vitamin B deficiency Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Vitamin B: Effective Cure for Many Intestinal Patients with Chronic Fatigue

The AHA! Team — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 06:35:56 +0000

Aarhus University via EurekAlert! – A new study reveals the link between gut bacteria and the effectiveness of vitamin B1 treatment for chronic disease in patients with intestinal inflammation. Fatigue is a common and often debilitating companion for people with inflammatory bowel conditions. Now, a new Danish study provides insight into why vitamin B1 – also known as thiamine – helps some patients regain their energy, while others do not experience the same effect. The study shows, among other things, that patients’ response to vitamin B1 depends on gut bacteria, with researchers focusing particularly on a specific “good bug” that seems to play a crucial role. “We know that about half of the fatigued patients benefit from treatment with vitamin B1, but we haven’t been able to find anything that distinguishes those who had an effect from those who did not. Now we know that it’s especially the bacterium Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (FP) that is the key,” says Professor and Consultant Christian Lodberg Hvas, who is the lead author of the study. Surprising findings FP is a bacterium that many studies have identified as having beneficial properties or at least being frequently found in people with a healthy gut. The researchers were surprised to find that the presence of a single key bacterium determines whether patients with chronic fatigue experience a good effect from thiamine treatment. “We thought we were looking for a ‘fatigue microbiome,’ a composition of gut bacteria that is particularly seen in patients with chronic fatigue. But we didn’t find that. Instead, we found that the microbiome of the fatigued largely resembles the microbiome of those who are not fatigued,” explains Christian Lodberg Hvas. Still a mystery The study involved 40 patients with inflammatory bowel disease and chronic fatigue. Each patient received both vitamin B1 and a placebo in two periods of four weeks with a break in between. This allowed the researchers to see if the vitamin treatment had an effect on fatigue. At the same time, the researchers examined the patients’ gut bacteria to see if there was a correlation between specific bacteria and the effect of the treatment. Although the researchers found a clear connection between FP and the patients’ response to the treatment, it remains a mystery why this is the case. “The bacterium is largely present in people with good health and only present in low numbers in people with chronic diseases. We don’t know if it’s just a marker for health or if it’s part of the reason why healthy people are indeed healthy,” explains Christian Lodberg Hvas. “But the more studies that point to a beneficial effect of FP, the more it suggests that the bacterium is involved as a cause of health and not just as a bystander,” he adds. A cure for many with unexplained fatigue For some patients, fatigue can be explained by a lack of iron, vitamin D, or low thyroid function. These are all conditions that are easy to treat. But a large group of patients with inflammatory bowel disease remains with unexplained fatigue. “We really want to help them, and although we don’t have an explanation, we now have a cure – for those who have many FP in their gut,” says Christian Lodberg Hvas. “Therefore, we now recommend high-dose vitamin B1 treatment to all our patients where we don’t find any obvious explanation for chronic fatigue. We know that it only works for half, but it’s still a good chance, and a month’s treatment is cheap,” he adds. The clear recommendation also comes because the treatment has proven to be completely free of side effects. “However, one must accept that thiamine smells and tastes peculiar – so your hands, urine, and sweat will smell like vitamin pills with the very high dose you’re taking,” says Christian Lodberg Hvas. About the research: Study type: Exploratory analyses of biological material from a randomized clinical trial Collaborators: DTU National Food Institute External funding: Novo Nordisk Foundation Link to scientific article: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gastha.2024.08.012 DOI 10.1016/j.gastha.2024.08.012 To read the original article click here.

The post Vitamin B: Effective Cure for Many Intestinal Patients with Chronic Fatigue appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Discover How B Complex Vitamins Promote Healthy Skin, Hair and Fingernails

