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Pernicious anemia is hard to catch in its earliest stages; oftentimes, pernicious anemia is misdiagnosed as belonging to a “copycat” illness. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one such disease that hundreds of doctors hastily assign to patients suffering from fatigue, numbness, and muscle pain- all symptoms commonly associated with B12 deficiency from pernicious anemia.

Pernicious anemia, migraines, or…MS?

According to a study conducted by scientists at Oregon Health and Science University, over 95% of doctors have suspected a misdiagnosis in at least one MS patient coming to them for a second opinion.

A further 75% of doctors have noted a multiple sclerosis misdiagnosis in at least three patients the previous year.

As with many other mysterious chronic pain illnesses, such as fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, there are no foolproof methods for diagnosing multiple sclerosis.

 Doctors can issue MRIs in order to detect brain lesions, or they can hope to find evidence of oligoclonal bands (O-bands) in your blood supply, but for the most part, confirming MS is a process of elimination.

And eliminating other health conditions, such as pernicious anemia, that cause symptoms similar to MS isn’t so easy, because the list is long.

Below is a sort list of illnesses that are misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis:

• Pernicious anemia (vitamin B12 deficiency), a type of megaloblastic anemia that, like multiple sclerosis, also causes demyelination (damage to the nerve cells’ myelin sheath)
• Fibromyalgia
• Lyme disease
• Lupus
• Hughes syndrome
• Optic neuritis
• Migraines
• Psychiatric disease

(Also read: 9 Conditions that Mimic Fibromyalgia and Vitamin B12 Deficiency)

PA vs. MS

It’s understandable that doctors would fail to detect vitamin B12 deficiency-pernicious anemia in patients complaining of arm numbness, chronic fatigue, or severe chronic pain.  Blood tests designed to detect low vitamin B12 levels are not always accurate, and there exist no tests that specifically determine multiple sclerosis.

Both multiple sclerosis and pernicious anemia are demyelinating illnesses that cause peripheral neuropathy, or peripheral nerve damage.

With multiple sclerosis, doctors aren’t certain exactly what causes deterioration of myelin, a fatty coating what protects your nerve cells from damage or destruction.

Vitamin B12 deficiency from pernicious anemia is more easily explained, as vitamin B12 is active in sustaining myelin, and a depletion of vitamin B12 likewise causes neurological ailments that exactly mimic the symptoms experienced by multiple sclerosis.

Symptoms of pernicious anemia and MS

Symptoms of multiple sclerosis that mimic pernicious anemia include:

• Painful tingling and numbness in the extremities, including hands, feet, arms, legs, and tongue
• Chronic fatigue
• Muscle pain and twitches, or spasms
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Memory loss
• Confusion, or “brain fog”
• Headaches
• Difficulty controlling arm or leg movements
• Difficulty swallowing
• Gastrointestinal problems

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Like this? Read more:

Pain and Numbness in the Arms- 13 Causes

Pernicious Anemia and Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Which Causes Which?

Sources:

Why hundreds of patients a year are misdiagnosed with MS

The Differential Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis

Diseases That Mimic MS

What causes MS?

Image(s) courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

People who’ve been diagnosed with pernicious anemia have a lot of questions…One is, “Is pernicious anemia a symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency, or is it the other way around?” In order to explain, it helps to understand a few things about how vitamin B12 deficiency and pernicious anemia occur.

What is pernicious anemia?

Pernicious anemia is a lack of red blood cells due to an inability to digest vitamin B12 from the foods you eat.  People get pernicious anemia when they are unable to absorb vitamin B12 through the digestive system, resulting in vitamin B12 deficiency.

Other names for pernicious anemia are vitamin B12 deficiency anemia and megaloblastic anemia, meaning that hemoglobin count decreases due to deformed red blood cells.

What is vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is one of the B complex vitamins. Vitamin B12 is essential for neurological health, in addition to red blood cell production, cognitive functioning, and energy production.

Sources of vitamin B12 include beef, chicken, fish, cheese, and eggs

What causes pernicious anemia?

