There is a reason your parents made you finish all of the fruits and vegetables on your plate as a child. They knew the importance of vitamin C!
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that impacts nearly every major system in your body from digestive to neurological to structural health. Despite its importance, vitamin C is actually not produced inside the body.
Instead, vitamin C must be obtained through diet, supplements, or IV therapy. Over time, patients who do not obtain vitamin C regularly can develop nutrient deficiencies, which can lead to more serious health issues. However, there are also a few less critical occasions when a boost of vitamin C may be all you need to overcome a minor health issue.
Here are a few times when your body may need a little extra vitamin C:
When you catch a cold It is no secret that vitamin C is a crucial component of a properly functioning immune system. “Studies show that vitamin C accumulates inside various types of immune cells to help them combat infection and destroy disease-causing pathogens” (Julson, 2018). For maximum effectiveness, vitamin C should be administered at the earliest onset of cold or flu symptoms.
When you have dry skin Vitamin C has been known to promote collagen production, which is a key component in maintaining healthy, vibrant-looking skin. In addition, “the epidermis, or outer layer of skin,…contains large amounts of vitamin C,” helping the skin to lock in hydration and protect the body from harsh environmental exposure (Julson, 2018).
When you bruise easily A lack of vitamin C causes the blood vessels to weaken, making these vessels more susceptible to bursting under pressure. Easy bruising is often one of the main indicators of a vitamin C deficiency (Julson, 2018).
When your wounds are healing slowly The connection between vitamin C and collagen is also apparent with the rate in which open wounds heal (Julson, 2018). Without a proper amount of essential nutrients, skin cells will likely not reproduce at a normal rate. This may cause the recovery time on incisions or other wounds to lengthen.
When your joints are sore and/or swollen “Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that fights molecules that trigger inflammation” (Eustice, 2019). Patients who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis or other types of joint pain have been shown to experience relief from proper vitamin C intake.
When your gums are bleeding Inflammation caused by vitamin deficiencies can also cause issues with your dental health. “Without adequate vitamin C, gum tissue becomes weakened and inflamed and blood vessels bleed more easily” (Julson, 2018). This can cause painful swollen and bleeding in the gums, which can lead to more serious dental issues if left untreated.
When you are fatigued Fatigue is one of the biggest indicators of a vitamin deficiency. Increasing vitamin C intake can be an easy way to give yourself a quick boost of energy. If increasing vitamin C intake does not produce noticeable results, you may need to further investigate the cause of your fatigue with your local healthcare provider to decide on a treatment plan that is right for you.
When you are hungover The effects of alcohol on the body stretch far beyond the dreaded hangover; however, vitamin C can help provide quick relief for the symptoms associated with excessive alcohol consumption. “Alcohol may deplete your body of vitamin C, which is important for reducing alcohol-induced oxidative stress in your liver” (Mercola, 2013). The administration of vitamin C following the consumption of alcohol can help the body speed up its recovery process by replenishing essential nutrients.
When you are stressed Stress, both physical and emotional, can take a serious toll on your body. Whether your body is encountering persistent stress from pre-existing health conditions, physical exertion, or mental/emotional strain, a boost of vitamin C may significantly improve your condition(s) if administered regularly over time.
One of the quickest, most effective ways to see the benefits of vitamin C is through IV therapy. Learn more about Vitamin C Infusion here.
Sources:
Eustice, C. (2019, Feb. 20). The effects of vitamin C on arthritis. Very Well Health. Retrieved from https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-effects-of-vitamin-c-on-arthritis-190257
Julson, E. (2018, May 25). 15 signs and symptoms of vitamin C deficiency. HealthLine. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-c-deficiency-symptoms
Mercola, D. (2013, Dec. 31). Hangover hacks you can hang your hat on. Mercola. Retrieved from https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/12/31/hangover.aspx
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