Vitamin C is an essential vitamin, one your body can’t produce. It has many roles and has been linked to impressive health benefits. It’s water-soluble and can be found in many fruits and vegetables, including oranges, strawberries, kiwi fruit, bell peppers, broccoli, kale, and spinach. The recommended daily intake for vitamin C is 75 mg for women and 90 mg for men.
Vitamin C is one of the vitamins recommended to ward off Coronavirus by Dr. Fauci, a medical professional working with the United States Government. Vitamin C, along with Vitamin D are strongly recommend to be of help.
While it’s commonly advised to get your vitamin C intake from foods, many people during the pandemic have turned to supplements to be sure they are meeting their daily requirements.
Below are are 7 scientifically proven benefits of taking a vitamin C supplement.
Boosts immunity
One of the main reasons people take vitamin C supplements is to boost their immunity, as vitamin C is involved in many parts of the immune system.
First, vitamin C helps encourage the production of white blood cells known as lymphocytes and phagocytes, which help protect the body against infection.
Second, vitamin C helps these white blood cells function more effectively while protecting them from damage by potentially harmful molecules, such as free radicals.
Third, vitamin C is an essential part of the skin’s defense system. It’s actively transported to the skin, where it can act as an antioxidant and help strengthen the skin’s barriers.
Studies have also shown that taking vitamin C may shorten wound healing.
What’s more, low vitamin C levels have been linked to poor health outcomes.
For example, people who have pneumonia tend to have lower vitamin C levels, and vitamin C supplements have been shown to shorten the recovery time.
Vitamin C may boost immunity by helping white blood cells function more effectively, strengthening your skin’s defense system, and helping wounds heal faster.
1.Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can strengthen your body’s natural defenses
2.Antioxidants are molecules that boost the immune system. They do so by protecting cells from harmful molecules called free radicals.
3.When free radicals accumulate, they can promote a state known as oxidative stress, which has been linked to many chronic diseases.
4.Studies show that consuming more vitamin C can increase your blood antioxidant levels by up to 30%. This helps the body’s natural defenses fight inflammation.
Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant that can boost your blood antioxidant levels. This may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease. Approximately one-third of American adults have high blood pressure. High blood pressure puts you at risk of heart disease, the leading cause of death globally. Studies have shown that vitamin C may help lower blood pressure in both those with and without high blood pressure.
An animal study found that taking a vitamin C supplement helped relax the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart, which helped reduce blood pressure levels.
Moreover, an analysis of 29 human studies found that taking a vitamin C supplement reduced systolic blood pressure (the upper value) by 3.8 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (the lower value) by 1.5 mmHg, on average, in healthy adults.
In adults with high blood pressure, vitamin C supplements reduced systolic blood pressure by 4.9 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 1.7 mmHg, on average. While these results are promising, it’s not clear whether the effects on blood pressure are long term. Moreover, people with high blood pressure should not rely on vitamin C alone for treatment.
Vitamin C supplements have been found to lower blood pressure in both healthy adults and those with high blood pressure. Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Many factors increase the risk of heart disease, including high blood pressure, high triglyceride or LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, and low levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. Vitamin C may help reduce these risk factors, which may reduce heart disease risk.
For example, an analysis of 9 studies with a combined 293,172 participants found that after 10 years, people who took at least 700 mg of vitamin C daily had a 25% lower risk of heart disease than those who did not take a vitamin C supplement.
Interestingly, another analysis of 15 studies found that consuming vitamin C from foods — not supplements — was linked to a lower risk of heart disease. However, scientists were unsure whether people who consumed vitamin-C-rich foods also followed a healthier lifestyle than people who took a supplement. Thus, it remains unclear whether the differences were due to vitamin C or other aspects of their diet.
Another analysis of 13 studies looked at the effects of taking at least 500 mg of vitamin C daily on risk factors for heart disease, such as blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The analysis found that taking a vitamin C supplement significantly reduced LDL (bad) cholesterol by approximately 7.9 mg/dL and blood triglycerides by 20. It seems that taking or consuming at least 500 mg of vitamin C daily may reduce the risk of heart disease. However, if you already consume a vitamin-C-rich diet, then supplements may not provide additional heart health benefits.
