The cold winter season will definitely take a toll on our bodies’ immune systems with cold and flu viruses. The cold may also trigger other illnesses during this period. Therefore, it is important that you find ways to strengthen your immune system so that you can fight off infections. One of the ways you can do this is by taking a glass of Vitamin C regularly.
What is Vitamin C?
Our bodies synthesise some vitamins such as D but not C. This water-soluble vitamin is found in large quantities in green, yellow and orange coloured vegetables and fruits such as citrus fruits. It can also be taken as a supplement. Physicians recommend a dosage of 90 mg daily for men and 75 mg for the women. This vitamin is often touted as the magical cure for a cold. However, while it is marginally effective in common cold, it has other benefits that may help you beat the cold season. Here are some of the benefits.
Regular supplementation of Vitamin C helps reduce the duration as well as the severity of colds and flu. In the cold weather, these two types of viruses attack many families ruthlessly. While it cannot prevent infection, it is good at controlling it.
It helps in the release of the anti-stress hormone. This helps you manage the stress that comes with taking care of the whole family and other responsibilities that will come with people living together for extended periods.
Vitamin C helps strengthen the immune system. A strong immune system is vital for your general health during the adverse weather season. Your body will fight off opportunistic diseases, lowering the number of sick days.
This vitamin is also an anti-oxidant. It protects your body from damage that results from free radicals that come from dust, smoke, chemicals and cigarette molecules and which may cause inflammation to your body. This may result in various conditions including cancer, cardiovascular problems and arthritis.
Vitamin C is also vital in the development, healing and repair of body tissues. It works in various functions, including iron absorption, collagen formation, speedy healing of wounds, as well as maintaining teeth, cartilage and bones. This is why the Sunbury Chiropractor advises regular intake of the vitamin.
How to Take Vitamin C
Our bodies do not store any Vitamin C. Extra amounts are execrated in the urine. Therefore, it is less likely that you would get an overdose poisoning. However, if you take more than 2,000 mg of the vitamin a day, you are likely to experience diarrhoea and stomach upset. Where possible, take healthy Vitamin C sources such as fruits and vegetables because they have other benefits and are less likely to lead to an overdose.
Given that the vitamin is water soluble, avoid cooking any food with lots of water as you may lose the vitamin. Where possible, clean and eat your vegetables and fruits raw as cooking may damage it together with other nutrients. Some of the best sources of vitamin C include strawberry, green peppers, blueberries, red peppers, pineapples, mango, watermelon, raspberries and sweet potatoes.
