lab tests. One of the most important is a compound called homocysteine. When homocysteine levels rise, inflammation follows. The good news is, science shows there are simple, targeted nutrients that may help support healthier homocysteine levels—naturally, safely and effectively.

Inflammation Has a Root Cause

Inflammation is the body’s natural immune defense system. It helps you heal from injury and fight infection. But when inflammation becomes chronic, it can damage blood vessels, joints, nerves and vital organs.

One major trigger of chronic inflammation is elevated homocysteine. Homocysteine is a protein-like amino acid that your body makes during normal metabolism. When homocysteine levels become too high, however, it irritates blood vessel walls and promotes inflammation throughout the body.

High homocysteine levels have been linked to:

• Cardiovascular stress

• Joint discomfort

• Cognitive decline

• Increased inflammatory markers

Yet most doctors do not test for homocysteine unless specifically asked to do so.

Why Testing Matters

You can look healthy on the outside but still have elevated homocysteine levels on the inside. A simple blood test ordered by your doctor can reveal this hidden inflammatory trigger.

Knowing your number gives you clarity… and a clear starting point for change.

The Nutrient Connection: B12, Folate and B6

Your body depends on three key B vitamins in order to properly break down homocysteine:

1. Vitamin B12

2. Folic Acid (B9 or Folate)

3. Vitamin B6

This targeted combination helps:

• Support healthy homocysteine levels

• Calm inflammatory stress on blood vessels

• Promote better energy and nerve function

Without enough of these nutrients, homocysteine builds up—and inflammation increases.

This is where Alfred Libby’s Original B-12 becomes a powerful ally.

Why Sublingual B12 Matters

Many people believe injections are the best way to raise B12 levels. But, published studies show that sublingual B12 (absorbed under the tongue)—when combined with folic acid and B6—can be just as effective, and in some cases, more effective than injections for lowering homocysteine.

Sublingual delivery allows B12 to bypass digestive challenges and enter the bloodstream directly. It’s convenient, painless and supported by research.

Measuring Inflammation: Understanding CRP

Another crucial inflammatory marker is C-reactive protein (CRP). CRP, which is measured by a blood test, reflects the overall level of inflammation in the body.

Higher CRP levels are associated with:

• Joint pain

• Cardiovascular risk

• Reduced mobility

Lowering CRP isn’t about masking pain… It's about improving the environment inside the body where healing actually occurs.

Supporting Healthy CRP Naturally with Nopalea®

Alongside targeted B vitamin support, research demonstrates powerful benefits from Nopalea, a supplement made from the fruit of the nopal cactus.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study shows that participants taking Nopalea experienced:

• Significant reductions in CRP

• Less reliance on pain medication

• Improved range of motion

• Better daily comfort and quality of life

Nopalea is rich in unique plant compounds that help calm inflammation at the cellular level—without shutting down the body’s natural healing response.

Faith and the Foundation of Healing

Scripture reminds us that caring for the body is a spiritual responsibility:

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit…
Therefore honor God with your bodies.”  – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

God designed the body with the ability to heal when given proper support. We live in an age of prevention, early detection and reversal of lifestyle-related conditions, such as elevated homocysteine and high CRP. Addressing inflammation at its root is an act of stewardship—one that honors both science and faith.

Another powerful reminder…

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”  – Hosea 4:6

Awareness of the need for change is essential for stewarding our minds and our bodies… Awareness creates responsibility. Knowledge leads to action. Action leads to transformation.

A Smarter Path Forward

If you are struggling with inflammation, stiffness or fatigue, consider this simple, science-supported approach:

1. Ask your doctor to test homocysteine and CRP.

2. Support healthy homocysteine levels with Alfred Libby’s Original B-12, including folic acid and B6.

3. Help calm systemic inflammation with Nopalea.

4. Stay consistent—lasting change takes time, not quick fixes.

If you are serious about addressing inflammation, I encourage you to consider the Nopalea 60-Day Pain Relief Plan, which includes a 60-day supply of both Nopalea and Original B-12. You also get a 60-day, step-by-step workbook to guide you on your journey toward greater wellness.

Inflammation has a trigger. When you identify and address that trigger, the body often responds in remarkable ways.

True healing doesn’t begin with chasing symptoms… It starts with restoring balance at the root, where inflammation begins.

To your health—physically, emotionally and spiritually,

Dr. Paul