Vitamin C supplements have been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. These supplements may lower heart disease risk factors, including high blood levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides
People with gout experience swelling and sudden, severe attacks of pain (. Gout symptoms appear when there is too much uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is a waste product produced by the body. At high levels, it may crystallize and deposit in the joints. Interestingly, several studies have shown that vitamin C may help reduce uric acid in the blood and, as a result, protect against gout attacks.
Vitamin-C-rich foods and supplements have been linked to reduced blood uric acid levels and lower risk of gout. It’s essential for making red blood cells and transporting oxygen throughout the body.
Vitamin C supplements can help improve the absorption of iron from the diet. Vitamin C assists in converting iron that is poorly absorbed, such as plant-based sources of iron, into a form that is easier to absorb C may help reduce the risk of anemia among people prone to iron deficiency.
In one study, 65 children with mild iron deficiency anemia were given a vitamin C supplement. Researchers found that the supplement alone helped control their anemia. If you have low iron levels, consuming more vitamin-C-rich foods or taking a vitamin C supplement may help improve your blood iron levels. Vitamin C can improve the absorption of iron that is poorly absorbed, such as iron from meat-free sources. It may also reduce the risk of iron deficiency.
Dementia is a broad term used to describe symptoms of poor thinking and memory. It affects over 35 million people worldwide and typically occurs among older adults. Studies suggest that oxidative stress and inflammation near the brain, spine, and nerves (altogether known as the central nervous system) can increase the risk of dementia.
Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant. Low levels of this vitamin have been linked to an impaired ability to think and remember. moreover, several studies have shown that people with dementia may have lower blood levels of vitamin C. Furthermore, high vitamin C intake from food or supplements has been shown to have a protective effect on thinking and memory as you age.
Vitamin C supplements may aid against conditions like dementia if you don’t get enough vitamin C from your diet. However, additional human studies are said to be needed to understand the effects of vitamin C supplements on nervous system health.
Low vitamin C levels have been linked to an increased risk of memory and thinking disorders like dementia, while a high intake of vitamin C from foods and supplements has been shown to have a protective effect.
Unproven claims about vitamin C - While vitamin C has many scientifically proven benefits, it also has many unfounded claims supported by either weak evidence or no evidence at all.
Here are some unproven claims about vitamin C:
Prevents the common cold. While vitamin C appears to reduce the severity of colds and recovery time by 8% in adults and 14% in children, it does not prevent them.
Reduces cancer risk.A handful of studies have linked vitamin C intake to a lower risk of several cancers. However, most studies have found that vitamin C does not affect the risk of developing cancer.
Protects against eye disease. Vitamin C has been linked to reduced risks of eye diseases like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. However, vitamin C supplements have no effect or may even cause harm.
May treat lead toxicity.Although people with lead toxicity appear to have low vitamin C levels, there is no strong evidence from human studies that show vitamin C can treat lead toxicity.
Although vitamin C has many proven benefits, it has not been shown to prevent the common cold, reduce cancer risk, protect against eye diseases, or treat lead toxicity. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that must be obtained from the diet or supplements.
It has been linked to many impressive health benefits, such as boosting antioxidant levels, lowering blood pressure, protecting against gout attacks, improving iron absorption, boosting immunity, and reducing heart disease and dementia risk. Overall, vitamin C supplements are a great and simple way to boost your vitamin C intake if you struggle to get enough from your diet.
There are a bevy of Vitamin C products on the market at a milieu of stores. I found this Vitamin C with rose hips from Sprouts Health Store & Market works well for me. The rose hips helps with absorption and it does not upset my stomach.
DOES VITAMIN D PROTECT AGAINST CORONAVIRUS?
As the coronavirus pandemic ensues, and the future of a vaccine remains uncertain, many are looking for alternative ways to build their defence against the bug. The immune system-boosting qualities of vitamin D were previously dismissed, but recent research has seemingly made Health Secretary Matt Hancock change his mind. Mr Hancock said that the Government is ‘increasing its public health messaging around vitamin D amid growing evidence that it could help fight Covid-19’. But is the vitamin actually effective against coronavirus, and what sources is it naturally found in?
