Excerpt from “Staying Healthy with Nutrition” by Elson M. Haas M. D.
Vitamin L (the love vitamin) is commonly known as the “universal” or the “love” vitamin, as coined by humanologist, Bethany ArgIsle. One of the most important nutrients for optimum health is a daily dose (or more) of Love. The vital human emotion/expression/experience is necessary for the optimal functioning of people and all of their cells, tissues, and organs. It is found in most of nature – in foods, domestic animals, friends, and family – and is used to heal a wide variety of diseases. There are no toxic effects, but deficiency can cause a wide range of ailments.
Sources: As stated, vitamin L is found in a great variety of sources but must be developed and nurtured to be available. Fear, anger, worry, self-concern, and many other human emotions can destroy vitamin L. It is found readily in most mums and dads and is very highly concentrated in grandmothers and grandpas. Sisters and brothers may be a good source of vitamin L, though often this is covered up in early years, develops in the teens, and is more available in adulthood. Massage therapy is a particularly good source of vitamin L.
Vitamin L is also found in cats, dogs, and horses; in flowers and birds; and in trees and plants. In food, it is especially found in home-cooked or other meals where vitamin L is used consciously as an ingredient. It is digested and absorbed easily and used by the body in its pure state, being eliminated almost unchanged; in this, it is unique among the vitamins. It is also made by friendly bacteria and all positive reactions and attitudes in the body.
Functions: This vitamin acts as the “universal” vitalising energy. Vitamin L helps to catalyze all human functions and is particularly important to heart function and the circulation of warmth and joy. Digestion is very dependent on appropriate doses of Vitamin L, as is the function of the nervous system. Adrenalin, the brain endorphins (natural tranquillisers and energisers) and other hormones are enhanced by Vitamin L as well. A wide variety of other bodily and life functions are dependent on vitamin L, and it is extremely important to the healing process.
Deficiency and toxicity: There are rarely any serious problems from excess intake of vitamin L. Side effects, however, may include swooning, a strange feeling in the centre of the chest, goosebumps, and staring blankly into space. Usually though, amounts many times the minimum requirements offer no difficulty and are often helpful.
Abrupt withdrawal from regular vitamin L use could be hazardous, as the love vitamin is somewhat addicting. People have varying sensitivities to decreases in vitamin L, and deficiency symptoms may occur easily. It is wise to replace any reductions with vitamin L from other sources. Increased amounts of vitamin L are more easily tolerated by most people, though huge increases should be taken slowly to prevent the side effects mentioned previously.