Category: Natural Energy

There are 7 different types of B vitamins. B vitamins work synergistically to assist the body to metabolize food. All B vitamins are water-soluble which means they dissolve easily in water, are not stored in the body, and excess is eliminated from the body. Because we cannot store B vitamins very well it is important for us to get a daily supply. The main functions of B vitamins are their ability to release energy from food, enhance nervous system function, assist in the formation of hemoglobin which are in red blood cells, move oxygen around the body, assist in the breakdown of fat and help us stay hydrated.  

In addition to all B vitamins being water-soluble, all B vitamins have another thing in common which is their role in generating and distributing vital energy. Think about it, there needs to be a mechanism for our bodies to efficiently extract energy from our food, a nervous system to distribute the energy throughout the body, and cellular respiration which uses oxygen to break down sugar and energy-rich fat.  

Here is some healthy information to assist you in better understanding B vitamins and their role in a healthier, active, and energetic life.

• Always hungry and not feeling full after a meal? Thiamin (vitamin B1) works with the neurotransmitters in your brain to regulate appetite. It triggers the brain to produce hunger and satiation.  Thiamine also assists in nerve cell structure and function. The outer layer of the approximate 86 billion neurons in the human brain all have vitamin B1, as well as all your nerves and neurotransmitters.

• Synergistic effects of B vitamins. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) serves as a precursor to enzymes known as flavin mononucleotide and flavin adenine dinucleotide needed for energy metabolism of fats and carbohydrates in your cells. Riboflavin is also involved in converting tryptophan to niacin, another B vitamin, and it is needed to activate yet another B vitamin known as vitamin B-6. Maintaining a healthy gut flora is a great way to produce your own riboflavin as it is produced by intestinal bacteria.
• B vitamins enhance energy production which assists the body to get moving and burn excess calories. Niacin (vitamin B3) is most widely known to support healthy cholesterol levels by improving HDL levels, reducing triglycerides and blood sugar levels which in turn serves as a part of optimizing cardiovascular health. B vitamins enhance the potential of energy production leading to increased physical activity and therefore play a part in increasing healthy HDL and LDL ratios while reducing excess triglycerides and blood sugar levels which contribute to weight gain and other serious chronic inflammatory conditions. Movement is the key to a healthy body.
• Do you have dry, scaly, itchy skin? Pantothenic acid is a B vitamin known as the great hydrator. It is a humectant which is a water-binding substance that attracts and retains water. Pantothenic acid not only helps keep you hydrated but it also prevents loss of water through the skin. It helps keep our skin looking healthy, soft, and elastic. There is a simple hydration test you can do. Simply pinch the skin at the back of your hand and then release it. If the skin snaps back to a relaxed flat position then you are well hydrated, if it slowly returns to its normal position then you are likely dehydrated. 
• Is “the pain in your neck” becoming the actual pain in your neck? Vitamin B6 is essential for neurotransmitter and myelin formation which produces optimal nerve function. Myelin is the protective covering over all of our nerves which are responsible for the transmission of nerve signals. B6 deficiency may be linked to people who have hypothyroidism. Studies have shown that prolonged stress triggering high cortisol can have an impact on nerve function leading to pain. It is important to manage day to day stress to enhance optimal nerve function. Something as simple as building resiliency through the practice of gratefulness and acceptance can go a long way in preserving optimal nerve function.
  

• Who knew one vitamin could play so many roles? Like other B vitamins Biotin (vitamin B7) promotes macro-nutrients otherwise known as food into energy. It is also beneficial for promoting healthy skin, hair, and nails. Yet another significant role Biotin plays in the body is DNA formation which promotes genetic information to work normally. Our cells divide throughout our lives through a process called mitosis. An interesting fact is that when mitosis is accelerated it causes premature aging otherwise known as an increased functional age. Increased functional age means that while a person is 53, their functional age is 64. Reducing chronic inflammation through eating a balanced whole food diet, regular physical exercise, managing day to day stress-reducing toxicity in the body are all great ways to maximize cellular health.
• Did you know that your body produces approximately 65 million red blood cells for every 10 pounds of weight each day of your life? This daily process requires a steady supply of folate, iron, and another B vitamin known as B12. Once folic acid is absorbed into your body the inactive folic acid is converted into folate for bioabsorption. Folate is a cofactor involved in many metabolic processes such as the production of red blood cells that would not otherwise be possible without it. Take a moment to pat yourself on the back for this incredible life-giving metabolic process.  
• Last but certainly not least let’s talk about the importance of vitamin B12. According to the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, if you do not get enough B12 you may experience tiredness, weakness, constipation, unexpected weight loss, loss of appetite, numbness or tingling in hands and feet, imbalance, confusion, memory loss and even problems with oral health such as sore tongue and mouth.