There are two possible causes of vitamin B12 malabsorption:

• Damage to the stomach lining (gastritis)
• Autoimmune condition that attacks intrinsic factor, a digestive enzyme required in order to absorb vitamin B12

Any time there is damage to the stomach, vitamin B12 deficiency and pernicious anemia are likely to occur. Risk factors for this type of pernicious anemia include gastrointestinal disorders (Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and fibromyalgia), bariatric surgery (gastric bypass), alcoholism, and frequent vomiting from migraines.

Risk factors for developing autoimmune pernicious anemia include immune response disorders such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and celiac disease.

(Also read: Anemia: Frequently Asked Questions, Answered)

Are there any other causes of vitamin B12 deficiency?

Yes- pernicious anemia is just one way to develop vitamin B12 deficiency.  There are other possible causes, including:

• Vitamin B12 malabsorption from medications, such as metformin or protein pump inhibitors (PPIs)
• Vegan diet
• Removal of the ileum (ileostomy)

(Also read: Vitamin Deficiencies and the People who are affected by them)

What are the symptoms of pernicious anemia-vitamin B12 deficiency?

Symptoms range for each individual, depending on the severity and duration of vitamin B12 deficiency and pernicious anemia.

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include:

• Chronic fatigue
• Depression
• Confusion (brain fog)
• Memory loss
• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations
• Dizziness, vertigo
• Muscle spasms
• Muscle pain
• Painful numbness and tingling in the extremities (hands, feet, arms, legs)
• Partial paralysis
• Sore, burning red tongue
• Altered sense of taste
• Difficulty swallowing
• Tinnitus (ear ringing)
• Vision problems
• Poor muscle coordination
• Difficulty grasping objects without dropping them
• Difficulty walking without stumbling
• Difficulty balancing on one foot
• Restless legs syndrome
• Infertility
• Frequent miscarriages
• Poor bladder control

Diagnosis and treatment

To diagnose pernicious anemia, your doctor will run a few blood tests, including vitamin B12 blood count and intrinsic factor antibody. However, symptoms indicating vitamin B12 deficiency the most conclusive in reaching a diagnosis, as many vitamin B12 blood screenings are inaccurate.

For treatment, doctors generally prescribe several rounds of vitamin B12 injections, to be given over a predetermined time period.

Additionally, you may boost vitamin B12 levels quicker by taking extra doses of over-the-counter (OTC) vitamin B12 as a supplement to vitamin B12 shots.

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Pernicious anemia: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

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Raising children is challenging for people from all walks of life; when you suffer from a chronic illness, such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), parenting can be doubly difficult. Here are some tips for maintaining the family home front while battling symptoms of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue.

Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome cause debilitating symptoms such as extreme tiredness, excruciating pain, frequent illness and severe malnutrition problems such as vitamin B12 deficiency and iron deficiency. Many sufferers struggle to balance parenting and work while dealing with constant fibromyalgia flare-ups and crushing fatigue.

Below are expert parenting tips that are helpful for moms and dads suffering from any chronic illness, including fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue.

Talk about it

Many parents with chronic illness try to hide their condition from their children. Either they’re embarrassed to admit weakness, or they mistakenly think their kids are too young to understand or be able to deal with it. Sometimes, it stems from fear of reversing the parent-child role, placing the burden of caretaking onto the child.

Parenting experts recommend being open with your children about fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, and encouraging regular communication. In most cases, your children want to be “in the know,” and to be reminded that things are going to be okay, that you aren’t suffering from any life-threatening illness.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia- Is there a Difference?

Think ahead

If you regularly take your children to school or pick them up at the end of the day, then it’s a good idea to have a backup plan for days when you are physically unable to leave your bed or get into a car. Ask a relative or friend if they could be on-call for fibromyalgia flare-ups, and make sure your children’s teachers are aware of your arrangement. Or, see if there are any after-school daycares that take last minute drop-ins.

