What does Vitamin B-12 Deficiency Look Like?

On Dr. Joseph Mercola's site today, he discussed B-12 Deficiency. You can go to the address below for the whole article. I pasted an excerpt below, also, and will comment on H Pylori, which by the time a person is 80, 40% are infected by this parasitic bacterium we contract mainly from cats, but also from dogs. H Pylori is only one of the reasons people become Vitamin B-12 deficient.

I promote a balanced approach to B vitamins, and using a natural complex vs. high doses of B's that can imbalance the rest. The H Pylori lives in the esophagus and stomach, and can be tested for with swallowing a held string, and culturing it. Medical docs usually give a couple of antibiotics for H-Pylori. Some are resistent to them. There is an acid in olive oil that can help to kill or decrease their numbers, so use liberally in salads and cooking, but I would turn to MMS which creates no resistance, and goes after blood-borne pathogens. (I will add a link later).

I like Shaklee's B Complex, which is made from a plant source, not animal, and is balanced, natural, and tested for contaminants. Their Vita Lea is my choice also of a multivitamin, and is coated in folic acid, so it unravels in the stomach where it's needed for absorption, not bound up in some synthetic bedpan bullet. It also has biotin in it which keeps Candida from growing to the fungal form. Candida is a normal resident in our intestines, but if it becomes imbalanced by antibiotics, birth control pills, hormones, medications, and an acidic environment, it can become a health hazard leading to urinary tract infections, yeast infections, prostate problems, allergies and cancer.

After treating H Pylori, I would recommend the following protocol:
Any antibiotic means killing good bacteria. To repopulate the 'gut' with bididus, lactobacillus, etc., use a good probiotic. I recommend Optiflora, a triple encased 'pearl' that actually gets past the hydrochloric acid of the stomach, to repopulate the colon with good bacteria.

If you don't go the medical route with antibiotics, in my researched opinion, I would do the 18 day Hulda Clark parasite cleanse, then MMS, then the gentle Colon Cleanse (request by email: pamcohenmsw@gmail.com), and then make sure you are on your own health program: good diet, exercise with 20-30 min. of sun, and natural food supplements. There are good, better and best in this department, dependent on your budget. We do not get all the nutrients we need from our diets, and when we are deficient, our bodies need more to catch up.
A Wellness Survey is sent by request, to show deficiencies in nutrients by symptomology. (pamcohenmsw@gmail.com)

Here's the address for Mercola's B-12 article:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/09/15/Common-Hidden-Cause-of-Low-Energy-Brain-Fog-and-Blindness.aspx

Excerpt:
“Vitamin B12 fuels many of your body’s most important functions, literally from your head to your feet. Among them:
proper food digestion and absorption
healthy nervous system function
formation of red blood cells
proper circulation
healthy immune system function
mood regulation
mental clarity, concentration, memory function
Your body was simply not built to function without a sufficient supply of vitamin B12 throughout its lifetime. I can’t overemphasize the importance of insuring you are getting adequate B12.
What are the Odds YOU are B12 Deficient?
The above article primarily addresses B12 deficiency in the elderly, but you shouldn’t assume you are not at risk just because you’re under a certain age or eat foods containing vitamin B12.
It’s true if you’re over 50 or a vegan/vegetarian, your chances of being vitamin B12 deficient are higher than average. But no matter your age or diet, if your body isn’t absorbing the B12 you’re giving it, you, too, could be lacking in this vitally important nutrient.
Surprising Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Since vitamin B12 is present in natural form only in animal sources of food, strict vegetarians and vegans are very high on the list of those who can expect to be B12 deficient.
Other sources of vitamin B12 deficiency include:
Inadequate production of stomach acid -- The older you are, the less able your stomach is to produce the hydrochloric acid necessary to release B12 from the food you eat.
Long-term use of antacid/antiulcer drugs -- Since hydrochloric acid is a requirement for the absorption of vitamin B12, it follows that if you’re taking an antacid, your stomach won’t be able to digest B12 out of your food. This class of drugs includes H2-receptor antagonists like Zantac and Tagamet, and proton pump inhibitors like Nexium and Prilosec.
Use of the drug metformin for Type 2 diabetes -- Use of metformin (brand names include Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Fortamet, Riomet, and Glumetza) may inhibit your B12 absorption, especially at higher doses.
Infection with H. pylori bacteria -- If you suffer from a chronic Helicobacter pylori infection, you might be B12 deficient.
Coffee consumption -- Four or more cups of coffee a day can reduce your B vitamin stores by as much as 15 percent.
Gastric bypass surgery
Exposure to nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
And the LEADING cause of vitamin B12 deficiency: food-cobalamin malabsorption syndrome -- This condition results when your stomach lining loses its ability to produce intrinsic factor, a protein that binds to vitamin B12 and allows your body to absorb it into your bloodstream at the end of your small intestine.”

