Healthy Bodies: Healthy Immune Systems

By Sherry Verostko-Slazak ANP-BC and Marlene Rogers FNP-BC

Vitamin C is an essential vitamin, which means your body cannot produce it. It is found naturally in orange, strawberries, kiwi fruit, bell peppers, broccoli, kale, and spinach. However, since vitamin C is found in only small quantities in the foods we eat, many people take supplements orally, while others choose vitamin C infusions, which enable the vitamin to enter the body at a much faster rate to provide the body with a host of benefits noted below.

Collagen Production.
Collagen is a protein that provides structure to much of your body, including bones, skin, tendons, ligaments, and helps your blood clot. According to Healthline, collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, accounting for about a third of its protein composition. Collagen is also found in other areas of the body, including blood vessels, corneas, and teeth. Healthline describes it as the “glue that holds all these things together and even comes from the Greek word “kólla” which means glue. Lack of this important vitamin can lead to thinning hair, weakened blood vessels, bones, tendons, and ligaments, and even more severe complications.

Energy Production
Vitamin C is vital for breaking-down fat for energy and plays an important role in breaking down carnitine, which helps transport fats into the mitochondria, the cell’s energy center, to give our body energy. A 2011 research study showed that high-dose IV vitamin C therapy decreased fatigue in office workers in just two hours, increasing their energy levels for 24 hours.

Immune Support

Vitamin C may help defend and destroy infectious agents, such as bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells. Studies reveal vitamin C can increase the function and production of white blood cells, which are essential for optimal immune function. Therefore, IV vitamin C therapy can help prevent and treat infections.

Antioxidant Properties

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps strengthen and build collagen, proteins, and DNA, and protects us from free radicals and exposure to toxins and chemicals. Researchers have found that the antioxidant properties of IV vitamin C therapy can decrease symptoms of influenza. Because of this, physicians are now recommending vitamin C therapy to help nursing home patients strengthen their immune systems.

Sherry Verostko-Slazak ANP-BC and Marlene Rogers FNP-BC are co-owners and founders of Advanced Integrative Care, who practice holistic and traditional medicine by using the most appropriate and effective interventions with a goal of healing the whole person. Sherry is a primary care provider who treats adult patients and Marlene is a family health nurse practitioner. Advanced Integrative Care is conveniently located at 8207 Main Street in Williamsville. Learn more at www.nyholisticcare.com or call 716-277-0267 to make an appointment.