Vitamin C is like, REALLY good

Click here for the abridged version.

Winter is the perfect time to talk about Vitamin C---people tend to get sick more often which means the immune system needs support. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and has a multitude of health benefits for various systems within the body--the liver, the immune system, the central nervous system, the adrenal glands, and much more! Despite the well-known health benefits of Vitamin C, most people are not getting enough of the right kinds of Vitamin C. Lack of Vitamin C contributes to nearly every kind of chronic disease and increases susceptibility to colds, flus, and COVIDs. Some people don't care much about what's going on inside their bodies, but they DO care about what's happening on the OUTSIDE of their bodies--Vitamin C also plays a major role in aging skin health which we'll discuss further.

GETTING SICK AND STUFF

When we get sick, whether it's temporary or chronic, it means pathogens (ie viruses and bacteria) and/or toxins (e.g. chemical, heavy metals, radiation) have built up in our bodies to the point that our immune system is unable to handle the load.

Vitamin C is a critical nutrient for the immune system. It boosts our blood's white cell count, helps fight off harmful bacteria, viruses, and mold, supports the liver in its over 2,000 chemical functions, helps protect and stabilize neurotransmitters and blood vessels in the brain (which is especially important during fevers), and assists with cleansing the liver, blood, and lymphatic system.

If you're interested in getting sick less often and speeding up your recovery time when you do get sick, support yourself year-round by getting daily doses of Vitamin C via the right foods and supplements as discussed below.

VITAMIN C MAKES YOU BEAUTIFUL

Vitamin C isn't just good for the stuff on the inside of your body, it's also a critical nutrient for skin health. Vitamin C is anti-inflammatory so it combats inflammation on all levels which can help with decreasing redness and irritation on the skin. It's also a super powerful antioxidant which combats oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is what causes our bodies to age. Toxins from oxidative stress can built up and weaken the derma, the skin's foundation--this weakened derma is what leads to decreased skin elasticity, wrinkles, and thinner skin.

Skin is a very important protective layer for our bodies, so we want to keep it strong and healthy by providing it with the nutrients it needs. One of my favorite recipes for skin health is Medical Medium's Skin Potion! This recipe combines Vitamin C powder with Vimergy's MSM capsules (which support hair, nails, and skin), warm water, and the juice of 1 orange.

BEST SOURCES OF VITAMIN C

The BEST way to get Vitamin C is through fruits and veggies which contain bioavailable forms of Vitamin C, allowing for quick and efficient absorption without requiring any kind of conversion within the body. Some of the best food sources of Vitamin C are rosehips, kiwis, oranges/tangerines, tomatoes, and celery juice. (You can read more about these specific foods and their Vitamin C profiles in Life Changing Foods.) All fruits and vegetables contain some level of Vitamin C, so having a diet that's rich in fresh produce is going to boost your Vitamin C levels.

When you need extra support or don't have access to daily fresh produce, Micro-C is a great supplemental form of Vitamin C. It's gentle on the digestive system and contains rose hips and other complementary bioflavonoids to support overall health.

Getting direct sunlight on your skin, is another great way to enhance the absorption and function of Vitamin C (and every nutrient)! Even 5 minutes can be helpful.

Abridged version: Vitamin C is awesome and can help you look better and live longer.

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