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.

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Nutrients Over Calories!

All calories are not created equal 💥

Let’s take salmon vs. hot dogs:

For the same number of calories, salmon is loaded with healthy omega-3s and B vitamins, but the hot dog? Mostly sodium.

This is exactly what we mean by ✨nutrient density.

Nutrient-dense foods deliver more vitamins, minerals, and beneficial compounds per calorie, compared to “empty-calorie” foods.

It’s like…

🫐 Blueberries vs. Gummies

For the same number of calories blueberries are packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.

Gummies? Pure sugar.

🍠 Sweet Potatoes vs. Potato Chips

For the same number of calories, sweet potatoes give you beta-carotene, fiber, and potassium.

Potato chips? Processed oils, sodium, and empty carbs.

Whereas any calories will fill you up, nutrient-dense foods actually fuel your health.

They lower inflammation, balance hormones, support digestion, and even reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

✨ That’s why we do things differently around here ✨

We don’t believe in just counting calories. We help our clients transition to nutrient-dense foods that support long-term health.

We’re here to support anyone ready to take their health seriously.

#elementsnatmed #naturalmedicine #columbusga #colga #nutrients #omega3s #bvitamins #nutrition #foodisfuel #fuelyourbody #foodismedicine #foodasmedicine #vitamins #vitaminrich #nutrientdense

Feeling Tired, Moody, or Just Off? 🤔

Feeling tired, moody, or off? 🤔

Read this ⬇️ for 5 common nutrient deficiencies and how they show up.

Modern food systems, lifestyle habits, and even stress can deplete nutrients from our bodies.

Plus, things like gut health or medications can interfere with how we absorb the nutrients we eat.

For example:

✨Magnesium

Magnesium is known as the ‘great relaxer,’ but nearly 50% of people don’t get enough.

Low magnesium can contribute to muscle cramps, anxiety, or restless nights.

✨ Vitamin B12

Needed for energy and brain health, those following a vegan diet or with gut health issues are at risk of low levels.

Low vitamin B12 can contribute to fatigue, numbness, or memory problems.

✨ Iron

Iron carries oxygen through your blood. It can be depleted by heavy or frequent periods.

Low iron can cause anemia, leaving you pale, tired, or short of breath.

✨Vitamin D

Although your body can synthesize vitamin D when exposed to sunshine ☀️, low levels are common.

Low vitamin D can contribute to thinning bones, compromised immune function, and low mood.

✨Zinc

Zinc is needed for immune health and wound healing.

Low zinc can show up as frequent colds, slow healing, or even changes in taste or smell.

So, what’s next?

These are just a few examples of how nutrient deficiencies can impact your health. But everyone’s needs are different.

That’s why we take a personalized approach 🙌🏽

With advanced labs and individualized guidance, we help uncover what’s missing so you can feel your best.

Ready to get started? Schedule a new patient visit with Dr. Cantrell!

Nutrients for Nervous System Resilience

A regulated nervous system is essential for sleep, mood, hormones, metabolism, gut health, and more.

But your nervous system cannot stay regulated without nutrition—and especially these 3 key nutrients:

1️⃣Magnesium

Magnesium is a cofactor needed to synthesize several neurotransmitters, including serotonin and GABA. It also has a calming effect on the nerves and muscles throughout the body. Good food sources are leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and chocolate!

2️⃣B Vitamins

Vitamin B6 supports production of serotonin, and vitamin B12 is needed to support the protective covering around nerve cells. Other B vitamins participate in energy metabolism, providing essential energy for nerve cells. Good food sources are animal products and fortified foods.

3️⃣Choline

Choline is a building block for acetylcholine—the primary chemical messenger of the parasympathetic nervous system. The most common food source of choline is egg yolks. Liver is another excellent source!

Think about the foods you eat on a daily basis, and check your supplements to see if you are fueling your nervous system.

As always, if you want more support, visit our website to schedule an appointment! 🌱

#elementsnatmed #naturalmedicine #nervoussystem #nervoussystemsupport #nutrients #colga

Your Nervous system is BEGGING for these nutrients!

A regulated nervous system is essential for sleep, mood, hormones, metabolism, gut health, and more.

But your nervous system cannot stay regulated without nutrition—and especially these 3 key nutrients:

1️⃣Magnesium

Magnesium is a cofactor needed to synthesize several neurotransmitters, including serotonin and GABA. It also has a calming effect on the nerves and muscles throughout the body. Good food sources are leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and chocolate!

2️⃣B Vitamins

Vitamin B6 supports production of serotonin, and vitamin B12 is needed to support the protective covering around nerve cells. Other B vitamins participate in energy metabolism, providing essential energy for nerve cells. Good food sources are animal products and fortified foods.

3️⃣Choline

Choline is a building block for acetylcholine—the primary chemical messenger of the parasympathetic nervous system. The most common food source of choline is egg yolks. Liver is another excellent source!

Think about the foods you eat on a daily basis, and check your supplements to see if you are fueling your nervous system.

As always, if you want more support, visit our website to schedule an appointment! 🌱

#elementsnatmed #naturalmedicine #nervoussystem #nervoussystemsupport #nutrients #colga