Why Do Cancer Patients Take Vitamin C?

Vitamin C

Cancer patients may feel desperate and hopeless at times, but there are many healing modalities that can be used to help alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life. One of those inexpensive and easily obtained options is taking a vitamin C supplement.

Not all vitamin C supplements are created equal, so taking the correct form of it and a high-quality brand is essential. 

What is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is a nutrient that your body uses to form collagen, cartilage, muscle, and blood vessels. It’s vital to your body’s healing process, as it is an antioxidant that protects your cells against the harmful effects of free radicals that your body naturally produces when exposed to toxins and radiation. Free radicals may play a role in certain diseases like cancer, heart disease, and others.

It is also essential to helping your body properly absorb and store iron. Itcan be destroyed by heat and light, so cooking vegetables at high temperatures can make them lose some of the vital nutrients. 

Does Your Body Produce Vitamin C?

Your body does not produce it alone, so it is important to eat enough foods containing vitamin C or take a supplement. Foods high in it include tomatoes, kiwis, bell peppers, papaya, berries, citrus fruits, potatoes, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and spinach.

These supplements are available in chewable tablets, packets that you dissolve in water, and capsules.

Vitamin C is also water-soluble so you can’t overdose on it, as your body will eliminate any excess through your urine. 

Can it Help Prevent Cancer?

Eating a diet high in vegetables and fruits may lower your risk of developing certain types of cancer, like lung, breast, and colon cancers. Fruits and vegetables contain many nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that your body needs to stay healthy.

If you are concerned your diet doesn’t have enough vof it, you can always take a supplement. Ask your medical professional for advice on a high-quality vitamin C supplement. While it’s not proven that it can directly prevent cancer, it boosts antioxidant levels and provides your body with vital nutrients. 

Vitamin C for Cancer Patients

Because it is such an important antioxidant with many health benefits, it can’t hurt for cancer patients to take it. Whether it’s in a multivitamin, food source, or supplement, the antioxidant will help support healthy cellular function in the body.

There are also intravenous high-dose vitamin C therapy options that may work better for some cancer patients. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with cancer or have been dealing with it for some time, it may be worth looking into vitamin C therapy to help support your body’s health. 

Vitamin C and the Immune System

Now that you know what a potent antioxidant vitamin C is, you may be curious about its other health benefits. In addition to neutralizing free radicals, it can help support the immune system by stimulating the white blood cells’ activity.

This can help protect the body from illnesses like colds, viruses, and bacteria. If your body has an illness it can help the immune system fight that illness better than it would without the support of vitamin C. 

Let Today’s Integrative Health Help You

If you have health concerns and would like the knowledge of a doctor who truly cares about his patients, call our office. Doctor Leo enjoys helping patients of all ages maximize their health. Don’t suffer any longer- call today to schedule your first appointment! We are located at 6321 Executive Blvd, Rockville, MD 20852, in the Executive office park. 

Picture of Dr. L. J. Leo

Dr. L. J. Leo

Dr. Leo began his education at the Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, Virginia, where he earned his doctorate in osteopathy. He completed his internal medicine residency through the U.S. Army and had the honor of serving multiple overseas tours before retirement.

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