Keeping the common cold away is a constant battle, especially during these trying times. This viral infection is the most contractable viral disease. Battling it with vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a popular notion. If you want to know more about the connection between the common cold and vitamin C, here are the details.
The effects of vitamin C on colds
Taking ascorbic acid every day can reduce the severity of cold symptoms. It also decreased the recovery time by 14% in children and 8% in adults. About one to two grams of this vitamin can shorten the duration of the infection by 18%. In other studies, six to eight grams a day for adults is more effective in preventing the symptoms. Ascorbic acid has more positive effects on people under huge physical stress. Vitamin C almost reduces the cold infection in these athletes by 50%.
The effects of vitamin C
A deficiency in vitamin C can weaken the immune system. There is a high concentration of this vitamin in the immune cells. It can deplete right away during a common cold infection. Taking ascorbic acid every day can strengthen one’s immunity. It can also support the body during its battle with the common cold. An urgent care provider can recommend the right dose of vitamin C.
Ascorbic acid is also an antioxidant. It can produce collagen in the skin, which is important for skin retention. It is important to strengthen the skin, especially during frequent nose blowing. More collagen from Vitamin C can strengthen the skin on the nose. This can avoid pain and excessive peeling.
Taking ascorbic acid during a common cold can reduce the severity and the duration of the symptoms. Extra doses of this vitamin can help if the person feels a cold is about to come on. This reduces the length of the symptoms by about half a day. There were differences in chills, chest pain, and fever.
How ascorbic acid reduces the severity of cold symptoms
An ideal ascorbic acid supply helps maintain healthy immune function. Vitamin C activates the moment the common cold virus reaches the mucous membranes. It triggers white blood cell formation. Its antioxidant qualities allow it to target free radicals.
Vitamin C attaches to the free radicals and removes them. Then, it helps regenerate the antioxidants in the body. The immune system then keeps functioning. Oxidative stress goes down.
Ascorbic acid levels fall whenever the common cold starts to work in the body. The ascorbic acid supply in the body lowers because it fuels the battle against the infection. Taking high doses of this vitamin right away can support the immune system. Drinking two glasses of fresh orange juice a day can help make the immune system healthier.
You can expect a shorter bout of the common cold when you take higher doses of vitamin C
A cold infection triggers the activation of the immune system. The vitamin C in your body keeps the immune system going. That is why taking in more ascorbic acid is important during a common cold. This supplies more vitamin C to keep the immune system functioning until the infection is gone. An urgent care clinic can recommend the right doses of ascorbic acid.
Request an appointment or call Wellness First Urgent Care at 469-249-8575 for an appointment in our Duncanville office.
Related Posts
Your latest fight with the common cold may have been the last straw. Perhaps you are ready for a new solution to getting rid of the annoying symptoms of this sickness. Sure, you can try over-the-counter drugs and drink plenty of fluids. But there are other ways to deal with the many effects of a…
You probably do not know anyone that the common cold has not affected. This illness is perhaps the most widespread sickness in the world. People of all ages can suffer from it, including the youngest and oldest of patients. Its effects can be minor and barely noticeable. Sometimes, it can also be severe, and people…
Being healthy means knowing how to prevent a common cold. The viruses responsible for the common cold are spreadable through exhaling. Direct contact with the infected person can also lead to infection. Awareness of how the virus spreads is important in preventing it from infecting you or your loved ones. Preventing viral infection can also…