Do you know that ascorbic acid can help prevent stomach problems,
including peptic ulcers and stomach cancer? OK, OK, first
things first: Do you know what ascorbic acid is? It's vitamin
C!
Chronic
infection with a specific strain of the Heliobacter Pylori
bacteria has been linked to the abovementioned gastric problems,
but a study that appeared in the Journal of the American College
of Nutrition suggests that vitamin C can reduce the risk of
infection. In Caucasian men and women, levels of ascorbic
acid in the bloodstream were inversely related to the risk
of infection with H. Pylori: the more vitamin C in the blood,
the less risk of being infected. This association was not
significant for men and women of other races.
So, now that you know what ascorbic acid is, and that it
can prevent gastrointestinal problems, here's the final question:
Where you find vitamin C? Well, good sources include citrus
fruits (oranges, grapefruit, lemons, mangos, etc.), asparagus,
broccoli, spinach, green peppers, tomatoes, potatoes and cabbage.
Your chiropractor can tell you more about the importance
of a healthy diet that includes adequate amounts of vitamin
C and all of the other essential vitamins to keep you - and
your stomach - healthy and smiling. To learn more about vitamins
and minerals, go to www.chiroweb.com/find/tellmeabout/nutrients.html.
Reference:
Simon JA, Hudes ES, Perez-Perez G. Relation
of serum ascorbic acid to helicobacter pylori serology in
U.S. adults: the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination
Survey. Journal of the American College of Nutrition 2003:22(4),
pp283-9.
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