By Scott Conard, M.D.

Alfred Libby, a pioneer in nutrients and health, patented the technology that still powers TriVita’s Slow Dissolve B-12 supplements. His original formula lets the dissolving action of B12 get into the bloodstream without an injection, or swallowing a pill.

Alfred Libby was an associate of Linus Pauling, Ph.D., the 2-time Nobel Laureate and “Father of Vitamin C.” Early in his career, Libby discovered the dramatic health changes that B12 could make, and worked for decades to raise awareness.

“We’ve given people back their lives”

Along with B12, Libby was the “star” of TV infomercials beginning in 2000. Here, I’ve selected some of his memorable thoughts: “We’ve given people back their lives,” Libby said. At the time, painful and expensive injections were the only way to supplement effectively with B12. And, undiagnosed B12 deficiency caused untold damage.

“B12 deficiency, undiagnosed and untreated, wreaks havoc,” he declared. This “havoc” took many forms:

• Moodiness
• Low energy
• Lack of focus

He would talk about patients who, with Slow Dissolve B-12, went from moodiness and lethargy to enthusiasm and energy… older people, sent to nursing homes because they were disruptive and difficult, becoming “functional human beings again.”

A key element in Alfred Libby’s Slow Dissolve B-12 Alfred Libby’s Slow Dissolve B-12[/MWSBLOGCOPY] is its unique delivery system: where the tablets dissolve and get quickly absorbed into the bloodstream.

Dramatic effects, and a change of career

In my own medical practice, I found the same kinds of patient results that Libby witnessed years before. For years, my medical practice specialized in treating the elderly. Patients would come into my office complaining that they had no energy and felt “low” and they would beg for B12 “shots.” After their shots they became so much more alive, so much more well, that I changed course in my career.

I switched my focus to preventive medicine, convinced that the way to make a difference in people’s lives was to help them get the vitamins and nutrients they need before health issues arise.

My own experience has shown me the truth of Libby’s statement: “It’s so fulfilling, so gratifying to be involved with this (Alfred Libby’s Slow Dissolve B-12)… and with the right company, TriVita.”

In his original infomercial, Alfred Libby would gesture toward the phone banks and say, “When I see the phones light up it reminds me of the song ‘You Light Up My Life.’ That’s how I feel when I see those lights; people’s lives are lighting up.”

And what you really need to know!

B Vitamins are essential for healthy aging, and they support many key areas of your health, such as brain, heart, cardiovascular, nerves, bones, emotional, cellular and sleep.

So let’s talk about Vitamin B12. It’s well known that B12 deficiencies can lead to cognitive (mental) decline. But more recent research out of Tufts University, and other well-recognized studies, reveal that even mildly-deficient B12 can speed mental decline.

That’s pretty alarming, especially if your doctor is not telling you about the necessity of B12. And, since it is not stored in the body, you need a daily intake of this crucial vitamin – with diet or supplements.

There’s so much information you need to know inside this special report. Just click the link below and get informed!

The vitamin B12 craze has been around for years—and for good reason. Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that your body requires to function properly. B12 is involved in numerous critical processes such as DNA production, metabolism, healthy nerve function and the formation of red blood cells.

While this vitamin is necessary for long-term health, there are still some major misconceptions about it. So, here are four of the most common myths about B12 and the real truth about vitamin B12.

