It was about 12 years ago when I found out that I had a huge thyroid issue. It was super scary and I went through a lot to get it in a place of normal function. That was a past tense sentence; let me say that every once in a while, it still fights with me but for the most part, it i under control. I did lose quite a bit of hair so I decided to cut it all down and start over. I did some research and found that biotin was a vitamin that I could take to help me grow a healthier head o hair. I also found out that there were plenty of other benefits to it.

Biotin plays a huge role in helping the body convert food to energy. You can find it in a wide range of foods like nuts, cauliflower, whole grins, mushrooms, eggs, oysters, and organ meats. Although biotin is found in these foods, not everyone can consume enough of them on a regular basis so taking a supplement is a smart way to take advantage of the benefits……

• Protects your brain. Just like other B complex vitamins. biotin keeps your nervous system in working order by assisting with neurotransmitter activity and helping with nerve signals. Together, B vitamins protect your brain, improve your memory, an help form a defense against cognitive issues. Biotin and other B vitamins can help improve concentration and keep a positive outlook.
• Improves skin. We have to realize that we need to nourish our skin from the inside out. No amount of topical this and that are going to improve things if we are not healthy on the inside. Many people have a vitamin H deficiency and that can lead to significant problems with the skin’s inner health and outer appearance. Dry, itchy skin is a common issue among many, although there are more serious complaints about acne and psoriasis. Biotin can correct these issues by improving skin and helping to give you a youthful glow. I am 47 years old and not many people guess this right. I have been taking biotin for over 10 years and I believe that it has contributed to my skin’s appearance along with diet, drinking lots of water and my skincare routine. Keep in mind that although there are topical skin and hair products that include biotin, you can’t absorb this vitamin through the skin or hair cells. To receive all of the benefit, you have to ingest it.

• Strengthens nails. Studies have shown that people that take biotin supplements can have thicker nails…up to 25% and reduced nail splitting and breakage. I can attest to this. Although I like to keep my nails short because of my lifestyle, I know that they have to be cut down at every nail appointment I have and they rarely break in between visits and I keep my hands in water.
• Rebuilds tissues. Neither muscle nor tissues last forever and our bodies rely on B vitamins to help rebuild after tissues break down and muscles sustain damage. Biotin has a key role in alleviating muscle and joint inflammation, aches, and pains.
• Stabilizes blood sugar. For diabetics or people that struggle with maintaining a healthy blood sugar, biotin can be quite helpful. Studies have shown that biotin has the power to lower blood glucose levels in people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes by stimulating the secretion of insulin. Some diabetics also suffer from nerve damage from enzyme build up. Biotin can get enzyme activity back on track and help some diabetics prevent additional nerve damage.
• Boost energy and mood. One of biotin’s primary functions is the ability to metabolize carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. This vitamin functions as a coenzyme and aids in synthesizing fatty acids and certain amino acids. When we lack B complex vitamins, our bodies can’t use the energy that our body consumes. A lack of biotin can cause us to feel a serious slump in our energy levels and it can also lead to feelings of fatigue, mood swings and even digestive issues…say what?!

• Lower Cholesterol. High levels of low-density lipoprotein, or bad cholesterol, can lead to heart disease. That, you know, can lead to heart attack or stroke. Biotin may be able to help get your LDL levels within a reasonable range. It is also important in reducing inflammation and plaque build up in the arteries so it can help lower the risks of heart attacks and strokes.
• Aids in weight loss. Biotin boosts metabolism so it can aid in weight loss. With a healthy diet and exercise, biotin can help speed up metabolism and accelerate weight loss, especially when paired with chromium.
• Assists in cell growth. Biotin also helps with one of body’s most essential functions…regulating the formation of DNA. This ensures that the genetic formation in each cell works properly and replicates correctly. This is important, especially when your cells are dividing rapidly, such as during pregnancy.

• Thickens hair. One of its biggest benefits is that it helps stimulate hair growth, causing hair to thicken and look healthier. While there are many people with healthy digestive systems that can absorb biotin by simply eating a healthy diet, there are others that have digestive disorders that struggle to absorb vitamins like those with malabsorption problems, celiac disease, and Crohn’s that need elevated nutrient levels in order to receive the vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy. Biotin supplements can help people who struggle with nutrient deficiencies to improve their unhealthy hair loss and dry, brittle hair.

From energy levels, weight loss, beautiful skin and hair to regulating blood sugars, biotin is a major contributor to a healthier lifestyle. If you can’t get all of the foods in your diet to get the proper amount, taking a biotin supplement can help you take full advantage of all of the benefits that this B complex vitamin has to offer.