Keep things steady

It’s hard to stay consistent when you’re struggling with an illness that doesn’t follow any predictable pattern. Still, an important part of parenting with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue is maintaining a certain level of regularity. Changes are stressful for children, so strive to keep things as normal as possible.

The best way to do that is to incorporate a certain amount of flexibility into your regular routine, whether it be impromptu visits with grandma or grandpa or the occasional extended TV time while mommy recuperates.

Chronic Fatigue and House Work- Motivating Tips for Success

Stay focused

Never lose track of the things that are most important in life while trying to compensate for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. It’s okay if your children don’t have expensive birthday party blow-outs or a mom who roller skates with them after school. Don’t compare yourself to other parents who don’t suffer from fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue.

What matters most to your children, after all is said and done, is that you are there for them, and that you always will be.

Take care of yourself

One of the best (and most obvious) tips for parenting with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue is to be your own best healthcare advocate. Keep up with the latest research in natural pain management, immune system health, and increased energy through nutritional therapies.

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Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

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Parenting With Chronic Pain

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Vitamin B12-filled energy drinks are popular with folks who prefer to take their caffeine fruity and cold, but according to recent FDA reports, there have been 5 deaths directly linked with the popular Monster Energy Drinks, plus one non-fatal heart attack. Here’s the scoop on beverages that claim to boost energy with vitamin B12.

The FDA is currently investigating 5 mortalities that occurred directly after consumption of the famous vitamin B12 energy drinks, which also contain 240 milligrams of caffeine per serving. That’s seven times the amount of caffeine you would get from a bottle of classic Coca Cola.

According to the parents of 14-year-old Anais Fournier, who died of heart failure six days after drinking two cans of the energy drinks in a two-day period, the Monster Energy Company failed to warn people about the significant health risks from drinking their caffeinated beverages.  An autopsy revealed that her death was caused by toxic caffeine levels in her blood supply.

Energy drink health claims

According to the Monster Energy Drink label, the incredible surge of stamina and productivity you get from chugging down one of their drinks comes from all the natural vitamins and botanicals included- vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) for energy, ginseng, and various other B vitamins.

They also vaguely list that the produce contains 2500mg of an “energy blend,” a formula of their own device that includes caffeine…but it’s unclear exactly how much of their get-up-and-go brew is made up of caffeine, and how much is just sugar and other equally unhealthy chemicals.

Energy Drinks and B Vitamins- Just the Facts, Please

The claims are misleading – while it’s true that vitamin B12 boosts energy, sustains mental alertness, and promotes feelings of wellbeing, the artificial rush you get from Monster Energy is really the result of caffeine overdose, and not healthy vitamin B12 supplementation.

Get your energy and vitamin B12

For a natural, healthy dose of energy-producing vitamin B12, forget Monster Energy Drinks. Though they’re packed with vitamin B12 (cobalamin), which is proven to increase stamina, they’re also loaded with dangerous amounts of caffeine.

Instead, get your vitamin B12 more efficiently (and safely) from cobalamin supplements that dispense vitamin B12 directly into your bloodstream, for maximum potency and digestibility.

Popular methods for getting vitamin B12 include B12 shots and sublingual tablets, but other forms of over-the-counter (OTC) vitamin B12 are also available, without the need for doctor’s visits or health insurance.

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Like this? Read more:

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Will Vitamin B12 Boost Energy if I don’t have B12 Deficiency? YES!

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FDA: 5 Death Reports for Monster Energy Drink

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Vitamin B12 deficiency is a condition that affects all parts of our body- our brain, digestive system, metabolism, and more. That’s because vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is such as vital nutrient; it’s responsible for maintaining cognitive health, increasing energy, and sustaining red blood cell production. When vitamin B12 levels run low, we likewise experience the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency- constant fatigue, muscle pain, depression, and memory loss.  Here is a comprehensive list of the various bodily functions that are impaired by vitamin B12 deficiency.

Vitamin B12 deficiency and the nervous system

Vitamin B12 protects our nerve cells from damage by sustaining the myelin sheath, a fatty coating that surrounds each individual nerve cell, boosting intercellular communication and shielding our nervous system network from damage.