Does vitamin D help fight Covid-19? Yes, studies have found that vitamin D can help your body fight coronavirus. Two new studies have researched the impact of the vitamin on the disease, with game-changing results. Vitamin D tablets. There is a link between vitamin D and lower coronavirus rates
Dr Michael Holick, a vitamin D expert from the US, recently published a study which found good vitamin D levels can reduce the risk of catching Covid-19 by 54%. The school of medicine at Boston University also found that high levels of vitamin D are linked with a significantly decreased level of inflammatory markets, and higher blood levels of immune cells – which helps to kill coronavirus. This means that people with high levels of vitamin D are less at risk of catching the virus, and of dying from it. Prof Smith, from the Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Devices, previously told Metro.co.uk: ‘In lockdown, many of us are not getting enough vitamin D – either from the sun or from the diet – and it is important that we all get enough vitamin D3 via supplements.
‘In addition to maintaining healthy bones and muscles, vitamin D3 is very important for maintaining a healthy immune system.’ What foods are rich in vitamin D? Vitamin D tablets are purchasable over the counter, however you may want to start including vitamin D-rich foods into your diet too. Slamon on a bed of mushrooms. Salmon and mushrooms are good sources of vitamin D
The following foods are rich in vitamin D, according to the NHS: Oily fish – such as salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel Red meat Liver Egg yolks Fortified foods Don’t worry, vegans – portabello mushrooms, almond milk, margarine, and soy milk are also good sources of vitamin D. Despite popular belief, British cows milk is not considered a good source of vitamin D. It is recommended that everyone should try and get 10 micrograms of vitamin D — the equivalent of one salmon fillet — a day to keep bones and muscles healthy in the winter.
What are other sources of vitamin D? Getting some sunlight on your skin can also increase your vitamin D levels. The sun radiates UV rays, which are absorbed into the skin. A woman sunbathing on the beach. Topping up your tan could very well save your life.
The NHS website says: ‘Most people can make enough vitamin D from being out in the sun daily for short periods with their forearms, hands or lower legs uncovered and without sunscreen from late March or early April to the end of September, especially from 11am to 3pm.’ Although, now that winter is well on its way, you may have to stick to alternative methods of intaking vitamin D.
The NHS website also says that people with darker skin – for example from an African, African-Caribbean or south Asian background – tend to have lower levels of vitamin D, and recommends they take a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of the vitamin throughout the year. Labour MP Rupa Huq, who has been a strong vitamin D advocate since the pandemic began, said in the House of Commons on Thursday: ‘What needs to happen now is all the groups that are Vitamin D deficient and susceptible to Covid-19, including the elderly, black and ethnic minorities, the obese and those with co-morbidities such as diabetes, should be given free Vitamin D supplements as a matter of urgency.’ The Government has not yet commented on Ms Huq’s request for complementary tablets to be handed out to people with vitamin D deficiencies.
State Issues Limited Stay at Home Order to Slow Spread of COVID-19
Governor Gavin Newsom (courtesy photo)
Source: Office of the Governor of California 11/19/2020
In light of an unprecedented, rapid rise in COVID-19 cases across California, Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today announced a limited Stay at Home Order requiring generally that non-essential work, movement and gatherings stop between 10 PM and 5 AM in counties in the purple tier. The order will take effect at 10 PM Saturday, November 21 and remain in effect until 5 AM December 21. This is the same as the March Stay at Home Order, but applied only between 10 PM and 5 AM and only in purple tier counties that are seeing the highest rates of positive cases and hospitalizations.
“The virus is spreading at a pace we haven’t seen since the start of this pandemic and the next several days and weeks will be critical to stop the surge. We are sounding the alarm,” said Governor Newsom. “It is crucial that we act to decrease transmission and slow hospitalizations before the death count surges. We’ve done it before and we must do it again.”
