Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is more than the vitamin in citrus fruits needed to prevent scurvy. Adequate levels are essential to a good quality of life. Among its many incredibly important benefits of vitamin C, it is mainly essential for our adrenal function and our body’s ability to adequately handle stress of all kinds.
Adequate intake of vitamin C is crucial to healing Adrenal Fatigue, and it is part of almost every one of my patient’s treatment plans.
Understanding the Vital Role of Vitamin C During Stress
If the adrenal glands do not receive adequate vitamin C during stress, they will not be able to function optimally. Vitamin C supports the production of adrenal (stress) hormones, and without adequate levels, the adrenal glands may not be able to adequately handle stress of all kinds. This inadequacy can lead to a diminished capacity to produce the necessary hormones during stressful periods.
Moreover, the repercussions extend beyond the adrenal glands. Numerous other tissues throughout the body also require increased amounts of vitamin C during stress. This widespread need underscores the importance of maintaining sufficient vitamin C levels to support overall bodily functions during such times.
By understanding the comprehensive role of vitamin C in stress response, individuals can better prepare and manage their health during stressful periods, emphasizing the importance of a well-nourished body to cope effectively with stress.
Why We Are Chronically Deficient in Vitamin C
The sicker we are, the more ascorbic acid we need. Protecting the body, the brain, and all the body’s cells from the ravages of stress is one of the main benefits of vitamin C.
Humans are one of the only mammals that cannot produce vitamin C on their own. For instance, when other mammals are under stress—any stress—they increase production of ascorbic acid, exponentially.
Vitamin C is not a nutrient that we were made to source from food. Instead, our bodies were supposed to manufacture this vital molecule on demand. But somewhere back in time, humans lost the ability to produce vitamin C within our bodies. Because of this, we have been dependent on consuming enough from food ever since. However, given our fast-paced, toxic, stressful world, we are chronically deficient.
The deficiency of vitamin C not only impacts hormone production but also affects how one feels during stress, potentially worsening conditions and prolonging recovery. An adequate supply of vitamin C is thus vital for the body’s ability to respond properly to stress, ensuring quicker recovery and maintaining overall health stability.
What Are Some Food Sources of Vitamin C and Bioflavonoids?
When seeking out food sources rich in vitamin C and bioflavonoids, you’ll want to focus on brightly colored fruits and vegetables. Here are some top choices:
- Green Leafy Vegetables: Think spinach, kale, and Swiss chard.
- Tomatoes: Fresh, sun-dried, or even in sauce form.
- Peppers: Bell peppers of all colors, but especially red and yellow.
- Citrus Fruits: Oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits.
Interestingly, the highest concentrations of vitamin C can be found in various sprouts. Sunflower sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, and clover sprouts are excellent options. Even the sprouts of many seeds and grains pack a significant vitamin C punch.
By incorporating these vibrant and nutritious foods into your diet, you’ll easily boost your intake of essential vitamins and antioxidants.
The Importance of Vitamin C in Adrenal Metabolism
Vitamin C plays a crucial role in adrenal metabolism, making it an indispensable nutrient for maintaining optimal adrenal function. This vitamin is integral throughout the entire process of adrenal hormone production. Its primary function includes acting as an antioxidant within the adrenal cortex, protecting the glands from oxidative stress and ensuring smooth hormone synthesis.
Without sufficient vitamin C, the body struggles to produce and maintain the necessary adrenal hormones needed to manage stress effectively. Essentially, vitamin C supports the adrenal glands’ ability to produce these hormones, preventing disruptions in stress response regulation. Therefore, a diet rich in vitamin C or proper supplementation is vital for sustaining adrenal health and effective stress management.
10 Amazing Benefits of Vitamin C
#1 The primary antioxidant in the body, vitamin C is the true King of Antioxidants.
#2 It protects from stress, maintaining physiologic homeostasis.
#3 Vitamin C acts as a catalyst to hundreds of biochemical reactions, greasing the wheels of our biochemical machinery.
#4 By counteracting and neutralizing reactions to toxins and poisons, it decreases toxicity in the body.
#5 It acts as an antibacterial and antiviral.
#6 Vitamin C is our primary histamine scavenger (allergy control).
#7 It supports production of adrenal (stress) hormones.
#8 Without adequate vitamin C, the collagen in your body breaks down and doesn’t repair (every cell in your body is made of collagen).
#9 Cardiovascular strength and integrity improve with proper daily dosing of vitamin C.
#10 Vitamin C helps mental and neurotransmitter status.
Why Is the Mineral Ascorbic Form of Vitamin C Beneficial
The mineral ascorbate form of vitamin C offers several benefits that make it a superior choice for supplementation. First, it is pH-balanced, which means it is gentler on the stomach compared to other forms of vitamin C. This reduced acidity minimizes the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort, allowing for more comfortable digestion.
Moreover, the mineral ascorbate form ensures a sustained release of nutrients. This steady absorption optimizes the availability of vitamin C in the body, ensuring longer-lasting benefits. By providing a slower, more consistent delivery, it helps maintain stable vitamin levels throughout the day.
How Much C Should Be In Your Daily Dose?
Researchers have only studied rats for optimal levels of vitamin C. From this data, we can extrapolate an average intake of 2000-4000 mg of vitamin C for the average 150 pound person. But this “optimal” dose would assume a life-long intake that is adequate, which is not the case.
Humans can only absorb about 500 mg of vitamin C at any one time, depending on our needs. (We may be able to absorb this amount of vitamin C every 15 minutes.) The unused vitamin C is excreted through the bowel.
There is a limit to what your body will tolerate; at a certain level of intake, the excess vitamin C in the bowel will attract too much water and cause loosened stools. If bowel intolerance happens, just back it down to your last tolerated dosage.
Vitamin C is among the staples in a healing plan for Adrenal Fatigue. When the stress response system is chronically activated, our bodies need the benefits of vitamin C the most! F
Vitamin C is among the staples in a healing plan for Adrenal Fatigue. When the stress response system in chronically activated, our bodies need the benefits of vitamin C the most!
or individuals specifically suffering from adrenal fatigue, the most common vitamin C intake is typically about 2,000 to 4,000 mg (2-4 grams) of ascorbic acid. Typically, the more chronic and severe the illness, the more vitamin C is necessary to help combat the symptoms and aid recovery.
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