Do you feel tired all the time? Do you have little or no energy? Are you dragging yourself through the day? Deficiency in one or more of the nutrients below could be the cause of your symptoms. Identifying and correcting these nutrient deficiencies can be a quick and easy fix.
- B12
B12 deficiency is very common in vegetarians and vegans as it is found exclusively in animal products, especially red meat. This vitamin is essential for energy metabolism, production of neurotransmitters including our ‘happy hormone’ serotonin, and is a cofactor for DNA synthesis.
Most importantly, B12 is critical for erythropoiesis, the production of red blood cells. This is why a deficiency can lead to anemia and fatigue. Digestive issues, such a inflammatory bowel disease, can also impair absorption of B12 in your small intestines.
The good news is that B12 is a easy nutrient deficiency to resolve. At the RSNC, I work under the supervision of a licensed ND to order lab tests to assess your levels of B12. If low, I can recommend a good quality oral supplement or a B12 shot to quickly replenish levels.
- Iron
Iron is necessary for the production of hemoglobin, the oxygen carrying portion of our red blood cells. With decreased levels of iron, common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Dizziness upon standing
- Paleness
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of menstrual cycles in females
Similar to B12, a licensed ND can run a simple blood test to determine the levels of iron and ferritin (iron stores) in your blood. Not all iron supplements are created equal; many types have very poor absorption, others are very expensive and many drugstore brands contain numerous additives, artificial colours and dyes. If you have been diagnosed with low iron, book an appointment with me to discuss which iron supplement is right for you.
- Magnesium
Magnesium is the second most common nutrient deficiency in our population. Due to soil depletion and other environmental factors, our vegetables contain approximately 20-60% less magnesium than before.
Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body. Its vital functions include: the production of ATP (our energy molecule), electrolyte balance, muscle and nerve function and protein synthesis. Hence, magnesium deficiency is common in people with chronic fatigue and also in athletes.
Symptoms of a magnesium deficiency include:
- Muscles cramps
- Low energy
- Weakness
- Anxiety
- Difficulty sleeping
Similar to iron, there are several different forms of magnesium available on the market. Don’t just pick a magnesium supplement because your friend liked it or it was on sale, instead speak with me to determine the best supplement for you.
Ready to have more energy and say goodbye to fatigue? Then don’t let those benefits go to waste! Call the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic to determine the cause of your fatigue and start feeling better today!