What Is B Complex and Why Do I Need It?
There is no magic pill that miraculously promotes multiple aspects of our health. However, if anything remotely resembles such a thing, it would be B complex vitamins, one of the wonders of holistic health.
Maintaining proper nutrition is the most important thing we can do to preserve our health, and B complex vitamins play a vital role. Whether you get it from whole foods or supplements, B complex can help fulfill many of your primary health needs. Learn why most integrative medical providers in Cincinnati will tell you that you want to add B complex to your nutritional routine.
What Makes Up B Complex?
The eight B complex vitamins support many of the body’s processes. They include
- B1—thiamine
- B2—riboflavin
- B3—niacin
- B5—pantothenic acid
- B6—pyridoxine
- B7—biotin
- B9—folate
- B12—cobalamin
B complex vitamins are water-soluble, which means they break apart upon absorption, and your body cannot store them. Therefore, it is crucial that you replenish your body with B vitamins regularly with a balanced diet or supplements. When you do not get enough B complex, you may experience any of these symptoms:
- Anemia
- Stomach cramps
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Cracked mouth or scaly lips
- Swollen tongue
- Weakness and confusion
- Nerve issues
- Numbness or tingling in the extremities
- Depression or irritability
- Weakness
Why Is B Complex Necessary for My Health?
Your body needs B complex vitamins to work the way it should. Perhaps the most amazing thing about B complex is its multiple ways of supporting your physiological and cognitive functioning. In addition to fighting infection, it plays a significant role in:
- Appetite
- Brain functioning
- Cell health and growth
- Digestion
- Eyesight
- Energy
- Skin, hair, and nails
- Heart health
- Hormone production
- Immunity
- Muscle tone
- Nervous system and nerve function
- Red blood cell growth
People with specific health issues rely on B complex. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding need B complex to promote fetal development and lower the risk of congenital disabilities. B complex can also help men with testosterone deficiencies. Your physician may also recommend this supplement if you have any of these conditions:
- Alcohol use disorder
- Celiac disease
- Crohn’s disease
- HIV infection
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Kidney disease or kidney-related disorder
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Stress and anxiety
- Ulcerative colitis
- Hashimotos thyroiditis
How Can I Get More B Complex in My Diet?
A change in diet may be enough for you to get the amount of B complex you need. Foods rich in B complex include
- Leafy greens
- Whole grains
- Legumes
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Animal products, in moderation
- Milk, cheese, and eggs
- Citrus, bananas, melons, and other fruits
- Soy products
- Wheat germ
- Nutritional yeast
If you do not have adequate access to nutritious foods, follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are over 50, you can benefit from a B complex supplement. A holistic doctor or nutritional counselor near you can help you decide if a supplement is right for you. They ca also advise you on the proper dosage.
Blatman Health and Wellness Center offers B complex supplements you can purchase online. You can also schedule nutritional counseling to learn more about incorporating B complex and other essential nutrients into your daily meal plan. B vitamins and other nutrients are an important part of integrative medicine, allowing you to take control of your health and live well.
