Vitamin C Helps Reduce Stress

Studies show that vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, helps reduce stress and improve cognitive processes. In addition to this, it lowers blood cortisol levels and also affects the nervous system, as it promotes the proliferation of myelin in nerve cells. As a result, it improves communication between cells and optimizes memory.

Proverbs like “an apple a day keeps the doctor at bay,” provide an example of how fruit is valued in our culture. For example, in case of harsh cruises and to avoid scurvy, sailors ate citrus fruits during their cruises.

We often consider vitamin C to be a key element in preventing the flu. However, it should be noted that vitamin C alone cannot cure diseases. However, this vitamin helps reduce the risk of disease and strengthens the immune system and basic processes that increase our well-being.

How Does Vitamin C Help Reduce Stress?

Research by the Oregon University of Health and Science served as a gateway to an interesting discovery. This study showed that when a person is deficient in vitamin C, his GABA receptors cease to function properly. This means that GABA has a significant role in the central nervous system.

• Low levels of this neurotransmitter are associated with anxiety disorder, insomnia, and depression.
• High GABA levels promote mental processes such as relaxation, concentration, memory, less fear and alertness, etc.

Dr. Henrique von Gersdoff, co-author of the study, pointed out that vitamin C may be a much more important factor for our brains than previously thought.

In addition to this, it is known that this vitamin promotes the synthesis of many neurotransmitters and is also essential for the conversion of dopamine to serotonin. It also regulates the release of neurotransmitters.

The brain needs vitamin C.

Vitamin C helps reduce stress, as it basically acts as a nerve modulator. Although we are often told that we need to increase our intake of fresh fruits and vegetables to get vitamin C, we are rarely told about the brain-beneficial properties of vitamin C.

The part of the body that needs vitamin C the most is the brain. In fact, it has been found that when the body does not get enough vitamin C, it stays in our brain much longer than in any other part of our body.

Science does not yet understand how many processes and mechanisms this vitamin can affect. However, we know that vitamin C lowers blood cortisol levels.

• Studies such as those conducted by Dr. Oliveira IJ, de Souza VV, Motta V, and Da Silva SL in 2015 show that vitamin C reduces stress and anxiety by regulating cortisol production.
• In addition, this study estimated that high school students performed better on memory and concentration tests after increasing vitamin C intake.
• Vitamin C is also essential for collagen synthesis. This element not only protects teeth and bones, but also improves vascular integrity and resistance.

How to maintain an adequate intake of vitamin C.

Ironically,  experts say it is common for our bodies to have low levels of vitamin C. If we don’t get enough of it, we are more likely to get sick and our wounds to heal more slowly.

Let’s remember that the body that seems to need the most vitamin C is the brain. Without this vitamin, we will not be able to concentrate properly and we will be more stressed. It should also be noted that we need this vitamin in order to improve iron absorption.

Where do we get more vitamin C.

The recommended daily intake of vitamin C is between 75 and 90 milligrams. Instead of supplements, it would be better to enjoy more of the following foods:

• Oranges and lemons
• Mango
• Pomegranates
• Grapes
• Guava
• Broccoli
• Red peppers
• Strawberries

Finally, it is good to remember that vitamin C reduces stress. However, we should not forget to improve our daily habits: avoiding smoking, exercising and incorporating relaxation techniques into every day.