If you are looking for instructions on how to combine the HCG/B12 nasal spray with the HCG patches you can quickly scroll down. However, I think it's important to know why I combined the HCG and B12 into a nasal spray. If what you read below rings true, you might be one of the many that have difficulty absorbing B12 via the gastro-intestinal tract.
Why Combine HCG and B12 Into a Nasal Spray Delivery System?
Interestingly enough, I was not looking for a new delivery system for HCG when I began the discussion with my manufacturer about a nasal spray for B12. I simply wanted to find a smart system that could deliver B12 to the blood stream that could also bypass the GI tract. Why? With varying degrees of severity, it is not uncommon for women to have difficulty with B12 absorption via the gut. This inability, or inefficiency, to absorb B12 can lead to a variety of health conditions - some as benign as lethargy and lack of energy to much more severe conditions like Pernicious Anemia.
Sure, there is another solution. Regular B12 injections are the the route that most go when it is revealed in blood work that they have a B12 deficiency. But injections are invasive, expensive, they need to be scheduled with a medical professional and, worst of all, they hurt. There had to be a better way, I thought.
The Underdiscussed Challenge: Women's Battle with B12 Absorption
Vitamin B12, a crucial nutrient for our body's nerve tissue health, blood cell production, and DNA synthesis, often flies under the radar in discussions about nutrition and wellness. Despite its critical role, a significant segment of the population, particularly women, struggles with absorbing B12 through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This issue, though common, is seldom spotlighted, leaving many unaware of the implications it has on health, energy levels, and overall well-being.
B12 Absorption: A Gendered Issue?
Research indicates that difficulties in B12 absorption can be more prevalent among women for a variety of reasons. Hormonal fluctuations, certain autoimmune diseases more common in women like pernicious anemia, and dietary restrictions are factors that contribute to this disparity. The complexity of B12 absorption, which requires a functional stomach, pancreas, and small intestine, means that any disruption in this chain can lead to deficiencies.
The Consequences of B12 Deficiency
A lack of sufficient B12 can manifest in several ways, the most notable being a marked decrease in energy levels and the development of anemia. B12 is instrumental in converting food into glucose, which the body uses for energy. Without it, individuals often experience fatigue, weakness, and lethargy. Anemia, a condition characterized by a reduced number of red blood cells, further exacerbates this lack of energy, as it limits the body's oxygen distribution capabilities.
Sources of B12
Typically, B12 is abundant in animal-based products such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy. For those following plant-based diets, fortified foods and supplements become essential to meeting their B12 requirements. However, the challenge isn't always about intake but about absorption.
When GI Absorption Fails
For individuals who have trouble absorbing B12 through their GI tract, alternatives to oral supplementation are crucial. This is where injections have traditionally played a role. Administered by a healthcare professional, B12 injections bypass the digestive system, directly introducing the vitamin into the bloodstream. This method is effective but can be inconvenient due to the need for frequent doctor visits and the discomfort associated with injections.
Innovative Alternatives: The Rise of Nasal Spray B12
Recognizing the need for more convenient, yet effective B12 supplementation methods, my manufacturer and I came up with the solution in a nasal spray. A nasal spray delivers B12 directly to the bloodstream through the rich vascular structure of the nasal cavity, offering a practical alternative for those who struggle with injections or have absorption issues.
Combining B12 and HCG into a Nasal Spray Delivery System
If you've read my book, HCG 2.0 - A Modern Adaptation of the Traditional HCG Diet, you are aware that HCG, or any hormone, is not readily absorbed via the GI. The reason being is that hormones are very large molecules and simply put, they just don't fit into the interstitial pores of the stomach or small intestine. As a result, they must be injected subq, like insulin. There are alternatives like transdermal absorption (the HCG Patch) or absorption via the oral cavity, as you do when letting the HCG drops sit under your tongue. But why not add an option that is even more efficient.
Why Nasal Spray B12?
The recent launch of a B12 nasal spray product in the online wellness market has brought a renewed focus on this issue. This product, designed to offer a convenient, needle-free method of B12 supplementation, has received positive reviews for its effectiveness and ease of use. Users appreciate the ability to support their B12 levels without the need for invasive injections or concerns about GI absorption.
The nasal spray's formulation allows for quick absorption, making it an excellent option for busy individuals or those who prefer a more straightforward approach to supplementation. While it is not intended to replace injections in cases of severe deficiency, it serves as an efficient method to supplement those treatments or for general maintenance of B12 levels.
Instructions for Combining the HCG Patch with HCG/B12 Nasal Spray
Keep in mind that hormones work on an accumulating basis. The dose of our HCG Patch is plenty strong, but it is not immediate upon first application. It can take 3-4 days to reach the point where you are being supplied with an adequate amount of the HCG hormone. That's why supplementing the HCG nasal spray can be beneficial in the early stages AND the late stages of the diet.
Why the late stages? Because as you enter the 3rd week of the diet, your body will begin to acclimate to the hormone rendering it less effective. With HCG, more isn't always better, but adequate is enough. When your body no longer perceives the original dose as adequate, then it is time to supplement a bit more. See the instructions below.
On Day One of loading, apply a single HCG Patch and load according with an overconsumption of fatty foods. If you have questions about loading and why it is so important to your early success, click the blog here.
On Day Two of loading, add a half dose of the HCG/B12 nasal spray after your high fat loading breakfast.
On Day Three (your first day on the low calorie diet) add another half dose in the morning.
On Day Four (second day of low calorie diet) add a half dose in the morning. If you're experiencing hunger you can add another half dose. Keep in mind that the B12 is instant energy. I have heard that some have experienced difficulty sleeping if they take it too late in the evening, so keep that in mind.
Continue on this schedule for an additional day or two, possible three. By that time, the HCG Patch should be supplying with a sufficient dose of HCG so there is no more need for the nasal spray. You should also be in comfortable state of ketosis so that you are being supplied with ketone calories from stored fat. These calories work to satiate you so that you do no experience hunger.
As you enter the 3rd to 4th week of the diet, your body will begin to acclimate to the HCG hormone and you many notice more hunger and less losses on the scale. This is the time to re-introduce the HCG nasal spray. Begin with a half dose per day.
If your losses are continuing to diminish, begin to add a full dose per day - half in the morning and half in the afternoon. This should be plenty to boost your losses. There is no need to go beyond this amount of HCG. In fact, it could be counter-productive for future rounds.
Lastly, keep in mind that the closer your get to your ideal weight, the more difficult it will be to shed the last 5-10 pounds. It is a sad reality, but one you must be patient with. Keep your carbs under 30 grams per day. You may also want to incorporate intermittent fasting into your HCG diet protocol. It can be a very effective tool to have in your bag.
The Bottom Line
Vitamin B12 plays a non-negotiable role in our health, yet the challenge of absorption remains a hurdle for many, particularly women. In combination with HCG, it not only supplements the lack of B12 you might experience as a result of the low calories diet, but it also supplies you with needed energy. As we navigate these challenges, the importance of accessible, effective supplementation methods becomes clear. With the advent of products like B12 nasal sprays, the horizon looks promising for those seeking to overcome these obstacles. By understanding the intricacies of B12 absorption and the innovative solutions available, we can better support our health and vitality in an increasingly nuanced wellness landscape.