Nancy Dell: B12 and green tea benefits

1. I take medication for heartburn and metformin for diabetes. I am always tired. Will B12 help?
Jeff, Internet

So many things can make us tired that you need to see your doctor to pinpoint the problem. But do ask him to check your blood level of vitamin B12. Both medications you take can deplete the B12 in your body. Vitamin B12 is needed for healthy nerves and healthy red blood cells. So if your B12 is low, you will feel tired, weak, and irritable. You may have some dementia, numbness and tingling as well as some swelling and irritation in your mouth or on your tongue. Because you need B12 to replicate the DNA in your cells, a deficiency will simply make you age faster.

Vitamin B12 is found in animal foods like meat, fish poultry, eggs and milk products. If you simply do not eat enough of these foods, you can take an oral supplement. However, some people develop a deficiency because they can not absorb B-12 due to stomach issues and medications like metformin, aspirin, or heartburn medication. In these cases you will probably need a B12 injection.

2. I am often hungry shortly after I eat. Can green tea reduce hunger?
Leah, Internet

Reducing hunger is just one more benefit of drinking green tea. A small Swedish study gave people breakfast and included either water or green tea to drink. When the participants had green tea, they reported feeling significantly fuller and had a decrease in the desire to eat their favorite food. So if you are trying to cut portions, have a cup of green tea before meals and see if it makes eat less easier to do.