Last Updated on September 6, 2024 by Cathy
Vitamin C protects the immune system by fighting off infections. Everyone knows it is good when they have a cold but it does much more. It also plays an important role in the central nervous system (CNS). Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the CNS.
The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord. It is responsible for controlling many functions in the body. Some include movement, sensation, and cognitive processes. The brain and spinal cord are also very susceptible to damage from injury and diseases such as MS.
Benefits of Vitamin C
Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid. It is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions. The body cannot synthesize a water-soluble vitamin. This means that people need to obtain it through diet or supplements.
One of the primary functions of vitamin C is its antioxidant. It helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. These are unstable molecules that can harm cells and contribute to diseases. It helps to neutralize free radicals. One of the lesser-known benefits is…
It’s a role in supporting the central nervous system.
The CNS is responsible for controlling and coordinating all bodily functions. Vitamin C plays a vital role in the production of neurotransmitters. These are the chemical messengers that transmit signals between nerve cells.
In the book Healing Multiple Sclerosis, it says vitamin C is crucial. Here’s a quote from the book:
“Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects the brain and spinal cord from free-radical damage and strengthens the immune system.”
Epstein-Barr Virus
In 2022, a 20-year study confirmed Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the main cause of MS. EBV causes neuroinflammation. This allows EBV to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) leading to a loss of neurons. Vitamin C has antiviral properties that fight viruses including EBV.
To Learn More About The Study Read:
Heart and Bone Health
Another important benefit of vitamin C is its role in heart health. People with MS have a higher risk for heart disease. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the arteries. It also helps lower blood pressure, reduces inflammation, and improves blood vessel function. All of these contribute to a healthy heart.
Vitamin C is also essential for bone health. People with MS have a higher risk for osteoporosis and osteopenia. It also plays a crucial role in the production of collagen. Collagen provides structure to bones, cartilage, and connective tissues. Low vitamin C leads to weak bones and joint pain due to insufficient collagen production.
Supplements
Researchers found that high-dose IV vitamin C lowers EBV antibodies. Of course, this isn’t something you can do at home. Also, be careful because high doses can cause diarrhea. It’s best to start at a lower dose and work your way up. If you start to get loose stools then back off. Here is the supplement I take SOLARAY Vitamin C.
You can also take supplements to kill EBV such as:
- Cat’s Claw
- Colloidal Silver
- Lemon Balm
- L-Lysine
- Licorice Root
- Red Clover (cleanses the body of neurotoxins from EBV)
- Vitamin C
Always talk to your doctor before starting a new supplement. Supplements can interfere with certain medications. Avoid if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
So, how can I add more vitamin C to my diet?
There are plenty of fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamin C. Here’s a list of some of the top sources:
- Berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Bell peppers
- Cantaloupe
- Cauliflower
- Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits)
- Honeydew melon
- Kale
- Kiwi
- Mango
- Mustard greens
- Papaya
- Pineapple
- Spinach
- Sweet potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Watermelon
Try incorporating some of these foods into your diet. You could add some sliced kiwi to your morning smoothie or berry bowl. Snack on some berries throughout the day. Make a big salad with plenty of leafy greens. Snack on some red bell peppers plus, they taste sweeter than the other bell peppers.
Recipes Ideas for Meals High in Vitamin C
Eating enough foods that are high in vitamin C is easy to do. Eat a wide range of different fruits and vegetables. Here’s a simple recipe that’s packed with vitamin C:
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Lemon and Garlic
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- Himalayan salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon red chili pepper (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with the garlic, lemon zest, raw honey, and salt and pepper.
- Spread the Brussels sprouts out in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast Brussels sprouts in the oven for 25-30 minutes until tender and browned.
- Drizzle with lemon juice before serving.
If you don’t like Brussels sprouts try this quick and easy smoothie. It’s high in vitamin C from the orange and mixed berries. It’s also a refreshing and healthy way to start your day.
Banana Orange Berry Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 cup frozen mixed berries (blackberries, wild blueberries, raspberries)
- 1/2 medium-sized orange, peeled and segmented
- 1 medium-sized banana
- 1 cup filtered water
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
- Add all the ingredients to a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- If the smoothie is too thick, add a little more filtered water. Blend again until you reach the desired consistency.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.
Any blender will do but a high-speed blend works best. I own a Blendtec but for most of my smoothies, I use a NutriBullet personal blender. It’s easy to use and as they say “cleans like a breeze.”
Here are some other beverages high in vitamin C:
- Orange juice
- Grapefruit juice
- Kiwi juice
- Tomato juice
- Pineapple juice
- Lemonade
- Oat straw herbal tea
Oat straw helps with:
- Anxiety
- Bone health
- Calming the nervous system
- Circulation
- Heart health
- Insomnia
- Memory
- Reducing inflammation
- Strengthen blood vessels and nerve sheaths
- Stress
- UTIs
Whole fruits and vegetables are a better source than juices due to fiber and other nutrients. However, it’s important to choose juices that are 100% pure and not high in added sugars. Better yet, juice your own fruit – fresh squeezed orange juice is delicious.
I own a Black+Decker Citrus Juicer for juicing citrus fruits. It is easy to use and it gets more juice from the fruit than a hand juicer.
The Power of Vitamin C
Vitamin C plays a vital role in the immune system. It helps to stimulate the production and function of white blood cells. These are responsible for fighting off infections and other pathogens.
In conclusion, vitamin C is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role, especially for people with MS. It’s an antioxidant, immune system booster, collagen synthesizer, and bone health supporter. Incorporating these foods into your diet is an excellent way to ensure you meet your daily needs. Additionally, it helps you reap the many benefits of this important nutrient.
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Resources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4015650/
