With our naturopathic medicine expert, Bita Doagoo, B.Sc. N.D. Ask Bita Doagoo a question about naturopathic medicine Latest Question I was told I need vitamin B12 injections. What are they and how can they help my overall health? Bita Doagoo's Response

B12 injections are intramuscular injections of vitamin B12.

B12 plays a significant role in a number of basic actions in the body, most notably in DNA synthesis. In the absence of B12, DNA is not produced and cells grow without dividing. B12 is also involved in the proper formation of red blood cells, so if there's no B12 present, anemia can occur. Some signs and symptoms of anemia include fatigue, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and pale skin. Long-term anemia symptoms include depression, confusion, and memory loss.

B12 also plays a significant role in our nervous system. The lack of vitamin B12 can cause neurological dysfunction and can include symptoms such as numbing and tingling in the hands and feet.

Inadequate B12 is most commonly the result of inadequate absorption of the vitamin from foods and sources for those with dietary restrictions, as most commonly available B12 sources come from animals.

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Naturopathic Medicine Question Archives

Are there natural remedies for early-stage arthritis or joint inflammation? Can a naturopath treat and cure skin problems like eczema? Can a naturopath treat me if I have a chronic disease like diabetes or high blood pressure? Can natural therapy help a person that has severe diverticulitis? Can naturopathic medicine help me with my acid reflux? It is mild but bothersome. Can you mix conventional medicine with naturopathic medicine to treat conditions? Everyone seems to be talking about probiotics. Should I be incorporating probiotics into my daily routine for improved health and wellness? I have a friend who has cancer and has started chemotherapy and radiation treatment. She did not tell her cancer doctor about the naturopathic medications that she had started at the same time as these cancer treatments. Is there any chance the natural products could affect the other cancer treatments? I have been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). What can I do to help reduce the symptoms? I have been taking prescription medication for osteoporosis for about 7 years. There's been little change in my bone density tests. What are natural ways to improve bone density? I suffer from flatulence. It's embarrassing and I can't control it. Are there natural solutions to this health problem? I've recently heard about castor oil packs. Can you tell me more about them? Many people I know drink green tea and rave about its benefits. Can you explain what is so great about green tea? What is St. John's wort and what is it used to treat? What is the major difference between naturopathy and conventional medicine?

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