Nutrients are vital for our survival, but they aren’t stand alone components. They’re more like building blocks. Our bodies need a combination of micronutrients in adequate amounts working together synergistically to keep us healthy.
Many diseases and medical conditions are a result of simultaneous nutrient deficiencies. Fatigue, asthma, insomnia, diabetes, pain, headaches, GI health, anxiety – they can all be linked to lack of specific nutrients.
There are dozens of nutrients that have to remain in balance, which can be overwhelming to think about. If you really want to love yourself this Valentine’s Day, start by focusing on these three key nutrients for a healthier body: glutathione, Vitamin C, and B12.
What is it?: A protein comprised of three amino acids. It’s considered an essential antioxidant because glutathione is involved in many important bodily processes. It’s also very efficient at countering oxidative stress, which makes it a powerful antioxidant.
Glutathione is produced by the liver, found in some foods and can be taken as a supplement. Levels naturally decline with age, so the older you are the more you need to monitor glutathione. Other environmental stressors and lifestyle choices can also deplete glutathione production.
Why you want more of it:
- Glutathione prevents cellular damage caused by reactive oxygenation.
- High levels of glutathione are linked to better longevity and overall health.
- Counteracts the effects of oxidative stress in the gut wall.
- High levels of glutathione peroxidase can help prevent migraines.
- In women, glutathione helps protects eggs from damage.
- In men, glutathione improves the structural integrity and motility of sperm.
- Helps prevent age-related and stress-induced adrenal fatigue.
- Enzymes with glutathione protect B-cells.
- Repairs cellular damage caused by inflammation.
- Can help repair damage to the liver caused by sleep apnea.
- Helps rid the body of cellular byproducts after a workout.
The interesting thing about glutathione is oral supplements are broken down into amino acids. But if glutathione is delivered via IV therapy it remains intact and beneficial for cells. Intaking more vitamin C can also boost glutathione production and activity.
What is it?: A water-soluble vitamin that also goes by the name ascorbic acid. It’s among the most studied antioxidants and is known to provide a number of immune system benefits.
Vitamin C can be found in a number of foods, taken as a supplement or injected using an IV.
Why you want more of it:
- Vitamin C is known to support and boost the immune system.
- Promotes healing in the digestive tract.
- It’s been shown to reduce the frequency of headaches.
- Promotes the healing of skin abrasions and wounds.
- Supports connective tissue.
- Improves arterial function.
- Counteracts the effects of extreme physical stress.
- When combined with Vitamin E there is a synergistic effect that reduces oxidative stress.
- Supports adrenal gland function and health while preventing adrenal fatigue.
- Helps reduce asthma attacks by increasing the size of bronchial airways, preventing the constriction of airways and producing epinephrine, which counteracts an asthma attack.
- Makes LDL cholesterol less likely to stick to the arteries and blood vessel walls.
- Increases iron uptake and reduces fatigue.
- Reduces inflammation in the GI tract.
Smokers should monitor intake since they require higher levels of Vitamin C for optimum benefit. Athletes that participate in endurance sports may also need higher levels of Vitamin C. To get the highest levels of Vitamin C, IV is recommended superior pathway because it allows for 100% absorption bypassing the digestive tract.
What is it?: B12 is a vitamin that’s used by nearly every cell in the body. It’s a key component in the creation of DNA, blood cells and nerve cells. This particular B vitamin is known as cobalamin because it contains cobalt.
It’s now believed that B12 deficiencies play a role in cognitive decline and cardiovascular disease. As we age, it’s more difficult for the body to extract B12 from food and absorb the nutrient, which is one reason older people are more susceptible to heart disease and dementia.
Why you want more of it:
- Combined with B6 and other B vitamins, B12 helps protect cognitive health as we age.
- Ensures proper red blood cell formation.
- Aids in DNA synthesis.
- Helps prevent certain types of anemia.
- An increase in B12 can help improve response to depression treatments.
- People with diabetes experience B12 depletion due to the metformin and may need supplementation.
- B12 and other B vitamins help convert food into energy to combat fatigue.
- Can improve GI problems in people with indigestion.
- Helps reduce migraines by reducing nitric oxide.
- An increase in B12 can reduce homocysteine and in turn hypothyroidism.
- Oral and intravenous B12 supplements can restore normal cortisol levels and circadian rhythms to alleviate insomnia.
- B12 (along with B1, B1, and B6) helps ease pain and increases pain medication effectiveness.
- Aids recovery after a sports injury.
- Synthesizes red blood cells.
B12 is naturally found bound to proteins in animal food products, but many other foods are fortified with the vitamin. There are also a variety of supplements that can be used to increase B12. Some studies have noted that B12 benefits are most notable when it’s given as IM or an IV.
Loving your body means making sure it has the nutrients it needs. Nutrient testing can tell you if there are deficiencies that need your attention and provide critical information for getting everything in balance.
Speaking of love, Valentine’s day is right around the corner and IVitamin is offering a Couples Drip special so you can replenish your nutrients together!
This special promotion includes IRevitalize drips for two in our exclusive private room, 2 B12 shots and a special valentines gift for you to share. Appointment available the 14th – 16th. Space is limited so call to book now. Excepting reservations until the 11th.