The Anti-Stress Vitamin.
My first recommendation for stress is to turn off the media and go outside. My second recommendation is Thiamin or Vitamin B1.
Women who need B1 are those going through periods of extended stress like moving, being served divorce papers, or getting laid off at work. B1 supports the body/mind as you move through extreme stress and it helps you get to the other side of it. B1 also strengthens the immune system during these difficult times. (Stress breaks down the immune system) Add this to your morning pill organizer and you will notice a sense of calm or motivation throughout the day.
Some B Complex supplements include B1, but I often recommend clients take an additional B1 supplement as well as their B Complex. Try this brand, it’s on my list of supplements I recommend to clients. I get a small commission if you click this Amazon link:
Deficiency is most adults is rare, but it does show up in people with Crohn’s disease, in alcoholics, in people who experience eating disorders like bulimia or anorexia or those on kidney dialysis. If you fall into any of these categories, I highly recommend you add to cart from the link above.
People low in B1 notice they have extremely poor memory loss while drinking alcohol. Even 1 or 2 drinks will make them not remember anything if they are low in B1. Also- forgetting things without even drinking is a sign of low B1.
Irritability, fatigue, abdominal discomfort, depression are all resolved with B1. If you get bloated after eating brown rice noodles or carbs or get gassy, that could be a B1 deficiency. There may be other things going on too, but try B1 for a couple weeks, it will help.
B1 has many functions in the body, it’s not stored, so it’s best to take it daily or every other day. It’s a water-soluble vitamin, so what isn’t utilized will get flushed out when you pee. B vitamins must be taken consistently.
I coach clients to eat high carb, low fat meals. So B1 is crucial in this lifestyle because it helps convert carbs to glucose, which is used for energy. It also metabolizes fats and proteins. It’s needed for healthy skin, hair, eyes, liver. B1 is integral to detox processes as well so if you are starting a cleanse, add this to your daily routine.
Plants high in B1: oatmeal, sunflower seeds, liver, asparagus, potatoes, kale.
I do not recommend desiccated liver supplements. Yes, it’s high in B1 but it’s also highly acidic in the body and very difficult for the body to break down and utilize. They are known to make people nauseas and they are considered a highly contaminated and toxic source of nutrients. (Where do mammals process all toxins: the liver. So consuming a cow’s liver is like eating a bowl of pesticides)In an emergency situation only should desiccated liver be used for a B1 deficiency. Symptoms of deficiency will show up as: generalized muscle weakness, mental confusion. Most clients need a juice fast or detox and then their gut is cleaned out and able to absorb vitamins. But if they do a detox and still notice muscle weakness or mental confusion, that’s where high dose B1 is a game changer.
More Benefits:
Thiamin for brain function: B1 in the body can form release of acetyl choline which is a neurotransmitter which helps the brain function. So your brain literally won’t function without thiamin, that’s how important it is.
B1 increases energy production, maintains memory, improves carbohydrate tolerance (allows you to eat a ton of carbs without getting gassy or bloated) which is why athletes need more than usual to help process extra carbs into energy.
Elderly: B1 can dramatically improve quality of life in elderly because they have a diminished capacity to convert carbs to energy so they get really low energy levels. The elderly will see a big difference after a week.
Blood Pressure: Along with diet and exercise, B1 can also lower blood pressure. Some clients have come off their BP meds completely with this vitamin.
Let me know how this supplement helps your gut, your energy and your stress levels!