High Energy Wellness Program

Order online at www.shaklee.net/leangreencafe and then sign up for your One-time $19.95 Membership at the end of the process for 15% off all Retail prices.

The basics for optimal energy and health are:
1. Vita Lea natural multi vitamin/mineral w/ or w/out iron
Vita Lea Gold-w/ or w/out Vitamin K for those over 50. This may be the only natural, bioavailable Mulit-vitamin with a choice of Vitamin K or not, for those using blood thinners.

2. Energizing Soy Protein in Vanilla, Cocoa or Plain, or Meal Shakes. (Great for kids or meal replacements for elderly.) We offer Whey Protein, also.

3. B complex-a non-animal source of balanced b vitamins especially important for nerve transmission, and numerous bodily functions and protections. Important for vegetarians, those under a lot of stress, those drinking alcohol, and those on certain medications that deplete the B vitamins.
(Medication-Induced Nutrient Deficiency sheet available in earlier blog postings.)

4. Cor-Energy for normalizing energy and stress response. For those with High Blood Pressure, since Panax Ginseng can cause an increase in blood pressure in some, and a decrease in others, the Stress Relief complex or Garlic and Fish Oil may be used instead. Ginseng is known as an adaptogen. It normalizes stress response and energy.

The 'new kid on the block' for energy because it promotes mitochondria biogenesis, (as we age and lose mitochondria we tire more easily) is Vivix, the powerful ANTI-AGING liquid antioxidant over 5000 ORAC value. Just one teaspoon a day has the resveratrol of 100 glasses of red wine. It protects the DNA, etc. Google grape skins and seeds to find our how these antioxidants help type II Diabetes, Alzheimers, etc.

Use the SEARCH BOX to find what you need at www.shaklee.net/leangreencafe and be sure to read the ABOUT ME section for my experiences with Shaklee supplements, and why I use and recommend them.

My best,
Pamela
leangreencafe@yahoo.com

The RX for Health is a 30 day packet of 80 natural bioavailable vitamins called Vitalizer.
(Vitalizer has your 2 daily Vita Lea multi's, 2 Sustained Release C&B Complex, 2 Vitamin E/Fish OIl/Betacarotene called Carotomax, and the Probiotic called Optiflora.)

This is sold as a package deal with Vivix, the Anti-aging Antioxidant, Nutriferon for stimulating the body's production of interferon for optimal immune function, and your choice of Cinch Protein for healthy weight loss, and is 10% off with AUTOSHIP. About $7 a day for an entire program. THIS RX FOR HEALTH INCLUDES A $10 COUPON FOR ANY SHAKLEE PRODUCT UP TO $93.25 RETAIL, INCLUDING VIVIX. This RX for HEALTH makes taking food supplements easy.


