Vitamin B6 - Pyridoxine
Today I want to continue with the B-vitamin series. If you have not yet read the first post on vitamin B1, you can do so here. Next on the list is vitamin B6. It is my favourite B-vitamin because of its leading role in our physical and mental health. This vitamin is the basis for forming 50 different enzymes!
 
It is absolutely vital for the body to have adequate levels of B6 in order to make serotonin and other mood enhancing neurotransmitters. In fact, it has been shown to be the most important vitamin for amino acid metabolism and transportation. Pretty important job wouldn’t you say? 
 
We also need vitamin B6 to make haemoglobin, antibodies and hydrochloric acid, to breakdown macronutrients, decrease homocysteine levels, maintain healthy hormone levels, maintain normal nerve function and so much more!  
 
As with vitamin B1, sugar consumption and stress are the two major factors leading to B6 depletion. Without sufficient levels, you may experience physical ailments and/or mood disorders with some or all of the following symptoms:
 
  • Depression
  • Inner tension
  • Anxiety
  • Nervousness
  • Irritability
  • Inability to cope with stress
  • Mental confusion
  • Lack or dreams
  • PMS
  • Hormone imbalance
  • Insomnia or disturbed sleep
  • Cramping in hands and feet
  • Oedema
  • Knees that crack
  • Anaemia
In cases of extreme B6 depletion, serious anxiety, convulsions, and severe nervous exhaustion may occur. Please do not supplement without speaking to your doctor or health care provider. The RDA for adults is 2.2 mg, however, therapeutic doses may go as high as 100 – 1000 mg/day. 

While it is no secret that I am an advocate for supplementation where necessary, supplements are the short-term fix. That is, they are used to boost nutrient levels to the optimal range. In the long-term, however, we should attempt to get as many nutrients from food as possible. The major food sources of B6 include:

  • Liver — 3g provides 40% of the RDI
  • Salmon & tuna
  • Animal protein – chicken, pork, turkey & beef
  • Bananas
  • Spinach
  • Avocado
  • Pistachio nuts

1 Comment

  1. Michelle De Aguiar  11/09/2020 06:02 PM Central
    Hi Jen, I'm loving your info on all the 'B''s I'm wondering where you purchase your Salmon or tuna from please? I know the wild caught Salmon is hard to source. I miss eating tuna, but thought it was on the 'no' list as its a large fish and may carry heavy metals, so usually just eat sardines these days.

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MEET JEN

 
Hello! Thank you popping by! I’m Jen. I'm a wife, a furmama to two gorgeous dogs, a Naturopath, Nutritionist, and an advocate for natural ways to support physical and emotional wellbeing. Oh, and I’m a CEO! 

My journey originally started in Psychology. You see, when I was 16 my father took his own life after suffering years of a debilitating gambling addiction. I did a Bachelor’s in Psych as I wanted to understand why he made the choices that he did. I also wanted to ensure that I never went down that path and also help those suffering as he did. I loved it so much I went on to do a Masters.

It was during that time I got sick. I’m talking woke up one morning and couldn’t get out of bed, sick. For many years I felt helpless and frustrated!

Let me back up for a second. Prior to this life consisted of pain and fatigue. I had digestive issues and IBS from childhood. Through my teens and early 20's I was getting 2-3 migraines a month around my cycle and headaches more than half the month. My periods we very painful – I had to miss work or school the first 1-2 days. I would literally lie on the floor or the bed curled in the foetal position and cry from the pain. I could easily talk a full packet of Ibuprofen and still not get much relief.

Then, at 26, my period stopped altogether and things went downhill fast! For the first time in my life I was feeling apathetic and overwhelmed. Over the course of the next two years I was diagnosed with a host of conditions – are you ready for the laundry list? The first diagnosis was PCOS. I was told that I was infertile, that I would never have children, and that IVF wasn’t an option for me. I was also told that I was pre-diabetic, that my liver was worse than an alcoholic’s (and I don’t drink), that I had migraine disorder, vertigo, and adrenal fatigue. The cherry on the cake was a diagnosis of Hashimoto’s at 28.

I was in complete and utter shock. I couldn’t fathom that a 28-year-old Personal Trainer, who looked fit and healthy on the outside, could be in such disarray on the inside.  

Over the two years I saw five doctors and a Naturopath and nothing improved.

And then one day a friend and I got in touch. She told me to change my diet and take specific supplements. I figured I had nothing to lose, and so I did! I went onto a low-carb diet and was taking upward of 30-40 pills a day…and guess what?! Three months later my period started!! How incredible is that?!

Over the next two years all of my health ailments rectified! Well, all except my Hashi’s – more on that in a minute. My cycles became clockwork, they were manageable, the migraines and vertigo disappeared and my liver and blood sugar levels returned to the normal range! How exciting is that?! The best part, I can now have children should I choose! Having that option is incredible!

Of course I was so excited and inspired that I had to go to school and study Nutritional Medicine and Naturopathy.

Now, let’s talk about my Hashi’s. That only went into remission when my toxic load was decreased. That was a lightbulb moment for me and the moment I got fired up to share with others the importance of leading a low-tox life. I love educating people where toxins are found, what impact they have on physical and emotional wellbeing, and what products to replace them with to support your wellbeing. 

I sincerely believe that many of my health issues would not have presented if I were living a low-tox life. My Hashi’s has been in remission since I was 31 and I am so proud to say that! Praise God!

Life is so different to what it was 10 years ago. I have the energy and the mental capacity to engage in life! I am present and am thriving. Oh, and I laugh! I actually laugh out loud, something that eluded me for many years.

I am happy and healthy and it is my mission to help YOU be the happy, healthy person you are meant to be!
I would love for you to join our exclusive community and learn how you too can find freedom from physical and emotional barriers. I look forward to seeing you there!
 

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