Why and how B12 shots improve your health
If you want your car to run well, you change its oil every 5,000 miles. If you want to enjoy your retirement, you put money away in a 401K or Roth IRA. We’re taught to take a proactive approach in many aspects of our lives. Why should our health be any different?
I believe getting regular B12 shots means you’re serious about taking charge of your health. You’re choosing to live well and continue your journey to being your best self. Whether you need an extra boost of energy, want to sleep better or are B12 deficient, regular B12 shots can help you live a healthier, happier life.
B12 is Essential to Your Body
The health benefits of B12 are numerous. This vital, naturally occurring vitamin is critical for the body’s production of red blood cells, nerve function, melatonin production, energy levels, metabolism…the list goes on. One of the major reasons I encourage B12 shots is because of the rapid improvement in the way my patients feel.
I see about 100 people each week for B12 shots at IVme, and they tell me their energy levels are way up, they are sleeping better (that’s the melatonin), their appetite is suppressed, they have a better attention span and are overall more focused. Aside from the personal stories and observations I see every day, there’s a lot research on the health benefits of B12. Scientists are looking into how B12 can improve brain function in Alzheimer’s patients and people with Parkinson’s disease. There’s also research on its effects on fighting cancer. The benefits are many.
I am also a general and trauma surgeon, and when working in the hospital, I’m helping people who have come to me because something bad has happened; many times it’s very bad. I love being at IVme because people are coming to us as active participants in their health. They’ve done research. They know this is good for them. They want to avoid getting an illness and treating it with a synthetic drug that can sometimes cause other problems. They’re being proactive about their health, and they’re more like partners than patients.
B12 Absorption
In order for your body to absorb B12 from vitamins or foods, you need to have the right amount of enzymes (pepsin), proteins (intrinsic factor) and hydrochloric acid in your stomach and intestines. Anyone who is a vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free or fighting celiac disease, Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome runs the risk of being B12 deficient. They either don’t consume enough B12 in their diet or they don’t have enough enzymes, proteins or acids to absorb it.
If your ileum—the final section of the small intestine—has been surgically removed or is diseased, vitamins won’t work. The ileum is where the body absorbs B12. And, as we age, our stomachs produce less acid, so it is recommended that anyone age 50 and older eat a lot of B12-fortified foods or take a supplement.
With a B12 shot, 1,000 micrograms of the vitamin diffuse from your muscle—preferably the deltoid or the glute—directly into your bloodstream. So, there is absolutely no worry your body won’t absorb this vital nutrient. For a point of reference, 1,000 micrograms of B12 is equal to eating 667 cups of yogurt or 769 servings of beef tenderloin. I’ll take the shot and a trimmer waist line, please.
What Should You Expect?
Our staff is highly skilled and extremely personable. Our offices provide a calm, relaxing environment. And the entire process of getting a B12 shot takes about 10 minutes. You come in, we gather background information, you get the shot, a Band-Aid and you’re on your way.
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