Posts Tagged ‘b-vitamins’

Who Needs An Energy Boost?

Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010

Many of us are tired and in need of a boost sometime in our day. We feel
sluggish and over-taxed and usually the first inclination is to grab a soda,
coffee or candy bar. These are short lived energy boosts and are usually
followed by a drop so low (lower than the original drop) that we are quickly
reaching for another artificial boost. This leads to a vicious cycle that ends
up taxing our immune system, depleting our natural energy stores and leaving us
susceptible to chronic disease. A great way to supplement a much needed energy
boost is with vitamin B-12. B-12 can be found in meats, eggs, milk and dairy
products and some seafood. It is not commonly found in most vegetables except
for sea vegetables like kelp, dulse and nori (think what sushi is wrapped in).
B-12 is supportive to our nervous system, helps with depression and provides the energy we are seeking at those critical times of a stressful day.
It also helps to alleviate the symptoms of anemia (tiredness)and improves the absorption of protein. We have also heard from some living in Alaska that when they use B-12 it prevnts mosquitos from attacking them.
The problem with a food source of B-12 is that it takes a while for the body to convert the food to this nutrient and we need our fix NOW! Vitamin B-12 is
available as an injection from your doctor. In my opinion this is niether
convenient or desirable. One of the best ways to get the impact of the energy
boost is with a sublingual form (under the tongue). This is quick and effective.
This pathway goes directly into your blood stream and will enable you to get
your B-12 to activate quickly. You will also be improving your mood and nervous
system. So if you are a college student trying to cram for finals, a Mom who is
spinning with the a list of errands or a business person
looking to gain an energetic edge without paying the price from artificial
boosters, try sublingual B-12! Your heart, mind and adrenal system with thank
you!

Feeding the Brain

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

When we eat right and exercise we know we are improving our physique but does it really make that much of a difference in our brains? The answer is YES! Choosing the right fuel for our brains is as important as choosing the right foods for weight loss and a healthy heart. Our brain accounts for 2% of our body weight but uses roughly 20% of our daily calories to function. When the brain is given the right fats and nutrition it will perform optimally, stave off depression and effectivly calculate it’s daily tasks. B-vitamins and Omega3 fats are the key ingrediants to a healthy brain. B vitamins can be found in eggs, brown rice, leafy greens, mushrooms, beef, avocados, nuts, seeds etc. Omega3 fats can be found in cold water fish especially sardines and salmon (wild-caught, please), olive oil, avocado and alfalfa. Pregnant women, children and people recovering from TBI’s (traumatic brain injuries) should pay special attention to their intake of these nutrients especially because the reconnection of neurons is essential to brain development and recovery. This is also good advice for students and most people who want to walk around with a clear head instead of a cloudy one. Remember, your body is like a car. You drive it around all day long and if you put the right fuel in your tank you’ll be able to go for miles and miles!