AHA Publisher — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 07:00:55 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – While radiant skin, thick, shiny hair and perfect fingernails are inherently attractive, paying attention to their condition isn’t just a matter of personal vanity. The appearance of complexion, hair, and nails can often provide important clues as to the overall state of health – and even indicate issues such as thyroid problems, anemia, hormonal imbalances, or nutrient deficiencies. If you suddenly develop dry, scaly skin, thinning hair, and brittle nails, you should promptly consult your integrative doctor or dermatologist to rule out illness. But – in the absence of a medical condition – you can often address minor beauty “glitches” such as fragile nails, thinning hair, and dry, dull skin with proper nutrition (including adequate amounts of B complex vitamins). In fact, in a recent systematic review, vitamin B7 (also known as biotin) impressed researchers by causing improved growth of hair and nails in virtually all study participants. So let’s see what else the B complex vitamins can do for your well-being and appearance. B Complex Vitamins, Such as Biotin, Promote Skin and Nail Health Biotin, or vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for keratin production, an important component of fingernails and hair. Biotin has long been a popular beauty supplement – and now scientists are finding evidence of its clinical effectiveness. In a review of studies published in Skin Appendage Disorders, investigators evaluated 18 controlled trials and case studies to assess the effectiveness of biotin for participants with alopecia (thinning or missing hair), “brittle nail” syndrome, and poor hair or nail growth. The review authors reported that patients with brittle nail syndrome displayed improvement in nail growth. And participants with alopecia saw their symptoms resolve. (In all cases, however, the patients had an underlying biotin deficiency). The Institutes of Medicine lists the adequate intake of biotin for adults as 30 micrograms a day. Clearly, it can’t hurt to ensure adequate dietary intake – which you can do by nibbling on nuts, legumes, and whole grains. Grass-fed beef liver, organic egg yolks, and wild-caught salmon are also great sources. Biotin is available in supplementary form as well. However, check with your integrative physician before trying this nutrient to promote hair and nail health. Vitamin B5 Precursor Protects and Moisturizes Skin and Hair Panthenol is a provitamin or precursor, meaning that the body converts it to a specific vitamin (in this case: vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid). And the conversion occurs even when panthenol is applied topically to the skin or hair. Experts say that panthenol is both a humectant – a substance that helps draw water to the skin – and an emollient that helps seal moisture into the skin. This means that panthenol protects and promotes the healthy skin barrier function that keeps out toxins, pollutants, and pathogens that can cause infections. It is also anti-inflammatory – allowing it to reduce redness, itching, and swelling – and helps to support speedy wound healing. In addition, according to board-certified dermatologist Suneel Chilukiri, MD, panthenol’s various properties help the skin maintain elasticity, suppleness, and softness. (Panthenol also extends its “favors” to hair, promoting healthy condition, shine, and gloss). All in all, panthenol sounds like a “win” for supporting healthy hair and skin. You can find panthenol in skin care creams, moisturizers, conditioners, and shampoos – sometimes in combination with other skin-pampering ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides. (Pro tip: Panthenol has many “aliases.” If you want to make sure a product contains panthenol, check labels for its alternate names: provitamin B5, butanamide, and d-pantothenyl alcohol). Don’t Forget the Other B-Complex Vitamins Experts say that getting adequate amounts of the B complex vitamins is key for hair and nail health. Deficiencies in vitamins B1(thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), and B5 (pantothenic acid) can all cause undernourished follicles, which can slow hair growth, while shortfalls in vitamin B9, or folate, can cause nails to be brittle, thin and discolored. Finally, vitamin B12 is needed for iron absorption. Low iron levels, in fact, can directly impact nail health and appearance, with white, thin, fragile nails serving as a symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency. As this important micronutrient is found primarily in animal foods such as meat, poultry, fish, dairy, and eggs, vegans and vegetarians often need to seek out B12-fortified foods or take supplements. Consult your integrative doctor or dietitian for guidance. Promote Healthy Nails, Skin, and Hair With Proper Nutrition It’s not only deficiencies of B complex vitamins that can contribute to brittle nails and dry skin. Shortfalls in vitamin C – which facilitates the production of collagen – can contribute as well, while deficiencies in vitamin D are linked with skin problems such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and eczema. Also, getting adequate amounts of protein and omega-3 fatty acids is essential. In addition to getting proper nutrition, many experts advise wearing gloves to protect nails from excess moisture and harsh chemicals. Also, avoid processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats, which nutrition experts say can worsen skin inflammation, irritation, and breakouts. Good sources of B complex vitamins include grass-fed beef, cage-free poultry, pastured eggs, dairy products, legumes, leafy greens, cereals, and nutritional yeast. If you want to supplement, many natural health experts advise taking a high-quality B complex formulation. Check with your trusted integrative doctor to find a formulation that’s right for you. There’s really nothing “complex” about it. Avoiding B vitamin deficiencies can help you keep your skin glowing, your hair shining, and your nails growing. Sources for this article include: Healthline.com Byrdie.com Karger.com Heathline.com FoodInsight.com To read the original article click here.