Without vitamin B12, your myelin coating gradually disintegrates in a process referred to as demyelination. Only replenishment of vitamin B12 can restore the myelin sheath back to normal and prevent permanent damage to the peripheral nervous system (peripheral neuropathy) or central nervous system.

Symptoms of nervous system damage caused by vitamin B12 deficiency include:

• Ataxia (loss of muscular coordination)
• Depression
• Paralysis
• Paresthesia (Painful numbness and tingling in the extremities)
• Abnormal, slow reflexes
• Muscle spasms
• Poor bladder control
• Tinnitus (ear ringing)

Vitamin B12 deficiency and pernicious anemia

One of the most important functions that vitamin B12 performs in our body is sustaining production of healthy red blood cells. We need a continuous flow of hemoglobin in order to deliver oxygen to the various tissues and organs in our body.

Pernicious anemia is one cause of vitamin B12 deficiency, and it causes our red blood cell count to plummet, causing symptoms of oxygen loss. Untreated, pernicious anemia can be fatal. Only continuous supplementation of vitamin B12 can reverse symptoms of pernicious anemia and restore healthy red blood cells.

Symptoms of oxygen depletion from vitamin B12 deficiency include:

• Chronic fatigue
• Frequent breathlessness
• Bone loss
• Confusion, or “brain fog”
• Dizziness
• Tendency to bruise

Pernicious Anemia and B12 Deficiency- Historically Fatal, Still Formidable

Vitamin B12 deficiency and psychological health

There are many mood disorders that can mask underlying symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency. Likewise, there is a high rate of psychological misdiagnoses that result from undetected vitamin B12 deficiency.

Psychological and cognitive symptoms that may be caused by vitamin B12 deficiency include:

• Depression
• Chronic fatigue
• Memory loss
• Confusion
• Anxiety
• Phobias
• Paranoia
• Anger
• Apathy
• Irritability
• Aggressiveness
• Hallucinations

Vitamin B12 deficiency and gastrointestinal health

There are many strong correlations between vitamin B12 deficiency and gastrointestinal disorders. Sometimes, gastrointestinal illnesses such as Crohn’s disease or fibromyalgia trigger vitamin B12 malabsorption, causing vitamin B12 deficiency. However, there are many cases of vitamin B12 deficiency actually causing problems with digestion and damage to the stomach and esophageal lining.

Symptoms of gastrointestinal damage that occur with vitamin B12 deficiency include:

• Ulcers in the mouth, stomach or esophagus
• Difficulty swallowing
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Unintended weight loss
• Gastritis
• Gastric atrophy

Vitamin B12 deficiency and the immune system

Your immune system may also be compromised with long-term vitamin B12 deficiency, reducing our ability to fight viruses, infections, or other diseases.

Immune system conditions associated with vitamin B12 deficiency include:

• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
• Frequent infections
• Low blood platelets
• Low red blood cell production

9 Conditions that Mimic Fibromyalgia and Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Vitamin B12 deficiency and your eyes

Various eyesight impairments are also associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. They include:

• Blurred vision
• Double vision
• Tunnel vision
• Blind spots
• Nystagmus

Vitamin B12 deficiency and reproduction

There is a high correlation between long-term vitamin B12 deficiency and problems with infertility and pregnancy.

Symptoms of damage to the reproductive organs resulting from vitamin B12 deficiency may include:

• Difficulty conceiving
• Frequent miscarriages
• Low libido

Babies, B12, and Fertility- B12 Deficiency during Pregnancy

Vitamin B12 deficiency and the endocrine systems

Conditions that affect the endocrine system that are frequently associated with vitamin B12 deficiency include:

• Hypothyroidism
• Diabetes
• Autoimmune polyglandular deficiency
• Endocrine organ dysfunction

Vitamin B12 deficiency and the bones

Over time, vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to ailments affecting your bone, tissue, and joint health.

