It is no secret that we live in stressful times. Individuals are working harder now, putting in more hours and focusing on careers. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that while a limited number of people are living healthy, the majority is struggling. Too many people find it difficult to find time for physical fitness. I myself was usually more concerned with getting info on the latest Spectrum Internet Plans. Researching on healthy living for myself was way down on the priority list. That changed when I discovered how important health food and the nutrients they contain are to my weight loss efforts. With discipline and a balanced diet, you can see definite results if you are consistent. These days, it’s also advisable to take a few supplementary vitamins if you’re not getting enough naturally. Read on to discover 4 vitamins that are the best addition to your weight loss program.
Thiamine (Vitamin B-1):
Thiamine is part of the B-complex family and is essential for a fully functioning metabolism. Thiamine assists the body in creating energy from carbohydrates. It also keeps the nervous system healthy as well as helping with cardiovascular function. The benefits of Vitamin B-1 include:
- Boosting metabolism.
- Slowing the aging process.
- Improving digestion.
- Enhancing memory.
A deficiency of Vitamin B-1 is symptomized by weight changes, loss of appetite, weakness, lethargy and sleep/memory loss. If not treated, this deficiency can result in beriberi,a disease that affects the heart, brain and nerves.
Vitamin B-1 can be found in foods like whole-grain cereals, pork, rye and kidney beans. Vegetarians can find it in spinach, green peas, mushrooms and potatoes. Incorporating Vitamin B-1 in your diet is not a difficult task. The health benefits and enhancement of body functions are huge compared to the relatively small task of preparing the appropriate food.
Riboflavin (Vitamin B-2):
Riboflavin, known as Vitamin B-2 is also one of the 8 B-complex vitamins essential to health. Vitamin B-2 is crucial to growth and overall health. The body uses it in enhancing or developing functions of the skin, digestive tract and other vital organs. Some benefits of Vitamin B-2 are:
- Lowers the risk of cataracts.
- Enhances processing of iron, lowering the risk of anemia.
- Helps reduce blood pressure levels in late pregnancy.
- Helps reduce migraines.
- Breakdown of glucose into energy, increasing metabolism.
A Vitamin B-2 deficiency can cause anemia, skin inflammation, inflamed tissues in the mouth and sores around the mouth and nose. B-2 deficiency is quite rare in developed countries. However teens, alcoholics and older individuals are susceptible to it due to poor diet.
It can be found in many foods including kale, eggs, nuts, soybeans and dairy products among others. Again, its commonly found so it’s not too difficult to include it in your diet.
Cobalamin (Vitamin B-12):
Cobalamin or Vitamin B-12 is essential to keep nerve and blood cells healthy as well as for the production of DNA. B-12 also helps in the prevention of megaloblastic anemia. Some known benefits of Vitamin B-12 are:
- It can help treat dementia.
- It is thought to reduce the risk of heart disease.
- It is thought to increase energy levels and endurance, making athletic performance better.
Vitamin B-12 can be found in beef liver, poultry products, certain enriched breakfast cereal and clams.
Cobalamin deficiency can result in lethargy, weakness, constipation, weight loss and megaloblastic anemia among other health issues.
Vitamin D:
Vitamin D is perhaps the most accessible vitamin in this list. You can get all you need directly from sunlight. Unfortunately, since most people work indoors and don’t get enough sun, they do not have optimum Vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is essential for:
- Healthy immune system.
- Reducing obesity.
Researchers have noted lower levels of serum Vitamin D in obese people. The exact role Vitamin D plays in weight loss is not yet clear but the results are. Studies show people taking calcium and Vitamin D supplements lost more stomach fat than those who don’t.
A Vitamin D deficiency can cause rickets, a condition leading to bone deformities. Bone pain and muscular weakness are 2 possible symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency. It can also increase risk of cardiovascular disease, asthma in children, Alzheimer’s disease and even cancer. So don’t shy away from sunlight because it’s the best source of Vitamin D available and is important for your well-being.
Most of us are living in the fast-lane. This makes it harder to focus on one’s personal health. Luckily, the Digital Age has its benefits. Many cable TV providers offer on-demand fitness channels. Gaiam TV Fit and Yoga is a good example. It has a good selection of workouts as well as documentaries on nutrition and dietary health. You can find other channels too, based on your Spectrum Packages or any other cable service that offers similar deals. This makes it easier for you to access fitness activities and information from the comfort of your home. Achieving your weight loss goals is dependent on consistency in exercise but also in diet. Do not neglect your body when it comes to vitamins!