The post Discover How B Complex Vitamins Promote Healthy Skin, Hair and Fingernails appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

6 INCREDIBLE Probiotic Foods to Improve Digestion and Immunity

AHA Publisher — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 07:00:54 +0000

Michelle Marks via NaturalHealth365 – Probiotics are foods that help build the population of healthy bacteria in the gut. Why is this so important to human health? Because poor digestive health leads to a wide range of health issues from allergies to many forms of cancer. Unfortunately, too many people have consumed synthetic antibiotics – which kill healthy bacteria. As healthy adults, we are supposed to carry around 3 to 4 pounds of “good” bacteria and yeast in our gut. But, every time we take antibiotics, we kill beneficial bacteria inside the digestive tract. Dysbiosis Has Been Linked to a Multitude of Chronic Health Conditions, Scientific Evidence Suggests Eventually, a condition called dysbiosis can occur – which can cause arthritis, autoimmune illness, vitamin B deficiency, chronic fatigue syndrome, food allergies, and food sensitivities, irritable bowel disorders plus skin problems like, eczema and psoriasis. THESE Are Some of the Best Probiotic Foods to Improve Digestive Health Try eating fresh sauerkraut and pickles. Finely shredded cabbage, which gets fermented, is a super-rich source of probiotics. A 2007 study published in the journal of Applied and Environmental Microbiology revealed that more than 13 different species of gut-friendly bacteria are present in sauerkraut. Naturally speaking, pickles and sauerkraut are some of the best probiotic foods to eat – especially after a heavy dose of antibiotics. Fortunately, it’s quite easy to make your own sauerkraut at home by combining finely shredded cabbage with Himalayan sea salt. Just store it in a mason jar at room temperature. In the presence of sea salt, the cabbage releases water, and the surface bacteria on the cabbage helps in the process of fermentation. If you want to buy sauerkraut, be sure to avoid the ‘commercial’ varieties that are heat-treated and pasteurized for obvious reasons. My personal favorite store brand is Real Pickles. Miso soup is one of the mainstays of traditional Japanese medicine and is commonly used in macrobiotic cooking as a digestive regulator. Made from fermented rye, beans, rice, or barley – you can easily add a tablespoon of miso paste to hot water to make an excellent (quick), probiotic-rich soup. One of my favorite companies for quality miso paste is South River Miso Company. Kefir, which is similar to yogurt, is a fermented dairy product. High in lactobacilli and bifidus bacteria, kefir is also rich in antioxidants. Look for a good, organic version at your local health food store to improve digestive health and help restore your microbiome. Kombucha is a form of fermented tea that contains a high amount of healthy gut bacteria. This probiotic drink has been used for centuries as a natural way to boost energy levels, improve digestion and achieve weight loss goals. Just keep in mind that kombucha, with its natural sugars, may not be for everyone – especially if you suffer from candida. Tempeh – as long as it’s non-GMO – is a probiotic-rich, fermented soybean product. It’s also a delicious meat substitute for vegetarians or vegans and a nice source of vitamin B12. Kimchi is the Asian form of pickled sauerkraut. It’s actually an extremely spicy and sour fermented cabbage – typically served in Korea. Kimchi is rich in beta-carotene, calcium, iron, and vitamins A, C, B1, and B2, plus a great source of probiotics. However, proceed with a bit of caution, as this food has an intense spicy flavor. But Wait, That’s Not All! THESE Foods Also Offer Probiotic Benefits Remember, to restore your gut bacteria, it is also important to consume a variety of raw fruits and vegetables – as often as possible. We say ‘raw’ because, although most produce gets washed before consumption, some bacteria clings to the surface, providing natural probiotic benefits. Improving gut health is relatively inexpensive and loaded with health benefits like a stronger immune system and greater clarity of mind. If you suffer from serious health problems, work with an experienced healthcare provider to restore healthy bacteria today. Sources used for this article: NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov This article has been modified. To read the original article click here.

The post 6 INCREDIBLE Probiotic Foods to Improve Digestion and Immunity appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.