The Health Benefits Of Vitamin C
Most people know that a part of staying healthy is ensuring they’re getting enough vitamins.
But do they really know what those vitamins do, or what the consequences of not getting enough of them are?
I’m Dr. Kim Dawdy, ND, a Ottawa naturopathic doctor and I want to help you get some clarity on the importance of vitamins.
Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of vitamin C.
What Is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C plays many important roles in the body and has a wide array of health benefits.
It’s water-soluble, which means it’s difficult to get too much because your body will eliminate excess vitamin C through the urine.
Additionally, vitamin C is an essential vitamin meaning it can’t be produced by the body – you have to get it through foods rich in vitamin C or via supplementation.
Why Is Vitamin C So Important?
Vitamin C is an important part of keeping your body healthy and functioning properly.
From boosting your immune system to helping your body absorb other nutrients, this one critical nutrient plays a number of important roles in the body.
Let’s have a look at a few of them.
1. May Reduce Your Risk Of Heart Disease
According to Statistics Canada heart disease is the second leading cause of death for Canadians.
Vitamin C can impact factors which contribute to heart disease, including reducing LDL or “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides.
In a 2004 meta-analysis which looked at nine different studies, those who took a vitamin C supplement had a 25% lower risk of developing heart disease than those who didn’t take a supplement.
2. Supports Your Immune System
It’s very common, especially in the winter, for people to take vitamin C supplements at an attempt to get ahead of whatever seasonal bug may be lurking around the corner.
How does this use of vitamin C hold up to science you might ask?
It actually has a fair amount of scientific backing.
Vitamin C plays an important part in the development of white blood cells which help your body ward off infection.
As well, it can help these cells perform their roles by providing protection against harmful molecules known as free radicals.
Finally, it helps to strengthen the skin’s barriers and helps wounds heal faster.
3. May Help With High Blood Pressure
Approximately 25% of Canadians aged 50 to 64 and 43% of those over the age of 65 have high blood pressure.
High blood pressure can increase your chance of developing heart disease, but vitamin C may reduce your risk.
A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found vitamin C to be effective in lowering both systolic and diastolic blood pressure short-term.
Because the long-term effects of vitamin C on blood pressure are still unknown it’s important to consult with your naturopathic or medical doctor if you wish to explore the use of vitamin C to control your blood pressure.
4. A Powerful Antioxidant
Antioxidants are molecules which protect your cells from free radicals.
Free radicals in the body can play a role in fighting off pathogens which lead to disease and infection, however, as with anything it is possible to have too many of them.
An excess amount of free radicals in your system can lead to oxidative stress, which occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants can result in damage and disease over time.
Vitamin C consumption can increase the amount of antioxidants in your blood by 30%.
5. Improves Iron Absorption
Iron is important for helping red blood cells transport oxygen throughout the body.
The iron in meat products is generally easier for the body to absorb than plant-based iron sources, which can present a problem for vegans and vegetarians to get enough in their diet.
A 2010 study showed vitamin C made iron from plant-based sources easier for the body to absorb.
Vitamin C may also be useful to people who suffer from anemia, to help them increase their iron levels.
6. May Help You Manage Your Stress
Vitamin C may be useful in helping to reduce stress levels.
In one study, rats fed vitamin C supplements showed reduced levels of stress hormones as well as a reduction in other factors related to stress such as body weight and adrenal gland activity.
What Is Vitamin C Deficiency?
In most developed countries, vitamin C deficiency results when someone is not getting a varied enough diet, and it can be part of overall malnutrition.
Symptoms of vitamin C deficiency include:
- Physical weakness/low energy
- Weight loss
- Irritability
- Muscle aches and pains
- Joint pain
Although uncommon, severe vitamin C deficiency can result in scurvy, signs of which include bleeding sores, slower healing, gum disease, and loss of teeth.
Individuals at higher risk for developing scurvy include those with conditions which limit the body’s ability to absorb nutrients, such as Crohn’s disease, as well as people who are anorexic and not getting enough nutrients in their diet.
Excessive alcohol and drug use can also put people at risk.
Dietary Sources Of Vitamin C
There are a wide variety of dietary sources of vitamin C.
Some of these include:
- Citrus fruits
- Tomatoes
- Kiwi
- Red and green peppers
- Broccoli
- Red cabbage
- Cantaloupe
Book An Appointment With Dawdy Naturopathic
Are you worried about not getting enough vitamin C, or perhaps you have other nutritional concerns you would like to discuss?
I’m Dr. Kimberly Dawdy, ND, an Ottawa-based naturopathic doctor, and I can help you learn to heal your body through proper nutrition, and supplementation if needed.
I will take into account your body’s specific needs in order to help develop a nutrition plan tailored to your needs and goals.
Contact me today to set up an appointment.
Yours in Health,
Dr. Kimberly Dawdy, ND
Dawdy Naturopathic Clinic
6899 Sunset Blvd,
Greely, ON K4P 1C5
-https://g.page/dawdynaturopathicclinic
Dawdy Naturopathic Clinic offers a variety of naturopathic health solutions for individuals and families in Ottawa and the surrounding area.
