Masters of Health Magazine April 2020 | Page 48

Sandy sanderson

“My heart restored,

My waters cleansed,

The power surges

In love to mend.”

CEO of Elektra Magnesium

When it comes to colds and flu most people go straight for the vitamin C, honey and lemon herbal teas and the like, to treat and strengthen the immune system.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) – the king of the vitamins

This is a good strategy, as there has been plenty of evidence collected since last century about the restorative benefits of vitamin C.

Vitamin C is involved in several vital processes such as energy metabolism and gene transcription, as well as in regulation of hormonal and epigenetic pathways. It possesses antimicrobial properties, which reduce the risk of infections, and has immuno-modulatory functions, particularly in high concentrations. Vitamin C has also been shown to have anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic effects. [1]

There is little or no risk of overdose, as vitamin C is water-soluble and easily eliminated by the digestive system. It is recommended to take your doses up high enough to induce loose stool when combating pathogens. You will find you can tolerate a lot higher dose when the body is under attack, as the immune system consumes more vitamin C.

Studies have shown that as lymphocytes and natural killer cells of the immune system take up more vitamin C, they become more virulent against pathogens.