BY DR. ANDREA PURCELL
Yes, as a doctor who helps women get healthy, I have a favorite nutrient.
If I had to choose only one nutrient, there would be no contest I would choose Vitamin C.
Long before I became a naturopathic doctor, Vitamin C was a staple in my supplement box. Back then I used it for boosting my immune system and fighting off all kinds of infections from sore throats to bladder problems.
Now with my medical training and deeper understanding of body function I have learned that Vitamin C works not only for colds but for healing wounds and skin repair, repairing joints, reducing inflammation, heart health, fighting cancer, and supporting adrenal gland function.
As humans we are the only mammal that does not produce Vitamin C. That means we need to get it from our diet. The recommended daily allowance for Vitamin C is 65mg. That is the bare minimum each one of us needs to prevent a Vitamin C deficiency called Scurvy. If we are going to use Vitamin C for body repair we need much higher amounts, anywhere from 1,000-10,000mg per day.
Life is stressful and our Vitamin C demands increase significantly under stress. Under stress our white blood cells and our adrenals require more Vitamin C to function properly.
Vitamin C naturally occurs in citrus fruits and berries. It’s best to eat it fresh because once it is exposed to air the vitamin C levels decline. That’s why I’m not a big fan of Orange juice. One 6oz glass of OJ contains only 100mg of Vitamin C and lot of sugars. Vegetables with higher amounts of Vitamin C include peppers, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
If you want to start taking Vitamin C it’s best to start low at 500mg and then work your way up over time. Taking too much too soon will cause diarrhea. Vitamin C is water soluble so whatever your body doesn’t use will be excreted in your urine.
P.S. FEELING SICK? Try Anthony William’s Vitamin C Shock Therapy to Boost Your Immune System:
1 orange fresh squeezed
Vitamin C capsules 2,000mg (open capsules and pour into juice)
1 tsp raw honey
1/4 cup warm water
Mix all ingredients in a glass and drink!
Wishing You Well,
Dr. Purcell
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