:: get sprightly b-12 ::

Get Sprightly B-12

Being a long-time vegetarian (and former vegan), I have been pretty well-informed about the importance of getting enough B-12 and all the problems that can occur when you don’t. Though B-12 deficiency can be more common in non-meat eaters (because it is a vitamin that is generally more readily available in meat and dairy products), anyone, (veggie and meattie alike) can become deficient. That’s why it’s important to get informed about all things B-12.

So, what exactly is B-12?

It is “a water-soluble vitamin with a key role in the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system, and for the formation of blood. It is one of the eight B vitamins. It is normally involved in the metabolism of every cell of the human body, especially affecting DNA synthesis and regulation, but also fatty acid synthesis and energy production.” (wikipedia.org) 

In short, it’s a very important vitamin and definitely not something that we can afford to go without if we want to be healthy and want our bodies to function properly. To better highlight this point, below are some symptoms associated with B-12 deficiency: (www.health.harvard.edu)

  • difficulty walking (staggering, balance problems)
  • anemia
  • a swollen, inflamed tongue
  • yellowed skin (jaundice)
  • difficulty thinking and reasoning (cognitive difficulties), or memory loss
  • paranoia or hallucinations
  • weakness
  • fatigue

So, how do you know if your B-12 level is low? Besides most likely feeling the effects (see list above) the best way to know for sure is to ask your doctor to be tested. But, by taking preventative measures like proper diet, supplements and limiting alcohol, you can reduce your likelihood of becoming deficient.

Here are some tips to help you get started:

If you’re a veggie….

  • Eat a mostly alkaline, hydrating diet (as in lots of fresh fruits and vegetables)
  • Eat grain products that are fortified with B-12
  • Take sublingual supplements – (besides B-12 injections) this form absorbs most quickly into the bloodstream
  • Try adding nutritional yeast to your diet – another form of naturally occurring B-12

If you’re a meattie….

There’s a lot of information available about B-12 and differing views on the best ways to get it and prevent deficiency. Everyone is different and it’s important to find the best option that will work for your body and your lifestyle. Check out the links below to some great, informative articles about B-12.

General B-12 info

Vegan B-12 Foods

Meattie B-12 Foods

Must read story about the effects of B-12 deficiency

Food for thought on B-12

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