Want To Promote A Healthy Brain? Don’t Skip Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6, also called pyridoxine, is a water-soluble nutrient that helps in the production of neurotransmitters, the chemicals that allow brain and nerve cells to communicate with one another. Pyridoxine also ensures that metabolic processes such as fat and protein metabolism run smoothly and is important for immune system function in older individuals.
It may also help address a number of conditions, including:
- Nerve compression injuries (like carpal tunnel syndrome)
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Some cases of depression and arthritis
It is also part of a regimen used to treat high blood homocysteine levels along with folate (B9) and vitamin B12. Memory loss, diabetes, asthma attacks, high blood pressure, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), kidney stones, lung cancer, acne and atherosclerosis may also be alleviated with vitamin B6 supplementation as it can help in lowering an elevated homocysteine level; particularly in combination with B12 and folate.
Good food sources of vitamin B6 include brewer’s yeast, whole grains, legumes, vegetables (especially carrots, spinach and peas), potatoes, milk, cheese, eggs, fish and sunflower seeds.
Try these recipes that offer up B6:
Dr. Weil recommends taking B6 as part of a complete daily B-complex supplement that contains a full spectrum of B vitamins, including thiamine, B12, folate, riboflavin and niacin. While B6 is a common nutrient that be depleted, either due to low dietary intake or caused by certain medications, there is also a downside to getting too much. It’s best to work on your ideal diet and supplement routine with one of our fellowship-trained integrative medicine providers.
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