When someone mentions something like Vitamin B12 deficiency, do your eyes glaze over?
That’s the problem with a lot of health-related terms. They can leave us scratching our heads.
My goal with our A Side of Science column each week is to break down an important health topic into a form we can understand... and we can use!
This week, we'll discover some of the best and easiest ways you can get this important vitamin - the “Energy Vitamin” - into your gluten free (and even vegan) diet. Of course, B12 supplements are also available but this is how to do it naturally!
Proper nutrition is important for everyone. For those with Celiac Disease (CD), it is of particular concern...
This is because CD damages the small intestine. That makes it harder for the body to absorb the nutrients it needs. Often, one of these nutrients can be Vitamin B12.
Although a gluten free diet usually leads to healing this damage, restoring the body's ability to absorb nutrients, it is possible that some with CD will remain B12-deficient.
That's not good...
This metabolism-boosting vitamin is critical for red blood cell development. Red blood cells transport oxygen throughout the body, keeping all of our systems from "running out of breath."
Without enough of them, we can become fatigued and feel sluggish. Adding healthy sources of B12 to our gluten free diet is a great way to help solve this "personal energy crisis!"
Vitamin B12 the Easy, Natural Way (Even for Vegans!)
Natural sources of Vitamin B12 are easy to remember. All you have to do is think of animal products like meat, poultry, fish, dairy, and eggs.
But... If you have sensitivities to these foods or you're leading a vegan lifestyle and don't eat animal products, what do you do?
First, you can consider adding some fortified gluten free foods such as plant milks and cereals to your diet. Some products I've used are Rice Dream Rice Milk and So Delicious Coconut Milk. Both contain added B12.
Pair these with a cereal like Rice Chex (which is also B12 fortified) and you could be on your way to adding energy to your life!
Another gluten free and vegan option is including either fortified nutritional and/or Brewer’s yeast in what you eat. Just be sure to read labels carefully to make sure the product you’re getting actually contains B12.
It's really this simple...
If you're having a bit of a personal energy crisis, try adding some more Vitamin B12 to your diet. Eat more animal products. You don't have to necessarily start buying supplements.
If you don’t eat animal products? You may not have to buy supplements either. There is food out there that can help you get the B12 you need. All you have to do is make sure to have some...
Then, if you've been running low on B12, you just may start feeling a whole lot better!
~g~
Now to This Week's Helpful Trivia Question!
This information is especially important for my vegan friends!
The Question: “What is one drawback to using nutritional yeast as your sole source of B12 supplementation?”
The Answer: You may be getting unfortified nutritional yeast when you think you're getting the B12 fortified kind.
How can this be? Well, like many of us, are you buying your yeast out of a bulk bin? If so, it may not be fortified. This is a common problem that can lead to B12 deficiency.
If you're buying from a bin and it's not clearly marked, simply ask what's in it. It's better to do that than wander around running low on energy!
The Question: “What is one drawback to using nutritional yeast as your sole source of B12 supplementation?”
The Answer: You may be getting unfortified nutritional yeast when you think you're getting the B12 fortified kind.
How can this be? Well, like many of us, are you buying your yeast out of a bulk bin? If so, it may not be fortified. This is a common problem that can lead to B12 deficiency.
If you're buying from a bin and it's not clearly marked, simply ask what's in it. It's better to do that than wander around running low on energy!
Up next on GlutenFreeGigi.com!
Sunday, I will reveal our Reader’s Choice selection for Sipping Sunday! Don't miss your chance to visit my new Facebook page and vote for your selection!
While you’re there, be sure to make a suggestion for my Blogaversary Celebration Treat... Help me decide which amazing gluten free dessert to enjoy for my celebration on July 21 by posting on my page a recipe you love... One of your own or even someone else's!
I’ll choose a recipe to make and share the recipe and pictures with you right here on July 21! (Have you signed up for my Blogaversary? Make sure you do before July 21 to get your chance to win one of three $50 gift certificates I'm giving away to celebrate!
Thanks for stopping by... Let’s enjoy the rest of this great gluten free, dairy free, nut free, soy free, and sometimes vegan (and even raw foods!) week!
xo,
Gluten Free Gigi
While you’re there, be sure to make a suggestion for my Blogaversary Celebration Treat... Help me decide which amazing gluten free dessert to enjoy for my celebration on July 21 by posting on my page a recipe you love... One of your own or even someone else's!
I’ll choose a recipe to make and share the recipe and pictures with you right here on July 21! (Have you signed up for my Blogaversary? Make sure you do before July 21 to get your chance to win one of three $50 gift certificates I'm giving away to celebrate!
Thanks for stopping by... Let’s enjoy the rest of this great gluten free, dairy free, nut free, soy free, and sometimes vegan (and even raw foods!) week!
xo,
Gluten Free Gigi
Don’t take my word for it, check my sources!
RSS Feed
