Vitamin C: A Foundation of Health

Sources of Vitamin CAre you getting enough of nature’s most potent and safest antioxidant?  Our genetic ancestors didn’t have to worry about this question because we once had the enzyme to convert glucose into vitamin C.  Most animals and plants can make their own vitamin C but guinea pigs, monkeys and humans cannot.  Scientists have estimated that if we could make our own we would be producing approximately 10-30 grams of C every day depending on how much stress we are under.

Vitamin C is found in citrus, cherries, cantaloupes, strawberries and vegetable sources including red and green peppers, broccoli, brussels sprouts, tomatoes, asparagus, parsley, dark leafy greens and cabbage.  Unfortunately our food supply contains very little vitamin C because of premature food harvesting, artificial ripening and food processing. In this day and age we are bombarded by environmental insults that increase our need for vitamin C. 

Prescription drugs, tobacco smoke, alcohol, industrial solvents, pesticides, petroleum products, carbon monoxide, lead, cadmium etc. all destroy vitamin C.  A combination of these toxins and stress make it clear that we should all supplement with vitamin C to build a biological barrier to protect our bodies.  The following are a few scientifically shown benefits of vitamin C:

  • Improved blood vessel and cardiovascular integrity
  • Enhances healthy hormone actions
  • Promotes immune system health
  • Enhances nitrous oxide functions
  • Rebuilds the powerful antioxidant glutathione
  • Promotes iron balance
  • Reduces the accumulation of toxins
  • Improves intestinal transit time
  • Protects our DNA from damage
  • Reduces toxic minerals in the body
  • Enhances natural anti-cancer functions
  • Rebuilds vitamin E and selenium
  • Maintains the integrity of cartilage, bones and teeth
  • Increases cellular resistance to many common viral infections

So as you can see vitamin C is extremely important!  So how much do you really need?  The best way to learn your need of vitamin C is by doing an ascorbate calibration or “vitamin C flush.” Most of my patients require 2-10 grams per day based on their calibration. This should ideally be done under doctor’s supervision to ensure that the correct type of vitamin C is used as well as other supporting nutrients.  After completing the calibration you will notice an increase in energy and an improved sense of well-being.  By saturating your body with vitamin C you will build a foundation to achieving optimal health.