Learn How to Spot This “Red Flag” Vitamin Deficiency
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted March 27, 2022
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
You probably already know that vitamins are nutrients your body needs but can’t produce itself.
Ideally, you get them through a well-balanced diet, but there’s also nothing wrong with supplementing now and then.
But what you may not know is, when your body is missing a nutrient, it sends up a little “red flag” to let you know when something is wrong.
In other words, the signs are there, if you’re willing to pay attention.
A new study has a “red flag” for this vitamin deficiency that you should be on the lookout for.
And you can’t afford to miss it.
I’m talking about twitching eyelids.
Most people have an eyelid twitch some time in their lives.
In fact, doctors have a name for twitchy eyelids: myokymia – a repetitive involuntary spasm of the eyelid muscles.
Myokymia can happen if you’re tired, your eyes are irritated, if you took too much alcohol, tobacco, or caffeine. It can also be a side-effect of certain drugs or a sign of disease.
But now scientists, reporting in The Journal of Neurology India, found that a vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause myokymia.
Vitamin B12 plays many important roles in the body, including:
- maintaining an active metabolism,
- producing red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body,
- and strengthening your nervous system.
And those eye twitches are a sign that the nerves running to the muscles around your eye are not getting the nutrients they need.
But that’s not the only sign of low vitamin B12. You may also feel tired, have that “pins and needles” feeling (especially in your fingers and toes), have a sore red tongue, or experience depression, mouth ulcers, and muscle weakness.
If you notice any of these signs, make sure you make an appointment with your doctor to check your levels.
Vitamin B12 is easy to get, but I usually suggest that you get a multi-B vitamin supplement (often called a B-complex vitamin) to make sure you are getting all of your B vitamins. You need a combination of B vitamins because they often work together.
P.S. If you’re a senior, you could be especially at risk for low vitamin B12 levels. And that’s not all—you could be missing this crucial vitamin as well. Click here to find out more.
SOURCE:
Thompson, Harry. “Tell-tale sign around your eyes that could mean you have a B12 deficiency.” 11/22/21. https://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/health/tell-tale-sign-around-your-25514416
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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