Why Is Vitamin C So Good For You When You’re Sick?

Chicken soup, lots of vitamin C, and staying home on the couch, watching The Price is Right.

For many folks of a certain age, this will be what they remember from those days when they stayed home sick from school with a cold or cough.

And although watching contestants “come on down” may not actually be what helped you feel better, the rest of it has some merit.

Today we’ll look at the health benefits of vitamin C, and why it’s so helpful.

Of course, if you want more tips for getting and staying healthy, you can contact me, Dr. Sheila a Toronto naturopath for naturopathic nutritional counselling and advice.

What Is Vitamin C?

Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is vital to many bodily functions.

Vitamin C is water-soluble and not stored in the body, meaning it’s very difficult to overdose, as excess amounts are excreted, typically in the urine.

The body is unable to produce vitamin C on its own, meaning it must be taken in via either food or vitamin pills or capsules.

What Is Vitamin C’s Role In Your Body?

Vitamin C is required for the development, growth, and repair of the tissues in your body.

Additionally, it’s involved in the formation of collagen, immune system function, helping your body to absorb iron, and healing wounds.

It also has antioxidant properties which protect against free radicals, as well as chemicals such as those in cigarette smoke.

As you can see this important, powerhouse vitamin is very important for your health and development.

Vitamin C deficiency can lead to scurvy, which is characterized by anemia, bleeding and bruising, and weakness.

This illness is incredibly rare in the western world now, though it was once quite common.

Why Does Vitamin C Help When You’re Sick?

When you’re laid-up at home sick, often times the advice you’ll hear is to ensure you’re getting enough vitamin C.

When you’re feeling healthy, your body can only absorb a limited amount of vitamin C.

However, when you’re sick and need the antioxidants you can absorb a lot more.

But is there something to this, or is it just an old wives’ tale?

Turns out, this suggestion is actually helpful – keep reading to learn about the ways vitamin C can help you kick your cold.

1. May Reduce The Duration Of Colds

A 2018 analysis of clinical trials published in BioMed Research International found vitamin C was effective at shortening the duration of colds.

The study looked at individuals who use vitamin C supplementation on a regular basis, and the result of taking extra doses when they started to feel a cold coming on.

Additionally, it was noted to relieve symptoms including chest pain, fever, and chills in some patients.

2. Contributes To Immune System Health

In 2017, an article in the journal Nutrients found vitamin C contributes to immune defense by supporting the cells of the immune system.

Additionally, it was found to support the epithelial barrier, which keeps out pathogens and can protect against oxidative stress.

The same study found a deficiency in vitamin C resulted in a high susceptibility to infection.

3. Prevents T-Cell Apoptosis

T-cells, also called lymphocytes, are white blood cells which play an important role in immune system function.

Young T-cells are sent to the thymus gland, where they mature into different types of T-cells which are part of the immune system.

Apoptosis is another word for cell death.

Although cell death is a natural part of the cell lifecycle, if your T-cell count gets too low it can affect your immune system.

A 1999 study in the journal Cellular Immunology found potential T-cell death pathways were inhibited when they were exposed to ascorbic acid (vitamin C).

Book An Appointment With Dr. Sheila

Feeling under the weather?

Perhaps you picked something up from the co-worker who just wouldn’t stay at home when they started coughing.

Or your child picked up something at daycare or school.

It is that time of year after all.

Or perhaps you’re feeling well enough now, but want to boost your immune system before the bug going around catches up to you.

Contact me, Dr. Sheila, today.

Taking into account your specific situation and health needs, I can recommend natural solutions to help you fight a bug or to strengthen your immune system.