Lack of a proper blood level in human beings is the major cause of the condition known as anemia.
Shortage of blood means erythrocytes or red blood cells will not be produced in the correct quantity.
The anomaly can be rectified with diets. Specifically, diets containing a large amount of Vitamin B12 (cobalamin).
Studies show that some cases of Vitamin B12 anemic condition can lead to permanent brain damage.
The good news however, is vitamin B12 is present in almost all varieties of foods.
So long as you eat meat regularly, even just once a week, you are getting vitamin B12 in your diet.
Eggs, cheese, and dairy products are other examples of foods that contain this essential nutrient.
For vegetarians, fortified cereals and soy products offer plenty of vitamin B12.
But tarry a while, experts say the class of people most susceptible to low level of vitamin B12 intake are vegetarians.
The reason?
These people do not eat any kind of animal products. And some, apart from their disdain of animal products, do not eat fortified grains or cereals.
It is highly recommended that vegetarians should take vitamin B12 supplements regularly to compensate for its absence in their diets.
Don't be among those who live under the illusion that certain vegetables have vitamin B12. The fact is only one plant has been proven to have a form of vitamin B12 that can be utilized by humans.
That plant is a Chinese herb known as Dang Guy. And it is not available in appreciable quantity everywhere.
So most vegetarians don't really have any option than to take supplements.
The decision to change your diet to that of a vegetarian is not one only you can make. It's a good idea to talk it over with your medical collaborative team: your health coach, functional medicine or naturopathic doctor .
If you've been a vegetarian for sometime and haven't had a medical check up and a blood test, then it's about time you go in for one as soon as possible, even if you are feeling fine.
This is because vitamin B12 deficiency can take years to develop, and by the time you start to experience the anemia symptoms, you might already be in danger of permanent brain damage.
People, who due to surgery have had parts of their stomach removed are also very susceptible to deficiency of vitamin B12.
The parietal cells in your stomach (the same one that produces the acid which aids digestion) also produces a glycoprotein called "intrinsic factor". This "factor" must be present in the body for vitamin B12 to be absorbed.
In the absence of the intrinsic factor, you will require diets that contain a large quantity of vitamin B12 to avoid anemia.
People in this situation should also take vitamin B12 rich foods like liver for instance, to get the right amount of the nutrient.
If these suggestions don't appeal to you, then you can take vitamin B12 injections after speaking with your functional medicine or naturopathic doctor.
As an Integrative Nutrition Gut & Hormone Health Coach when it comes to supplementing my general recommendation for my clients is to start with nutrition, sleep, movement, and mindfulness BEFORE supplements.
I support you in navigating the supplemental landscape in many ways, by:
📍empowering you to be informed so you can act in your own best interests
📍helping you make sense of the confusing information out here
📍increasing awareness of possible contraindications [e.g. interactions with medications]
📍providing basic education and guidance based on the latest research
📍remembering the importance of rule #1 BIO-INDIVIDUALITY #iinweinventedhealthcoaching
📍suggesting you consult with your functional medicine or naturopathic doctor to explore options
Remember, supplements do not exist to replace a healthy diet; they exist to complement it.
ACTION STEP: If you’re curious about how health coaching can revolutionize your life, let’s connect! Schedule a ‘Your Health is Your Wealth’ consultation with me today. Not for you? No problem! Pass this offer on to someone you care about and let’s spread the health together!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
I received my training from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, where I learned about more than one hundred dietary theories and studied a variety of practical lifestyle coaching methods. Drawing on this knowledge, I will help you create a completely personalized “roadmap to health” that suits your unique body, lifestyle, preferences, and goals.
Learn more about my training and my unique approach to health coaching.
DISCLAIMER:
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Kryshonda Torres is not a physician and the relationship between Kryshonda and her clients is not of a prescriber and patient, but as Health Coach and client.
It is fully the client's choice whether or not to take advantage of the information Kryshonda presents.
OT&E Inc. and Kryshonda Torres cannot guarantee any specific outcome and your individual results may vary.
Before beginning or adding any named supplement to your health routine or regime, please consult with your Naturopathic or Functional Medicine Doctor.