Vitamin C & Allergy Relief
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a well known immune boosting vitamin. An allergy is an immune reaction, so boosting the immune system is one way to lessen the effects of allergies such as runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes. Ascorbic acid is most effective in treating a cold when it is taken before the symptoms arise. In addition to boosting immunity, vitamin C also helps to improve muscle, bone and skin health. This powerful vitamin also strengthens other antioxidants such as vitamins A and E.
Take Vitamin C supplments
Take 1000 mg of vitamin C each day, throughout the entire year to fight allergies. During cold and flu season, take 3000 mg of vitamin C daily. You can buy vitamin C supplements on line or at your local health food store. Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin so any excess that the body does not need will be flushed out through the urine. However, if you have been deficient in vitamin C, your body will make good use of this nutrient. You can boost the power of vitamin C by taking other vitamins and minerals as well. Take a whole food multi-vitamin and mineral supplement that contains good amounts of other key nutrients such as vitamin D, E, and B-vitamins.
Dr. Linus Pauling advocated the use of high levels of vitamin C to fight colds, flu, allergies and other conditions. He wrote a book called How to Live Longer and Feel Better. He was also called the Father of Vitamin C because he prescribed this vitamin to his patients and spoke openly about how strongly he felt about the effects of the vitamin.
Eat Foods Rich in Vitamin C
Eat colorful fruits and vegetables that contain high levels of vitamin C. This vitamin is so vital at helping the immune system, that you should really try to get as much of it in your diet as possible for the most dramatic benefits. Load up on fruit and vegetables that have good portions of vitamin C and other nutrients in the food. Eat your food raw, rather than cooked. Cooking food destroys vital enzymes, vitamins and minerals. Oranges contain a lot of vitamin C, but one green pepper contains even more. Broccoli, green leafy lettuce, strawberries, asparagus, squash, peas, blueberries, raspberries, peaches and apricots all have generous amounts of vitamin C in them. You need to follow this pattern consistently to see a dramatic improvement in your allergies.
Take Extra Vitamin C at Night
Take additional vitamin C before you go to bed. Your cells are busy fighting off infection and rejuvenating your body for the next day. Taking extra vitamins before bed will give your cells additional fuel to do an even better job. This is very helpful if you are suffering from severe allergies or hay fever. You may just need that additional support to fight off the symptoms. Put a chewable vitamin C tablet on your tongue and suck on it for a while before bed. Do not go to sleep until the tablet is completely dissolved. Sleep for 8 to 10 hours. Getting good sleep will also help your immune system.