OR: TRY VITALIZER AND VIVIX AND SAVE 10% AUTOSHIP if desired. This includes a $10 coupon for a canister of Cinch Healthy Weight Protein Mix. $40.80 Member price/$48 Retail.
Ask how to get an additional 10% off these products with AutoShip, or as a distributor.
Collect orders from your friends, and get your own products FREE!

Comparison Study of None, One or Multi Supplement Users

http://www.nutritionj.com/content/pdf/1475-2891-6-30.pdf

The above link is to an online nutrition journal available to public and scientists alike, that has published the 20 year Landmark Study. This was a comparison study of people who took none, one multi-vitamin, or Shaklee supplements. Check out the results!

For a limited time (end of August -09) any 50 PV (points) order means a FREE $19.95 one-time Membership Fee. That's right. It is waived for trying some of the same products that the people in the study used.
I have a loaner tape on High Energy Wellness available for anyone that requests it.
Dr. Bruce Miller suggests 4 supplements to start your own 'Nutritional Pyramid Program' with.

1. Vita Lea-Shaklee's multi-vitamin. (Vita Lea Gold w/ or w/out Vitamin K for those over 50.)
2. Energizing Soy Protein. (Vanilla or Cocoa. I keep both on hand.)
3. B Complex. A well-balanced B complex, not made from animal products. Those who are under high stress, eat sugar in their diet, use alcohol, etc. need B Complex.
4. Cor-Energy. This product uses Panax Ginseng, Green Tea and Cordyceps Mushroom to normalize the stress response and energy level of the body.

Use the above program for 30 days and you will notice healthy change, from exceptional to subtle.
Dr. Miller then suggests people add antioxidants: Vitamin C, E, and Betacarotene.
The tip of the 'Nutritional Pyramid Program' are your own individualized needs.
ie: Men w/ prostate problems often use the zinc and saw palmetto.
Those with high blood pressure use garlic to thin the blood, and Omega Guard for the essential fatty acids.
ETC.

Some people like a daily strip of all the vitamins, and use Vitalizer. For an anti-aging and cellular level protection they add Vivix-a powerful antioxidant made from grape skins and seeds,etc. 'Crazy- good" tasting, and very beneficial for diabetes, cholesterol control, energy, anti-cancer prevention,etc.

My best.
Pamela Cohen
Check out : www.shaklee.net/leangreencafe

or write me with your questions on the comment section or:
leangreencafe@yahoo.com

To Supplement or Not....

Hello-
This is a letter from Dr. Stephen Chaney that came across my desk, via email.
It is a good article about risks and statistics in taking supplements, reducing risks of hearing loss, dementia, colon cancer, among other information in general about health. Numbers and statistics can be very deceiving to the general public. I remember while in college to get a Bachelors' in Administration of Justice, the stats class mentioned how easily the public is manipulated in funding more prisons, etc. by the stats printed in the paper. For instance, if a town had one murder, and the next year it had two, the stats could read that murder went up by 100%, or it had doubled! When we look at the actual numbers, and the general population, it just is not that sensational.

I want to post on the Landmark Study, which was done over 20 years in collaboration with UC Berkley. It tested those who used no supplementation, those who used a one-a-day, and those who used Shaklee supplements. The Shaklee supplement users had outstanding better results and bio-markers in areas of lower diabetes, cholesterol and other blood markers for health.
I will post it next.

My picture reminds us that a plant can be healthy and lush if it has the right nutrients. One mineral or nutrient deficient, and it can become sick and die. We are not so different from plants, though we often think we are impervious, and will live forever. I personally supplement because with my busy life and eating habits, rocky or consistent as they are at any given time, I cannot rationally assure myself that I am not low or deficient in the vitamins, minerals and protein that my body needs to build and replace cells, and keep my immune system running well.

Post cancer surgery, I ordered a blood panel from a Naturopathic Physician, and found myself low or borderline on several nutrients implicated in the very cancer I had. I have a simple diagnostic tool in lieu or in addition to a blood panel that your physician may or may not have done lately, that will show you by symptomology what you may be low on. My belief is that our bodies are as important as the plants we water and feed, the children and partners we care for, and the pets we like to pamper.

