Vitamin C
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Vitamin C is most widely known for its immune-stimulating properties, thus aiding in the body’s ability to defend itself against infections. Vitamin C is also “required for the synthesis of collagen, the intercellular ‘cement’ substance which gives structure to muscles, vascular tissues, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Due to these functions, vitamin C – especially in combination with zinc – is also important for the healing of wounds.”[1]
A brief summary of some of the ways in which Vitamin C benefits overall human health include:
Immune stimulation
Anti-allergic
Antioxidant
‘Cement’ for connective tissues
Wound healing
Teeth and gum health
Iron absorption
Eye health
Because it can assist the body in the above-listed ways, Vitamin C is extremely beneficial in maintaining overall health. Vitamin C can also work in ways that specifically attack cancer cells, thereby being a legitimate treatment for cancer patients.
Boosted Immunity for Cancer Patients
Because Vitamin C helps to strengthen the immune system, it is a natural aid that can benefit cancer patients greatly. For example, “environmental toxins damage cells and intracellular organelles leading to altered cellular metabolism and genetic mutations. Vitamin C has powerful antioxidant properties that protect against oxidative stress against the cell.” Vitamin C works to boost the immune system by specifically targeting “the immune cells. White blood cells depend upon vitamin C in order to survive and withstand the attack of pathogens and free radicals.”[2]
As such, “high doses of vitamin C are even more important when large cancerous growths already exist within the body. Oral vitamin C does not directly attack cancer but it helps to keep the immune system strong and empowers it to destroy cancer.” Thus, Vitamin C is an important supplement to make sure you are receiving enough of when you are receiving cancer treatment. However, introducing the body to a monitored excess of Vitamin C could have additional positive effects on fighting cancer.
A Step Further: Integrating Vitamin C into Cancer Treatments
Vitamin C has been used as cancer treatment, and the way in which it is administered is crucial in order to receive optimal results. For example, “most vitamin C therapies involve taking the substance orally. However, the UI [University of Iowa] scientists have shown that giving vitamin C intravenously -- and bypassing normal gut metabolism and excretion pathways -- creates blood levels that are 100 -- 500 times higher than levels seen with oral ingestion. It is this super-high concentration in the blood that is crucial to vitamin C's ability to attack cancer cells.”[3] Vitamin C performs in a way that further differentiates normal cells from cancer cells. This is because “cancer cells are much less efficient in removing hydrogen peroxide than normal cells. Thus, cancer cells are much more prone to damage and death from a high amount of hydrogen peroxide… This explains how the very, very high levels of vitamin C used in our clinical trials do not affect normal tissue but can be damaging to tumor tissue."
To explain further, “normal cells have several ways to remove hydrogen peroxide, keeping it at very low levels so it does not cause damage… An enzyme called catalase is the central route for removing hydrogen peroxide generated by decomposing vitamin C. The researchers discovered that cells with lower amounts of catalase activity were more susceptible to damage and death when they were exposed to high amounts of vitamin C,” therefore demonstrating how impactful vitamin C can be in combating cancer while simultaneously preventing further damage to the existing healthy cells.
Where to find Vitamin C
If you would like to incorporate more Vitamin C into your health routine, you can do so in several ways. Vitamin C is found in a variety of food sources, some of which include:[4]
Oranges or orange juice
Red or yellow bell peppers
Grapefruits or grapefruit juice
Kiwifruit
Spinach
Tomato juice
Brussel sprouts
Cantaloupe
Broccoli
Most people receive a proper amount of Vitamin C through a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables. However, if you do not, you can turn to Vitamin C supplements. As a note, always be sure to consult your doctor before making changes to your diet or health routine.
For More Information
Vitamin C is a crucial component of our overall health; it boosts our immune system and assists in other infectious-fighting functions. Cancer patients can especially benefit from additional Vitamin C consumption, through professionally administered treatments. To inquire about Vitamin C treatments, consult your physician or our medical team here; we are happy to assist you.
References
[1]“Vitamin C functions.” Quali-C.
[2]Dr. David Jockers. “The healing power of liposomal vitamin C.” Natural Health 365. 2013.
[3]“Why high-dose vitamin C kills cancer cells.” University of Iowa Health Care via Science Daily. 2017.
[4]“Health Benefits of Vitamin C and Best Natural Sources.” Global Healing Center.2016.