Meet one of your nutrient 'heroes' - Vitamin C
I’m troubled by the information blackout in the mainstream media regarding the various ways we as individuals can tackle this COVID 19 pandemic by simply boosting our body’s own immunity.
There are currently some mainstream narratives claiming that Vitamin C is ‘dangerous” when it comes to boosting one’s immunity which really makes me wonder whether those claims are based on any real science!?
If you think about it, anything can be “dangerous”, really. You might have come across the old adage: “The dose makes the poison.”
I’m puzzled by the fact that as to why mainstream medicine seems to fail to acknowledge the beneficial effect of nutrients, such as Vitamin C, on our overall health. I believe that, in times like these, our primary focus should be on a collaboration - rather than separation – of modern medical science and more traditional natural holistic medicine.
There have been numerous studies pertaining to the beneficial effect of Vitamin C on human health. You can do your own search on PubMed – the US National Library of Medicine and see for yourself.
Many highly esteemed doctors and scientists - such as Dr. Fred Klenner, Linus Pauling, Dr. Joanna Budwig - have used Vitamin C extensively themselves, as well as with their patients, with remarkable results. Of course, I’m not saying that Vitamin C is a universal panacea for all viruses, but I dare say that it is an essential ‘weapon’ in your health arsenal!
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin also known as ascorbic acid, which was discovered in 1930s.
Unlike other mammals and animals, humans cannot synthesize vitamin C, so we solely rely on our vitamin C intake from external sources, hence the importance of a wholesome and varied diet.
Two of the major functions of Vitamin C are as an antioxidant and coenzyme factor.
Antioxidants are molecules that keep chemical reactions in our body in check. Inflammation is one of the many causes that impairs our immune function - and antioxidants help our immune system to ‘recalibrate’ by boosting our immune cell response. Antioxidants stimulate our body to produce more of the invader-fighting cells that protect our health by literally swallowing up the harmful substances.
Vitamin C is also vitally important for collagen production, a protein that plays a critical role in the structure of our body. It provides framework for our skin and bones.
Food sources with a substantial amount of vitamin C:
Bell peppers, broccoli, parsley, kiwi fruit, rosehips, blackcurrants, Brussel sprouts, papaya & strawberries.
I wish I could say that we get enough vitamin C from our diet but sadly it is unlikely. Many fruits and vegetables are picked unripe (as they often have to travel across the globe to get to us), which diminishes their vitamin / nutrient content. Our soils have become depleted, which means that the ‘nourishment’ of the plants is affected, and subsequently their nutritional value. And to add insult to the injury, our unbalanced lifestyle - due to excess stress, poor diet, social isolation, lack of sleep and movement - calls for higher doses of vitamins and minerals to maintain homeostasis (i.e. the ability to maintain a relatively stable internal state despite the changes in the outside world.) So, supplementation becomes necessary, especially during trying times such as the one we are currently facing.
There are many Vitamin C supplements out there with different price tags, so our ‘health budget’ will determine which one we can afford. Always opt for one that is ‘clean’ – i.e. no excipients, flow agents or artificial colourings or flavours.
As with all nutrients, requirements vary according to age (needs increase with age), metabolism, state of our health, activity and energy levels. Needs are increased with stress (emotional and environmental), illness and injury. Smoking and certain medications (such as the birth control pills, aspirin and cortisone) decrease vitamin C levels.
Stay safe,
Jana :)
