Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is important for your immune system, and your body needs enough of it to prevent numerous health conditions. Stats show that many Americans don’t get enough vitamin C. The lack of this vitamin may cause serious health issues, and we give you some of the early signs of vitamin C deficiency.
9 early signs of a vitamin C deficiency
According to Andrew W. Saul, vitamin C is the best natural antibiotic, antiviral, antitoxin and antihistamine you will ever use.
Swollen and bleeding gums
Vitamin C is important for your oral health. It protects and strengthens the epithelium tissue. This tissue is actually a barrier that protects against bacteria. The lack of vitamin C results in swollen and inflamed gums that recede easily.
Low vitamin C levels is one of the reasons people develop periodontitis, as confirmed by the American Society for Microbiology. Periodontitis causes gum infection, damage and tooth loss.
Dry hair and split ends
Vitamin C strengthens your hair and its roots. The loss of vitamin C results in dry hair and split ends. It promotes hair growth and increases the absorption of iron. Any deficiency may lad to slow hair growth and hair loss.
Nosebleeds
Take enough vitamin C to strengthen your capillaries. Your nose is packed with a lot of tiny blood vessels, and any deficiency may give you a nosebleed. Nosebleeds are also known as epistaxis which is a common symptom of scurvy.
Dry, rough and red skin
If your skin is dry, red and rough, you may lack vitamin C. You need enough of this vitamin to keep your skin healthy and glowing. Vitamin C deficiency may lead to keratosis pilaris. It’s more common in young individuals but may occur at every age. This condition is manifested through rough patches or tiny bumps on the thighs, buttocks, upper arms and cheeks.
Keratosis pilaris may cause mild itching. It doesn’t cause any pain, but the rough patches cause discomfort. Sufferers usually use moisturizers and lotions rich in vitamins.
Bruising
The lack of vitamin C weakens capillaries, and even the slightest bump may give you a bruise. If you get bruises all the time, you should consider boosting your vitamin C intake.
Experts at the University of Michigan Health Systems say that bruising may be a sign of underlying health issues. In addition to eating foods packed with vitamin C, you should also take 400mg of vitamin C supplements and 40mg of flavonoids.
Slow healing of wounds
Take enough vitamin C to accelerate the healing of your wounds or surgery scars. This vitamin strengthens connective tissues and repairs tissues. It can also prevent infection.
Swollen and aching joints
Pain and swelling in joints are a sign of rheumatoid arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation suggests that individuals who lack vitamin C have three times higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
Cold and flu
Vitamin C boosts the production of white blood cells, and it’s important for the prevention of virus and bacteria. It’s a powerful antioxidant that prevents infections. If you lack vitamin C, you will be more prone to common colds, flu or strep throat infection.
Bad mood
Believe it or not, vitamin C is linked to your mood. Patients and students with anxiety had a better mood after being given vitamin C supplement.
When it comes to other signs and symptoms, sufferers notice spoon-shaped fingernails with red spots and lines. Your bones will get weak, and you will have a higher risk of osteoporosis and fracture.
Vitamin C builds strong bones, and any deficiency may lead to bone loss. Have you gained a lot of weight? Vitamin C regulates the release of fat from fat cells, reduces stress hormones and decreases inflammation. The lack of this vitamin will give you the opposite, and you will end up dealing with obesity.
Final words
Enrich your menu with foods packed with vitamin C, such as broccoli, capsicum, kale, spinach, berries and citruses.
Eat your fruits fresh, and keep in mind that heat reduces the nutritional value of your fruits and veggies. Add vegetables to your soup after it boils.
