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This is
an actual image of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is found in a wide spectrum of
popular foods, but occurs most commonly in citrus fruits such as lemons,
limes, and grapefruits, as well as tomatoes. The sugar-like vitamin
easily oxidizes in air and is sensitive to both light and heat. Ascorbic
acid is a relatively fragile molecule and may be lost from foods during
preparation, cooking, and/or storage. In spite of the fact that vitamin
C is easily destroyed, it has the ability to preserve foods by virtue of
its role as a reducing agent. Leafy greens such as collards, spinach,
and turnip greens are good sources of needed vitamin C in either raw or
cooked forms. Most foods, however, yield maximum amounts of ascorbic
acid when eaten raw or minimally cooked. Other good food sources of
vitamin C include rosehips, strawberries, watercress, papaya, and
mangos. Potatoes and green vegetables such as broccoli, brussel sprouts,
and cabbage also provide this essential nutrient. In addition to natural
sources, vitamin C may be obtained in synthetic derivatives of glucose.
Supplemental forms include tablets, capsules, powdered crystalline, and
liquid forms. |
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Canker sores are painful
eruptions that can occur on the inside of the mouth, on the lips and inner
cheeks, on the gums, or under the tongue. They are usually red, sometimes
with a white coating, and can be very painful. Anyone can get canker sores,
but they usually affect more women than men, and teen-agers get them most
often.
Doctors don’t know for sure what causes canker sores. They suspect they’re
the result of too much stress, poor nutrition, anemia, food allergies, or
hormonal imbalances.
So what’s a body to do with recurring canker sores?
- Report outbreaks to your doctor and follow his or her suggestions.
- Keep a record of when, where, how often, and which triggers seem to
affect the occurrence and recurrence of canker sores--before an exam,
during ovulation, after eating too many acid foods or junk foods, and so
on.
- Make sure you and your teenagers supplement daily with a high-quality
vitamin and mineral supplement as insurance against skipped meals and
less-than-great food choices.
- Get a blood test to make sure you’re not anemic; follow your doctor’s
orders when taking an iron supplement.
- Watch your stress level! Try a yoga class or relaxation exercises to
help relieve your body of stressful reactions. And the iPod glued to your
kid’s head may actually be a good thing; studies show that listening to
your favorite music really does make you feel better--calmer, happier, and
more positive. Another study showed that half an hour of iPod time lowers
the stress hormone cortisol, boosts feel-good endorphins, and fortifies
the immune system by raising levels of immunoglobulin A.
- Many people report that sucking on zinc lozenges, taking extra
vitamins B and C, as well as the amino acid lysine helps the canker sores
to heal faster. These products are available at the drug store.
- Ask your druggist for the latest over-the-counter remedies that may
help the canker sores heal more quickly.
- If canker sores recur, get checked for food allergies related to dairy
and wheat consumption.
Above all, don’t get discouraged--take action to make your canker sores
less painful and less frequent.
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