Stress-busting nutrient: Vitamin C

Vitamin C is extremely important when it comes to supporting your adrenal glands. These walnut-sized glands sit above the kidneys and are responsible for the release of stress hormones including cortisol, noradrenaline (norepinephrine) and adrenaline (epinephrine). When you’re constantly feeling stressed, your body is producing more of these hormones. And one of the cofactors required for this process is vitamin C.

So, it makes sense that when you are stressed, you burn through your vitamin C faster. And that upping your intake of vitamin C can support your body during times of stress.

Vitamin C is also involved in collagen production, iron absorption, wound healing, immune function and so much more. So, you can see how beneficial this vitamin is.

Since it is a water-soluble vitamin, you need to consume vitamin C daily. Any unused vitamin C will be excreted through urine.

The best sources of vitamin C include:

• vegetables – broccoli, cauliflower, Brussel Sprouts, capsicums, spinach, other leafy greens, potatoes, tomatoes and pumpkin
• fruits – cantaloupe, citrus fruits, mango, Kiwi fruit, papaya, pineapple, berries and watermelon.

For some client’s, supplementing can be helpful. It’s important to chat to a natural health practitioner about this so they can help ensure you are getting a good quality supplement and determine a therapeutic dose that won’t push you over your bowel’s tolerance level (so you aren’t rushing to the toilet).