Did You Know : B12 Edition

If you don’t know your vitamin B12 levels, read this👇

B12 is essential for the brain and nervous system, but some people most at risk of low levels include:

✔️ Older adults

✔️ Those with gut issues or low stomach acid

✔️ People on acid blockers or metformin

✔️ Vegans & vegetarians

New research studied 231 healthy older adults with B12 levels well within the “normal” range. But despite that, they found:

▪️ Lower B12 (even within normal range) → linked to slower cognitive processing & brain changes

▪️ Higher levels of an ✨inactive form of B12✨ → linked to increased tau protein, a marker of neurodegeneration

This means standard B12 tests may be missing critical markers of brain health.

So, what can you do?

✅ Talk to your practitioner about checking MMA and homocysteine along with serum B12.

✅ Supplement with bioavailable B12 (methylcobalamin + adenosylcobalamin).

✅ Don’t wait for symptoms—B12 imbalances can be silent for years.

Was this new information for you?

If you want a truly preventive and proactive approach to your health, we’d love to help.

#drelizabethcantrell #naturalmedicine #naturopath #naturopathic #naturopathicdoctor #naturopathicphysician #functionalmedicine #functionalmedicinetesting #colga #columbusga #ftmoore #ftbenning #auburnal #opelikaal #phenixcityal #b12 #vitaminb12 #nutrientlevels

Does Stress Impact Your Immune System?

Have you ever known someone who was diagnosed with cancer after a period of intense stress?

A new study explores why this can happen—down to the immune system level.

Researchers analyzed immune and tumor markers in 121 women with breast cancer, along with stress levels in four areas:

✔ Daily stress

✔ Racial discrimination

✔ Social isolation

✔ Poverty conditions

The results?

Stress messed up the immune system in ways that dramatically favored cancer cells.

Also—these effects were more pronounced in black women than in white women.

I am not sharing this to spread fear. Stress is unavoidable.

But it’s also a reminder that how we respond to stress matters.

Science-backed tools like breathwork, movement, and connecting with friends can help buffer the effects of stress on the body.

❤️ Your health matters.

Take a moment today to do something that helps you feel calm and supported—even if it’s just one deep breath.

NEW RESEARCH ALERT: Ultra-Processed Foods Are Designed To Be Addictive.

Processed foods are engineered to be irresistible.

Chips, candy, and fast foods are convenient, cheap, and everywhere.

But they also create so many health problems 😩

👉🏽 Now a new study finds that with the right support, people can cut their intake of processed foods nearly in half—and experience big health benefits—in just 8 weeks.

Participants in this study received:

✔ Education about processed foods and their health effects

✔ Mindfulness strategies to cope with cravings

✔ One-on-one meal planning

✔ Support for improving their home food environment

✔ Financial assistance to buy healthier foods

The results were impressive:

✔ Processed food intake dropped by nearly 50%

✔ Daily calorie intake decreased by 600+ calories

✔ Sugar consumption fell by 50%

✔ Participants lost an average of 7.7 pounds

✔ Many reported better mood and energy

I love this study because it backs up strategies we’ve used with our clients for years.

You do NOT need to stay addicted to processed foods ❌

You CAN break the cycle and feel better ✅

🍄‍🟫 Mushrooms for Stress Relief!? 🍄‍🟫

🍄‍🟫 Did you know some mushrooms help your body handle stress? 🍄‍🟫

Adaptogenic mushrooms like Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake, and Cordyceps support stress resilience, immune function, and energy ✨

(and no, these are not the types that make you hallucinate)

Some ways to use adaptogenic mushrooms:

🥘 Fresh or Dried: add to soups, stir-fries, or creative new recipes!

💊 Powders or Capsules: take as a supplement or mix into smoothies.

☕️ Tea of Coffee: brew as a tea or try mushroom-infused coffee for balanced energy.

Have you tried any of these mushrooms?

Which is your favorite? Let me know in the comments 👇

If I Always Had an Afternoon Slump, Here’s What I’d Do 👇

Tired of the afternoon energy crash?

Could be lots of reasons, but one thing it’s NOT is a caffeine deficiency ☕️🙅🏻‍♀️

Maybe your body is asking for something simple:

Movement 🏃🏽‍♂️

We weren’t meant to sit at desks and computers all day.

Even a little bit of movement can combat that slump by promoting circulation, regulating stress hormones, and boosting feel-good chemicals in the brain.

Some ideas:

✔ Take a 10-minute walk outside ☀️

✔ Stretch or do some desk yoga

✔ Try 20 bodyweight squats or jumping jacks

✔ Use a standing desk for part of the afternoon

What’s your favorite way to re-energize in the afternoon?