Vitamin C is one of the most essential nutrients as it protects the body against almost anything and it boosts the immune system. The body needs regular doses of vitamin C for prevention against the development of common sickness and serious health problems.
But most people do not get enough of this important nutrient. When the body is low in vitamin C, its symptoms can manifest in many different ways.
Here are some early warning signs that your body might be deficient of vitamin C.
Here Are 9 Early Signs Your Body Is Low In Vitamin C
“Vitamin C is the world’s best natural antibiotic, antiviral, antitoxin and antihistamine…” – Andrew W. Saul
Your Gums Swell and Bleed Easily
Your teeth and gums need adequate amounts of vitamin C for optimum health. This nutrient strengthens the epithelium tissue, which is present all over the body.
On the gums, the epithelium works as a barrier against bacteria that might cause dental disease. If your body lacks vitamin C, your gums will tend to swell, become inflamed and bleed easily.
Your gums could also recede. Low vitamin C has been linked to periodontitis, according to a study by the American Society of Microbiology. This disease leads to gum infection and damage that could cause the loss of teeth as well.
Your Hair Is Dry With Lots of Split Ends
What vitamin C your body takes to the more important tissues and organs first before the nutrient makes its way into the hair. If your vitamin C levels are less than ideal, your hair roots will not be able to benefit as much as they need to.
So, you will end up having dry hair with split ends. In addition, vitamin C helps with faster hair growth, as it helps the body absorb more iron. A deficiency may not just sow down hair growth; it can also lead to hair loss.
You Frequently Have Nosebleeds
Regular vitamin C intake lessens the fragility of the capillaries. Since the nose is lines with several of these small blood vessels closer to the skin’s surface, the nose can become quite sensitive.
If you have experienced frequent nosebleeds, you may have vitamin C deficiency. A nosebleed, also known as epistaxis, is one of the symptoms of scurvy, or a condition that highlights the body’s ascorbic acid deficiency.
You Have Dry, Rough, and Red Skin
Dry, rough, and red skin are also some indications that there is not enough ascorbic acid in your system. Your body needs vitamin C to synthesize with the skin’s collagen, so your skin remains in the pink of health.
The lack of “C” might also lead to the development of a skin condition called keratosis pilaris. Although most common among young people, this condition can occur at any age.
It is characterized by rough patches or tiny bumps that appear on the thighs, buttocks, upper arms, and cheeks. Keratosis pilaris can cause mild itching.
While it doesn’t hurt and it’s not a serious condition, the sandpaper roughness could be uncomfortable. Moisturizers and lotions with vitamin components help treat dry skin and lessen the wrinkles.
You’re Prone to Bruising
Because of your capillaries being weakened by the lack of vitamin C, a simple bump can result in instant bruising. According to the University of Michigan Health Systems, bruising might also indicate an underlying health condition.
Experts recommend that aside from eating foods rich in vitamin C, you should also take supplements of around 400 mg of vitamin C along with 400 mg of flavonoids.
Your Wounds Heal Slowly
If you have cuts or scrapes that have been around for weeks or if you have had a surgery and still feel tenderness around the wound it can mean that you do not have enough vitamin C.
Vitamin C helps the connective tissues bind with the wound. It also has an important role in tissue repair and it can prevent infection of wounds.
You Have Painful, Swollen Joints
Joints that swell with pain can be inflamed. This is common for people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, people with low vitamin C levels have three times increased risk of developing the disease compared to those with a regular vitamin C intake.
You’re Susceptible to Colds and Flu
Vitamin C also helps with the production of white blood cells that attack virus and bacteria. It is also an antioxidant that protects your cells from infections.
If your body is low in vitamin C, then you are more susceptible to the common cold and you are weak against the flu virus or a strep throat infection.
You’re In Low Spirits
Vitamin C deficiency has been proven to have psychological links as well. Separate studies in hospitalized patients and high school students with anxiety showed that their mood became more positive by as much as 34 percent after taking vitamin C supplements.
Final Thoughts
The best way to increase your vitamin C intake is by naturally adding this to your diet. Eat or drink plenty of fruits and vegetables – such as broccoli, capsicum, kale spinach, berries, and citrus fruits – to boost your body’s daily “C” requirements.
You get more benefits from eating fruits fresh, instead of juiced or blended. Studies have also shown that overcooking vegetables may reduce their nutritional value. So, make sure to add vegetables in soups and stews when it’s already boiling, and not before.