Ask me for the Health and Wellness Survey. I'll send it to you upon request.
leangreencafe@yahoo.com or
pamcohenmsw@gmail.com

Here's Dr. Chaney's letter:

I came across an article a few weeks ago showing that
supplementation with 800 mg of folic acid reduced
hearing loss in a group of older men and women.

Some of you may recall hearing about a study several
months ago suggesting that intakes of 400 mg of folic
acid (the recommended Daily Value) or more was
associated with a slight increase in the risk of colon
cancer. In fact, some experts were recommending that if
you were over 50 you should take a multivitamin only
every other day.

About a month after that there were a couple of studies
showing that in adults over 50 supplementation with 600
to 800 mg of folic acid significantly decreased the
risk of dementia.

Are you confused yet?

The problem is that many people don't understand the
difference between "relative risk" and "absolute risk".
Perhaps the best way to help you understand the
difference is to give you an example.

I read another paper the other day arguing that
colonoscopies were a waste of medical resources. You
might say: "That's absurd. Colonoscopies have been
shown to reduce the risk of colon cancer by 60%. Why
wouldn't you want to recommend that everyone over 50
get a colonoscopy on a regular basis?"

Yes, but that's a relative reduction in risk. Your
absolute risk of developing colon cancer over your
lifetime is only around 6%. If you reduce that by 60%
you have achieved only a 2.4% absolute reduction in the
risk of developing colon cancer.

Now that you understand the difference between relative
and absolute risk I should tell you that the Framingham
study has shown that your lifetime risk of developing
dementia is around 20%. Similarly, your lifetime risk
of developing severe hearing loss is around 33%. That
might be an underestimate, however, because those
statistics predated rock bands and iPods).

When you look the same data from the viewpoint of
absolute risk it helps you sort out all that
conflicting information.

When you look at absolute risk the benefits of folic
acid supplementation far outweigh the potential risks
for most people.

Of course, if you have a family history of one of these
diseases that dramatically changes the equation.

In my case, I have a family history of colon cancer, so
I will continue to endure the colonoscopies at the
recommended intervals (At least until a better
diagnostic procedure comes along).

However, I also use a holistic supplementation program,
and I think that the benefits of folic acid as part of
that program far outweigh any risks.


To your health!

Dr. Stephen Chaney, PhD
Shaklee Master Coordinator

Personal Introduction of Blog Owner

Introduction of myself to a CafeMom website:
I wrote on Feb. 25, 2009 at 5:27 PM
Hello. I'm a Master's level Social Worker, endocervical cancer survivor, empty nester of seven children raised by myself, poet, gardener, interested in healthy cooking and good food in general, natural healing methods, and prevention through nutrition for optimal health. I started two blogs this year. www.ladyofthelake-vernonialake.blogspot.com sharing environmental concerns, pictures and personal stories and poetry of myself and the community members here, and
www.leangreencafe.blogspot.com which is a health and nutrition blog.

I have been in the remodeling/real estate investment/business, sold life and health insurance, worked in the Corrections system, facilitated Sexual Abuse Groups for Parents of Molested Children and Adults Molested as Children, facilitated anger management and Batterer Intervention groups,and been an eldercare giver for my father who passed in December at 86 years old. He was my closest friend.

My social work practice was named Cafe for the Soul. I ran a Women's Group, and a Life Transitions Group before learning of my cancer. I have gone from no prognosis to good health.
I worked for a School of Nursing as a Graduate Research Assistant, and love learning and sharing about health issues.
My nutrition business is Leangreencafe
I'm a Shaklee Independent Distributor for good reason, and I refer women to medical and natural doctors and other products and companies for women's and children's health.

I have so many resources, handouts, etc., and I'm here to give back and offer myself as a mentor and friend.