According to Dr. Al Sears, MD, B vitamins are your best protection against heart disease and stroke, and are more powerful than any drug. In fact, the pharmaceutical companies are working to develop a drug version of B vitamins so they can be sold as prescription instead of over-the-counter.
B vitamins are found in beef, poultry, fish, nuts, beans, eggs, milk, pork, fruits and vegetables. The following chart from Dr. Sears shows the body’s use of B vitamins:
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | Circulation, Blood formation, Brain function |
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | Blood cell formation, antibiodies, Cataract prevention |
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | Circulation, Nervous System, Healthy skin |
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) | Adrenal hormones, antibiodies, neurotransmitters, stamina |
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) | Brain/ Immune system function, cancer immunity, mild diuretic |
Vitamin B7 (Biotin) | Cell Growth, Metabolism of carbohydrates/ fats/ proteins |
Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) | Preventing birth defects, Brain function |
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) | Memory, Brain Function |
Dr. Sears states that studies show when Vitamin B9 (Folate) is high in the body, a man’s risk of heart attack is cut in half, a woman’s risk of heart attack drops by 43%, and a woman’s risk of stroke drops by more than a third. Furthermore, when Vitamin B6 is high, a man’s chance of heart attack is reduced by over 60%, a woman’s risk of heart attack drops by more than half, and a woman’s risk of stroke drops by more than a third.
High homocysteine levels, due to a low level of B12, increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Medications such as antibiotics and birth control pills deplete B vitamins and increase your homocysteine levels. High homocysteine levels also increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and birth defects.
So, protect your health by eating food high in folate, vitamin B6 and B12 every day. Dr. Gibson also works with our patients on dietary supplementation, and can help you ensure your are getting what you need every day for optimal health. Call our office at (479) 587-0227 to schedule your appointment to discuss your nutritional situation with Dr. Gibson.