Skip to main content

Ayurveda For Detox : An Ancient Approach !

The concept of  detoxifying  the body has become popular in the modern era. But if we take a closer look, we’ll find that Ayurvedic vaidyas have been touting the benefits detoxification for thousands of years. Unlike modern detoxification goals, however, when using Ayurveda for  detox , you are not limited to the digestive system and body — to function smoothly, effectively, and without impairment, the body, mind, and spirit must all be in harmony. Ama ,  Agni  and  Detoxification If we look at digestion through an Ayurvedic lens, we would understand that finding balance through the right kinds of foods, a centered lifestyle, and de-stressing techniques would all contribute to good health. The Sanskrit word for this harmonious state is  Agni , the first word written in the Vedas. Its antithesis is  Ama , which points to a toxic buildup. Ama results not only from dietary issues, but also from emotional, mental, and spiritual imbalances. Fortunately, Ayurveda has a prescription that has

6 Different forms of Vitamin C & How to use them

Vitamin C, also referred to as ascorbic acid or ascorbate, has been one of the most researched vitamins over the last 50 years. A search of the scientific literature reveals that over 65,000 studies have been conducted on vitamin C in the past century. 

Many scientists believe that at one time the human body had the ability to make vitamin C, but due to a genetic mutation (in the L-gulonolactone oxidase gene), we lost this capacity over time. Essentially, all species of animals, including most mammals, can make vitamin C—the exceptions are humans, monkeys, and guinea pigs as well as some bats, birds, and fish species. As a result, we humans must consume vitamin C in our diets. 

Currently, the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin C is 90 mg per day for men and 75 mg per day for women. Smokers, who are 400 percent more likely to be deficient than non-smokers due to the excess oxidation caused by the cigarettes, require more to maintain healthy levels of the vitamin. The brain and adrenal glands have the highest concentrations of vitamin C at 15 to 50 times higher than those found in the blood. Vitamin C, which has antioxidant properties, is also an enzyme “co-factor” for at least eight important biochemical reactions.

While the standard Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) amount is sufficient to avoid conditions like scurvy, which is caused by severe vitamin C deficiencies, they are insufficient to achieve other presumed health benefits, including promoting a stronger immune system and cardiovascular, brain, and skin health. Some have suggested that this minimum vitamin C intake should be at least 200 mg per day to optimize the full benefits of vitamin C. 

‌‌‌‌How Common Is Vitamin C Deficiency?

According to a 2004 study of Americans, 14 percent of males and 10 percent of females were vitamin C deficient. In addition, up to six percent of kids ages 12 to 17 had insufficient levels. Seventeen percent of males between ages 25 to 64 were deficient while 12 percent of females in that demographic had low blood levels. A 1999 study in Britain found that 33 percent of those 65 years of age consumed insufficient amounts of vitamin C.

A 2009 study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that over seven percent of people age six and older were vitamin C deficient when their blood was tested. More than half of those surveyed consumed too low amounts of vitamin C-rich foods. 

I’ve seen it in my practice as well. In the last five years, I diagnosed at least four patients with scurvy, a disease that was traditionally diagnosed in British sailors who had limited access to fresh fruit. My first patient with scurvy was a 40-year-old woman who smoked and admitted to a poor diet. She was concerned about her bleeding gums and easy skin bruising, and after her dentist confirmed the absence of gum disease, I ordered a blood test which confirmed a vitamin C deficiency, leading to the diagnosis of scurvy. Her bleeding gums and bruising symptoms improved after a few weeks of vitamin C supplementation. The other three patients also had significant bruising and bleeding gums as their initial symptoms.

‌‌‌‌How To Measure Vitamin C In The Body

There are two main ways vitamin C can be measured in the body. The first is a blood serum level. For women, normal levels are between 0.3-2.7 mg/dL while normal for men is 0.2-2.1 mg/dL. The second is checking vitamin C levels in white blood cells, or leukocytes. The reference range depends on the lab.

