Take more Vitamin C if you’re feeling sniffly!
The common cold is one of the most annoying and persistent health problems we face today. It’s called the “common cold” because it’s so common—everyone gets it many times throughout their lives, and there’s very little you can do to prevent it. A cold usually sets in before you can take steps to prevent infection, and you’ll usually spend a few days all snotty and sniffly before your medication or better nutrition kicks in. Thankfully, you’ve got a new ally in the war on your colds: Vitamin C.
We’ve all heard that Vitamin C is great for fighting colds. Studies have proven that taking Vitamin C won’t prevent a cold, but it can help to combat them once they set in. According to a new study, taking a lot of Vitamin C may be able to drastically shorten the lifespan of that cold.
A team of Swedish researchers analyzed the data from two randomized trials that investigated the effects of Vitamin C on the common cold. One trial used 3 and6 grams of Vitamin C per day, but the other study gave their participants 4 to 8 grams of Vitamin C (far more than is “recommended”).
Interestingly enough, the groups with the highest dose of Vitamin C healed from their colds 17% to 19% faster than the groups with the lowest dose of Vitamin C. Simply put, this means that taking MORE Vitamin C could lead to better results in terms of healing from colds.
Let’s be clear: for a normal, healthy person , 6-8 grams of Vitamin C can be harmful for your health. There is a risk of hypervitaminosis C, which is basically such high levels of Vitamin C in your bloodstream that the vitamin turns toxic. If you have no health problems, you’re better off sticking to the recommended daily dose of Vitamin C.
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However, if you’re fighting a common cold, you may want to increase your Vitamin C intake. The analysis proves that higher intake of this vitamin can speed up healing time. More ascorbic acid could lead to faster recovery from the cold.
How can you get more Vitamin C in your diet?
- Supplements – Obviously supplements are your #1 choice to get high doses of this vitamin in a day. You’ll find capsules that contain anywhere from 500 to 1000 mg. These are easiest for you to take, and you can add them to your diet throughout the day.
- Citrus fruits – Oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are all amazing sources of Vitamin C. Adding more citrus fruits to your day can help you to get more Vitamin C in a form that is both natural and easy for your body to absorb.
- Spinach – Spinach is another excellent source of Vitamin C, along with iron, antioxidants, and other important nutrients. Eat more spinach to deliver a hefty dose of ascorbic acid and fight those colds.
- Strawberries – Strawberries contain more Vitamin C than oranges, making them an excellent fruit to help fight off infection.
- Kiwi – Kiwis also are rich in Vitamin C, and you’ll find they have natural antibacterial and antiviral properties that make them effective for curing the common cold.
Next time you’re feeling sniffly, increase your intake of Vitamin C to 6 grams per day. You may just find the cold goes away more quickly and you start feeling better sooner. All without the need for medications to help deal with the cold. It’s worth a try, right?
