See If You Need Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that has many uses and functions within the body. Vitamin C is used to form an important protein that makes up skin, tendon, ligaments, and blood vessels. It helps heal wounds and form scar tissue as well as repair cartilage, bones and teeth. When consumed together, it can increase the body’s absorption of iron. Studies have shown that although regular use of vitamin C does not lower the risk of catching the common cold, it has been effective in decreasing the amount of days that individuals are sick.
The body does not make vitamin C on its own which means we must eat foods that are rich in vitamin C. All fruits and vegetables contain some amount of vitamin C, but watch out; cooking your foods can reduce the amount available. Microwaving or steaming foods are a better option while consuming the food raw is best. Some good food sources of vitamin C include: all citrus fruit, mango, strawberries, watermelon, broccoli, spinach and other leafy greens, tomatoes and winter squash.
Signs (Symptoms) that you may be deficient in Vitamin C:
- Easy bruising
- Swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Slow wound healing
- Gingivitis(inflammation of the gums)
- Dry and splitting hair
- Dry red spots on the skin
- Rough, dry, scaly skin
- Nosebleeds
- Weakened immune system
- Digestive disorders like leaky gut and autoimmunedisease
- Possible weight gain because of slowed metabolism
- Swollen and painful joints
Not getting enough Vitamin C in your regular diet? There could be legitimate reasons. Consider a supplement. Vitopia Health recommends only the highest quality Vitamin C products in our online store.
Please check out our in-depth articles on preventing and healing chronic diseases utilizing a Functional Medicine approach. We also encourage you to subscribe to our distribution list so you can receive the most current scientific information on preventing and treating chronic disease.
Wishing you good health!
Mike Woodley, R.Ph, FAARM, FMNM