Myth One: Only vegans and vegetarians are at risk of B12 deficiency

Anyone can be at risk of developing a vitamin deficiency. As modern diets, lifestyles and medication use change, it’s possible that anyone can develop a vitamin B12 deficiency. That being said, certain groups have an increased risk. Those groups include individuals who:

• Eat a restrictive diet. It’s always best to take a food-first approach to get the nutrients you need to thrive. However, certain dietary restrictions can make it challenging to meet your needs.  
• Use certain medications. Nutrient absorption begins in the stomach where stomach acid plays a vital role in making vitamin B12 available to your body. Those taking medications to suppress gastric acid or treat heartburn may be a higher risk of developing a deficiency.
• Have undergone gastrointestinal surgeries or have GI disorders. Gastric bypass and other types of stomach surgery, as well as gastrointestinal conditions like Crohn’s disease or IBS,  can put you at higher risk.
• Adults over age 50. Stomach acid production typically slows down as you age, which can prohibit your body from unlocking vitamin B12 from food and making it available to the body.

Myth Two: B12 shots are better than oral supplements

Vitamin B12 shots and now B-vitamin IVs are being advertised as the best option. While it’s true that B12 injections can deliver considerable doses directly into the bloodstream very quickly, it may not be the best solution for everyone. B12 shots are often expensive and require a visit to your doctor’s office. If you are looking for the best type of B supplement, then find the one that works best for your budget, lifestyle, and health.

Myth Three: Vitamin B12 will instantly boost energy

Vitamin B 12 has long been touted as an energy-boosting vitamin, by it’s more like a key that unlocks energy. While B-vitamins can alleviate fatigue and improve overall energy levels, don’t start popping vitamins looking for a quick fix to your energy woes. Supplementing with vitamin B12 certainly can improve energy levels, but have only been shown in individuals with low or low-normal blood levels. So if you already have optimal levels of B12, then supplementing likely won’t offer you what you’re looking for.

Myth Four: Taking too much vitamin B12 is dangerous

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning your body secretes any excess that can’t be used through the urine. Moreover, there is no upper limit for B12, so you don’t really need to worry about getting too much through diet and supplements. The recommended amount of vitamin B12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms per day and 2.6 and 2.8 micrograms per day for expecting and nursing mothers, respectively.

References:

healthline
https://ods.od.nih.gov/

Everyone’s been there – tired, worn out, feeling like you don’t have the energy you need to get through the day. And along with fatigue comes a lack of concentration, poor memory, and irritability, making it more challenging to cope with the stress of everyday life.

Most people will tell you that declining energy, mental clarity, emotional balance are just normal parts of aging. But it doesn’t have to be. Most people feel tired due to stress, worry and anxiety, poor sleep, lack of exercise, inadequate nutrients, and medication.

Understanding how your body produces energy is the first step to making sure your body has the right nutrients and nurturing to function, and so you have the energy and vitality to enjoy life.

3 Ways Your Body Produces Energy

The fastest way for your body to produce energy is through the ATP Phosphocreatine (ATP-PC) system. When adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is combined with water, energy is produced. After a few seconds of activity, phosphocreatine (PC) supplements the draining ATP until another energy production method can take over. This method is best for short bursts of energy such as sprinting short distances or pitching a baseball because it allows for just seconds of maximum effort.

When the ATP-PC system has exhausted itself, the next energy producing method available is Anaerobic Glycolysis. Dietary carbohydrates supply your body with glucose which circulates in your blood or is stored in your muscles and liver as glycogen. Stored glycogen and blood glucose are broken down through the process of glycolysis to create ATP. A byproduct of this process, however, is lactic acid. Lactic acid quickly builds up and results in muscle fatigue. This method provides approximately a minute of energy at maximum effort.

The final method for producing energy is Aerobic Phosphorylation. This process creates energy at a much slower rate than the other two systems but offers a steady supply of energy if you have the right nutrients and vitamins available. Also, unlike the two methods discussed above, oxygen is required for this process. Aerobic phosphorylation is a complex process, but a simplified explanation is that proteins, fats, and carbohydrates are broken down and then transported to the mitochondria in each cell where they can be converted into ATP for energy. This process produces two waste products, water –which the body can use – and carbon dioxide.

