Vitamin C has long been considered one of our foundational antioxidants, essential to immune health and support (humans are unable to produce Vitamin C and must consume it via whole foods or supplementation). All antioxidants work in a similar way by removing damaging oxidizing agents from the human body. That is, when damaging, cancer-causing free radicals are ingested and incorporated into our bodies (through fried foods, alcohol, tobacco, pesticides, pollutants, extreme sun exposure, etc), Vitamin C is one of the nutrients that will scavenge the body to remove and neutralize these damaging particles. Current research funded by the National Institutes of Health is evaluating how Vitamin C prevents, delays, and destroys the development of certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, and other diseases caused by oxidative stress. You can see why it’s so beneficial for our health!
In addition to its powerful antioxidant properties, Vitamin C is essential for collagen production—that is, collagen production cannot occur without Vitamin C. Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies and gives our skin, muscles, bones, blood vessels, and tendons strength and elasticity. Collagen production naturally declines with age, and this decline manifests itself as wrinkles, sagging skin, and joint pain. We literally cannot produce collagen without Vitamin C, which is why consumption and supplementation with Vitamin C can prevent and treat UV and free radical damage to our skin and collagen (a powerful anti-aging effect), and reduce and reverse inflammatory joint pain and disorders such as Rheumatoid Arthritis.
One other powerful effect of Vitamin C is its contribution to heart health. We know that your body’s connective tissues, including your blood vessels, are comprised of collagen. As Vitamin C strengthens the collagen in your skin and joints, reversing aging and inflammation, it also strengthens the collagen in your blood vessels. Weak blood vessels are more susceptible to damage from oxidized LDL cholesterol, cigarette smoke, heavy metals, and other pollutants, and the damage can cause inflammation and plaque formation in your arteries and veins. Vitamin C also helps your arteries dilate, or widen, reducing blood pressure and preventing heart disease. It can be as beneficial to your heart as walking in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle!
If you’d like to prevent the onset of cancer and reduce your risk, reverse the signs of aging (e.g. sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkle formation), treat and reverse heart disease, and strengthen your immune system, consumption of Vitamin C through whole foods and supplementation is highly recommended.
At Tampa Rejuvenation, powerful intramuscular Vitamin C injections are used in conjunction with a healthy diet to prevent and reverse the signs of aging. Ask your Tampa Rejuvenation practitioner for more info on this therapy.