Stressed to the T, Take Vitamin B

Stress can be caused by external and internal forces. Stress can be much more than a busy schedule. Changes in blood sugar, magnesium and folate levels, and even the adrenal system can all increase stress levels in the body. These changes are often brought about not by of a firestorm at work, but because of a vitamin deficiency. Specifically, a vitamin B deficiency. Of the 13 essential vitamins, vitamin B is the most closely tied to stress. Manage the B-group levels, and the entire body and mind will benefit.

What is Vitamin B?

There are 13 essential vitamins the human body needs to function properly, 8 of which fall under the B-group category. Vitamin B is good for energy, metabolization, and stress. While each of the 8 has a specific function within the body, the overall functions are collaborative.

• Vitamin B1 helps regulates the body’s blood sugar levels. Depending on the individual, spikes or drops in blood sugar can lead to mental fog and anxiety.
• Vitamin B2 helps regulate the body’s processing of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates directly affect mood and energy.
• Vitamin B3 helps regulate the body’s serotonin levels. Serotonin directly affects mental stability and mood.
• Vitamin B5 helps regulate the body’s adrenal glands. Cortisol is the stress hormone regulated by the adrenal glands.
• Vitamin B6 helps regulate the body’s serotonin and norepinephrine levels. Both directly affect mental stability, mood, and the ability to cope with stress. Vitamin B6 also regulates the body’s magnesium levels, which is important for women with PMS.
• Vitamin B7 also helps regulate the body’s processing of carbohydrates.
• Vitamin B9 helps regulate the body’s folic acid levels. Deficiencies in vitamin B9 levels have been found in patients with depression. Folic acid is a natural antidepressant.
• Vitamin B12 also helps regulate the body’s folic acid levels. Vitamin B12 also promotes a healthy nervous system. The nervous system controls the adrenal glands, which in turn controls the body’s cortisol levels.

What is the complex?

Vitamin B-complex is a combination of all eight B-group vitamins. Individually, each vitamin contributes to the overall function of the body. Together, the effects of a vitamin B-complex are much stronger. Each vitamin has multiple functions and many cross over. B-group vitamins are synergistic. The parts function much better as a whole.

Ways to get vitamin B

Some people can consume enough vitamin B through diet alone. The best sources of vitamin B include meats, leafy greens, eggs, whole grains, fruits, legumes, and various nuts and seeds. Due to the restrictive nature of vegetarian and vegan diets, in these cases, extra effort will have to be made to ensure enough vitamin B is consumed.

Enough vitamin B means living stress free

Of the 13 vitamins, vitamin B has the largest effect on stress. Each of the eight B-group vitamins plays a role in stress regulation. Found in animal products and various nuts and vegetables, vitamin B is consumed primarily through diet. Though a patient may be deficient in a single B vitamin, a B-complex supplement can still help. Talk to a physician or pharmacist to find out if a B-complex supplement is the right treatment option.