Symptoms of musculoskeletal damage from vitamin B12 deficiency include:

• Osteoporosis
• Frequent fractures
• Muscle pain and cramps
• Muscle twitches and spasms
• Myopathy

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Like this? Read more:

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Sources:

B12 Deficiency – a Multi-system Polyglandular Multi-point syndrome

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Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a rare condition that causes severe chronic pain, usually in the arms or legs, but not restricted to those areas.  Scientists aren’t certain exactly what causes CRPS, but they believe it may result from peripheral nerve disorder. Here are some facts about complex regional pain syndrome, and some tips for alleviating chronic pain.

What is CRPS?

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), or reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS), is a rare form of chronic pain disorder that scientists believe is centered in the peripheral and central nervous systems.

With CRPS I, patients suffer from chronic pain following an injury of health condition that didn’t cause any noticeable damage to the nervous system. This is the most common type of CRPS.

CRPS II is usually triggered by actual nerve damage resulting from injury, heart attack, infection, or stroke. With CRPS I, pain symptoms are disproportional with any perceivable injury and often exacerbated by stress.

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What causes CRPS?

Scientists don’t know exactly what causes complex regional pain syndrome, but there are a few theories. One is that increased sensitivity to pain triggers results from a nervous system disorder and incorrect response to inflammation. Others believe that CRPS may result from an autoimmune disorder.

What are the symptoms of CRPS?

The most common form of CRPS affects the peripheral nervous system, resulting in debilitating pain in the extremities.

Some of the symptoms of CRPS include:

• Pervasive burning or throbbing pain in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
• Hypersensitivity to extreme temperatures
• Painful swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Muscle pain and spasms
• Hot or cold flashes
• Change in skin tone or texture
• Decreased motor control

Chronically Pained? Here’s your Essential Chronic Pain Checklist…

Order your copy of  Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Explained from Amazon today.

CRPS treatment

Below are some popular medications, treatments, and natural therapies that have proven effective for alleviating symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome.

• Pain relievers, including both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription
• Antidepressants and anti-epileptic drugs, for treating peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage)
• Corticosteroids (steroid drugs) to treat inflammation and increase mobility
• Sympathetic nerve blockers
• Physical therapy, for range of motion
• Psychotherapy, for stress reduction
• Spinal cord stimulation

Vitamins for CRPS

For preventing complex regional pain syndrome, doctors recommend taking extra vitamin C following any injuries, including falls, fractures, or sprains.

15 Chronic Pain Causes and 15 Treatments (Vitamin B12 is one)

Also, as vitamin B12 is essential for optimum nervous system integrity, doctors also urge patients of CRPS to take extra doses of vitamin B12, in order to boost intercellular communication within the nervous system and prevent peripheral nerve damage.

Please tell us…

Do you have any questions or suggestions?  Please leave your comments below.

Share with your friends!

If you found this article helpful, then please share with your friends, family, and coworkers by email, Facebook, or Google+.

Like this? Read more:

Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Fibromyalgia Pain Types

9 Conditions that Mimic Fibromyalgia and Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Sources:

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Fact Sheet

Complex regional pain syndrome- MayoClinic.com

Images courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a gastrointestinal disease of the colon that affects about ½ million American citizens.  Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are both classified as inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, and both cause similar symptoms of stomach upset, chronic diarrhea, fatigue and fever. IBD is also one of many causes of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. Here are some basic facts about ulcerative colitis and some tips for natural, effective treatment.

What is ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory illness that occurs in the large intestine (colon) and rectum, and causes debilitating and sometimes hazardous symptoms to the sufferer.

Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that is restricted to your colon, unlike Crohn’s disease, which may occur in any part of your gastrointestinal tract.

Not to be confused with colitis, a type of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) that carries no serious health risks, ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition that can cause potentially life-threatening damage to your colon. For many sufferers of longtime ulcerative colitis, gastrointestinal surgery is required in order to prevent further complications.

Four Reasons to check your Vitamin B12 Levels with Crohn’s Disease

Scientists aren’t certain what causes ulcerative colitis, but many believe it results from an autoimmune disorder.

What are the symptoms of ulcerative colitis?

