What if there was a monthly injection that experts say could better your mood, give you more energy, and even help you lose weight?
Your first thoughts are probably It sounds too good to be true. It’s not. Your next thought might be Is it safe? It is.
So what is this mysterious elixir? Vitamin B12.
When we feel depressed, a lack of energy or are exhausted all the time, it could be we are experiencing a vitamin B12 deficiency. B12 is vital in creating healthy red blood cells and it provides strength to your nerves so they can easier deliver messages to the brain. While taking it won’t magically make you shed pounds and prep you for your bikini from 5 years ago, it is related to metabolism, making it vital for boosting our energy and in turn assisting with weight loss.
Eating all of the fruits and veggies on the planet won’t help you though if you’re lacking B12, making vegetarians or people who avoid meat, fish, eggs, or dairy at risk for a deficiency. In fact, sometimes even if we do eat all the right things, our bodies still can’t process it correctly.
A few micrograms of Vitamin B12 a day is all you need to have increased energy without side effects. Taking more than that won’t speed up the process because it is a water-soluble vitamin so excess amounts will be eliminated through urine.
There are lots of ways to get your dose of B12. The most common and effective way is to visit a doctor to receive a monthly injection, which may cost you around $10. It is also available now in the form of a patch. B12 supplements can be found at your local health food store as well, but keep in mind that taking a supplement isn’t as effective as the patch or injection, because the vitamin still has to work its way through your digestive system, where there may be barriers there that are contributing to your deficiency in the first place. Because the patch and injection are absorbed directly into the blood stream, your body can process the vitamin without any obstacles.
Of course, it goes without saying, that before you start to roll up your sleeve, it would be wise to have an in-depth conversation with your doctor or naturopath. It is always safest to have the opinion of an experienced professional before introducing your body to anything new.
