Ok, bit of a random title, but i’ve been doing some very quick research into nutrition, prompted by the appearance of a couple of mouth ulcers.
Not the nicest of subjects but apparently (according to the NHS website), 20% of people in this country suffer from recurring mouth ulcers. Although annoying for a week or so, they are hardly that serious, but are a good indication of the general health of a person.
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mouth-ulcer/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Anyway, the ’causes’ link lists anxiety, stress, and several vitamin deficiencies. I’ve suffered from this ulcer problem for many years and am getting a bit annoyed by getting them. Right now, the stress thing is certainly a likely cause, but the Vitamin B12 and Iron deficiency needs looking at, as an underlying issue.
B12 is found mainly in meat, dairy products (such as cheese and milk), eggs and soya products + in foods which have been supplemented with vitamins, such as cereals. Since i’m now veggy, i’ve got to focus more on the eggs and milk/cheese. Aparently half a pint of milk or 80g of cheese is a good daily guide, with a single egg giving roughly half the daily required amount.
B12 is essential to fight infections and is essential in the formation of red blood cells. So, recently i’ve been getting more colds than normal and feeling sluggish – maybe its the lack of good sleep and stress but worth considering.
So, that should be ok. The Iron is associated with energy and red blood cells (if deficient, the blood cannot carry as much oxygen) and Claire has been anaemic on and off for ages. This is the most common deficiency in the UK and world, according to the Vegan Society website.
Sources of Iron include red meat, chick peas, bran flakes, beans, spinach, museli, dried fruit, eggs etc. Anyway, i’m going to focus on this as well.
Also found out that Vitamin C is needed to absorb Iron, so citrus fruits etc a good idea. Also Tannins, found in TEA (on crap!!) and wine actually inhibit the absorbtion of iron, as the tannins combine with iron to form an innsoluble compound. A 2 hour gap around taking in Iron in foods should be enough.
Anyway, lots of useful info!
out
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