Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Protein Powders Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Invite health has a number of different type of protein powders. These include a whey based protein, a plant based protein and even a weight management powder that can help improve our overall nutrition. That being said why is …
Cancer and Weight Loss Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Weight loss is a common side effect experienced by those with cancer. This weight loss can occur for a number of reasons. To start with, having cancer can lead to weight loss. This is because in some …
Methyl-B
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
Most people have heard that it can improve your health if you take a B complex. You may even have heard the term “methylation”. But do you know what that term means? Why does it even matter? This blog will answer those questions and more! Basically when you methylate a vitamin you are either adding or taking off a methyl group. When this process is done to the B vitamins it “activates” them. When you take a methylated B complex it is already activated, however when you take an unmethylated B complex the body must perform the methylation process itself. (1) To sum things up Methyl- B complex is an activated or turned on complex whereas an unmethylated B complex is a form that has to be “turned on” by the body.
Now I bet your thinking but why does this even matter? One reason why it matters is that it affects the speed at which the B complex goes to work. A methylated B complex will go to work immediately. This is because it’s already turned on. When you take unmethylated B complex you have to turn them on if you will. This takes time hence increasing the amount of time it takes to see affects. There is also a part of the population who have a gene variation called MTHFR. (1) This variation can make it difficult to activate or methylate our vitamins. For example having MTHFR can make methylation of folic acid and B12 difficult if not impossible. (2, 3) Thus for anyone with the MTHFR it is important to take the methyl form of B vitamins. However, even those without the mutation benefit from a methyl B since as I have said it works right away because it is already in the active form.
Now if you compare the vitamins in our Methyl- B you will notice some say methyl and some don’t. That is because some need to be methylated while the others don’t need to be but are included because they are important in the methylation process. (4) This is also why you may notice that there are some B vitamins in the B 100 complex that aren’t in the Methyl- B. The B 100 complex has all the B vitamins whereas the Methyl- B formula concentrates on those that must be activated or are important in the methylation process. Another difference you may notice is the amount of each B vitamin. Because the Methyl- B vitamins are easier for the body to use you often get the benefits at a lower dose. (1) So to answer your question no you don’t need to take multiple pills to get any benefit! If you’re confused which B complex is right for you I suggest speaking to an Invite nutritionist?
What exactly are B vitamins helpful for? Well B vitamins are important for our red blood cells, energy, and nerve and muscle health (including our heart). B vitamins are also important for our vision and eye health. Our brain also requires B vitamins to work optimally. B vitamins also impact both our appetite and digestion. Lastly B vitamins play a role in our hormones and even cholesterol health. For those that are pregnant or nursing B vitamins are important for the baby’s brain development as well as reduce the risk of certain birth defects. B vitamins can also help maintain energy, reduce nausea and even decrease the risk of preeclampsia in those who are pregnant. (5)
As you can see the B vitamins can help with many aspects of our health. Feel free to talk to an Invite nutritionist for more information. Our next topic will be dealing with weight loss during cancer treatments.
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Neuropathy Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Neuropathy is usually something that most people associate with diabetes. This is an accurate connection because one of the most common causes of neuropathy is diabetes. But did you know that neuropathy can also occur after cancer treatments? To …
Cerebral Care Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND I wanted to take the time to talk about one of my favorite formulas for our memory and brain health. This formula is called Cerebral Care. But what is it about this formula that I like so much? …
Combat Chemo Brain
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
One topic that comes up a lot is what to do about the side effects that can occur as a result of the different cancer treatments. The first side effect I will be talking about is called cancer-related cognitive impairment or cognitive dysfunction. You may have heard it referred to as chemo brain or chemo fog. Chemo brain refers to thinking and memory problems that can occur during and/or after cancer treatments. (1) In my professional opinion on working with those who experience chemo brain it is best to wait until treatment is complete before addressing the symptoms experienced with chemo brain. This is to ensure no potential interactions between the supplements and cancer treatments that could occur.
What are the most common symptoms of chemo brain that you may experience? Well you may notice that you are unusually disorganized and have difficulty concentrating. You may also notice that you feel confused and have a short attention span that may make it difficult to multitask. In fact you may find that it takes you longer to do things than it would normally. When you are speaking you may have trouble with finding the right words and later on you may find you have trouble with verbal memory or even visual memory. In other words you may notice you have trouble recalling conversations or in recalling a list of words. You may also experience difficulty planning activities. You may notice that there is an increased difficulty in learning any new skills. Overall you may find you have short term memory changes and a general feeling of mental fatigue. (1) Lastly you may even find it difficult to make up your mind or even plan things such as family outings. (2)
While anyone who is undergoing treatment for cancer can experience chemo brain there are some factors that can increase your risk. These can include having brain cancer or cancer that has spread to the brain. Having received radiation to the brain can increase your risk. Additionally if you receive higher doses of either chemo or radiation you are at a higher risk for chemo brain. Being either younger or older at the time of cancer diagnosis as well as treatment places you at a higher risk of developing chemo brain. (1) Being anemic or just not getting all the nutrients you need can also increase chemo brain risk. If you have an infection it can also increase chemo brain risk. Certain chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, trouble sleeping, chronic pain, anxiety or depression can all increase chemo brain risk. Additionally alcohol or other mind altering substances can increase your risk. Even certain hormonal changes such as menopause are risk factors. Lastly being weak or frail can both increase your risk of chemo brain. (2)
What can you do if you find that after treatment you have developed chemo brain?
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