Let's Start Fighting The Common Cold

​Hello and welcome!

 I’ve just got into the office after attending my older son, J’s, graduation. He’ll be going to Grade 1 next year!!!

We’re experiencing some really weird weather at the moment with snowfalls expected on the Drakensburg Mountains later today.
It’s mid-November!
So with unusual weather going on and the days racing by towards the Grand Finale of the year there is a need to talk about this amazing vitamin…
 
For as long as I can remember we’ve been told that if you want to prevent or fight a cold then take Vitamin C.
 
It’s probably the most suggested vitamin to use.
And yet there is much more to what Vitamin C can do for our bodies…

​C is for Citrus.
 
Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits.

There are other sources in the fruits and vegetable families;
sweet red peppers, kale, dark leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts.

Strawberries, guavas, papaya and persimmons are also great sources.

And YAY it’s strawberry season at the moment so get some next time you’re at the market or shops.

C is also for Collagen. 

Vitamin C’s primary function is to make collagen.

It is involved in the formation of connective tissues, tendons and cartilage. As a result it helps in the healing of wounds and burns.

It helps to maintain healthy gums. Bleeding and swollen gums could be a sign of scurvy. Not likely you have scurvy in this day and age unless you are seriously depleted in vitamin C.
 
Our blood vessels contain collagen in the walls and the walls expand and contract.

The tiny blood vessels and capillaries can be fragile leading to bruising. Having sufficient collagen in the blood vessels can help to lessen this.

​Vitamin C is an anti-oxidant, it helps to prevent aging of our body’s tissues.

It fights bacterial and viral infections and that is why it is recommended for fighting the common cold.

It is helpful in treating alcoholic liver disease.

Massive amounts of vitamin C have been used in the treatment of drug addiction – heroin, methadone and barbiturates.
 
Studies are starting to find that Vitamin C can help to lower the risk of many forms of cancer – digestive tract cancer, lung, cervical, breast and pancreatic cancers.
Vitamin C has also been found to enhance immune function during the treatment of cancer.

How often should you take Vitamin C?
Vitamin C needs to be eaten/taken regularly throughout the day, 
2 - 3 times.

This is because blood levels peak at about 2 – 3 hours after being taken.
Most of what is consumed is excreted within 3 – 4 hours.

The body’s ability to absorb vitamin C is affected by a number of factors;
Smoking, stress, high fever and petrol fumes.

Vitamin C is a multifunctional nutrient because of its anti-oxidant and immune enhancing abilities...

It can fight against heart disease by strengthening the blood vessel walls, raising our “good” cholesterol (HDL), reducing blood pressure and preventing blood clots by making the platelets less sticky.

When you have a fever or viral infection or are taking antibiotics, cortisone, aspirin or other pain medication then your body uses more Vitamin C.

Exposure to environmental toxins like petrol fumes and heavy metals like cadmium (cigarette smoke) and lead can reduce the absorption of vitamin C.
 
So it is important to eat vitamin C supplements regularly throughout the day.

The list of benefits of eating Vitamin C is long. 
It helps to build collagen which basically keeps us together.
It supports our adrenal glands and how we handle stress and fatigue
And it supports our our immune function and fighting infections.

The Recommended Daily Allowance for Vitamin C is only 60mg. 
Our requirements as humans varies according to a number of factors;
weight, amount of activity we do, metabolism rate, ailments and age.

When we are under stress and anxiety, have an injury or an operation or suffering from fatigue then our need for this vitamin increases.
 
How much do I take?
I take 1500mg twice per day. In the morning and at bed time.
When I’m fighting a cold then I will double up, 3000mg, or treble up, 4500mg, twice per day.
 
If you know of another mom who’s looking to bring harmony & health to her life, please share this email with her.         
She’ll appreciate it and so will I…

​Chat with you soon...
Lee