Imagine you are out on a chilly winter day, enjoying fresh air, and suddenly, as you continue walking, you start to shiver, and your nose feels blocked. You might wonder if this could be the start of a cold.
Once you start looking at the remedies, you might hear people saying, ‘Load up on vitamin C to beat that cold!’
But does this popular advice really cure cold and flu, or is it just another myth we hear on the internet?
In this blog, we will explore whether vitamin C can prevent or lessen the severity of cold or not, and what steps you can take to overcome the seasonal cold and flu.
Vitamin C Makes Your Immune System Stronger – Truth Revealed!
Although there is mixed research-based evidence regarding vitamin C curing colds and flu, various studies have shown that it is one of the essential vitamins for boosting the immune system.
Whether you take vitamin C from natural resources or supplements, it helps strengthen your immune system in the following ways:
- Contributes to tissue repair and healing
- Producing collagen that strengthens our bones.
- Boosting antibody production
- Anti-inflammatory effects
Another study reports the role of Vitamin C in reducing the amount of oxidative stress in the body, thereby restoring and maintaining the overall immune function.
Signs of Vitamin C Deficiency
One of the most common signs of vitamin C deficiency are as follows:
- Bleeding gums
- Fatigue
- Dry Skin
- Anemia
- Weight gain
If you notice any of these vitamin C deficiency symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare professional for further evaluation.
Can Vitamin C Prevent a Cold?
Many studies have shown that vitamin C does not prevent cold but can reduce their severity. Experts have found less evidence for the prevention of colds through vitamin C. However, taking a daily dose of at least 75 mg for women and 90 mg for men can help strengthen your immune system and reduce the severity of seasonal cold when you get sick.
How Does Vitamin C Reduce the Severity of Colds?
Vitamin C reduces the severity of colds by increasing the production of white blood cells, such as phagocytes and lymphocytes, in the body. These cells can fight infections and reduce the severity of colds.
But in some cases, when people consume vitamin C during a cold, it does not even have any noticeable impact on their recovery progress; the results have been mixed.
Some people feel the difference, and others do not, as some symptoms may improve, but not all the symptoms are reduced.
Easy Ways to Add More Vitamin C to Your Daily Routine
If you are thinking of adding more vitamin C to your life, there are many ways to include more of these essential nutrients in your daily routine.
Here are some effective tips to ensure vitamin C in everyday life.
- Eat More fruits and vegetable
- Increase the intake of vitamin-rich food
- Try Vitamin C supplements
- Drink Vitamin-rich juices
These tips not only support your immune system but also make your overall health better. So regularly follow these steps and experience the benefits of a vitamin C-rich diet.
Finding the Right Amount of Vitamin C for Cold Prevention
It is recommended that males consume 90 grams of vitamin C daily and females consume 75 mg daily.
According to various experts, taking up to 200 mg or 0.2 gm of vitamin C reduces the severity of the cold.
If you are someone who is engaged in intense physical activity, then you should increase your intake of vitamin C, maybe up to 1000 mg per day.
Always consider getting vitamin C from natural sources like citrus fruits and strawberries. If you want to consume vitamin C from other sources, consult your healthcare professional before you start any new supplement.
How Family Urgent Care Can Help You Treat Cold?
Family Urgent Care plays an important role in helping you prevent and manage colds, providing accessible healthcare tailored to your needs.
Our online video and phone consultations via telehealth allow patients to access prompt care, ensuring comprehensive diagnosis and treatment to reduce the duration and severity of colds.
So, don’t let the common cold catch you off-guard this season. Visit the Family Urgent Care Clinic for expert advice and preventive care to keep you and your family healthy. Schedule your appointment now; your health is our priority!