Vitamin C and Immune System

The body needs a certain amount of Vitamin C as well as other minerals and vitamins. Most of us should get these vitamins from the fruits and vegetables that we eat. However, the plain truth is that most of us don’t. We live in a high stress environment, and the concentration of Vitamin C is definitely lowered during times of stress and/or infections. Adding Vitamin C as a supplement has been shown to improve the human immune system and maintain the integrity of the cells ability to protect against reactive oxygen species. However, there is no scientific proof showing that taking large amounts of Vitamin C will ward off a cold or flu.

Studies have shown that the lowering of Vitamin C and Zinc levels have impaired cellular mediators of the innate body immunity. These two nutrients do play an important role in the system. Vitamin C and immune system factors in sufficient levels have also shown to offer the ability of the body to assist in shortening the length or duration of some infections. However, there is no evidence that reflects the fact that Vitamin C will keep someone from getting a cold or flu.

Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant in the body and assists in the mineral iron absorption. Recommended doses of Vitamin C depend upon the age and gender of the individual. There are a number of natural food source that are rich in Vitamin C: Citrus fruits and citrus juices, green peppers, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli and sweet potatoes. The best source of Vitamin C is within the fresh and uncooked foods. These foods can be affected by the amount of Vitamin C when exposed to light and heat.

During cold and flu season, it’s not uncommon for people to increase the Vitamin C and immune system dosages. It is believed that the body does not use these increases dosages, but passes any unnecessary vitamins out through the urine.

There are homeopathic products that have been on the market with a good amount of success. Reme Flu is a unique product that has been shown to assist in assisting in the prevention and treatment of colds and flu. The two part approach is a gentle addition of homeopathic medicines that help the body’s own immune system to combat the flu symptoms. The second proprietary blend offers faster cellular absorption and thereby enters the body quicker. Many people are returning to the age old homeopathic approach as a safer method to fend off the annual colds and flu. Homeopathy has been used for centuries and is known as a more whole body approach to address the body’s need to be in a healthy state to avoid colds and the flu. There is an additional attraction in that Reme-Flu does not have any known side affects. All homeopathic products are governed by the FDA under the US Homeopathic Pharmacopeia.

Never add anything to your diet or medicinal regiment without conferring with your major medical provider. You should always consult with your physician and advise them of all medicines, over the counter, natural and integrative products that you are taking.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.