Keeping Your Mitochondria Happy

The number of mitochondria per cell depends on the cell type, and this is where cellular respiration and energy production occur. Healthy mitochondria require certain nutrients such as [TVBLOGCOPY]CoQ10[/TVBLOGCOPY][MWSBLOGCOPY]CoQ10[/MWSBLOGCOPY], [TVBLOGCOPY]omega-3 fatty acids[/TVBLOGCOPY][MWSBLOGCOPY]omega-3 fatty acids[/MWSBLOGCOPY], magnesium, [TVBLOGCOPY]B vitamins[/TVBLOGCOPY][MWSBLOGCOPY]B vitamins[/MWSBLOGCOPY], and [TVBLOGCOPY]amino acids[/TVBLOGCOPY][MWSBLOGCOPY]amino acids[/MWSBLOGCOPY]. In addition to a healthy diet, you can improve mitochondrial function by decreasing toxin exposure and exercising regularly. Building muscle mass through regular strength training can improve the health of your mitochondria and increase ATP product.

Energy is the currency of your body. Every function performed, no matter how big or small, requires energy. If you feel tired and fatigued, it may be time to take a closer look at your overall health and make lifestyle modifications where necessary.

B vitamins support normal functions performed by the brain and nervous system, support adrenal function. Vitamin B-12 is also required for critical metabolic processes like DNA synthesis, production of neurotransmitters, energy production and is required for the development of red blood cells. 

Vitamin B-12 is found in animal-derived foods such as dairy, eggs, meat, poultry and fish. Diets that limit these foods and/or poor absorption may lead to a Vitamin B-12 deficiency. Prolonged Vitamin B-12 deficiency can lead to serious mental and physical symptoms, such as:

• Fatigue and muscle weakness
• Irregular heartbeats
• Personality and mood changes
• Memory Loss
• Dementia

Although deficiency can present differently for everyone, there are four basic stages:

Getting Enough Vitamin B-12

You can prevent these devastating side effects by including B-rich foods in your diet, supplementing when necessary with [TVBLOGCOPY]high-quality Vitamin B-12[/TVBLOGCOPY][MWSBLOGCOPY]high-quality Vitamin B-12[/MWSBLOGCOPY] and having your Vitamin B-12 levels checked as part of your annual physical exam.

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References:

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vitamin-deficiency-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355025
2. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-B12
3. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/0301/p979.html

For most healthy adults Vitamin B-12 deficiency may be uncommon because the body can store B-12 to be used over time. However, if you suspect you may be at risk or are already deficient, keep reading to find out how to avoid and reverse this potentially devastating deficiency.

1. Understand How We Become Deficient

Understanding how you can become deficient is crucial to avoiding and reversing the deficiency. For some groups, a lack of Vitamin B-12 in their diet is the cause of low levels. These groups can include strict vegans and individuals with limited access to high-quality animal products, such as meats and dairy.

If you regularly consume good sources of B-12 but still have low levels, then inadequate absorption may be the culprit. Nutrient absorption begins with digestive enzymes and bacteria that break down your food. Most of these molecules will make their way to your small intestines where they will enter your bloodstream. However, this seemingly simple process can be complicated by the removal or malfunction of the organs involved. Individuals at risk for poor absorption may include those with certain digestive conditions such as [TVBLOGCOPY]Celiac[/TVBLOGCOPY][MWSBLOGCOPY]Celiac[/MWSBLOGCOPY] or Crohn’s disease.

2. Know Your Risks

Once you understand the difference between intake and absorption, it’s important to look at your lifestyle. If you eat a balanced diet but have poor digestion, you may consider having your gut checked or adding [TVBLOGCOPY]probiotics[/TVBLOGCOPY][MWSBLOGCOPY]probiotics[/MWSBLOGCOPY] to your routine. Certain probiotic microorganisms help enhance the absorption of vitamins and minerals.

