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High dose Vitamin C

High Dose Vitamin C in Lebanon, TN

High Dose Vitamin C in Lebanon, TN

High-Dose Vitamin C in Lebanon, TN: Potential Benefits for Inflammation, Diseases, and Cancer Support

Vitamin C is widely known for its immune-boosting benefits and its role in maintaining healthy skin, cartilage, and bones. However, recent research has brought to light a potential new use for vitamin C—high-dose vitamin C. This form of vitamin C, when administered in higher quantities than what is typically found in your daily supplements, has been explored for its potential to combat inflammation, support disease treatment, and even assist in cancer therapies. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at what high-dose vitamin C is, how it works in the body, and its potential benefits.

What is High-Dose Vitamin C?

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for various bodily functions, including collagen synthesis, antioxidant protection, and immune system function. Typically, the recommended daily intake of vitamin C for adults is around 65-90 milligrams per day, with an upper limit set at 2,000 milligrams per day to avoid side effects like diarrhea or kidney stones.

However, high-dose vitamin C refers to taking significantly larger amounts, often in the range of 1,000 to 25,000 milligrams per day. This can be done through oral supplements or intravenous (IV) infusions, with IV vitamin C sometimes reaching even higher doses. Oral supplements however, cannot raise the blood levels high enough to target certain diseases like IV therapy can.

How High-Dose Vitamin C Works in the Body

The way high-dose vitamin C operates in the body is different from the usual lower doses we get through diet or supplements. At high doses, vitamin C is thought to act as an antioxidant, helping to neutralize free radicals, which are harmful molecules that can contribute to inflammation, tissue damage, and chronic diseases. Additionally, high-dose vitamin C has been found to have other properties, such as:

  • Enhancing the Immune System: Vitamin C plays a crucial role in immune function, helping the body fight infections. High doses can potentially give the immune system a boost when it’s dealing with chronic illness or disease.

  • Collagen Production and Repair: Vitamin C is vital for collagen synthesis, which helps repair tissues and reduce inflammation in the body. This can support recovery after injury or surgery.

  • Direct Antioxidant Action: Vitamin C is a great antioxidant and neutralizes free radicals that contribute to inflammation, aging, and disease progression. At very high doses, Vitamin C turns into a pro-oxidant targeting specific things like tumor cells.

High-Dose Vitamin C and Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is a key factor in the development of many diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. Inflammation can be the result of an imbalance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory molecules in the body. High-dose vitamin C has been shown to have potential anti-inflammatory effects by:

  1. Reducing Markers of Inflammation: Studies have suggested that high-dose vitamin C can lower certain inflammatory markers in the blood, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and cytokines. This could be beneficial for people with conditions like arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

  2. Reducing Oxidative Stress: By acting as a powerful antioxidant, high-dose vitamin C helps reduce oxidative stress, which plays a major role in inflammation and damage to cells and tissues. In conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and asthma, where oxidative stress is elevated, high-dose vitamin C may help in mitigating the inflammatory response.

  3. Supporting Recovery: High-dose vitamin C may support faster recovery after inflammation-induced injury or surgery, as it promotes collagen production and tissue repair.

High-Dose Vitamin C for Disease Support

Beyond its anti-inflammatory properties, high-dose vitamin C has been studied for its role in supporting various chronic diseases and conditions, including cardiovascular health, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases:

1. Cardiovascular Health

High-dose vitamin C has been shown to help improve blood vessel function and lower blood pressure. It also helps to reduce the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides, both of which are associated with heart disease. Additionally, vitamin C’s antioxidant properties can help protect the lining of blood vessels, potentially lowering the risk of developing atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries).

2. Diabetes Management

Vitamin C has a role in improving insulin sensitivity, which is crucial for individuals with type 2 diabetes. High-dose vitamin C supplementation may help reduce blood sugar levels and decrease complications related to diabetes, such as kidney damage and nerve damage.

3. Neurodegenerative Diseases

Oxidative stress and inflammation play a central role in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. High-dose vitamin C’s antioxidant effects may help protect neurons from damage, potentially slowing disease progression and improving cognitive function.

High-Dose Vitamin C and Cancer Support

One of the most intriguing potential uses of high-dose vitamin C is in cancer treatment. Research in recent years has shown that vitamin C, especially when administered intravenously in high doses, may help support cancer treatment in the following ways:

1. Enhancing Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy

High-dose vitamin C may enhance the effects of chemotherapy and radiation by increasing the sensitivity of cancer cells to these treatments. It’s thought that vitamin C may make cancer cells more vulnerable to the damage caused by chemotherapy and radiation, potentially improving treatment outcomes.

2. Reducing Cancer-Related Fatigue

Cancer treatments like chemotherapy can leave patients feeling extremely fatigued. Vitamin C’s potential to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation may help alleviate some of this fatigue, improving overall quality of life for cancer patients.

3. Inhibiting Cancer Cell Growth

Some studies have shown that high-dose vitamin C can directly inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells. While research is still ongoing, this has led to discussions about its potential as an adjunct to traditional cancer treatments.

4. Boosting the Immune System

Vitamin C is known to play a vital role in immune function, which is crucial during cancer treatment. A strong immune system helps fight off infections and potentially target cancer cells. High-dose vitamin C may help maintain and enhance immune response during cancer therapies.

Consult

Consult is required with one of our highly trained Nurse Practitioners to make sure you are a candidate, lab work, and to make a plan to further work towards your end health goal.

Conclusion

High-dose vitamin C has shown promise as a powerful tool in managing inflammation, supporting various diseases, and providing adjunctive support in cancer treatment. From reducing oxidative stress and inflammation to enhancing immune function, its potential health benefits are vast. However, as with any supplement or treatment, it’s crucial to approach high-dose vitamin C with caution and consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best approach for your health needs.

As research into high-dose vitamin C continues to evolve, we may uncover even more ways this essential vitamin can support overall health and wellbeing.

Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment, including high dose vitamin C, to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs.

Request more info or book your consult today!

 

 

Disclaimer: The statements on this page are not medical advice and have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). None of the products or services contained herein are intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.