Continuing the series on the EXQUISITE vitamins that work together to support the maintenance of our magnificent wheelchair bodies, let’s explore the benefits of Vitamin B. I don’t have an actual term for Vitamin B as I did for vitamin A (which was referred to as “Vitamin Aphrodite”) but I can label this VITAMIN, B – EAUTIFUL. The B Vitamins actually consist of eight astounding vitamins that work together as a brilliant team. Some of them aid cells in burning fats and glucose for energy, while others facilitate the production of serotonin. These eight incredible vitamins work intricately together behind the scenes with AMAZING results which we can all benefit from. Some of the mind-blowing benefits of the eight B vitamins include:
- Improved mood
- Reduced anxiety and depression
- Reduced PMS symptoms
- Improved memory
How do we get this B-EAUTIFUL VITAMIN? A diet filled with plenty of Vitamin B-rich foods, such as dark, leafy greens, and animal protein, such as fish, poultry, meat, and eggs. In addition, whole grains that are found in some breads and cereals will ensure the consumption of this B-EAUTIFUL VITAMIN. Some people will find they still need to supplement their diet with a B complex vitamin-especially vegetarians or vegans who consume no animal products at all. Animal products are the only natural source of B12, which is one of the eight B vitamins.
Continuing the vitamin series in a chronological order, Vitamin C would naturally be discussed next, but there are so many astonishing facts to reveal about Vitamin C, a conversation on this subject will follow in its entirety, later. Moving on to the next robust vitamin in the list: DELECTABLE VITAMIN D, the sunshine vitamin, and the only dynamic vitamin to be obtained naturally.
Vitamin D-ELECTABLE is used for:
- Treating conditions that cause weak and painful bones.
- Psoriasis (with a specialized prescription-only form of vitamin D).
- Low blood calcium levels because of low thyroid hormone levels.
- Helping prevent low calcium and bone loss in people with kidney failure.
- Rickets
- Vitamin D deficiency
Oh, the delightful Vitamin D, found in small amounts in a few foods, including fatty fish such as herring, mackerel, sardines and tuna. To make vitamin D more available, it is added to dairy products, juices, and cereals that are then labeled “fortified with vitamin D.” But most vitamin D – 80% to 90% of what the body gets – is obtained through exposure to sunlight. But how much sunlight is needed to obtain this delectable Vitamin D? Exposure of the hands, face, arms, and legs to sunlight two to three times a week produce enough vitamin D. Amazing information and in fact, just six days of casual sunlight exposure without sunscreen can make up for 49 days of no sunlight exposure. Body fat acts like a kind of storage battery for vitamin D. During periods of sunlight, vitamin D is stored in fatty fat (ugly term, I know, and not that we women have any) and then released when sunlight is gone. But how much supplemental Vitamin D-ELECTABLE is needed? It depends on your diagnosis and the need for additional Vitamin D, so it is best to consult your physician for a clear answer, but just know that most supplements contain only 400 IU (10 mcg) vitamin D. INCREDIBLE FACTS!!!!!
Exposure of the hands, face, arms, and legs to sunlight two to three times a week produce enough vitamin D
Both of these remarkable vitamins are found in blood lab values. A healthcare professional will be able to detect the need for additional supplementation and the correct dosage for either vitamin, depending on the blood level results.
SUCCESS…two mega vitamins in one article! The mega vitamin series will continue, but let’s “defibrillate” it in the next article by exploring CARDIAC WELL-BEING and the benefits of HEALTHY HEART LIVING.
Continue submitting those questions! We have had some excellent health questions presented and I want to resume answering more to maintain our healthy wheelchair bodies to be FIT, FABULOUS, and oh, so NUTRITIOUS .
References:
B vitamins. Obtained on August 3, 2014 from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/bvitamins.html.
The benefits of B vitamins. Obtained July 30, 2014 from http://awomanshealth.com/the-benefits-of-b-vitamins/.
Vitamin B rich foods. Obtained August 13, 2014 from http://vitamins.lovetoknow.com/Vitamin_B_Rich_Foods.
Vitamin D. Obtained on August 12, 2014 from http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-929-VITAMIN%20D.aspx?activeIngredientId=929&activeIngredientName=VITAMIN%20D