There are several types of ulcerative colitis, and the symptoms vary according to the specific location of inflammation.

The most common phases of ulcerative colitis, ranging from mildest to most severe, include the following symptoms:

• Rectal bleeding and pain
• Pain on the left side of the stomach, in addition to diarrhea, bloody stools and loss of appetite
• Pain in the lower area of the colon, in addition to diarrhea, bloody stools and difficulty producing bowel movements
• Severe diarrhea and bloody stools, chronic fatigue, intense stomach cramps, and unintended weight loss
• Life-threatening symptoms such as extreme, pervasive diarrhea, fever, and severe dehydration. Possible complications may include rupturing or bloating of the colon.

Gastrointestinal Surgery for Crohn’s (IBD) and B12 Warnings

Treating ulcerative colitis

Below are some prescription treatments and natural supplements that are beneficial for people suffering from ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.

• Anti-inflammatories such as sulfasalazine (sulfa), mesalamine, balsalazide, olsalazine, and corticosteroids are helpful for reducing inflammation in the colon. Many carry side effects, including allergic reactions, headaches, vomiting, diarrhea, and pancreatitis. Corticosteroids, in particular, carry a host of warnings, including weight gain, facial hair, depression, anxiety, hypertension, bone loss, type 2 diabetes and cataracts.
• Since ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune disease, your doctor may recommend an immune system suppressor that also treats inflammation, such as azathioprine or cyclosporine.
• Antibiotics are recommended in the presence of infection of the colon.
• Anti-diarrheal medicines such as Imodium may help to relieve some of the symptoms.
• For stomach cramps, doctors recommend pain relievers containing acetaminophen, and warn their patients to avoid ibuprofen, which can exacerbate stomach problems.
• Iron deficiency often occurs with IBD, so patients are advised to take regular iron supplements, in order to prevent anemia.
• Vitamin B12 supplements are also often recommended, as severe damage to the digestive system results in an inability to absorb vitamin B12 efficiently from foods. In order to avoid vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, patients of IBD are advised to take large doses of non-dietary vitamin B12, usually as a vitamin B12 shot or over-the-counter (OTC) form of vitamin B12.

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Like this? Read more:

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Ulcerative Colitis- MayoClinic.com

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Most people know that the best vegan protein sources consist of a variety of legumes, grains, nuts, and vegetables.  To get the most nutrition out of a plant-based diet, then it’s important to mix it up a bit, choose from a variety of low-fat, high-protein, and high-fiber foods that provide vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. Ounce for ounce, these non-animal foods provide the best vegan protein sources.

Protein is essential for many important bodily reactions, including building and repairing muscle tissue, fighting illness, and growing strong, healthy bones and nails.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to eat meat to get your fill of protein. Protein is everywhere- it’s in vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, seeds, beans, and of course, meat, milk, and fish.

Vegan Vitamin B12

One nutrient you can’t get from a strictly vegan diet, however, is vitamin B12 (cobalamin). For that reason, many vegans are susceptible for severe vitamin B12 deficiency, which can manifest itself slowly over several years. In order to prevent symptoms linked with vitamin B12 deficiency (fatigue, memory loss, muscle pain, and numbness), it’s essential to supplement with large doses of vitamin B12 on a regular basis.

What about Vegan Vitamin B12?

Here are the 5 best vegan sources of protein:

#1- Quinoa

Eaten as a grain, quinoa is really a “pseudo-grain” that is more alike in composition to a seed. Unlike most vegan protein sources, quinoa is a complete protein that delivers all the amino acids you need in one meal. Use quinoa in your favorite tabouli recipe or in place of white rice or couscous.  Alternatively, serve porridge of sweetened quinoa as a naturally gluten-free breakfast cereal, for 10 grams of complete vegan protein per cup.

#2- Avocadoes

Technically a fruit, avocado is usually eaten as a vegetable. One avocado provides 10 grams of vegan protein, in addition to healthy fiber and healthy fatty acids. Other vegetables that provide adequate amounts of protein are broccoli, sweet potatoes, and spinach.

