Bug Bites, Enhanced Energy and Bladder Health

by Carolyn Pierini, CLS (ASCP), CNC

A low level of vitamin B1 (thiamin) is extremely common today. It’s because B1 is easily depleted from factors such as stress, high carbohydrate diets, alcohol, tea, and coffee consumption, and the B1-destroying effect of sulfite preservatives in food and beverages. Low levels of B1 can cause some very annoying symptoms that can be easily remedied through supplementation.

B1 deficiency is particularly relevant to this time of year and causes mild acidosis, which can make people more vulnerable to insect bites, particularly mosquitoes and fleas, since they are attracted to the mild acid being excreted through the skin.

Low B1 levels also can cause frequent urination, due to effects on bladder health, and are commonly linked to unease, mood imbalances and poor learning. B1 deficiency is also critical for nerve function. It is vital for proper carbohydrate metabolism, and individuals with blood sugar imbalances have been shown to have remarkably low levels. Also, a deficiency of vitamin B1 may be common in individuals with blood pressure fluctuations. B1 helps enhance energy, improve healing and boost immune function.

When supplementing with B1, Benfotiamine (technically known as s-benzoylthiamine-o-monophosphate) is a good choice. It’s a synthetic fat-soluble form of thiamine (vitamin B1) that is highly effective at increasing plasma and cellular levels of thiamine diphosphate (TDP). TDP is the metabolically active coenzyme form of B1.