beautiful b12 - an entirely essential nutrient
Our bodies are reliant on B12 for thousands of daily functions, and yet, most people are deeply deficient in this essential nutrient.
Like the glue that holds our health together, B12 supports the nervous and reproductive systems, builds the immune system, boosts mental and emotional health, protects against viruses, lowers homocysteine levels and inflammation, and helps the liver to carry out critical jobs such as methylation (the body’s ability to receive, absorb, and assimilate key nutrients), among other tasks.
The beautiful thing is, we actually manufacture our own B12, deep down in the ileum, the final part of the small intestine, but in order for this to happen, we need to have:
1) a gut that is in good working order, in particular a strong and healthy liver (not so common in our modern world!)
2) a plethora of very specific micro-organisms found on the flesh of freshly harvested or wild leafy greens, herbs, garden vegetables or fruits. It is these little bugs that nest in the ileum, feeding off plant matter, producing B12 in a form that is entirely bio-available to the human body.
Sadly, we get very few of these special micro-organisms because of the way we eat, mostly buying from supermarkets, rather than eating from our gardens or local markets. Plus, if a person's gut is compromised, it limits the capacity of B12 production.
B12 & ANIMAL FOOD
Most people assume they get useable B12 from animal food but this B12 actually gets discarded, as Anthony William outlines in his book, Liver Rescue. B12 from animal food is foreign to the human body because it was already converted by the animal into a useable form and cannot be converted again.
This makes it tricky when it comes to blood tests because even when a test shows that B12 levels are normal, it doesn’t mean it’s useable B12 that’s being absorbed to where it is most needed – in particular the central nervous system, liver, heart and other organs.
In fact, a large amount of B12 in the bloodstream can be an indicator that the body isn’t able to utilise whatever form of B12 is coming in, effectively.
SLUGGISH LIVER, METHYLATION & B12
A sluggish liver is one of the main reasons why we become deficient in B12.
When we consume food, not all nutrients become instantaneously available. Instead, food goes through a process in the liver that enables nutrients to be received, absorbed and utilised effectively. If the liver becomes sluggish, however, from too much toxicity and viral waste product, this process, known as methylation gets slowed down, hindering the organs ability to store and prepare enough B12 for delivery throughout the body. It can also lead to deficiencies of other nutrients because B12 is the glue that enables other nutrients to be processed and delivered too.
Sometimes, a person might even receive a positive MTHFR gene mutation test result. This is a sign that the blood has become dirty, filled with viral waste and toxins that cause inflammation markers to be raised.
It does NOT mean a person's genes are faulty, as is so often implied, because with the right care, these test results can be reversed.
THE CORRECT FORM OF B12
Because most people's production of B12 is limited due to the reasons outlined above, it is really important to supplement with the right form of this nutrient, combining two essential chemical compounds - methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin.
It is in this form that the B12 is able to move into the organs and be utilised effectively, helping with symptoms and conditions from anxiety to ALS, Parkinson’s, MS, panic attacks, migraines, restless legs syndrome, POTS, fatigue and tremors.
B12 INJECTIONS
Within the medical profession, B12 shots are often offered when deficiency is detected. But this B12 is not useable within the organs and nervous system, it just hovers around in the blood and will be discarded. Injections also have the potential to trigger an allergic reaction in a sensitive body because it is seen as a foreign invader. To be effective, B12 needs to be taken orally in the right form. This way, it goes through the digestive system, where it is tagged and made active and bioavailable, so that when it enters the bloodstream, it is in a form that our nerves and organs can accept.
HOW TO INCREASE YOUR B12 INTAKE & PRODUCTION
1) Grow your own food, even if it's just sprouts on your counter-top or pots of herbs on the window sill. If you're eating these foods regularly, you will be getting a supply of the necessary micro-organisms. Just be careful not to scrub your home grown foods, just lightly rinse to ensure the bugs are not swept away!
2) Supplement with the right form of B12 that contains the compounds methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin. Be sure to check your supplement!
3) Support your liver and gut with regular cleansing, a diet that is low in fat, and ample fruits and vegetables. Keeping your liver flowing is the most important step you can take for your health.
I do hope this lesson in B12 has been helpful!
Wishing you much love, health & happiness,
Rebecca