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19 · Thursday, January 19, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com Some studies have shown that North Americans between the ages of 26-83 have low or low normal B12 levels Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin found almost exclusively in animal food sources. While it's not a nutrient that is typically focused on in doctor's offices, some studies suggest that up to 40% of North Americans between the ages of 26 to 83 have serum B12 levels in the low or low normal range. Further to that, literature demonstrates that many people whose B12 levels fall in the middle of the "normal" range, display symptoms of deficiency. It is interesting to note that in Japan and Europe, the lower end of normal is what is considered the higher end of normal in Canada. By these standards, the vast majority of North Americans would be deemed deficient in vitamin B12. Vitamin B12: A shot of life The symptoms of deficiency can mimic several diseases, including: · Alzheimer's, dementia, cognitive decline and memory loss (collectively referred to as "aging") · Multiple sclerosis and other neurological disorders · Mental illness (depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychosis) · Cardiovascular disease · Learning or developmental disorders in kids · Autoimmune disease and immune dysregulation · Male and female infertility · Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia · Lethargy, low motivation and low energy levels What are some of the causes of B12 Deficiency? Despite being a society of high animal product consumption, a large percentage of us remain B12 deficient. Some of the contributing factors to this include: · Intestinal dysbiosis, where an unhealthy internal environment of the gut prevents proper absorption and utilization of vitamins · Leaky gut and/or gut inflammation · Atrophic gastritis or hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid) · Pernicious anemia (autoimmune condition) · Medications (especially those used to treat GERD, peptic ulcers and other medications which decrease stomach acid) · Alcohol Treatment of B12 Deficiency If you suspect you may be B12 deficient, the first step is to get tested. Ask your doctor to test you for serum levels of B12. Remember, the North American ranges may be inaccurate. Many sources suggest that the upper limit of our ranges (600pg/ml) should actually reflect the lower end of the range. So if your levels fall within the laboratory range, but you are experiencing symptoms related to deficiency, supplementing with vitamin B12 may remain an appropriate option. After being tested, speak to a Naturopathic Doctor to determine the best type of supplement for you. B12 injections are a common solution. Alternately, there are many oral supplements of varying quality on the market. And remember, the next time you're having, what some refer to as a "senior's moment," it may not be related to age at all, but to your B12 status. For more information about Vitamin B12 contact bNatural Health & Wellness Centre at 905-330-6287; 2640 Bristol Circle, ste 500 or visit them online at www.bnaturalhealth.ca. Make diabetes friendly lifestyle choices The Halton Diabetes Program promotes diabetes self-care by providing education and support to adults with diabetes and their families. The program aims to help people with diabetes learn to make healthy lifestyle choices. Through education, the program strives to reduce the risk of and delay the progression of complications. Individual and group programs as well as ongoing follow-ups, are provided by a team of specialized diabetes educators. They work with people who have diabetes, and their doctors, to help themselves increase knowledge and skill in diabetes management. The Halton Diabetes Program is now located in the Oakville Corporate Centre, 700 Dorval Drive, Suite 609, Oakville, ON, L6K 3V3. For more information, please call 905338-4437. Welcome to b Natural Health & Wellness Centre; a clinic which fosters an environment of Hope and Acceptance. Located in the heart of Oakville, Ontario, we offer Naturopathic services, Bowen Therapy, Registered Massage Therapy, and Acupuncture. New patients are always welcome. Registered Massage Therapy: · · · · · Deep Tissue Massage Aromatherapy Massage Sports Massage Pediatric Massage Pregnancy Massage. Naturopathic Services: · Botanical Medicine · Homeopathy · Bowen Therapy · Nutritional Counselling · Acupuncture · Food Allergy Testing · Pediatric Naturopathy · Cosmetic Acupuncture · Vitamin B12 Injections. Gliding Shelf Solutions Inc. Convert your existing cabinets with custom gliding shelves Buy 3 Massages, get the 4th for (includes a free 15 minute consultation with our Naturopathic Doctor) Introductory offer: FREE! · Full accessibility · Double your space · Better organization For a free consultation call your local Oakville Dealer at 905-815-9795 or 1-877-895-9766 www.glidingshelf.ca Made in Canada www. b naturalhealth.ca 905-330-6287 2640 Bristol Cir #500 Oakville, ON, L6H 6Z7 CLINICAL HOURS: Monday:.....Closed Tuesday: .... 9:30 am - 4:00 pm Wednesday: . 9:30 am - 7:30 pm Thursday:....9:30 am - 4:30 pm Friday: ........2:00 pm - 6:00 pm Saturday: ....9:00 am - 3:00 pm Sunday: ......Closed