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I was first introduced to the remarkable health benefits
of Vitamin C in 1984 after contracting a bronchial infection
following surgery. A course of antibiotics was prescribed but I
soon developed a yeast infection. Once I had the yeast infection
under control, the bronchial infection returned. There ensued
a ”yoyo cycle” of infection after infection. As soon as one
infection cleared up, another would begin. The never-ending
cycle continued for almost two years until I was finally referred
to a specialist who, to my amazement, knew something about
natural health.
The specialist recommended taking multivitamins and as
much vitamin C as my body could handle. I was instructed to
start with 500 milligrams of vitamin C on day one and to increase
it by 500 mg every day until my body told me it had had enough.
I quickly found out the amount that my body could handle as
there was an onset of diarrhea. I then started to decrease the
dosage by 500 mg per day. I determined that 3,000 mg was my
body’s maximum tolerance for the vitamin. Further, the doctor
advised me to gradually decrease the dosage of vitamin C by
about 500 mg per day once the bronchitis had gone, so that
my immune system would not be overly stressed. I carefully
followed all of this advice, and to my astonishment and delight,
it worked! Within four months, I was completely infection free.
I continued with the multivitamin, only introducing vitamin C
when I felt that I was getting a virus or a cold.
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is popular for its
healing, cell-protecting and immune-boosting properties. The
human body does not naturally manufacture this vitamin,
therefore it must be obtained through diet or supplements.
There is no need to worry about overdosing because the body
excretes what it does not need. Vitamin C works well when
taken in conjunction with other antioxidants such as vitamin
E and beta-carotene (more effective when combined); it also
enhances the uptake of iron and copper. The recommended
daily allowance (RDA) for vitamin C is 60 mg.
Stress increases the body’s need for vitamin C. Deficiencies
can be the cause of bleeding gums when brushing (scurvy),
increased susceptibility to colds, bronchial and other
infections, decreased energy level, joint pain, poor digestion,
bruising, tooth loss and prolonged wound healing. In order
to avoid undue stress on your immune system, remember
to cut back gradually when taking vitamin C. Intravenous
vitamin C is sometimes given to cancer patients under doctor’s
supervision.
Smoking causes a serious depletion in the body’s vitamin
C pool, therefore smokers generally have lower levels of this
by Darlene DeStefano
vitamin. Diabetes and sulfa drugs may not be as effective if
taken with vitamin C. Also, anticoagulants, analgesics, alcohol,
steroids and oral contraceptives may reduce vitamin C levels
in the body. If any of these apply to you, it is more effective
to maintain your vitamin C level by taking partial doses, with
food, during the day.
Vitamin C may interfere with the absorption of tricyclic
antidepressants and the results of certain diagnostic blood
and urine tests, so you should mention vitamin C supplemental
consumption to your doctor if taking these drugs or undergoing
tests. People with deficiencies in a red blood cell enzyme called
glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase should not take large
doses of vitamin C because it can damage their red blood cells
and cause anemia. This deficiency is most common among
people of African, Mediterranean or Asian descent.
Food sources high in vitamin C are berries, deep green and
yellow vegetables, citrus fruits, and freshly squeezed orange
juice. Because of modern processing methods, frozen juices
can also be a good source of the vitamin. Some of the more
common herbs that contain vitamin C are alfalfa, burdock
root, fenugreek, kelp, peppermint and plantain. Vitamin C
in supplemental form is available in tablet, capsule, powder,
liquid or drink mix. For those with sensitive digestion, consider
buffered vitamin C (Ester- C R ) or calcium ascorbate. In high
dosages, buffered vitamin C may involve fewer side effects,
leading to fewer occurrences of diarrhea.
Thanks to the forward-thinking attitude of a medical
colleague, I was introduced to the benefits of vitamin C and
integrated health care. I don’t think a bronchial or yeast
infection ranks with the cure for scurvy, but for this nurse, it
helped when I needed it and opened up a whole new world
for me.
Darlene DeStefano is a Nurse Consultant, Intuitive
Therapist, Master Reiki Practitioner and Teacher, Certified
Iridologist, Footcare Specialist, Life Coach, Educator, and
Facilitator. Darlene is founder and President of Holistic Health
Services Inc. and can be reached at 519-837-0507.
Sources:
Balch, Phyllis A. Prescription for Nutritional Healing,: 4th Edition.
Penguin Group USA., 2006.
Prevention Magazine Health Books, “Healing with Vitamins”. http://www.
healthvitaminsguide.com/vitamins/vitamin-c.htm http://www.webmd.com/diet/
features/the-benefits-of-vitamin-c?src=rss_nafwa
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