B12

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During my annual check up, I sat and watched the phlebotomist draw blood for my standard blood tests, thinking everything would be just dandy.

3 days later I found out that my Vitamin B12 levels, while in the "normal range" are on the low side.  This slight B12 deficiency likely explains why I've been going to bed at 10pm and still feeling exhausted.

So, how do you amp up that B12?

Two options: with a supplement or by eating foods in which B12 occurs naturally.
Part of my feels strongly opposed to taking a supplement because there are natural sources for B12, but most of them are animal products (red meat! clams! liverwurst!) and I'm always conscious of the ethical - and health - impact of animal products/animal protein.  Plus, my recent trip to Israel has not convinced me to keep Kosher, but I certainly take note of when I'm not doing so.  Yay treif!

Looking at the list of foods my doc recommended, I could definitely see myself heavily consumer many of them with extreme delight.  But what is healthiest?  Becoming gluten-free made me realize how what I eat can have a tremendous impact on how I feel.  To stuff myself with burgers, eggs, chicken liver, and shrimp seems a little crazy if I end up feeling like crap.

THE LIST:

  1. Shellfish
  2. Liver
  3. Fish
  4. Crustaceans
  5. Fortified Soy Products
  6. Fortified Cereals
  7. Red Meat
  8. Low Fat Dairy
  9. Cheese
  10. Eggs

via http://www.healthaliciousness.com/articles/foods-high-in-vitamin-B12.php

At the end of the day, I'll probably do a combo of supplement and dietary additions.  And everything in moderation.

The best news - more lobster (crustaceans), more salmon (fish), more mussels (shellfish), soy milk with my coffee, and STEAK TACOS!

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