Risks Factors Of Vitamin C Deficiency

  • Poor diet, including low consumption of fruits and vegetables
  • Tobacco smoking (each cigarette oxidizes about 40-60 mg of vitamin C)
  • Air pollution exposure
  • Heavy metal exposure (lead, mercury)

Symptoms Of Vitamin C Deficiency

  • Bruising
  • Fatigue
  • Depression
  • Bleeding gums
  • Joint pain
  • Bone pain
  • Muscle aches
  • Swelling

Fruits Sources Of Vitamin C

  • Acerola cherries
  • Avocado
  • Guava
  • Papaya
  • Mangos
  • Oranges
  • Pineapple
  • Cantaloupe
  • Kiwi
  • Strawberries

Vegetable Sources Of Vitamin C

  • Bell peppers
  • Bok choy
  • Broccoli
  • Cabbage
  • Kale
  • Brussel sprouts
  • Potato

Health Benefits Of Vitamin C

  • Helps treat anemia by increasing iron absorption
  • Collagen and skin health
  • Heart health
  • Immune support
  • Memory health
  • Helps prevent periodontal disease 
  • Helps prevent upper respiratory infections/colds
  • Helps prevent seizure disorders
  • Helps prevent sepsis (blood infections)

In addition to the benefits discussed above, vitamin C appears to be beneficial for those admitted to a hospital, specifically, the intensive care unit. A 2019 meta-analysis study in Nutrients, which looked at more than 18 studies and over 2,000 patients, noted that hospital patients who supplemented with vitamin C reduced their ICU stay by 8 to 18 percent compared to those who were not given vitamin C.

Various formulations are available to consumers.

‌‌‌‌1. Ascorbic Acid

Ascorbic acid is the most commonly consumed and also the least expensive form of vitamin C available. However, its slight acidic component can make it hard on the digestive system for some, especially those with stomach acid issues. Many studies use this formulation of vitamin C. While ascorbic acid is synthetically made, it is identical to the formulations found in nature. Since studies show only 30 percent of a given dose is actually absorbed, researchers have also sought other formulations that may be better absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. Ascorbic acid is available in tablets, capsules, or as a powder. The following are mineral ascorbates.

  • Calcium Ascorbate – This formulation contains both calcium (at 100 mg) and ascorbate (at 900 mg) and should be considered by those who want to improve bone health while also preventing osteopenia and osteoporosis. One of its advantages is that it causes less gastric irritation than the ascorbic acid formation while maintaining equal antioxidant capacity, according to a 2018 study.
  • Magnesium Ascorbate – This formulation contains both magnesium (50 to 100 mg) and 900 mg of ascorbate. This may be a great option for those on magnesium-lowering medications (i.e. acid reducers and diuretics), those with chronic headaches, or those with frequent leg cramps. Since magnesium deficiency can also increase the risk for heart palpitations or arrhythmias, magnesium ascorbate can be considered in those at risk. 
  • Sodium Ascorbate – This formulation contains both sodium (~100 mg) and 900 mg of ascorbate. Those who are on a low-salt diet should avoid this formulation. While most people on a low-salt diet should keep their daily total to less than 2,000 mg, even small amounts can add up over time. 
NutriBiotic, Immunity, Ascorbic Acid, 100% Pure Vitamin C, Crystalline Powder, 2.2 lb (1 kg)

‌‌‌‌2. Ascorbate and Vitamin C Metabolites (Ester-C®)

Ascorbate and Vitamin C Metabolites (Ester-C®) is a patented formulation of calcium-ascorbate that was discovered in the 1980s. It contains a small amount of vitamin C metabolites such as calcium threonate, xylonate, and lyxonate, as well as dehydroascorbic acid. The manufacturer claims it helps improve absorption and results in higher vitamin C blood levels compared to regular ascorbic acid. 

A 2008 study evaluated blood serum and leukocytes levels after ingestion of calcium ascorbate versus regular ascorbic acid. The blood serum ascorbic acid levels were equal in both groups. However, those who took the calcium ascorbate formulation had higher vitamin C leukocyte (white blood cell) levels. 

‌‌‌‌3. Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids

Vitamin C is also combined with antioxidants known as bioflavonoids. Proponents of this formulation are drawn to the fact that vitamin C with bioflavonoids may be better absorbed. A 1988 study showed this might be the case. In the study, it was shown that vitamin C with bioflavonoids was 35 percent better absorbed when compared to the regular ascorbic acid formulation. It is also a better option for those who may develop gastric symptoms from ascorbic acid.

