by Dr. Frank O. McGehee, CCN
The nutrient vitamin C was first isolated in 1928 from citrus foods by Dr. Albert Szent Gyorgi, but it was not until 1972, when Dr. Linus Pauling, recipient of two Nobel prizes, explained its great benefits as a treatment for the common cold. It is a powerful anti-oxidant that all of us need. There are multiple ways it helps us live a better life.
It enhances our immune system by stimulating the production of lymphocytes (white blood cells) that fight infection. The thymus gland is a primary gland involved in immunity and requires vitamin C to be effective. Vitamin C can inactivate a variety of viruses and bacteria shown in test tube conditions. One wants to begin therapy immediately when symptoms are present.
It can reduce the symptoms of asthma and allergies. Vitamin C’s role in cancer prevention (as opposed to cancer treatment) has the endorsement of National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society. It prevents the formation of nitrosamines in the intestinal tract which are carcinogens derived from the consumption of bacon, ham and smoked meats. Vitamin C can be consumed before and after eating any of these foods to achieve a natural effect. Someone who has an addiction to smoking can benefit from taking vitamin C. It decreases the level of benzopycene, which is a very potent carcinogen found in cigarette smoke.
Birth control pills have been found to lower the body’s level of vitamin C. It is such an important nutrient that it should be carried with us and taken multiple times during each day. Most people do not take enough vitamin C to be beneficial. I recommend at least four grams daily, two grams in the morning and two grams at night.
It decreases the effect of all types of stress - both physical and mental.
Either blood or saliva testing can identify a quantitative level of cortisol hormone that correlates with the amount of stress present. The level of cortisol increases during stress, while vitamin C stores decrease. This level can be a marker to judge how much vitamin C is needed for a specific stressful event. Therefore, you can actually customize a vitamin C dosage level for that particular time period. This, along with other adrenal gland support supplements, gives added energy to people throughout the day while decreasing stress.
Vitamin C helps construct normal collagen levels (a major connective tissue protein). Without vitamin C, scurvy can develop such as happened in the British Navy 200 years ago. Their gums bled and their teeth would become loose due to disruption of connective tissue. The gum bleeding is what they saw, but in reality a lack of vitamin C affected all collagen tissue. People who have arterial blockage need a high intake of vitamin C, because the arterial wall is composed of collagen tissue.
Last, but not least, vitamin C helps regenerate two of the four major anti-oxidants (vitamin E and selenium), which reduces the amount of these needed orally. It also prevents the oxidation of vitamin A allowing that vitamin to keep on working.
Unlike most other animals, humans are incapable of producing vitamin C in their bodies. It must be obtained in food or through supplementation.
The best form of vitamin C to use is 100 percent l-ascorbate, which is fully reduced and completely buffered. The buffering minerals decrease the level of indigestion and possible diarrhea. Still, some patients complain of stomach discomfort and feelings of nausea. Usually, when probiotics are given before-hand, the complaint subsides. Probiotics are natural bacteria which the small intestine needs to digest and absorb food (lactobacillus and bifida bacteria).
The dosage varies even in the same individual depending upon the health status. With no disease symptoms, he needs less, and with symptoms of any infection, he will need more. The ascorbate powder is taken with juice or water every 30 minutes until there is bowel activation. At that point the person calculates 75 percent of that dose, which is the optimal daily dose. He or she will take this daily dose in two divided doses (morning and night) because vitamin C dissipates in eight to 12 hours. Drinking plenty of water with vitamin C reduces or eliminates the report of gas or fullness while estimating the daily dose.
There are enough reasons in this article for everyone to be taking vitamin C.