It’s an uncommon gift to reach 100 years of age – and be healthy. But apart from good genes and good luck, there are steps you can take to increase your chances for healthy longevity.
Long time readers will know what I’ve said over and over again. Too many people gain excessive weight, eat poorly, neglect exercise, and fall victim to other lifestyle problems. They experience chronic diseases too early in life, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. My message has been, to prevent the onset of heart disease, a top killer, high doses of vitamin C taken over the long term can make a difference.
If
you hear contrary views, ask about the dose. What doses are used in
clinical trials? Peewee doses. And peewee doses of vitamin C won’t stop
heart attacks.
Here’s what you need to know.
There
are few nutrients as dynamic as high-dose vitamin C and lysine. While
they are often praised individually, they have synergistic effects when
combined.
Vitamin
C, also known as ascorbic acid, has long been celebrated for its role
in supporting a strong immune system and its potent antioxidant
properties. It plays a pivotal role in collagen production, wound
healing, and the absorption of iron from plant-based foods.
But
it is high-dose vitamin C that helps combat viral infections, reduce
inflammation, and even improve cancer outcomes. Moreover, it serves as a
potent antioxidant, neutralizing harmful free radicals and protecting
cells from oxidative damage.
Lysine
is an essential amino acid important to protein synthesis and tissue
repair. Our bodies cannot produce it, so we get it through diet or
supplementation.
Lysine
and vitamin C work in tandem to fight cardiovascular disease and
stroke. Atherosclerosis, the hardening and narrowing of arteries, is a
significant contributor to heart disease. Lysine plays a pivotal role in
preventing the buildup of arterial plaque, while vitamin C helps
maintain blood vessel walls and repair damage.
Dr.
Linus Pauling, a two-time Nobel laureate, championed this combination
to combat cardiovascular disease. Two interviews with him convinced me
to bet my life on vitamin C and lysine after my heart attack 27 years
ago. Hopefully you won’t have to make that decision. But my experience
is evidence that there is an alternative to statins.
One
of the most immediate and relatable benefits of high-dose vitamin C and
Lysine is their ability to ward off the common cold. The combination of
these two nutrients can reduce the severity and duration of colds.
Their immune-enhancing properties bolster the body's defense mechanisms,
making it more resilient against viral invaders. When taken regularly,
colds are infrequent.
Environmental
toxins and stressors mean chronic inflammation and oxidative damage.
High-dose vitamin C and lysine act as a potent antioxidant shield,
neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation.
This
protective effect extends to conditions like arthritis, where
inflammation and joint damage are prominent features. When used in
conjunction with a healthy lifestyle and appropriate medical treatment,
this duo can offer relief to those suffering from chronic joint pain.
While
high-dose vitamin C should not be considered a standalone treatment for
cancer, it has shown promise as an adjunctive therapy. Intravenous
vitamin C can enhance the effectiveness of certain chemotherapy drugs
while reducing their side effects.
Furthermore,
the combination of high-dose vitamin C and lysine can boost the body's
resilience during cancer treatment by mitigating the weakening effects
of chemotherapy and radiation, allowing patients to better tolerate
their treatments.
Final
message. If it’s your intention to supplement with vitamin C and lysine
for only a few months, it won’t work. It is a lifetime habit you need
to follow.
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W. Gifford-Jones, MD is the pen name of Dr. Ken Walker, graduate of Harvard Medical School. Diana Gifford-Jones is his daughter, a graduate of Harvard Kennedy School. Their latest book, “No Nonsense Health” is available at: Docgiff.com
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