Dr. Tanya McEachern

How do you get your vitamin c?

As a busy Mama and Doc, I’m always on the go. Some days, I don’t eat all the fruits and veggies that I should (who can relate?). Sometimes, I rely on supplements to get the nutrition that I need.

Vitamin C is super important for tissue growth and repair. It supports connective tissue by building collagen, enhances the absorption of iron (side not for all of you taking iron – its best taken with some vitamin C), and helps build our anti-stress hormones. Stress, whether it be physical, mental, or emotional, greatly increases the need for vitamin C. And, of course, it’s a powerful immune enhancer.

There are some medications that increase the body’s need for vitamin C. Those are birth control pills (in fact, any form of estrogen supplementation/replacement, including the bio-identical form that I prescribe), steroids, and aspirin. Smokers have an increased need too.

Vitamin C has many other purposes: helps detoxify heavy metals, can be used in the treatment of cancer, helps to treat arthritis and cataracts, and helps balance our hormones.

If you’ve been following me for some time, you know that I’m not a fan of cheap, poorly formulated supplements. Most of the vitamin C on the market is very poorly absorbed (and causes diarrhea in large doses), is filled with sugar, and comes from corn/corn syrup from China. It can also contain toxic heavy metals and other pollutants. Sad, but true. Likely not something you want to ingest (me neither!).

The C that I take is a systemic alkalizer (more on the importance of the acid-base balance within the body later), protects me against mineral loss (often a side effect of Vitamin C supplements), and doesn’t cause loose bowels (major bonus).

Do you have questions about vitamin C or supplements? Shoot me a message or come by for a free consultation – DM to book