Why I’m Finally Taking Vitamin B12
Since becoming a raw vegan in July of 2009, I’ve been hearing about the importance of taking a B12 supplement. As I transitioned into raw food, I still ate meat from time to time, so I wasn’t too concerned about supplements.
According to Victoria Boutenko, a well known figure in the raw food community, B12 can be obtained by residues left on organic produce as long as you don’t wash it before eating. She claims to have no deficiencies adhering to this method. I was more than happy to follow this – after all I was lazy, and it cuts my prep time! I’ve been content with this approach until recently.
After 6 months on a raw food diet, I began having problems falling asleep. Then I got a series of migraines (the first in over 6 months). Next, my difficulty falling asleep progressed to sleep disturbances throughout the night. I used to take melatonin as a natural sleep aid. An amazing side effect was that it stopped my migraines. After beginning a raw food diet, I no longer took melatonin because I assumed my diet would provide everything I need.
What does all this have to do with B12?
I came across an article connecting melatonin production with B12. I wondered, if I’m having sleep disturbances, and migraines, maybe my body is not producing enough melatonin. It was an easy decision to begin taking B12.
Aside from helping the body produce melatonin, B12 is also connected with cell formation and longevity, adrenal hormone production, and mental clarity. It also boosts energy and supports a healthy mood.
For now I’m taking an inexpensive sub-lingual B12 supplement from Trader Joe’s. I may switch to something else as I learn and experiment with different products.
Don’t rely on B12 from typical multivitamins. It’s likely that the body isn’t able to absorb it. That’s why a sublingual tablet or spray is the best. It allows the nutrient to go directly into the bloodstream.
The Food for the Trial
Because today was shopping day, it was a bit of a grab and go day. Not too much food prep, and definitely as simple as possible.
Breakfast
Last few crackers with coconut oil and some soaked almonds.
Snack
This was a rather disgusting smoothie (more like a shake). I just wanted to get the benefit of my hemp/maca/E3 powder. I was out of sweetener, so didn’t even attempt to make it taste good. Just 1/3 cup soaked almonds to create the effect of almond milk, and one scoop of the powder,and drank it as quickly as possible (Yuck)!
A quick snack before leaving on my grocery shopping marathon:
Lunch on the run
When I got home, snacked on some pecans
Dinner
Tonight I made another new salad. I guess I’ll call it Pesto Bean Sprout Salad.
I tossed together romaine lettuce, baby spinach, dandelion greens, sugar plum tomatoes, cucumbers, store bought pea, and lentil sprouts with leftover pesto sauce and freshly squeezed lemon juice to taste. Amazingly good! I threw in some walnuts because I was extra hungry. There could be so many variations on this salad, the main components being the romaine, dandelion, sprouts, and pesto.
Another great day!