#3- Soybeans

TVP (texturized vegetable protein), tempeh, and tofu are all excellent vegan protein sources that derive from the soybean. One cup of soybeans or tofu provides 22-28 grams of protein, while one cup of tempeh (fermented soybeans mixed with grains) delivers a whopping 30 grams of vegan protein.

6 Must-Eat Foods for Die-Hard Vegans

#4- Sesame seeds

One ounce of sesame seeds provides 6 ½ grams of vegan protein, while 3 tablespoon of tahini (ground sesame butter) contains 8 grams of protein.  Sesame seeds are also powerhouses of essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, magnesium, and thiamin (vitamin B1).

#5- Pistachios

Nuts may be fattening, but most contain healthy oils and provide protein, to boot. One ounce of shelled pistachios provides 5.8 grams of protein. Other healthy nuts are almonds (2 grams of protein per tablespoon), cashews (4.4 grams of protein per ounce), and walnuts, at 5 grams of protein in ¼ cup.

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Pain, numbness in the arms, tingling in the fingertips- these sensations are not only annoying, but can also signify an underlying illness that requires immediate attention. Frequent causes of “pins and needles” or chronic paralysis of the extremities range from vitamin B12 deficiency to diabetic neuropathy. Here is a list of the most common reasons for pain and numbness in the arms.

Arm numbness can occur in one or both arms, and it can last for hours, or just a few seconds. Paralysis often causes painful prickling and tingling, in addition to partial or complete numbness in the left or right arm. Arm numbness and pain are usually temporary, and may result from lack of blood flow to the arms, traumatic injury, or peripheral nerve damage, such as occurs with vitamin B12 deficiency.

If you experience frequent numbness, pain, or tingling in the arms or legs, contact your doctor immediately, so that he can rule out any possible life-threatening conditions.

Here are some illnesses are conditions that are linked with pain and numbness in the arms:

1. Vitamin B12 deficiency- Since vitamin B12 is essential for nerve health, a depletion of vitamin B12 likewise leads to peripheral neuropathy, damage to the nervous system. Without enough vitamin B12 to protect the nerve cells, your nerve cells begin to slow down, reduce in number, and fail to function properly, causing delayed reflexes, pain, weakness, and loss of sensation. Some common symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include painful tingling and numbness in the arms and legs, muscular twitches, chronic pain, fatigue, and memory loss.
2. Diabetic neuropathy– Similar to neuropathy experienced with vitamin B12 deficiency; diabetes can cause severe numbness in the arms and feet.
3. Multiple sclerosis (MS) – Multiple sclerosis is a chronic degenerative nervous system disorder that causes a breakdown in nerve cell functioning, resulting in pain and numbness in the arms and feet and eventual immobility.
4. Autoimmune disorder- Several autoimmune conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, or celiac disease may result in nerve impairment that causes numbness and pain.
5. Migraines- In addition to debilitating headaches, nausea, and fatigue, many migraine sufferers also experience frequent numbness and tingling in the extremities.
6. Stroke- Some of the many warning signs of stroke include temporary partial numbness in the arm, torso, or face, headache, loss of consciousness, confusion, and sudden speech impairment.
7. Transient ischemic attacks- A “mini-stroke” can cause pain, numbness, weakness, and tingling in the arms, legs, or face.
8. Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) – TOS can cause painful numbness in the arm, shoulder, or hand, and may result from an injury or poor posture.
9. Carpal tunnel syndrome- Repetitive hand movements from typing or knitting are a frequent cause of pain, numbness and tingling in the fingers, hand, wrist, or arm.
10. Spinal stenosis- Erosion of the spinal column that occurs with age may cause tingling, pain, and numbness, in many parts of the body, including the arms.
11. Brachial plexus injuries- For pain and numbness in the left arm, your doctor may need to inspect for damage to the brachial plexus, also called Erb’s palsy.
12. Crutch palsy- Also called radial nerve dysfunction, crutch palsy also causes numbness in the left arm.
13. Cubital tunnel syndrome- Also called ulnar nerve entrapment, this is also a cause of pain and numbness in the left arm.