The cause of your deficiency may be lurking in the medicine cabinet. It is well-documented that certain substances and medications can contribute to inadequate levels of B-12. Metformin, a common diabetes medication, antacids and even some antibiotics can inhibit nutrient absorption.

3. Check Your Levels

A [TVBLOGCOPY]Vitamin B-12[/TVBLOGCOPY][MWSBLOGCOPY]Vitamin B-12[/MWSBLOGCOPY] deficiency can only be diagnosed through a blood test. If you suspect you are deficient or at risk for developing a deficiency, talk to your doctor about checking your levels. Your doctor may also want to check you for other potential nutritional deficiencies based on your gender, age, lifestyle and medical history.

Are You Over 40? Learn about the [TVBLOGCOPY]5 key nutrients you may be missing[/TVBLOGCOPY][MWSBLOGCOPY]5 key nutrients you may be missing[/MWSBLOGCOPY].

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References:

1. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Vitamin%20B12-HealthProfessional/#h6
2. http://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/9/9/1021/htm
3. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-B12

By Claudia Harsh, M.D. There are as many “right” answers to this question as there are people, but we can make some broad suggestions based on what is known about nutrition, health and the research behind vitamins and supplements. Most vitamins are isolated from plants; in fact there is a lot of data to support the many benefits of a plant-based diet. The problem, however, is that commercially-grown vegetables have less nutritional value now than they did 50 years ago.¹ Planting the same fields again and again and a lack of plant rotation are blamed. It makes sense that adding vitamins to a nutritious diet will “fill in the gaps.” Here’s my vitamin “short list” that I think most people should consider. Understand that our genetic uniqueness implies that none of these recommendations are set in stone. Please review them with your healthcare provider so that they can be personalized to your specific health needs.

1. Omega-3 fatty acids

Add a high-quality supplement containing EPA/DHA unless you consume four or more servings of cold-water fatty fish per week. The anti-inflammatory benefits of omega-3 fats are becoming apparent in studies on heart disease, Alzheimer’s, cancer and arthritis.²

2. Folic Acid

Every woman in her reproductive years should take at least 400 micrograms of folic acid daily. Since 50% of pregnancies are unplanned, this will reduce the incidence of neural tube defects.

3. Vitamin B-12

It is well documented that as we age, we don’t absorb Vitamin B-12 as well and plants do not contain B-12 at all. For this reason, I recommend that all vegan and vegetarian patients take a supplement. Find a sublingual form to improve absorption.

4. Vitamin D

Get your blood level checked and supplement with D3 (cholecalciferol) until it is between 50-80 ng/d (nanograms per deciliter). Vitamin D is definitely associated with preventing osteoporosis. We are now understanding it may be instrumental in preventing cancer and heart disease as well. When my patients ask me about vitamins, I ask them about their lives. What do you eat? How much alcohol do you drink? What prescription drugs to do you take? (I know that statins deplete their CoQ-10, for example.) With billions spent on supplements annually, according to the National Institutes of Health, it’s smart for your wellness and your finances to choose wisely. This article is intended for educational purposes only.

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Reference:

1. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/index.htm
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5532176/

As we age, the single most beneficial thing we can do for our health is to eat a balanced diet. It is important to choose foods that nourish bones and muscles, support a healthy heart and brain while avoiding an unbalanced diet that will rob you of your vitality. A nutritious diet should include a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and legumes, nuts, seeds, healthy fats and proteins. If you often find yourself reaching for premade or packaged meals, fast-food takeout or other sources of empty calories, you may be lacking essential vitamins in your diet that contribute to premature aging, accelerate bone and muscle loss, increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and promote weight gain. Below, are five essential nutrients to help you maintain optimal health after 40.

