Maybe you have never thought of Chronic disease this way, but what if chronic health problems have one thing in common… Nutrient deficiencies? Every second of every day, bio-chemical reactions are occurring in our bodies. These reactions require nutrients in the form of specific vitamins and minerals in order to happen properly.
Take Vitamin B12 for example. It is involved in the metabolism of every cell in the body! It has a very important role in energy production. (1) Clearly, that is super important to overall health and well-being!
Some signs of symptoms of low B12 levels include fatigue, memory issues, thinning hair, headaches, chronic pain, a specific type of anemia and heart disease. The USDA estimates that 40% of the US population may be deficient in B12.(2) That number is even higher in those over the age of 60.
B12 is also one of the key players in the Methylation process, which is important in the detoxification process. Compromised Methylation can be associated with a host of health problems.
The symptoms associated with low B12 can imitate many other issues. In some cases, medications may even be prescribed to address symptoms. In many cases, these medications can actually decrease the body’s ability to absorb and properly utilize B12!
Low energy and headaches are very common reasons people seek medical care. Feeling like you lack the energy to live your life the way you like can have a devastating cost. Like missing out on activities that your children are involved with. Or, not feeling like you have the energy to take care of yourself so that you can be the best version of yourself.
The problem with a B12 deficiency is that they can make you feel sick, tired and “off”. Like something is missing, but you don’t know what. Those are the kind of thing you usually ignore until you simply can not ignore them any longer. The symptoms start off as irritating and non-specific. You figure they will go away. But, they don’t. You finally get to the point where you don’t feel well enough to do the things that are important to you. Your ability to take care of your self, your kids begins to suffer. You feel much older than you actually are. You might also start to avoid things you love simply because you don’t feel well enough or are too tired to do them. A part of you is dying. The vibrant, healthy part that loves life.
So, you go to the doctor. A few basic blood tests like a CBC, a cholesterol profile and a metabolic panel are run. All of that looks “fine”. So, now you are confused… What is wrong? The problem is that most typical medical visits and none of those tests listed above would help identify a nutrient deficiency. When is the last time a doctor asked for a detailed report of what you eating? Sure, a cursory question like “how’s your diet”? might be asked. But, it’s not enough to help you look at nutrient status.
If you go on like this for long enough, eventually the markers on those basic labs will be out of balance. Now you have a diagnosed disease process that has taken root. For example, impaired methylation can influence healthy hormone balance and be linked to certain types of cancer. (4)
So, what do you do to make sure you are not deficient in any of the nutrients you need to be your healthiest version of yourself? Run out to the Health Food Store and buy up all the supplements on the shelf? Maybe you have tried that 🙂 your friend swears that Magnesium changed her life. Your sister tells you that taking B vitamins will help with your energy. What kind do you need? You can guess if you like, but may I suggest an option that you may have not even known was possible… A specific nutrient testing panel that helps you identify your unique needs. I would also suggest combining that with a consult with a qualified Functional Doctor who can help you take that information and apply it specifically to you.
I am constantly amazed at the results I see working with clients who are struggling to find answers until they start looking at their health differently. They start asking “What might be missing?” Their answer will be different from anyone else. But, that’s the beauty of customized health care. It’s all about YOU. As it should be 🙂
If you are ready to begin investigating your unique nutritional needs, you can use this link to
schedule your first visit so we can get started!
To your health,
Dr. Jeni
(1) https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-B12
(2) https://www.ars.usda.gov/news-events/news/research-news/2000/b12-deficiency-may-be-more-widespread-than-thought/
(4) https://www.nfcr.org/blog/epigenetics-methylation-and-cancer/#:~:text=Conclusive%20research%20has%20shown%20that%20MTHFR%20mutation%20and,is%20associated%20with%20a%20reduced%20rate%20of%20cancer.
