Vitamin C is one of the most important vitamins for maintaining your immunity. The body does not produce vitamin C on its own, so you must consume it through diet or supplements.

However, nowadays, there is a new “lack of vitamin C” that is emerging as a global concern. This lack of vitamin C is not related to any decrease in the amount of vitamin C we consume but has much more to do with the way we live in today’s world.

The new lack of Vitamin C – Living in a world of stress

In today’s world, we are exposed to stress continuously. Whether it’s from work, relationships, or the fast-paced world we live in, stress has become an inherent part of our daily lives.

Stress can affect your body in many different ways, and one of the most significant ways it does this is by draining your body’s vitamin C reserves. According to studies, stress increases the production of cortisol in your body, and cortisol is known to decrease the levels of vitamin C in your body.

How stress affects your body’s Vitamin C levels?

Cortisol is a hormone that is produced by the adrenal gland. It is known to help regulate the body’s response to stress and infection.

When you experience stress, the hypothalamus, a small but crucial part of the brain, signals the adrenal gland to produce cortisol. In small amounts, cortisol can be beneficial for the body, but when produced in excess, it can cause significant damage. One of the effects of excess cortisol is decreased vitamin C levels in your body.

Cortisol is known to inhibit the absorption of vitamin C, and it also increases the excretion of vitamin C from your kidneys, leading to a rapid decline in the body’s reserves of vitamin C.

The signs of Vitamin C deficiency

If you are experiencing fatigue, weakness, joint, and muscle aches, it could be a sign of vitamin C deficiency.

Other signs that may indicate a vitamin C deficiency include brittle hair, dry skin, and unusually sensitive gums, along with frequent infections and slow-healing wounds. If you have any of these symptoms, you need to consult a doctor immediately and get the recommended dose of vitamin C.

The role of Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a crucial vitamin, and it has many essential roles in the body. Below are some of the main functions of vitamin C:.

Boosts Immunity

Vitamin C helps your body’s immune system fight off infections and diseases. It increases the production of white blood cells that are responsible for attacking and killing harmful bacteria and viruses.

Vitamin C also helps your white blood cells perform their job more efficiently.

Protects your Skin

Vitamin C is known to be an excellent antioxidant, and it helps protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation. It helps stimulate the production of collagen, a protein that is essential for skin health.

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Collagen provides structure and elasticity to the skin, and a deficiency in vitamin C can lead to saggy, wrinkles and dull-looking skin.

Reduces the Risk of Chronic Diseases

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, and it helps neutralize harmful free radicals in your body. Free radicals are known to cause oxidative stress and damage your cells, leading to chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

Studies show that consuming vitamin C can help reduce the risk of these chronic diseases.

Protects Brain Function

Vitamin C is known to help protect your brain function as you age. It helps reduce inflammation, protects your nerve cells, and improves your thinking and memory skills.

Studies show that people who consume more vitamin C have a lower risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s.

How to increase your intake of Vitamin C

The recommended daily intake of vitamin C is 75-90 mg per day for adult men and women. However, if you are under stress or experiencing any of the symptoms of vitamin C deficiency, you may need to take higher doses.

Here are some ways to increase your vitamin C intake:.

Eat a diet rich in Vitamin C

Consuming a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables is an excellent way to get your daily dose of vitamin C. Some of the best sources of vitamin C are oranges, kiwi, strawberries, papaya, broccoli, bell peppers, and spinach.

Take supplements

If you are not getting enough vitamin C from your diet, you can take vitamin C supplements. Supplements come in different forms such as capsules, powder, and chewable tablets.

Use skin care products that contain Vitamin C

You can also boost your vitamin C levels by using skincare products that contain vitamin C. Many skincare products like serums, creams, and lotions contain vitamin C, which can improve your skin health.

Conclusion

Vitamin C is an essential vitamin that your body needs to function correctly.

Our modern lifestyle, which is often stressful and fast-paced, can cause a new type of vitamin C deficiency, which is caused by the depletion of our body’s vitamin C reserves. It is crucial to take measures to counteract this deficiency by consuming a diet rich in vitamin C, taking supplements, and reducing stress.

Vitamin C plays an important role in our overall health and well-being, and we need to ensure that we get adequate amounts of it to maintain our health.