This limited Stay at Home Order is designed to reduce opportunities for disease transmission. Activities conducted during 10 PM to 5 AM are often non-essential and more likely related to social activities and gatherings that have a higher likelihood of leading to reduced inhibition and reduced likelihood for adherence to safety measures like wearing a face covering and maintaining physical distance.
“We know from our stay at home order this spring, which flattened the curve in California, that reducing the movement and mixing of individuals dramatically decreases COVID-19 spread, hospitalizations, and deaths,” said California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly. “We may need to take more stringent actions if we are unable to flatten the curve quickly. Taking these hard, temporary actions now could help prevent future shutdowns.”
“We are asking Californians to change their personal behaviors to stop the surge. We must be strong together and make tough decisions to stay socially connected but physically distanced during this critical time. Letting our guard down could put thousands of lives in danger and cripple our health care system,” said Dr. Erica Pan, the state’s acting Public Health Officer. “It is especially important that we band together to protect those most vulnerable around us as well as essential workers who are continuing their critical work amidst this next wave of widespread community transmission across the state. Together we prevented a public health crisis in the spring and together we can do it again.”
COVID-19 case rates increased by approximately 50 percent in California during the first week of November. As a result, Governor Newsom and California’s public health officials have announced a list of measures to protect Californians and the state’s health care system, which could experience an unprecedented surge if cases continue their steep climb.
On Monday, the state pulled an emergency brake in the Blueprint for a Safer Economy putting more than 94 percent of California’s population in the most restrictive tier. The state will reassess data continuously and move more counties back into a more restrictive tier, if necessary. California is also strengthening its face covering guidance to require individuals to wear a mask whenever outside their home, with limited exceptions.
Late last week, the state issued a travel advisory, along with Oregon and Washington, urging people entering the state or returning home from travel outside the state to self-quarantine to slow the spread of the virus. The travel advisory urges against non-essential out-of-state travel, asks people to self-quarantine for 14 days after arriving from another state or country, and encourages residents to stay local.
NOTE: A subsequent message from the Governor closed all restaurants and businesses releted to the purple zone as a result of huge increase in corona virus numbers in California areas. With the travel done during Thanksgiving it is expected by experts the numbers will continue to rise.
Please wear the mask, wash hands, seperate, do everything possible to be safe. Travel is not recommended during the holidays.
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Many states have mandated the use of masks and face coverings in public to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Cities in Florida and Arizona joined California and Michigan this week in introducing new requirements.
In April, the CDC issued guidelines that everyone wear a face mask in public. Now 15 states and the District of Columbia have mandatory face mask orders, according to a CNN map.
Major cities have instituted face covering orders as well, including Florida cities such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa, St. Petersburg and the Florida Keys, according to News4Jax. Jacksonville doesn’t have a requirement, but Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry urged people to wear them in public.
“As we are seeing right now, without these precautions, the community spread is real,” he said in a statement on Friday. “For example, there are people in crowded bars and walking on crowded streets who are not wearing masks and ignoring social distancing.”
On Saturday, Florida health officials reported another single-day high record of 4,049 new COVID-19 cases. It was the fourth one-day record this week.
Starting on Monday, businesses in Houston will require face coverings for employees and customers, according to an order signed by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo on Friday.
Everyone over age 10 must wear a face covering over their nose and mouth in commercial buildings and stay six feet away from others. People don’t need to wear masks when exercising outdoors, driving alone or with others of the same household, pumping gas or eating, according to the order.
Although Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed an executive order at the beginning of June that banned local governments from imposing fines on people for not wearing masks, several cities began requiring businesses to mandate masks for employees and customers. If businesses don’t develop health and safety policies that require masks, they could be fined $1,000 for each violation, according to the Houston Business Journal.
Cities in Arizona are issuing face mask requirements as well. On Thursday, Scottsdale Mayor W.J. “Jim” Lane issued an emergency proclamation that requires people to cover their nose and mouth in public. The requirement started Friday evening.
“We cannot afford another shutdown of businesses or restaurants,” he said in a news release. “So we need each individual to make responsible decisions for the sake of our entire community — wear your mask when out in public.”
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