Vitamin K

 

Meaning of Vitamin K

A vital component of blood clotting, bone health, and the control of blood calcium levels, vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin. Leafy green vegetables, liver, and fermented foods like cheese and soybean products like natto are just a few of the foods that contain it. Vitamin K comes in two different forms: vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) and vitamin K2 (menaquinone). Green leafy vegetables are the main source of vitamin K1, whereas fermented foods and animal-based meals are the main sources of vitamin K2. Also capable of producing it are intestinal microbes. If they are deficient in vitamin K or are at risk of becoming deficient, some persons may need to take supplements.

Types Of Vitamin K

Vitamin K is available in two different forms: vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) and vitamin K2 (menaquinone).

1. Green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli are the primary sources of vitamin K1, also known as phylloquinone. Other fruits and vegetables, some vegetable oils, and other foods with lesser concentrations of it are additional sources.

2. Menaquinone, commonly known as vitamin K2, can be found in animal-based foods like liver and egg yolks as well as fermented foods like cheese, yoghurt, and natto (a type of fermented soybean product). Additionally, gut microorganisms have the capacity to generate it.

Menaquinones, or subtypes of vitamin K2, can also be classified into other groups; the most well-known menaquinones are MK-4 and MK-7. While MK-7 is present in fermented foods like natto and is widely sold as a nutritional supplement, MK-4 is found in animal-based foods and is also created in very minute levels by the human body.

Deficiency of Vitamin K

When the body does not absorb enough of the vitamin or when there is not enough vitamin K in the food, a vitamin K shortage can develop. This may result in a variety of health issues, such as:

1. Blood clotting disorders: Vitamin K is necessary for blood clotting proteins like prothrombin to function normally. Lack of vitamin K may prevent the blood from clotting correctly, causing excessive bleeding and bruising.

2. Weak Bones: Because vitamin K is required for the correct synthesis of bone proteins, a lack of it can result in weak bones and a higher risk of osteoporosis.

3. Hemorrhage: Blood arteries can bleed without enough vitamin K, resulting in haemorrhage.

4. Anemia: Excessive bleeding brought on by vitamin K deficiency might cause anaemia.

Vitamin K insufficiency risk factors include:

. Malabsorptive illnesses include celiac disease or cystic fibrosis.

. Using drugs, such as anticoagulants or antibiotics, that prevent the absorption of vitamin K.

. Being on a rigorous diet that restricts the consumption of foods high in vitamin K.

. Becoming aged, as a person's body may become less able to absorb vitamin K with age.

Consult your healthcare professional for a diagnosis and course of therapy if you think you may be vitamin K deficient.

Source of Vitamin K

Leafy green vegetables (including kale, spinach, and broccoli), vegetable oils (like soybean oil and canola oil), and some fruits are among the foods that contain vitamin K. (such as kiwi and blueberries). Additionally, it can be present in some fermented foods like natto and cheese (a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans). In addition, the bacteria in the human gut can manufacture vitamin K. If they have a deficiency or are at a high risk of developing one, some persons may additionally take vitamin K supplements.

Treatment of vitamin K deficiency using ayurvedic medicine

Treatment for vitamin K insufficiency usually involves vitamin supplements administered intravenously or as oral tablets. The Indian traditional medical system of Ayurveda also recommends a number of medicines and dietary changes that could assist to raise the body's levels of vitamin K.

The following herbs, according to Ayurveda, may be beneficial for treating vitamin K deficiency:

1. Guggulu: It helps blood coagulate and may be helpful for those who are vitamin K deficient.

2. Guduchi: This plant is well renowned for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and blood-purifying effects.

3. Vidanga: It is well known for helping to cure digestive issues and may also work to improve the body's absorption of vitamin K.

4. Shankpushpi: This herb is well recognised for promoting healthy brain function and may also aid in enhancing the body's absorption of vitamin K.

It is crucial to remember that Ayurvedic medicine should not be utilised in place of Western medicine but rather under the supervision of a trained professional. Additionally, the use of ayurvedic herbs to treat a lack of vitamin K has not yet been validated empirically.

How to treat a vitamin K deficit using homoeopathy

As vitamin K is a substance that is crucial for blood coagulation and shortage can result in major health issues, treating a vitamin K deficiency with homoeopathy is not advised. Instead, it is advised to treat a vitamin K deficit with diet and, if required, prescription supplements. For an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatments, speak with your doctor or another licenced healthcare provider.

How to use yoga to treat a vitamin K deficiency

Yoga cannot be used to treat a vitamin K shortage because this nutrient is necessary for blood clotting and a lack of it can have major negative effects on one's health. However, there are several yoga positions that can promote the body's general health and enhance blood circulation, which can be helpful for treating a vitamin K shortage.

It is advised to include yoga poses like the head-to-knee forward bend (Janu Sirsasana), the sitting spinal twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana), and the seated forward bend (Paschimottanasana) in your routine. These postures enhance the body's general health by stretching and toning the muscles in the legs and spine. This can also increase circulation.

The consumption of foods high in vitamin K, such as leafy greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and other vegetables, as well as consulting a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and course of therapy, are also essential.