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Vitamin C is a powerhouse of a vitamin. We all know how important this vitamin is for boosting immunity and helping our skin glow. Some of my favorite fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamin C. Now, I’m guessing you probably reached for a jug of orange juice or some vitamin C supplements when you felt a cold coming on. But there is another way to give your body a whole influx of vitamin C all at once.
A vitamin C flush is a deliberate intake of a high concentration of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). It is a detoxing mechanism that ultimately flushes out your intestines. When you introduce high concentrations of vitamin C at regular intervals, your body stocks up on its vitamin C storage while cleaning out impurities. The process also supports immunity and rapid healing.
Feeling run down lately? Your body may be craving more vitamin C. People with chronic stress or infection, women with increased levels of estrogen, or people with an acute viral illness, like the flu or coronavirus, may require additional vitamin C to keep the body healthy and strong.
The Amazing Benefits of Vitamin C
Beyond glowing skin and supporting your immune system, Vitamin C does some pretty amazing things. Vitamin C works as a powerful antioxidant, protecting your body from free radicals. It helps maintain connective tissue integrity and supports collagen production to aid in wound healing. Some studies have shown that Vitamin C can even help lower blood cortisol levels. This makes it the perfect vitamin for combating stress.
Let’s dive into the basics of a vitamin C flush.
Getting Started with a Vitamin C Flush
Firstly, plan your vitamin C flush when you have comfortable and easy access to the restroom. They call it a flush for a reason — you will get loose stools. Choose a day and time where you’ll be home and not face too many distractions that could make the flush stressful. After all, this is supposed to make you feel good! (And it will.)
Begin early in the morning before you’ve eaten your breakfast. And make sure you eat lighter foods throughout the day, like smoothies or broths. Drink plenty of water so not to dehydrate. You can resume your regular eating patterns after the flush.
Every body composition is different, so every concentrated amount of vitamin C needed will fluctuate from person to person. A good ballpark is between four to eight 1,000 mg doses or three to four 2,000 mg doses of ascorbic acid or ascorbate powder mixed in half a glass of water. Take a dose on the hour for up to four hours. Write down your dosage to keep track of your ideal levels for next time.
Stick to the ascorbic acid powder instead of capsules. Be sure to read the ingredients before you buy. Sometimes these acids come from genetically modified corn, so keep an eye out for that and select a non-GMO brand.
Stick to a buffered vitamin C powder with calcium ascorbate or potassium ascorbate. These types tend to increase pH, making them less acidic and reducing the risk of heartburn or guy inflammation.
You will know when you reach the peak. The bathroom trip will result in watery stool, not just loose but also watery. As unpleasant as that sounds, it means the flush is working correctly. But let’s say after four hours, nothing happens, then stop the flush and begin again tomorrow with a higher dose.
What to Expect
I’ll be honest – you may get bloated and gassy during the vitamin C flush. And you will be in the bathroom a lot. This is normal, and while it may be a little uncomfortable, keep going! When you complete the flush, you can’t go cold turkey with vitamin C. Instead, it would help if you continued taking your doses of ascorbic acid but cut them in half each day. This is called tapering and is necessary to avoid shocking your system. After the flush, you may feel refreshed, revitalized, have more energy, and even notice clearer skin.
Vitamin C Flush Risks
While you can’t technically overdose on vitamin C, there are a few risks if you’re considering doing the flush. In addition to some gas and bloating, there is a chance you could experience some heartburn as well. If you don’t consume enough fluids during the flush, you could put yourself at risk for dehydration. Some people may get migraines from injecting large quantities of plain ascorbic acid in a short timeframe.
Above all, I always recommend talking to your doctor before starting a vitamin C flush. Just run it by them to ensure it is safe for you to proceed. Don’t forget to taper after the flush so your body can adjust.
A vitamin C flush is not recommended if you have hemochromatosis, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney problems, or hepatitis. Your doctor may be able to suggest another way to increase your vitamin C store without compromising your condition, such as an Epsom salt bath or coffee enema.
Maintenance
It is entirely up to you how often you want to do a vitamin C flush. Some people do them once a month. Others may be four times a year. Figure out your tolerance and preference. Once you nail down a perfect routine, then write it down. This includes your post-flush taper dosage notes as well. So, when you’re ready for your next flush, you’ll know exactly where to start. The vitamin C flush is an easy practice you can incorporate into your health and wellness regime for that extra boost of this necessary vitamin.
Note: it is important to use a buffered vitamin C when doing a flush, you can find a great one that I personally use HERE.