Monthly Archives: October 2014

How Much Vitamin B12 is enough?

Health

If you’re diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency, then it’s crucial that you find out how much vitamin B12 your body needs each week to get back to normal. This isn’t as easy as it sounds, because your B12 levels can drop even if you’re taking daily B12 pills and eating a healthy diet rich in animal protein.

vitamin B12 supplements

Vitamin B12 deficiency can occur if you’re on a strictly vegan diet devoid of animal proteins, but for many, it occurs from pernicious anemia, a detrimental autoimmune condition that is potentially fatal.

To treat pernicious anemia, it’s necessary to supplement with a non-dietary form of vitamin B12 that you can insert directly into the bloodstream, such as vitamin B12 shots and others that pass through the skin’s layer.

Diagnosing vitamin B12 deficiency

Vitamin B12 deficiency is diagnosed easily with a blood test. Unfortunately, standard protocols for detecting vitamin B12 deficiency are too low; they cannot distinguish between life-threatening pernicious anemia and mid to medium ranges of vitamin B12 deficiency that still inflict considerable suffering on the patient.

Many leave with a negative test and continue to suffer symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency: crushing fatigue, neuropathic pain, and memory problems. *This is important! See below.

Other methods of diagnosing pernicious anemia are parietal cell antibody and anti-intrinsic factor antibody tests.

How much vitamin B12 do I need?

If diagnosed, then your doctor will likely administer regular injections of vitamin B12 (cobalamin). The amount you receive may differ according to the country you live in or the health plan that you use.

Standard doses of vitamin B12 supplementation are upwards of 1,000mic per week.

Ideally, you should receive enough vitamin B12 to reverse the symptoms and prevent damage to your nervous system. This is not always the case, as your doctor may have no idea how much vitamin B12 you need to feel better, especially if he’s judging your wellness by your blood test results, and not by your actual symptoms… *

Sadly, many healthcare administrators set the threshold for vitamin B12 injection supplementation too low. Many patients have to look elsewhere in order to “top off” their vitamin B12. You can say that the surge in online sales of vitamin B12 supplements is a direct result of the healthcare industry’s ignorance of pernicious anemia, which they consider a bygone illness.

From the Pernicious Anaemia Society:

“The frequency of injections is the biggest cause of complaint by members of the PA Society.  And while some healthcare professionals will prescribe injections according to the patient’s needs others will refuse to deviate from the guidance.  Often this leads to a breakdown in the relationship between the patient and his or her doctor.  Some patients use alternative forms of B12 to supplement their treatment between injections.  Sub-lingual lozenges, sprays, drops are the preferred method while others use skin patches or nasal sprays.”

How much vitamin B12 is too much?

There is no way to overdose on vitamin B12, as it is a water-based nutrient that has been classified by the FDA as perfectly safe in all amounts. The more vitamin B12 you take daily, the more likely you are to experience a renewal in energy that comes from complete replenishment of vitamin B12 in your blood supply. You’ll start to feel more energetic, focused, and mentally balanced almost immediately.

Once you’ve reached recovery, you should continue to take vitamin B12 regularly, in order to sustain normal levels and prevent illness. Finding the right amount may require some experimentation- you will have to pay close attention in the coming months to the earliest signs of vitamin B12 deficiency. For safety, it’s best to take more than you think you need.

Read more about Vitamin B12 Deficiency Treatment

Image by Sura Nualpradid


    • 7 Tips for Relieving Joint Pain in the Knees

    Chronic Pain, Health, , , ,

    Joint pain in the knees, ankles, hips, or shoulders can indicate arthritis, damage to the cartilage that rests between your bones, making it hard to bend, twist, or kneel without suffering from immense pain. To relieve joint pain, it’s important to learn how to treat the inflamed areas at home, while also visiting your doctor to rule out serious injuries that may require surgery.

    joint pain in the knees

    What causes joint pain in the knees?

    Often, arthritic joint pain occurs in the knee when the soft cartilage of the knee cap becomes weak and fragile. Pieces of cartilage may become lodged into your joint area, causing severe aches and dull pain all around your knee area.

    Joint pain in the knees can occur because of a sports injury, poor posture, or occupations that require standing or sitting in one position for long hours.

    Symptoms include a constant ache in the front of the knees, limited movement and buckling.

    What are the best treatments for joint pain?

    First, see a doctor. You may need to take some x-rays. If there is extensive damage, then your doctor may suggest surgery.

    The most important treatments are the ones that you can do at home to reduce swelling, alleviate pain, prevent further damage to the knee and begin the healing process.

    1) Apply ice.

    The moment you notice the beginnings of pain in your joints, sit down, put your feet up, and put an ice pack on the inflamed area. This will reduce swelling and cut down on most of the pain.

    2) Rub on pain relief cream.

    Use a safe, gentle non-irritating pain relief lotion that contains natural  ingredients that soothe the muscles surrounding the joint and produce a cooling effect.

    3) Use over-the-counter medications.

    Pain relievers (such as acetaminophen) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen) can go a long way towards relieving joint pain and swelling in the knees.

    4) Build up the muscle.

    Visit a physical therapist to get a schedule of muscle-strengthening exercises that will help to speed up recovery and prevent further knee injuries.

    5) Protect the swollen joints.

    It may help to wear a brace or tight-fitting sock around your kneecap to sustain good alignment.

    6) Take it easy.

    If you’re used to exercising regularly, then this is a good time to take a small break. Until you’re feeling much better, avoid bending down to pick something up or sitting down on the floor.

    7) Wear proper footwear.

    Poor posture can cause joint pain in the knees, even if you don’t realize it. Cheap shoes that don’t cradle the foot properly can cause body aches and pains in the feet, legs, hips, and even the shoulders and back. Many people don’t realize the damage they’ve been doing to their spine until they finally sample orthotic inserts paired with good sturdy shoes that provide ankle support. And then, comes the relief…

    joint pain in the knees lotion

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    Do you have any other great tips for relieving joint pain in the knees, or elsewhere in the body? Please feel free to comment below.

    Image by Praisaeng