The Best Way To Stop Vitamin K Deficiency

Many vitamin deficiencies are difficult to detect until it’s a bit too late. This is the case for nutrients like vitamin K. Many are not familiar with the benefits of vitamin K and probably have insufficient levels of it. Some of its signs are similar to symptoms of other problems that are often misdiagnosed when the solution is just optimal vitamin intake. Some of these are:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Bleeding gums
• Nose bleeding
• Easy bruising
• Blood in the urine

Vitamin K deficiency can be prevented easily, with some of its major causes revolving around diet and lifestyle choices. To be more specific, your levels of vitamin K drop due to:

1. Eating a diet filled with processed and overcooked foods
2. Conditions that inhibit nutrient absorption
3. A liver condition that prevents the storage of vitamin K
4. Taking medications, such as antibiotics, cholesterol-lowering medications, and aspirin, which disrupt nutrient absorption
5. Eating less of vitamin K-rich foods

In order to increase your levels of vitamin K, you should know its three types. Out of the three, vitamin K3 is not recommended by health experts, as it is synthetic and can be toxic to your health. Instead, you should stick to vitamin K1 and K2.

Vitamin K1 occurs naturally in plants and can be obtained from green leafy vegetables. Chlorophyll, the substance that turns these vegetables green, contains vitamin K1. This simply means that if you want a higher dose of vitamin K1, find the greens with the darkest color. Examples of vegetables you can eat are collard greens, salad greens, broccoli, kale, and spinach. When inside your body, vitamin K1 goes directly to your liver.

Vitamin K2, on the other hand, is produced inside your body by the bacteria that line your gastrointestinal tract. However, it is not always absorbed effectively and is released through your stool. You can replenish your vitamin K2 levels, as well as the bacteria that produce it, by consuming fermented foods, specifically natto and curd cheese. Between these two choices, natto is the more abundant in K2.

Taking a vitamin K supplement is also a good way to replenish lost vitamin K levels. However, it is advisable to consult your doctor to determine the right dosage, especially if you’re taking anticoagulants.

The ideal amount for adults is between 45 to 185 micrograms. For vitamin K to be absorbed effectively, make sure you consume dietary fat along with the supplement. You can find a supplement formula with fat mixed in it or take the supplement before a meal.

Once you alter your lifestyle habits, you need not worry about vitamin K deficiency, as well as other vitamin insufficiencies.

About the Author
Vitamin K deficiency is a familiar topic to Candelaria Borders, because of a close family member who has the problem. In order to help prevent future vitamin K issues for herself and her family, she frequently does research on the topic and other nutritional deficiencies.

---

Keywords: Vitamin k2

By: Candelaria Borders

Free Article Directory: http://www.jumparticles.com

Copy and Paste Link Code:
<a href="http://www.jumparticles.com/1004044">The Best Way To Stop Vitamin K Deficiency</a>

Article ID 1004044
This article has been viewed 1353 times