Vitamin C and Fall
October 2, 2022With the change in weather, practice members commonly ask what they can do to prepare for the cold and flu season. Aside from getting adjusted regularly, we recommend patients eat a well-balanced diet and take good quality supplements. Vitamin C is a standard go-to supplement to boost the immune system and it has been shown to provide the body with numerous health benefits.
Benefits of Vitamin C
We are not able to produce vitamin C naturally within our system so we must seek outside sources to meet the needs of our bodies. Where can you find vitamin C naturally? Wonderful sources of food that contain this vitamin are oranges, strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers, broccoli, kale and spinach. Since most individuals do not eat all of these sources daily, what is the recommended daily amount via supplementation? For women, the recommended daily intake is 75mg and for men, it is 90mg.
Boosts the Immune System
Since vitamin C is an antioxidant and antioxidants are known to boost the immune system, cells are protected against free radicals and the body’s natural defenses are strengthened. Studies show that consuming vitamin C can increase your blood antioxidant levels by up to 30%. This also helps the body’s natural defenses fight inflammation. Going back to our immune system, vitamin C helps encourage the production of white blood cells known as lymphocytes and phagocytes, which help protect the body against infection. Studies have also shown that taking vitamin C may shorten wound healing time and the length of the common cold.
Helps Lower Blood Pressure
What are some other benefits that come with taking vitamin C? Unfortunately, one-third of Americans have high blood pressure. However, studies have shown that vitamin C can help lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessel constriction. Vitamin C can also help reduce heart disease. Studies have also shown that by taking at least 700mg daily participants had decreased their heart disease levels by 25%. Another study showed that taking 500mg of vitamin C daily lowered both cholesterol and triglycerides levels.
Strengthens Thinking and Memory
Research suggests that oxidative stress and inflammation near the brain, spine, and nerves can increase the risk of dementia. Low levels of vitamin C have been linked to an impaired ability to think and remember. Several studies have shown that people with dementia have lower blood levels of vitamin C. Furthermore, high vitamin C intake from food or supplements has been shown to have a protective effect on thinking and memory as you age.
We encourage our patients to take care of their bodies via chiropractic care and by putting good things into their bodies. Consuming quality supplements when the foods we eat cannot provide us with all the vitamins we need is essential. If you have questions we are here to help!
The Van Ness Chiropractic Difference
At Van Ness Chiropractic, we realize that maintaining optimal health is not one size fits all. Our doctors have the clinical knowledge to offer advice and treatment that is both effective and empowering. Call us today at 847-842-8070 to set up an appointment for a comprehensive examination and get on the road to health today. You can also visit us at vannesschiro.com to find out more.
