We unfortunately live in a world where mental health isn’t talked about enough and any mental issue usually means a visit to the doctor to prescribe a pill.
But did you know that your mental wellbeing doesn’t have to depend on being happy as a default or a pill to make it so? While life’s difficulties may be out of our control, taking care of our body with the right nutrients don’t have to be.
Often times, the difference between a negative and positive feeling over a challenge can be determined how healthy our mental state is.
Like most things, true well-being doesn’t come in the form of a pill but a variety of combined lifestyle changes. With that said, one of these lifestyle changes would be to assess your nutrition before looking to a pharmaceutical pill to solve your mental issues. One of the most common nutrients that we can take to lessen or eliminate negative emotions would be Vitamin B12.
VITAMIN B12 FOR MENTAL WELLBEING
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient, meaning our bodies cannot make it, and therefore must be obtained through diet.
If you’ve been feeling depressed, anxious, or you just generally feel down, consider taking Vitamin B12. Even if your current life situation has been difficult, it doesn’t necessarily have to be the reason behind any mood disorders. Having challenges doesn’t mean having to feel bad about it. Often times, mental and emotional resilience comes from a healthy mind and body, regardless of life’s difficulties.
That’s where Vitamin B12 comes in. This essential nutrient is needed for the production of brain chemicals that help regulate our mood such as serotonin. This is why low levels of Vitamin B12 have been linked to depression as well as other mental disorders like dementia.
Increase your intake of Vitamin B12 through food and supplements and see for yourself if this Vitamin is all you needed to lift your mood.
SIGNS OF A VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY
Vitamin B12 is responsible for the healthy functioning of neurons and deficiency has been linked to several mental and mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Because Vitamin B12 plays a role in the creation of various brain chemicals that affect our mood, consider that your feelings of sadness, especially if they’re chronic, stem from a Vitamin B12 deficiency. Low levels could come from a variety or a combination of factors such as a poor diet, a strict vegan diet, or malabsorption from poor digestion.
Look out for the following common indications of a vitamin B12 deficiency:
• Depression
• Forgetfulness
• Light headedness
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Fortunately, Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that can easily be found. Sources such as fish, dairy, chicken, pork and beef make Vitamin B12 easily attainable.
For those following a strict vegan or vegetarian diet opt for foods fortified with Vitamin B12. For those who do and don’t eat meat alike, consider supplementing with Vitamin B12 in order to easily meet your daily needs and to reverse a Vitamin B12 deficiency.
Have you experienced a healthier mental state thanks to Vitamin B12? Let us know in the comments below!
Mental wellbeing is indeed a complex issue with many different factors. Good nutrition and mindfulness towards your happiness are always a good idea, but you should speak with a knowledgeable doctor, therapist and loved ones to strike the right balance. As we said, true wellbeing doesn’t come in the form of a pill, but taking Vitamin B12 may be the perfect first step to feeling happier.
