Helpful B’s

Helpful B’s

As my doctors searched for solutions in the Western medicine way, I started looking at alternative therapies, mostly with supplements and chiropractic care. One of my earliest discoveries was in supplement form. Today, I don’t remember where I had first heard that certain vitamins could help health conditions. My adolescence also included a driven quest for knowledge (which is also know as being a nerd) I had read somewhere that certain vitamins, specifically the B vitamins, can help with nerve health. The B’s are a group of water soluble vitamins that, while being chemically distinct, tend to appear in the same sources (food), and are essential for energy metabolism in cells and promote healthy nerve function. They are: Vitamin B1 (thiamine), Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (niacin or nicotinic acid), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine, pyridoxal, pyridoxamine), Vitamin B7 (biotin), Vitamin B9 (folic acid), Vitamin B12 (various cobalamins; commonly cyanocobalamin or methylcobalamin in vitamin supplements) Interestingly, the cause for the gaps in the numbering of the B’s is due to other related nutrients that were once thought to be vitamins, but are now classified differently. source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B_vitamins

My sister and I read what we could, and went to the store. We happened upon a “super” B-complex, which contained higher-than-average levels of most B vitamins. Since B vitamins are water soluble (meaning your body easily rids itself of excess vitamins through urine, as long as the kidneys are healthy), taking higher doses typically is OK. There are some B’s that you can overdose on, but all the levels in a complex are lower than the maximum. There is very little scientific evidence that supplementing B vitamins is beneficial, but there is plenty of testimony. I brought up the idea of taking the vitamins to my doctor, and she pretty much said, “It may not help, but it won’t hurt you, either.” So, I decided to give it a try.

The first thing I noticed was the energy boost I got shortly after taking the vitamin. If nothing else, I was thankful for the energy, and there was no crash, like caffeine gives you. However, over the course of a couple weeks, I noticed that, while I still had headaches and migraines, my thinking became clearer, and the pain wasn’t as intense. Also, my nerves felt calmer. It’s hard to explain, but for as long as I can remember, I have always felt that my nerves were “over-charged” and felt like they were “static-y” and I’d get the feeling I was getting internal static electricity zaps. I don’t even know if that makes sense. But the B’s seemed to turn the voltage down, and reduced the shocks, which was a welcome change. Since the B’s help with energy production, you may notice a burst of energy shortly after taking them. So, I advise the B’s be taken with breakfast or lunch, and avoid taking them close to bedtime. 

The only side effects I noticed was stomach irritation if taken on an empty stomach, and bright yellow urine (which a doctor has since told me is the food coloring put into the supplement). This was a pretty uniform experience with the different brands I’ve tried over the years. However, B supplements are not created equally. Most compressed tablets are not fully broken down in the digestive tract, and I have even noticed one brand passed through my GI tract whole. Spending a little extra and getting a “high potency” or “easily absorbed” type is well worth it. 

However, currently, I am finding myself unable to benefit from the helpful B’s, as my gastritis is in a bad flare. I am unable to take the B vitamins with out irritating my stomach, even if taken with food. But, I will not dismiss their benefits that I had received over the years. 

Also, you may have noticed that I use a variety of text and background colors. Straight black and white is too harsh on my eyes and make my migraines worse. I have been playing around with different color combos, trying to find ones that are easiest to read.