As temperatures soar, our bodies face increased challenges in maintaining balance and health. While many of us turn to cooling strategies like hydration and shade, the role of vitamin C in supporting our well-being, especially in hot weather, often gets overlooked. Renowned for its immune-boosting properties, it plays a crucial role in fortifying our body's defenses against infections and illnesses. In hot weather, maintaining optimal immune function becomes even more critical, as heat stress can weaken the body's natural defenses.

Our immune systems can face extra stress for a variety of reasons. Vitamin C steps in as a formidable ally. According to Mayo Clinic, “Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a nutrient your body needs to form blood vessels, cartilage, muscle and collagen in bones. Vitamin C is also vital to your body's healing process. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect your cells against the effects of free radicals — molecules produced when your body breaks down food or is exposed to tobacco smoke and radiation from the sun, X-rays or other sources.” This antioxidant is particularly crucial during the summer months when increased sun exposure and heat stress can generate higher levels of free radicals.

According to Cleveland Clinic, vitamin C is one of the keys in effectively healing wounds, such as cuts, scrapes, and surgical incisions and individuals who do not get enough vitamin C have been observed to heal more slowly compared to those who receive the recommended amount. Ensuring sufficient intake can therefore significantly enhance your body's ability to recover from injuries and support overall health.

It can also help prevent iron deficiency as Healthline states that, “Vitamin C supplements can help improve the absorption of iron from the diet. Vitamin C assists in converting iron that is poorly absorbed, such as plant-based sources of iron, into a form that is easier to absorb. This is especially useful for people on a meat-free diet, as meat is a major source of iron.”

Cleveland Clinic states that that vitamin C can promote healthy skin as “...it’s worth noting that topical creams and serums made with vitamin C can do all kinds of good things for your skin. They help slow signs of aging, reduce dark under-eye circles and even bolster the effects of sunscreen.” To maximize these benefits, consider incorporating a vitamin C cream or serum into your daily skincare regimen. Look out for products with a stable form of vitamin C and apply them in the morning to enhance protection against environmental damage. Additionally, combining it with other antioxidants and moisturizing ingredients can further support skin health and radiance.

According to Healthline, some of the foods that contain high amounts of vitamin C are:

• Broccoli

• Oranges

• Brussels sprouts

• Lychees

• Strawberries

• Kiwis

• Chili peppers

Incorporating a variety of these foods into your diet can help ensure you meet your daily requirements and reap the full range of health benefits. It is beneficial as it can enhance your overall nutritional intake and support your immune health, skin, and iron absorption.

According to HowStuffWorks, “Since the 1930s, research (and some anecdotal wisdom) has shown that vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplementation helps the body physiologically respond to heat stress. It reduces your likelihood of developing heat-related illnesses such as heat rash and heat exhaustion -- it can also be used to treat heat rash that's already developed.” As HowStuffWorks states that by taking vitamin C daily, it can speed up your body's adaptation to hotter environments, a process called heat acclimatization.

With this, it can be a very useful ally during the hot days of summer. HowStuffWorks states that the reason vitamin C may cause heat acclimatization is, “Possibly by reducing how fast your sweat glands tire out, but it's also shown to lower body (rectal) temperature.” By potentially aiding sweat function and internal temperature regulation, can be a valuable tool to help us stay cool and comfortable during hot summer weather.

It's important to note that while vitamin C can support your body's adaptation to heat, it should be part of a comprehensive strategy for managing heat stress. Staying hydrated, wearing appropriate clothing, and taking regular breaks in cool environments are also crucial for maintaining health in hot conditions.

Eat This Not That shared several foods that can help prevent heat stroke and there were foods that contained vitamin C such as:

• Watermelon: According to the USDA, watermelon can promote increased sweating, which helps prevent heat stroke if you stay hydrated with this refreshing fruit.

• Cucumbers: This vegetable is made up of 95% water, ensuring you stay hydrated.

• Kiwis: Kiwi is a hydrating fruit that not only boosts your hydration levels but also provides 237 mg of potassium, a crucial electrolyte for muscle contraction.

So next time you're looking for a refreshing and hydrating snack, reach for one of these summer snacks!

To stay healthy and hydrated during your summer, try our IMMUNE+++! IMMUNE+++ is a proprietary triple-shield formula that offers a unique vitamin C source called Life-C Blend. IMMUNE+++ is also fortified with an Opti-Shield Blend of Reishi, Turkey Tail, and Maitake mushrooms, which is studied for defense against certain viruses and bacteria. With its Life-C Blend, the purest form of vitamin C with citrus bioflavonoids and lipid metabolites added to enhance effectiveness, bioavailability and longer retention in the body, IMMUNE+++ is packed with powerful nutrients to support your health.

Mayo Clinic states that, “The recommended daily amount for vitamin C is 75 milligrams (mg) a day for women and 90 mg a day for men. During pregnancy, 120 mg a day are recommended. The upper limit for all adults is 2,000 mg a day.”

IMMUNE+++ contains 500 milligrams of vitamin C. And according to WebMD, there is great record with evidence that taking 500 milligrams is safe.

Vitamin C emerges as a summer ally, bolstering your immune system and aiding heat acclimatization. By incorporating vitamin C rich fruits and vegetables into your diet, you can stay hydrated, fight off illness, and even potentially improve sweat function to keep cool. Remember, a balanced approach is key. Pair healthy eating with staying hydrated and seeking shade during peak heat for optimal summer wellness.