The new coronavirus disease is rapidly causing many to improve their hygiene factors and consider the state of their immunity. According to experts, the virus’ exponential growth may be influenced by these two controllable factors of personal hygiene and immunity. In additional the spreading of the virus by wearing a mask is also a vital component of the protocol to stay safe.

The immune system is the body’s first line of defense against infection. Given the current outbreak, it is especially important to strengthen the immune system — a feat one can kickstart by increasing his vitamin C intake.

Vitamin C, a water-soluble micronutrient, is known for its immune-boosting properties. It is also a powerful antioxidant that can reduce inflammation, combat disease-causing free radicals and stimulate the production of white blood cells that ward off pathogens.

Andrew W. Saul, the editor-in-chief of the Orthomolecular Medicine News Service, a site of the most advanced minds in natural / alternative medicine provides guidance on the mega-dosing of specific nutrients for optimal health. There are current claims that Chinese doctors are already using vitamin C to help prevent coronavirus, as well as evidence that high doses could be used to treat cancer.

Saul’s own YouTube channel, which boasts nearly 24,000 subscribers, says it would take some 14,000 mg of vitamin C to prevent coronavirus contraction, adding that megadoses like this is good for a host of viral infections, including flu or cold, allegedly because it makes the immune system stronger.

“It’s a good idea to strengthen the immune system, because that’s all you’ve got,” Saul says. “To fight a virus, if you don’t have a specific anti-viral — if you don’t have a vaccination for it, you have to rely on your immune system.”

Here are seven daily foods high in vitamin C to add to your diet.

Guava

Guava leaves are commonly used as an herbal medicine to treat colds and digestive problems. But the fruit itself is an excellent source of vitamin C. Just one cup of guava contains 377 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C, making it a potent immune-boosting food. It can be eaten raw as a quick snack or juiced to treat coughs and sore throat.

Red sweet pepper

Red sweet pepper is simply a green bell pepper that has matured into a mellow and sweet-tasting vegetable. A large sweet pepper contains a whopping 209 mg of vitamin C, which is even higher than the vitamin C content of oranges. It is a highly versatile food as well. Snack on sweet pepper strips or roast whole bell peppers to eat alongside casseroles.

Kiwifruit

With 74.7 mg of vitamin C and plenty of antioxidants, the tangy kiwifruit is extremely nutritious. Its immune-boosting properties protect cells and DNA from damage caused by pathogens. Additionally, it has micronutrients like vitamin E, folate and potassium that contribute to overall health and well-being.

Orange

Oranges are one of the most popular vitamin-C-rich foods worldwide. This citrus fruit contains an incredible 82.7 mg of vitamin C, as well as 120 grams (g) of water that keeps the body hydrated. Orange also has high concentrations of beta carotene, the red-orange pigment that colors many bright fruits and vegetables. Upon consumption, the body converts beta carotene into vitamin A, an anti-inflammatory agent that complements vitamin C’s immune-boosting properties.

Grapefruit

Although the bittersweet grapefruit is not everyone’s cup of tea, it packs a modest 38.4 mg of vitamin C that strengthens immune responses to disease-causing pathogens. It is also a good source of dietary fiber, which increases nutrient absorption in the gut. Like oranges, the grapefruit is typically eaten as a quick and juicy snack. (Related: Grapefruit juice protects against weight gain and diabetes.)

Brussel sprouts

With 72 mg of vitamin C, a cup of Brussels sprouts can improve immune functions and reduce inflammation. Like most cruciferous vegetables, Brussels sprouts are also an excellent source of phytochemicals and antioxidants that increase the immune-boosting effects of vitamin C. In particular, plant compounds known as flavonoids and carotenoids prevent cellular damage caused by bacteria and viruses. Toss a couple of sprouts into a bowl of leafy greens or roast the sprouts alongside garlic cloves.

Broccoli

Broccoli has an impressive nutrition profile due to its high concentrations, not just of vitamin C, and dietary fiber, but also, heart-healthy potassium. In fact, just three ounces of broccoli contains 78 mg of vitamin C and trace amounts of immune-boosting vitamin E, iron and zinc. Moreover, broccoli has a good amount of high-quality protein, an essential macronutrient that strengthens immune cells and antibodies. To enjoy the benefits of broccoli to the fullest, it’s best to eat it raw or steamed.

A strong immune system can significantly reduce the risk of contracting the new coronavirus disease. Eat plenty of vitamin-C-rich foods to enhance immune functions and improve overall health.

We do this because it is safe and it works. To help people look into this further, Dr. Steve Hickey and Andrew Saul wrote Vitamin C: The Real Story. We also urge people to watch videos of Dr. Cathcart, Dr. Thomas Levy, and Dr. Suzanne Humphries. These are all medical doctors, board-certified in orthopedics, cardiology and nephrology respectively.

Exciting clinical studies are showing that IV vitamin C at high doses are safe and effective in diseases such as sepsis and cancer. We will be discussing this research in upcoming columns. Once again Dr. Saul, we thank you for your information and guidance. Readers can find more help on Dr. Saul’s website at www.doctoryourself.com. WF

Other References:
1. Bourne, G. H. Vitamin C and Immunity. Brit. J. of Nutr. 2, 346-356, (1949).
2. Stone, Irwin. The Healing Factor: Vitamin C against disease. Grosset & Dunlap. NY (1972)
3. U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal Care Resource Guide, Animal Care, 12.4.2 http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_welfare/downloads/
manuals/dealer/feeding.pdf
4. National Center for Health Statistics. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/04news/americans.htm
5. Saul, A.W. Taking the cure: Claus Washington Jungeblut, M.D.: Polio pioneer; ascorbate advocate. J Orthomolecular Med, 2006. Vol 21, No 2. http://www.doctoryourself.com/jungeblut.html
6. Klenner, F.R. (July 1949). “The treatment of poliomyelitis and other virus diseases with vitamin C”. South Med Surg. 111 (7): 209–14. PMID 18147027
7. Klenner, F.R. (1951). “Massive doses of vitamin C and the virus diseases”. South Med Surg. 113 (4): 101–7. PMID 14855098
8. Klenner, F.R. (1952). “The vitamin and massage treatment for acute poliomyelitis”. South Med Surg. 114 (8): 194–7. PMID 12984224
9. Klenner, F.R. (1953). “The Use of Vitamin C as an Antibiotic”. J. Appl. Nutr. 6: 274–8.

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