Vitamin B6 & Digestive Health

Vitamin B6 is part of a group of water-soluble vitamins called the B vitamins. The other name for it is pyridoxine.

​This nutrient is important when it comes to digestive health and support for a number of fundamental reasons.

Let's look at some of them:

1. Water Retention & Bloating. Vitamin B6 helps with bloating & water retention thanks to its role in keeping the electrolytes sodium and potassium in check.
2. Nausea. You may have also heard this nutrient recommended during pregnancy to help with symptoms of nausea. While the reason for this is not entirely known, its likely partly due to electrolyte balance.
3. Inflammation. Vitamin B6 can protect the body, and the gut, against inflammation.
4. Neurotransmitter Production. The production of key neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin also rely on adequate vitamin b6 levels. Here, we see how important the connection between gut & brain health is; while we primarily think of these neurotransmitters and their role in the brain and nervous system, their production is heavily reliant on gut health. We’ll talk more about why this is important next week when we look into the topic 'Gut-Brain Connection & Emotional Health'.

Vitamin B6 can be found in foods such as turkey breast, grass-fed beef, tuna, pistachios, & avocado. I recommend focusing on these sources rather than relying on a supplement form. If you do think you would benefit from supplementation, speak to your healthcare provider first.

Possible signs of vitamin B6 deficiency include:

• Changes in mood (irritability, anxiety and depression)
• Confusion, brain fog
• Muscle cramps
• Mouth ulcers
• Fatigue
• Anemia
• PMS symptoms

To learn more about vitamin b6 please visit: https://draxe.com/nutrition/vitamin-b6-benefits/
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*As always, please speak to your primary health care provider before starting any new supplement.