VITAMIN C

I remember Dr. Linus Pauling appeared on the Johnny Carson show forty years ago endorsing the value of vitamin C. He was a scientist who had researched vitamin C and was really trying to get the word out to people concerning its health benefits. Other doctors have come to realize its value as well. Dr. Nicholas Perricone, endorses this famous vitamin. He is a board certified dermatologist, award-winning inventor, research scientist as well as an internationally known anti-aging expert. In the latest issue of Life Extension magazine he points out how vitamin C helps our bodies deal with stress and high cortisol levels. A lot of folks have gotten the message on this amazing vitamin. Let’s look at some of the latest good news on vitamin C.

Vitamin C is a water-soluble substance also known as ascorbic acid. It must be found in our diet. This quote from the Journal of the American College of Nutrition; “Evidence overwhelmingly points to the value of vitamin C in maintaining health, and preventing cancer, cardiovascular disease, and cataracts.” Vitamin C helps prevent hemorrhaging, helps form red blood cells and nourishes the teeth and bones. Iron is absorbed better in the intestinal tract with adequate amounts of vitamin C present. Vitamin C is found naturally in most fruits and vegetables. Of course, it depends on how fresh the food has gotten to market. Supplementing to get adequate amounts may be necessary.

It is recommended we supplement with 3000 mg of vitamin C daily in divided doses. More or less may be taken according to individual needs. A deficiency in vitamin C may show up in the body as slow healing, anemia, nose bleeds, bruising easily, lower immunity to illness, slower digestion, scurvy, bleeding or swollen gums, or weakened tooth enamel. This is just to name a few possible symptoms. Smokers, alcoholics and diabetics may need to take more vitamin C as these conditions may warrant more.

How to Live Longer and Feel Better is a book written by Dr. Linus Pauling many years ago. He writes about how vitamin C can strengthen your immune system and help your body fight everything from the common cold to the infection of rheumatoid arthritis. Dr. Pauling states that vitamin C increases immune function by stimulating the action of white blood cells (leukocytes) which fight infection. According to Dr. Pauling vitamin C protects us from viruses and toxic chemicals as well. An example would be the nitrates and nitrites used in the curing of pork products. These chemicals may be carcinogenic. Vitamin C neutralizes these toxic chemicals.

Nicholas Perricone M.D. reports in his article in Life Extension magazine; “vitamin C has been shown to help modulate high levels of cortisol brought about by stress. “ Since the adrenal glands secrete cortical and themselves store large quantities of vitamin C, this really makes sense. The little adrenal glands which set on top of our kidneys need vitamin C to make adrenalin used in “fight or flight” response. It seems our bodies use up the ascorbic acid very quickly when we are under stress.

Marathon runners need more vitamin C according to a study done in 2001. ( I can really relate to this since I ran Dallas White Rock Marathon in 1997 and finished. ) This study was done examining supplemental vitamin C and its effects on high cortisol levels brought about by the physical stress in marathon running. Marathon runners were given 1500 mg of vitamin C in divided doses of 500mg each. It was a randomized, placebo-controlled study. The vitamin C was given for seven days before the marathon, the day of the race and two days following the race. Significantly lower post-race levels of cortisol were found in the group of runners taking the vitamin C. The journal Psychopharmacology published another study concerning psychologically induced stress. High cortisol levels may be the result of such stress. 3000mgs. of vitamin C were given to one hundred twenty volunteers. This study was double blind placebo controlled. The Trier Social Stress Test subjected these volunteers to fifteen minutes of psychological stress. Lower cortisol levels were found in the vitamin C group, as well as lower blood pressure.

Did you know vitamin C is necessary for the formation of collagen? Collagen is a protein needed to form the connective tissue of our skin, bones and ligaments. Burns and wounds heal faster with vitamin C. Vitamin C does this by stimulating the way connective tissue is formed in scars. Corneal burns have been shown to heal faster in studies by supplementing vitamin C. And you just thought it was good for colds!

Vitamin C may be an important nutrient for our bodies. That seems obvious to me. I wouldn’t be without it. This information is not meant to diagnose, prescribe or treat in any way. Always check first with your health care provider. Until next time I am wishing for you the best in good health. You may reach me at littleherbshoppe@hotmail.com