When you’re cruising down the road and suddenly hear that familiar sputter, followed by the dreaded slow stop – you know what’s happening. Your car is running out of gas. It’s never convenient and often preventable, but it happens to the best of us. No blame, just a wake-up call, right?
Now, picture your immune cells as the engine of a car, and the fuel they rely on is none other than Vitamin C.
Yes, you heard it right – Vitamin C is the high-octane fuel that powers your immune system. With over 20 vital immune processes hinging on Vitamin C, it’s the quintessential, can’t-do-without nutrient!
When it comes to maintaining a robust immunity, there are two superheroes in town: Vitamin C and Vitamin D3.
But here’s the kicker…
Your body can’t manufacture Vitamin C on its own – not under any circumstances. Just like your car can’t magically generate more gas.
If you’re not replenishing your Vitamin C, you’re setting yourself up for a breakdown. Your immune cells will be left stranded, much like a car without gas!
Consider this: a staggering 42 million Americans are running on empty, according to the CDC’s estimates. And that doesn’t even account for those with their “low fuel light” flashing.
(Here’s some food for thought: 42 million Americans are low on immune-essential vitamin C, while over 29 million people have fallen ill in the past year. Coincidence? You be the judge!)
Now, here’s the million-dollar question: Do YOU have enough vitamin C?
Keep an eye out for these telltale signs that might signal a Vitamin C deficiency:
- Nails: Vertical ridges, flat, or upward-curving nails
- Mouth: Bleeding gums
- Skin: Varicose veins, dry skin (especially around your hands, elbows, heels)
- Weight: Research shows a direct link between weight gain and decreased vitamin C levels (especially important if you’ve put on a few pounds lately!)
- Mood: Irritability, crankiness, brain fog
- Hair: Brittle hair, excessive shedding
- Allergies: A sign of immune dysfunction
- Getting sick often Or Never getting sick at all means your immune system needs help
- Signs of oxidative stress like early gray hair and wrinkles
If any of these hit close to home, it might be time to give your vitamin C levels a boost.
Start with your diet; fresh fruits and veggies are natural vitamin C powerhouses. Dark leafy greens actually provide a lot of Vitamin C without the sugar from fruits. But personally, I prefer to supercharge my immunity with supplements – and you might want to join the club.
I see supplementing with vitamin C as a proactive measure to fortify against illness and rapid aging. Gone are the days when I’d only load up in winter – nowadays, I’m all about keeping my C tank full year-round!
But here’s the twist – not all supplements are created equal.
First and foremost, I steer clear of anything containing ascorbic acid, which is typically lab-made from GMO corn. No thank you!
Instead, I opt for a whole-food, broad-spectrum vitamin C. The superheroes of natural vitamin C sources? Super-fruits like acerola cherry, camu camu, and amla berry.
I also love IV Vitamin C. This can get it into your cells quickly. And I understand, that not everyone likes needles and intravenous supplements. The next best thing would be Liposomal Vitamin C. This can be in liquid or pill form.
Not all Vitamin C is created equally, so know your sources. Feel free to reach out to me directly. We could consult to see which supplements would be best for your biochemistry, lifestyle, and health goals.
Always choose a professional product, not just something off the shelf at your local health food store. These are often low-quality products. They can help in a pinch but are not optimal. Consider asking a healthcare provider for a recommendation.
Think of it as pumping premium gas into a high-end car. After all, this is the only body we’ll ever have. It’s our duty to treat it right.
So, whether you’re waving red flags of low vitamin C, simply striving to safeguard your health and vitality, or slowing down the aging process, please seriously consider adding a professional Vitamin C product to your daily routine.
Blessings of Vibrant Health,
Kristin Grayce
HOLISTIC HEALTH PRACTITIONER
LAc, MAc, CFMP®, CST-T, CLP