Vitamin B12 for anxiety: how it helps you and why low levels affect your emotions
Do you feel like sadness and stress are sinking you into a bottomless pit?
You are not the only one. I recently received an email from a woman, Mariela, that broke my heart.
She told me how anxiety had her trapped, with a racing heart, sleepless nights, and a constant fear that she didn't know where it came from.
Her story reminded me that something as simple as vitamin B12 for anxiety could be a helping hand to regain emotional stability. And it can help you, too.
What is Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12, called cobalamin, is essential for your brain and nervous system to be in harmony. The funny thing is that your body doesn't produce it on its own; you need to get it from food and supplements.
When you lack vitamin B12, this harmony becomes unbalanced and symptoms such as:
- Anxiety and depression
- Fatigue and lack of energy
- Palpitations and shortness of breath
- Memory and concentration problems
- Mood swings and irritability
If you recognize any of these symptoms in your daily life, consult your doctor to check your vitamin B12 levels.
How Vitamin B12 affects emotional state
The connection between vitamin B12 and mental health is powerful. Here's how:
Boost the messengers of happiness
Vitamin B12 helps produce chemicals in your brain called neurotransmitters. Some of these, called serotonin and dopamine, are the messengers that carry signals of happiness and well-being throughout your brain.
Without enough B12, these messengers can't do their job properly, which can lead to feelings of anxiety and sadness. That's why it's so important to have adequate levels of it.
A bodyguard for your nerves
B12 is like a protective layer for your nerves, like the case that protects your phone or something. This layer is called myelin and it helps messages travel quickly and uninterrupted through your nerves.
If you lack B12, that sheath (myelin) wears away and messages don't reach their target, which can increase anxiety.
Controlling stress
Homocysteine is a substance that is found naturally in your body. It is not bad in itself, but when you have too much of it in your blood, it can cause a lot of stress, memory and concentration problems, and even anxiety.
The good thing is that B12 helps regulate the levels of this substance.
Sources of Vitamin B12
Fortunately, getting enough vitamin B12 is easy if you know where to look:
- Animal products such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy products
- Fortified foods such as cereals and vegetable milks
- B12 supplements, especially important for vegans and vegetarians
Vitamin B12 supplement for anxiety
A vitamin B12 supplement is the safest and most efficient way to get your daily dose of 2.4 micrograms.
While vitamin B12 is a great ally for regulating mood and calming nerves, sometimes it is necessary to go a step further.
My supplement, Serena, combines the power of B12 with magnesium glycinate and its benefits for anxiety , and Ashwagandha Sensoril®, which also helps your body better manage stress.
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