Natural Factors, Citrus Bioflavonoids 

Natural Factors, Citrus Bioflavonoids Plus Hesperidin, 650 mg, 90 Capsules

‌‌‌‌4. Liposomal Vitamin C

Liposomal vitamin C is a formulation that appears to have improved bioavailability or absorption properties. To help increase absorption, scientists have developed liposomal vitamin C, a fat-soluble covering that helps the ascorbic acid molecule pass through the digestive tract more easily. The data indicates that oral delivery of vitamin C encapsulated in liposomes results in blood concentrations of vitamin C that are greater than un-encapsulated oral formulations, such as ascorbic acid, but less than intravenous administration. 

Further, a 2020 study showed that liposomal vitamin C could lower blood pressure at a lower dosage than regular vitamin C in laboratory rats. 

‌‌‌‌5. Ascorbyl Palmitate 

This formulation allows vitamin C, which is normally water-soluble, to become fat-soluble. It is usually added to topical vitamin C preparations so that it can be absorbed in the skin. It is also used in suppositories and as food preservatives. It is sometimes marketed as a vitamin C ester but should not be confused with Ester-C.

‌‌‌‌6. Vitamin C with Rose Hips

Formulations of vitamin C with rose hips normally contain regular ascorbic acid. Rose hips are the fruits of rose plants and contain a high amount of vitamin C, which is well absorbed. Rose hips also contain many antioxidants, including lycopene, phenols, flavonoids, ellagic acid, and vitamin E.

Get Whole Rosehips from iHerb

‌‌‌‌Is Vitamin C Safe?

Vitamin C, in all formulations, has a great safety profile. Doses up to 2,000 mg per day are commonly taken and well-tolerated. Diarrhea or loose stool is not likely unless 3,000 mg per day is exceeded. However, if a large daily dose is spread out and taken up to three times per day, digestive issues are less likely to occur. 

By Eric Madrid MD

https://www.iherb.com/blog/vitamin-c-forms/994

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

11 Calming Herbs to keep your Mind Balanced 💆

          Life is hard. Every day it seems like a new challenge appears to test your patience. You may not realize that chronic stress can also lead to long-term health complications. Living in a constant state of fight-or-flight tells your body to produce too much cortisol which can lead to weight gain, diabetes, mood swings, fatigue, and many other conditions. ( 1 ) While it’s important to take steps to manage stress, certain calming herbs can help strengthen your body’s stress response. Adaptogens are some of the best calming herbs because studies show they might make your body and mind more resilient to external stress. Keep in mind that adaptogens don’t work like prescription drugs for anxiety in that they kick in instantly. Instead, they need a few weeks to build up in your system before you notice the effects. When you need something in a pinch, however, other herbs and  essential oils  – like lavender oil – can ease symptoms almost instantly. 1.  LEMON BALM Lemon balm , also kn

Natural Home Remedies For Minor Burns 🔥

Natural Home remedies for Burns The use of natural remedies given below can be highly effective in managing such minor burns. These remedies are aimed at promoting healing of the damaged skin tissues and minimizing pain. Raw Potato Raw potato can be used to treat minor skin burns. It possesses soothing properties, which help in providing relief from the burning sensation caused by burns. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and reduces redness and inflammation of the skin. It can also reduce the chances of having blisters. Research has proved the beneficial effect of raw potato in the management of minor burns. The histological examination of the burnt area and clinical studies made on the comparable burn wounds treated with either peel of boiled potato affixed to gauze bandages or just gauze dressings showed that the patients treated with raw potato had a faster rate of recovery from the symptoms. It was found that the usage of the potato peel dressing eliminated or reduced desi

Spring Detox Smoothie

When spring arrives, I can't help but think about cleaning up my eating habits. After all, spring detox is a thing (along with spring cleaning, which technically is a detox for your home). That's why I’m sharing with you a smoothie packed with nutrients your body will love. Drink it in the morning and you'll give your body a much-needed boost of energy to get you through the day. Ingredient Breakdown: Why Each One Matters  Before I get to the actual recipe, I'd like to shine the spotlight on each individual ingredient used in this smoothie. You'll quickly see why this is a great spring detox smoothie worth drinking. Green Tea Not only is  green tea tasty to drink on its own, but it's also full of health benefits. It's high in antioxidants and contains a large amount of catechins, polyphenolic compounds that are thought to exert numerous protective effects, especially for your heart. Green tea is great for your cardiovascular system and