Vitamin C is famous for its role in stimulating the immune system. If you take a turn down your local health foods store you will find it in multivitamins, cold remedies, cold prevention and child gummies. It has also been in the spotlight as a powerful antioxidant. What you might not know is vitamin C may also protect against gallbladder symptoms?
A study from the University Hospital Ulm in Ulm Germany, published in 2009, found that supplemental vitamin C was associated with lowered risk of developing gallstones. Gallstones are the primary cause of painful gallbladder symptoms.
Some practitioners of Functional Nutrition are recommending supplemental vitamin C for those who are at risk or otherwise concerned about developing gallbladder symptoms. Dr. Andrew Weil also notes that vitamin C can be helpful for preventing gallbladder symptoms.
Finding the Right Form of Vitamin C
Taking a vitamin C supplement is one way to up your intake but it is important to get a formula that includes micronutrients not just ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid is metabolized as a sugar and can cause additional health problems. Select an herbal formula or try these foods that are naturally high in vitamin C and come with a host of bioflavonoid and other micro-nutrients:
- Broccoli
- Strawberries
- Kiwi fruit
- Bell peppers
Next Steps
Click here to take Dr. Rose’s Nutritional Profile Quiz and get an overview of what your nutritional imbalances could be. You’ll get your results immediately.
Dr. Marina Rose, DC has helped people with gallbladder symptoms and other challenging, chronic health conditions in and around the city of Los Altos, CA.