Vitamin B

More than three million people in the U.S. experience B vitamin deficiency each year, which leads to symptoms like fatigue, breathlessness, numbness, poor balance and memory trouble. B vitamins are crucial for efficient liver detoxification, as well as nerve function and nerve cell metabolism. Having the right level of B vitamins helps you stay healthy, energetic, clear-headed and balanced. Make sure you’re getting enough of each of these types of B vitamins.
 
Thiamine
Balanced levels of thiamine promote feelings of clear-headedness, composure and energy. If you’re addicted to carbohydrates, you’re probably thiamine deficient. Find this B vitamin in foods like vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes and seaweed.
 
Riboflavin (B2)
Riboflavin, also known as B2, aids proper thyroid function and is necessary for essential fatty acid metabolism, improving energy production in nerve cells. Find riboflavin in whole grains, legumes, leafy vegetables, poultry, fish and seaweed.
 
Niacin (B3)
Niacin, or B3, promotes the release of growth hormones, and has anti-depressant effects due to its indirect effect on serotonin levels. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels and can be found in food sources like peanuts, seeds, brown rice, whole grains, almonds and seaweed.
 
Pantothenic acid (B5)
Providing support for detoxification, pantothenic acid (B5) eliminates inflammatory substances and is vital for coping with extreme stress. Steroid hormones like estrogen and progesterone are only produced when B5 levels are sufficient. It can be found in avocados, mushrooms, soybeans, bananas, collard greens, lentils and broccoli to name a few foods.
 
Pyridoxine (B6)
Sufficient levels of B6 promote liver function and reduce the risk of hormone-related cancers because it binds to steroid hormones and detoxifies excess amounts. Additionally, it has significant mood-elevating effects because it corrects brain metabolism dysfunctions that cause depression while also heightening serotonin production. Find pyridoxine in spinach, walnuts, eggs, fish, poultry, beans and seaweed.
 
Cobalamin (B12)
An important factor in liver detoxification, cobalamin has positive effects on mood and promotes free flow of neurotransmitters. It can be found in animal proteins, eggs, tempeh, algae and bee pollen.
 
Folic acid (Folate, B9)
Folic acid has mood elevating properties because it aids serotonin production. It also helps lower adrenal hormones that lead to increased blood pressure. Also known as folate or B9, this B vitamin prevents neural tube defects which may have otherwise caused brain and nervous system damage in babies. Find it in leafy greens, asparagus, bananas, cantaloupes and beans.
 
When in doubt, find an all-natural B vitamin supplement to take in the morning to ensure your levels are sufficient and your body functions properly. As always, remember to treat your body kindly and only use organic products like Edye’s Naturals.
 
Sources
Cooking for Hormone Balance
Mayo Clinic

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