b complex
i take 1 tablet a day, which gives me 100% of us rda of all the b vitamins.
from "prescription for nutritional healing:"
the b vitamins help to maintain health of the nerves, skin, eyes, hair, liver, and mouth, as well as healthy muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract and proper brain function. b-complex vitamins [...] may be useful for alleviating depression or anxiety.
there's a passage in the book that actually indicates that there are people who have been diagnosed with alzheimer's disease whose problems were later found to be due to a deficiency of vitamin b12 plus the b complex. interesting.
a basic b complex is a good place to start, but you can take additional doses of specific b vitamins for a particular disorder.
a quick rundown of the b vitamins:
b1 - thiamine
enhances circulation, carbohydrate metabolism, and cognitive activity. thiamine also acts as an antioxidant, protecting the body from the degenerative effects of aging, alcohol consumption and smoking.
b2 - riboflavin
necessary for red blood cell formation, antibody production, cell respiration and growth. important in the treatment of cataracts. riboflavin also facilitates the use of oxygen by the tissues of the skin, nails, and hair. it's said to also help eliminate dandruff.
b3 - niacin
needed for proper circulation and healthy skin. lowers cholestrol and helpful for mental illnesses like schizophrenia. it is also a memory-enhancer. (i'll add that ray takes niacin periodically and his body immediately gets flushed red. that's the blood getting a turbo boost of circulation, i guess.)
b5 - pantothenic acid
known as the "anti-stress vitamin", it's also a stamina enhancer and prevents certain forms of anemia.
b6 - pyridoxine
pyridoxine is involved in more bodily functions than almost any other single nutrient. it affects both physical and mental health. it is beneficial if you suffer from water retention. it plays a role in cancer immunity and aids in the prevention of arteriosclerosis.
b12 - cyanocobalamin
helps in the utilization of iron. this vitamin is also require for proper digestion, absorption of foods and synthesis of protein. it also helps maintain fertility.
I take a B-complex too. The actual title is "B-stress" (to decrease it, I guess). I get it at Weaver Street Market. I have serious attitude problems if I forget to take it (and sometimes even if I do). I think the "B" stands for buddha or bitch, depending on whether I take it or not.
Posted by: Ruby at October 10, 2004 08:09 PM