Give Your Mental Health A Boost With B12 Injection Therapy
Though the new year can be a cause for celebration for many folks, there are quite a few of us who also find the turning of the calendar a tough time for our mental health.
If you’re feeling a bit down as we start 2023, you’re not alone. There are plenty of reasons that your mood may be a bit lower than you’d want, and they’re all understandable.
From the transition from the festive holiday season to the winter grays, the lack of sunlight, the pressure to make resolutions, and reflections on a year that may not have been your best, we all have moments of disappointment.
Sometimes, though, these down feelings can come from an internal imbalance. Did you know the lack of vitamin B12 can lead you to feeling blue?
Today, we’re sharing more about how important vitamin B12 is for your mood and mental health, and why B12 injection therapy could help you bounce back to feel like yourself again.
How Is Vitamin B12 Connected With Our Mental Health
Our mental health is often directly related to the foods we eat and the vitamins and minerals we get from that food.
Here are four that have a direct correlation with our mood:
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Vitamin B complex – The B vitamins, especially folic acid (B9) and vitamins B6 and B12, are important for brain function and the production of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that help transmit messages in the brain.
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Vitamin D – Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to an increased risk of depression and other mental health conditions.
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Omega-3 fatty acids – These are important for brain health and have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects that may be beneficial for mental health.
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Zinc – This mineral is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters and has been shown to have antidepressant properties.
After all of the fun of the holidays, you likely had plenty of serotonin and dopamine in your system. The lack of those neurotransmitters now can have you feeling a bit low, so let’s talk a bit more about how the B complex vitamins, and particularly B12, may be playing a role.
Serotonin and dopamine both play an important part in mood regulation. Serotonin helps to regulate our mood, appetite, and sleep. Low levels of serotonin have been linked to depression and other mood disorders.
Dopamine plays a role in motivation, pleasure, and movement, and low levels of dopamine have been linked to depression and other mood disorders as well.
So, how does vitamin b12 directly connect to those neurotransmitters?
By helping with the proper functioning of the enzyme that converts homocysteine to methionine, an essential step in the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine.
What Other Benefits Does B12 Help Us With
More than just supporting our mental health, B12 is important in a number of other body processes. These include:
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Producing red blood cells
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Maintaining the health of the nervous system
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Converting food into energy.
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Maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails
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Helping to lower the risk of certain types of cancer
How Can We Obtain Vitamin B12 Naturally
If you believe a lack of vitamin B12 could be affecting your mood – or you’ve consulted with your doctor or medical professional and they’ve confirmed it – there are a number of ways to increase your B12 consumption.
It is important to note that vitamin B12 is found almost exclusively in animal-derived foods, so vegetarians and vegans may need to take supplements or consume fortified foods to ensure they are getting enough B12.
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Eat foods that are rich in vitamin B12 – This can include meats (especially liver and shellfish), eggs, and dairy products.
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Take a vitamin B12 supplement – This could be a standalone supplement or as part of a multivitamin.
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Eat foods fortified with B12 – Often we see this in breakfast cereals and plant-based milks.
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Consume fermented foods that are rich in natural sources of B12 – Popular choices include tempeh, miso, and sauerkraut.
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Get more sunlight exposure – The skin synthesizes vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, which can help the body absorb B12 more effectively.
When Is B12 Injection Therapy A Good Idea
While food and supplements are proven ways to get more B12 into your body, they come with their downsides.
For supplements, you’ll have to remember to take them every day. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, many of the food groups may be off-limits. And if you’re in an area that already has low light during the winter, upping your sun exposure isn’t as easy as just going outside.
In many instances, B12 injection therapy can be a helpful solution. They don’t need to be taken nearly as often to get the effects, the effects may be enjoyed more quickly, and there are very few downsides. After all, it is not possible to “overdose” on B12 – your body simply flushes away the extras.
How Often Should You Get A B12 Boost?
How often you choose to receive B12 injection therapy depends on your body. At HourGlass Body Spa, we take a few factors into account, includinge age (our bodies are less able to absorb B12 as we get older), activity level, overall energy levels, and dietary concerns.
Overall, though, our advice would be to get these injections regularly. For those of our patients who are B12 deficient, monthly injections can help them maintain their levels and enjoy a better mood and more energy. For those who have other ways to get B12 into their diet and are looking for a boost, an injection every few months can be a great idea.
It’s all about you and what your goals are. We’d be happy to give you a personal consultation to help you make the right choice for you.
Schedule Your B12 Injection Therapy At HourGlass Body Spa
If you’d like to give your mental health a boost and start 2023 refreshed, then B12 injection therapy might be just what you’re looking for.
To schedule your appointment at the Hourglass Body Spa, click here.
