Have you noticed a decrease in energy, trouble focusing in work, or find yourself becoming easily frustrated? Well, most of us do from time to time. That is why having a B12 deficiency can be hard to identify. These symptoms are all too common in the average person’s day-to-day life; however, it is important to not overlook these symptoms, because your body may be trying to tell you something!
As we get older, our ability to absorb B12 from the food we eat declines, and often so does our consumption of foods rich in this vitamin. A B12 deficiency can develop without warning and cause a host of confusing symptoms likely to be misdiagnosed or attributed to life events and stress.
So, what is vitamin B12 anyway?
B-vitamins are water-soluble nutrients found in whole foods, and less in refined and processed foods. Vitamin B12 is needed for the development and maintenance of a healthy nervous system and is vital for the formation of red blood cells, as well as for the proper functioning and health of nerve tissue.
If left untreated, B12 deficiency, can lead to anaemia, as well as nerve and brain damage in extreme cases, which may eventually become irreversible.
How to recognise a B12 deficiency…
A vitamin B12 deficiency can be slow to develop, causing symptoms to appear gradually and intensify over time. Or it can come on relatively quickly. Given the array of symptoms it can cause, the condition may be hard to diagnose. The symptoms differ in people but some of the most common symptoms may include:
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Bad mood
- Anemia
- Strange sensations, numbness, or tingling in the hands, legs, or feet
- Difficulty walking
- A swollen, inflamed tongue
- Yellowed skin (jaundice)
- Difficulty thinking and reasoning (cognitive difficulties), or memory loss
What is the diagnosis?
Typically a blood test is performed to determine your existing B12 levels. From there, varying treatments may be prescribed, including supplements, injections and dietary adjustments.
Vitamin B12 deficiency resulting from inadequate dietary intake is the easiest to treat. The condition can be reversed by taking oral vitamin B12 supplements and adding foods containing B12.
Routine visits to your chiropractor will help you feel and live better. Mainly because us chiropractor’s focus on two main parts of your body: the skeletal and the nervous system. These systems impact your daily life in more ways than you can imagine.
We have a great range of vitamins available to purchase here at Optimal Chiropractic which provides natural alternatives to help you alleviate some of these symptoms. Our holistic healthcare approach will help you manage symptoms of fatigue while moving toward a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. Don’t wait to schedule an appointment today. Give our office a call and we will find ways to help you feel better!
