Have You Eaten Your Dirt Today?

That's right, have you eaten your yummy dirt today? Dirt is essential to your body. Well, let me be a little more clear. Dirt is a mixture of all sorts of microorganisms and minerals. But don't start picking it up and eating it just yet. Not just any dirt will do and you don't need to eat all of it. There is one important component of dirt I'm talking about. It's vitamin B12.

Did you know that vitamin B12 is not really a vitamin but it's a microorganism that is found in the dirt and other parts of nature? B12 is a bacteria. We know we have very important bacteria in our gut which makes up 70 percent of our immune system but we have to supplement our diet in order for our bodies to receive the benefits of B12.

There are four types of B12. One form that is found mostly on the shelves in the stores is cyanocobalamin. This is the synthetic form that is the most stable form because it has a cyanide molecule combined with the cobalamin. Your body has to work to remove the cyanide molecule and eliminate it. After that, your body is able to use the B12. The next form of B12 is methylcobalamin, that is actually the form cyanocobalamin converts into after your body has removed the cyanide molecule. methylcobalamin is the most natural form and can pass the blood-brain barrier. B12 is very important for people with Alzheimer's and dementia. The next form of B12 is hydroxocobalamin. This is a natural form of B12 that is found in animal protein. Whenever cows eat grass they also eat dirt. The B12 is stored in their flesh and when we eat a hamburger or a steak we get our B12. The last form of B12 is adenosylcobalamin. This form is further converted from methylcobalamin. This form of B12 is the form that gives us the energy we crave when we take our B12 supplements. Adenosylcobalamin is used up in the mitochondria that creates ATP and that is what the body uses for energy.

Back before we became so sanitized with our food and before the bad practices of how our food is being produced, we were able to get our B12 naturally. We sourced our water from streams and grew our own food so the B12 bacteria was able to slip past and be a part of our meal.

So now that we are less likely to grow our own food or drink from a stream it is important to know if you are getting your B12. It can be life-threatening if you go too long without it. Especially for vegetarians and vegans. Because you cannot get B12 from plants. But there are symptoms before it gets that far. You just have to be aware of the symptoms. Just to name a few, are being tired for no reason, feeling weak, strange sensations of pins and needles or electricity running through your body, and having a hard time remembering simple things you should know right away.

It doesn't take much to find out if you have a deficiency. You can ask your doctor for a blood test or just get a good form of B12 and start taking it and see how you feel. But is always best to see your doctor to make sure there are not any other problems brewing.

If you're wondering what a good form of B12 is I would suggest methylcobalamin in liquid form or a sublingual form. I am an integrative nutrition health coach and I always suggest to my clients to start with about 100mcg. Your body only can use a certain amount at one time. If you need more you can just take more through the day.

So please take your B12.