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Like this? Read more:

Foot Numbness- 5 Likely Reasons your Feet feel like Pin Cushions

Painful Tingling in Hands and Feet- What’s Up with That?

Sources:

WebMD Symptom Checker

What Are The Causes Of Pain, Numbness & Tingling In The Left Arm?

Arm Numbness – Symptoms, Causes, Treatments – Better Medicine
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Self-injecting vitamin B12 shots can be scary at times, and for good reason. Vitamin B12 shots are inserted intramuscularly, through the thickest, fleshiest and nerve-riddled parts of the body. If you’re considering self-administering vitamin B12 shots to treat pernicious anemia, then it’s important to speak with your doctor first, and learn some basic methods and precautions.

Vitamin B12 deficiency can leave you feeling fatigued, achy, and weak for weeks, or months, unless treated immediately. Self-injecting with vitamin B12 shots is a good way to take control of your own supplementation and ensure a speedy recovery, but there are drawbacks. Here are some helpful tips and safety measures you should consider before starting your own B12 shot regimen for the first time.

B12 shots- tips and warnings

1- Speak with your doctor about the advantages…and risks involved in self-injecting vitamin B12. Have a professional give you proper instruction on the best way of administering vitamin B12 shots without causing damage to the skin or nerves.

2- Once you have learned how to prepare and administer your own B12 injections, it’s still a good idea to have somebody else present when you give yourself a shot, just in case you have an ill reaction.

3- Once you have inserted the needle, if you notice any bleeding while drawing back the syringe, then withdraw right away, in order to avoid damaging a vein or artery. Start over afresh, with a new needle, dose of vitamin B12, and a different area of the body.

4- Before drawing liquid vitamin B12 with your syringe, check for any air bubbles that may be trapped in the bottle. Do not use if air bubbles are present.

5- Only inject the needle in areas of the body that are approved for vitamin B12 shot supplementation. These include muscular, fleshy tissue on the buttocks, upper arms, hips, and thighs. Inserting a needle in any other part of the body may cause bruising, bleeding, or damage to your nerves, bones, and veins.

Self-Injecting Vitamin B12 Shots- Best Body Parts

6- Choose well-developed muscular areas over weaker, less muscular body parts.

7- Always rotate injection sites to avoid nerve damage, scarring, or vitamin B12 malabsorption.

8- Injecting vitamin B12 hurts, even when administered correctly. To prevent excess pain, control the syringe evenly and slowly; don’t apply too much pressure on the plunger to hurry the process.

9- When self-injecting vitamin B12 shots, target areas of the body that you can reach easily and comfortably.

10- It’s important to take age into account when considering where to inject vitamin B12 shots, as muscle tone can change with age.

11- Never rub the area after you take out the needle; you will cause bruising. Instead, hold gauze firmly and steadily over the area for a few seconds.

12- Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any severe pain, redness, pus, yellowish fluids, or other signs of infection resulting from vitamin B12 shots.

Alternatives to vitamin B12 shots

Injecting vitamin B12 shots is not for the faint of heart; alternatively, you may also use over-the-counter (OTC) forms of non-dietary vitamin B12 supplements that are just as digestible as vitamin B12 shots, and less invasive.

Sublingual vitamin B12 enters the blood stream without the need for needles, and is available without prescription. Methods for accessing sublingual vitamin B12 varies, from topical applications to oral drops.

Please tell us…

Do you have any questions or suggestions?  Please leave your comments below.

Share with your friends!

If you found this article helpful, then please share with your friends, family, and coworkers by email, Facebook, or Google+.

Like this? Read more:

Foot Numbness- 5 Likely Reasons your Feet feel like Pin Cushions

Vitamin B12: the Energy Elixir

15 Chronic Pain Causes and 15 Treatments (Vitamin B12 is one)

Sources:

Self-Administration of Intramuscular Injection- New England Life Care

How to Give an Intramuscular Injection

How to Self-Inject Vitamin B12

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