Vitamin D

Over the last decade, the use of vitamin D supplements has increased substantially. Research has shown that getting enough of this vitamin can help prevent musculoskeletal decline, fight depression and lower your risk of dementia. If you live in a cold climate or don’t spend much time outdoors, chances are you do not get enough vitamin D from the sun, but there are other factors at play; Harvard Health says that as we grow older, our bodies become less efficient at producing vitamin D. Spending more time outdoors can help optimize your vitamin D levels, but it is also important to eat foods fortified with vitamin D such as fortified milks and cereals as well as fatty fish. If you struggle to get the recommended 600 IU daily from sunlight and diet alone, take a vitamin D3 supplement.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is required for red blood cell formation, neurological function and a healthy nervous system. If you are vegan, have a gastrointestinal disorder, pernicious anemia or over the age of 40 you’ve probably been told that you have a higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. Getting enough vitamin B12 after 40 can help support heart health, enhance energy and boost mood and keep your brain healthy. Strive to get 2.4 mcg of vitamin B12 per day from whole foods and supplements.

Omega-3s

While omega-3s are not a vitamin, they deserve mention. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats because the body cannot produce them on its own. Most North Americans take in far more omega-6 fats than omega-3 fats, which scientists suggest could pose certain health risks. The omega-3s are essential especially as you age. Research has shown they can help maintain a healthy heart, fight inflammation and support healthy brain development and function. Foods high in omega-3s include fatty fish, walnuts and flaxseeds. If you can’t get 250-500 mg of omega-3s per day from your diet, supplementing is a wise choice.

Magnesium

The risk of developing cardiovascular diseases increases after the age 40, and getting enough magnesium may help lower your risk of developing these diseases. In one study, researchers found that individuals who supplemented with 368 mg of magnesium daily, for three months reduced their blood pressure by 1.8mm Hg. Maintaining healthy blood pressure can help prevent heart attacks, stroke and reduce the risk of kidney failure. Despite the importance of magnesium, nearly half of the US population consumes less than the required amount from food. To meet the daily recommended intake, include magnesium-rich foods such as spinach, almonds and dark chocolate in your diet, and consider adding a high-quality supplement.

Potassium

Potassium is the third most abundant mineral in the body and is vital for improving health and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Consuming adequate amounts of this nutrient helps protect against high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, bone loss and may reduce the risk of kidney stones. According to research, high intake of potassium among postmenopausal women can bolster bone density and prevent osteoporosis. Experts recommend 4,700 mg of dietary potassium per day for adults, but the average intake among men and women is far less. Eat fresh and minimally processed foods, and include a daily supplement to meet your daily intake. A healthful, well-balanced diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals and nutrients is one of TriVita’s Essentials for Health and Wellness; however many older adults may have a difficult time sticking to a healthy diet due to reduced appetite, difficulty chewing or limited access to affordable healthy foods. Whole foods should serve as the primary source for nutrients; you might also consider supplements when necessary to fill in any gaps in your diet.

Chances are you’re B-12 deficient ¹

VITAMIN B-12 FOR MENTAL CLARITY, FOCUS AND ENERGY

Vitamin B-12 is a nutrient that is essential for life and healthy aging. It is required for metabolism, a process that encompasses all the physical and chemical processes in the body that convert or use energy. This includes breathing, blood circulation, muscle contraction, food digestion and brain/nerve function.² 3 Signs of low Vitamin B-12 levels include weakness, fatigue, motor disturbances and a range of behavioral changes including mood and personality.⁴ Therefore, supplementing with Vitamin B-12 may help support mental clarity, focus and energy. You could have a B-12 deficiency if you:¹

• Are over age 50
• Follow a vegetarian or vegan diet
• Have had gastrointestinal disorders

Get the B-12 you need. As science continues to show more and more ways that a lack of B-12 adversely affects our health, it becomes even more important that we use a supplement that effectively provides our bodies and our brains with the Vitamin B-12 they so desperately need.

KEY SIGNS OF DEFICIENCY

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns healthcare providers to watch their patients for these signs of low Vitamin B-12 levels:⁴

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Pale skin
• Anemia
• Tingling of the hands and feet
• Hallucinations

It’s important to note that even if you have any of these signs, it does not necessarily mean that you have a B-12 deficiency. These signs could stem from many causes. However, it does mean that your healthcare provider might want to rule out B-12 deficiency as a possible culprit.

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Sources:

1. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/
2. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002403.htm
3. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002257.htm
4. http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/vitamin-b12-deficiency-can-be-sneaky-harmful-201301105780