Correcting a B12 deficiency, information on nerve damage and reversing nerve damage
by Ask a Healer
Suggested Reading:
Diabetic Diet Tips
Symptoms of B12 Deficiency
This is part of an article on vitamin b12 deficiency so please read part one to learn about other health challenges that may need to be ruled out. A deficiency in B-12 may cause tingling sensations in the limbs, or an electrical pulse feeling. Here we look at more factors that may play into the development of a B-12 Deficiency.
If you wish to explore holistic health care options for helping the body address this type of situation, you may also want to read about Acetyl-l-carnitine, Gamma linolenic acid, biotin, inositol, choline, alpha-lipoic acid and other helpful ingredients. However, if you are under the care of a doctor for diabetes, AIDS, cancer, or heart disease, please check with your doctor before adding anything new, even a vitamin, to your regimen.
Correcting Vitamin B-12 deficiency: For many, simply adding a B-12 vitamin supplement daily can quickly help replace B-12 stores as long as it's the right kind of B12. Look for methylcobalamin rather than cyanocobalamin and some benefit greatly by addition of adrenoB12 version. Avoid folic acid form (a chemical version of folate) and look for folate as metafolin. If you are able to absorb the B-12, the effects may be noticable very quickly and may include increased energy. You may also supplement by changing your diet to include more foods that are high in B-12, including clams, beef liver, egg yolks, milk, chicken, most meats and fish. For others, just supplementing with B12 will not be enough because their body may not have the ability to absorb it.
There is something called intrinsic factor that much be present in the system for the proper utilization of this important vitamin and if one has pernicious anemia, instrinsic factor is missing. There are other reasons it may also be missing so it is important to see your doctor and determine how to best deal with Vitamin B-12 deficiency.
Age a definite factor in Vitamin B-12 deficiency
Did you know that the risk of Vitamin B-12 deficiency increases as you age? If you are a senior, ask your doctor to check you for B-12 deficiency. Other factors besides age that increase your risk of B-12 deficiency include taking acid blockers, being on a dairy-free and meat-free diet and drinking alcohol beyond moderation. If you take Metformin, you are also at risk for deficiency of this vital vitamin. The older you are, the more important it becomes to make sure you are getting enough of this vital vitamin in your diet or by supplementation. If you have amalgam fillings, the mercury leaking from them daily may be adversely impacting your body's ability to use B12.
In addition to neuropathic tingling or pain, other symptoms of Vitamin B-12 deficiency include fatique, constipation, memory problems and mental confusion, as well as symptoms of neuropathy. There are several other factors that can decrease the amount of this vitamin available to your system. Excess alcohol consumption, tapeworms, abnormal antibodies (sign of an over-active immune system), malabsorption, low stomach acid levels, and liver disorders may all deplete B-12.
If your system cannot absorb B12, then simple supplementation or dietary changes won't be enough to correct the lack, Your doctor may diagnose pernicious anemai and may have to take more aggressive measures such as regular injections of Vitamin B-12.
Nerve damage not limited to arms and legs:
Nerve damage can occur in the digestive organs, the heart and anywhere else there are nerves. If you have diabetes, you must be even more vigilant about immediately reporting any symptoms of neuropathy to your doctor, no matter how subtle those symptoms may be because early detection and
treatment can make a huge difference to your future health and vitality. Other causes of neuropathy include HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, drug side effects, recreational drug abuse, stress, eating processed, refined foods and the absense of raw, enzyme-rich foods in the diet may all contribute to symptoms of vitamin b-12 deficiency and/or symptoms of neuropathy.
Can nerve damage be reversed? The medical community says no, or at least the majority of it. There are rebels (thank God for them) who insist on finding a way, instead of accepting that there is not a way. One such doctor has discovered a compound which he believes will slow the damage of diabetic neuropathy and even reverse it. The function of this compound is to improve blood supply. There are also natural substances which can improve blood supply. This medicine rebel is Doctor Aaron Vinik, an endocrinologist from Virginia, and you can read more about his breakthrough work on diabetic neuropathy and nerve damage.
Health Care Disclaimer: As mentioned elsewhere in this article, there can be more serious reasons for nerve pain, tingling, numbness and restless leg symptoms. Be sure to check with your doctor, particularly if you have ever been diagnosed with subluxation of the spine or if you are diabetic. The information contained in this alternative article on symptoms of b-12 deficiency does not replace medical attention for medical conditions such as diabetes, chemo-related nerve damage or other sources of neuropathy. If you decide to try Vitamin B-12 supplementation, also get medical diagnosis to rule out other, underlying conditions.
