Boosting Immunity in Autumn: Vitamin C to the Rescue

Boosting Immunity with Vitamin C

As the days shorten and autumn rains begin, it’s time to prepare for the cold season and strengthen the immune system. Vitamin C, commonly reached for at this time, is an amazing nutrient vital not just for immune function but for several other body processes.

Vitamin C plays a crucial role in stress response as it’s highly concentrated in the brain and even more in the adrenal glands, which govern the body’s reaction to stress. The ability to cope with emotional and physical stress burdens relies heavily on Vitamin C. It aids in the production of stress hormones, and the need for ascorbic acid multiplies during psychological stress or intense physical activity.

Vitamin C can cross the blood-brain barrier and acts as a blocker of dopamine receptors, reducing levels of aggression and irritability.

It is essential for the formation of skin collagen, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and contributes to effective wound healing, and the synthesis of serotonin from tryptophan.

Acting as an antioxidant, it prevents the oxidation of low-density ‘bad’ cholesterol and protects blood vessels from atherosclerosis. Its effectiveness increases in the presence of vitamins E and A.

The active form of folic acid is only created in the presence of Vitamin C.

Vitamin C is crucial for iron absorption, which is why it’s recommended to combine meat with Vitamin C-rich foods to combat anemia.

However, Vitamin C is highly sensitive to heat, UV radiation, and even mechanical food processing like cutting or shredding, leading to a loss of up to 70-80% of its content.

The human body cannot synthesize or store Vitamin C, unlike some animals like dogs. We need to constantly replenish it through our diet. Rich sources include black currants, parsley, bell peppers, and rose hips. While scurvy – a disease caused by Vitamin C deficiency – is rare today, hypovitaminosis can easily develop, and its diverse, non-specific symptoms make it hard to diagnose without laboratory tests.