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The Science Behind Vitamin C Therapy And Healing

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My Story: The Science Behind IV Vitamin C therapy and Its Role in Healing

By Heather Osbourne

Being diagnosed with left-sided lobular breast cancer at the age of 40 was a moment that changed my life forever. The shock was overwhelming. And the emotional toll was immense, too. I felt grief, fear, anger, and an unbearable sense of helplessness. My greatest worry was leaving my daughters behind. Cancer did not just threaten my life; it challenged my identity, my strength, and my hope.

I underwent multiple treatments through both the NHS in the UK and the healthcare system in France. Initially, I had two lumpectomies under the NHS. But they were unsuccessful in removing the tumours. I was then advised to undergo a left-sided mastectomy alongside aggressive treatments. However, immediate breast reconstruction is difficult to obtain within the NHS. And I feared both the physical and emotional toll of being left without a breast while undergoing intensive treatments.

Given my prior connections to France, I opted to have my mastectomy with immediate reconstruction there in January 2019. Following surgery, I also underwent six weeks of intensive radiotherapy.

Despite these conventional treatments, I sought out additional integrative therapies to support my healing. These included:

  • intravenous (IV) vitamin C therapy
  • mistletoe injections
  • herbal medicine
  • an alkaline/vegan diet
  • Ayurvedic medicine
  • wellness retreats
  • experimental immunotherapy in Germany.

The Science Behind IV Vitamin C Therapy

The Science Behind Vitamin C Therapy And Healing

One treatment that stood out in my healing journey is high-dose IV vitamin C therapy. There has been growing scientific interest in its role as an adjunctive therapy for cancer and other chronic diseases.

Unlike oral vitamin C, which is limited by gastrointestinal absorption, IV administration allows for significantly higher plasma concentrations, reaching levels that exhibit pro-oxidant properties against cancer cells while still functioning as an antioxidant in healthy cells.

How Does Vitamin C Therapy Work?

  • Selective Cytotoxicity: Research suggests that at high concentrations, vitamin C therapy can act as a pro-oxidant, generating hydrogen peroxide in extracellular fluids. This oxidative stress is selectively toxic to cancer cells while sparing healthy cells. A study published in Cancer Cell (2017) highlighted that cancer cells with defective antioxidant systems are particularly vulnerable to this effect.

  • Immune System Support: Vitamin C therapy enhances the production of interferons and boosts the function of natural killer (NK) cells, which play a crucial role in immune surveillance against tumors. A study in the Journal of Translational Medicine (2021) demonstrated that IV vitamin C supplementation modulates immune responses in cancer patients.

  • Collagen Synthesis and Tissue Repair: High-dose vitamin C is essential for collagen production, aiding in wound healing, reducing inflammation, and improving recovery post-surgery or radiation therapy.

  • Reduction of Inflammation and Fatigue: Chronic inflammation contributes to cancer progression and treatment-related side effects. Research in Frontiers in Immunology (2022) suggests that IV vitamin C therapy can downregulate inflammatory markers and reduce fatigue in cancer patients.

Studies Supporting IV Vitamin C Therapy

A study published in the Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research (2021) found that IV vitamin C therapy enhances the effects of chemotherapy in certain cancer models and improves quality of life in patients.

A meta-analysis in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2013) reported that vitamin C supplementation may reduce the severity and duration of respiratory infections, including pneumonia, which is a common complication in immunocompromised patients.

A clinical study in The Journal of International Medical Research (2018) demonstrated that IV vitamin C therapy reduces oxidative stress and improves overall well-being in patients with chronic inflammation and allergies.

My Personal Experience With This Therapy

IV vitamin C therapy has been a game-changer for me. The treatments, which typically last around an hour, have significantly boosted my energy levels, improved my immune resilience, and enhanced my overall well-being. While the initial infusion may cause sensations of coldness or slight shakiness, these effects subside quickly, leaving me feeling revitalised, mentally sharp, and physically stronger. Since incorporating IV vitamin C therapy into my treatment regimen, I have remained cancer-free, and my quality of life has improved immensely.

A Holistic Approach to Healing

My journey has been filled with pain, uncertainty, and challenges I never anticipated. However, through both conventional and integrative approaches, I have found strength, resilience, and hope.

This experience has inspired me to help others on their healing journeys. Through Vitalborn, a company I launched providing high-quality IV vitamin C therapy and health counselling, I hope to support individuals seeking alternative solutions to enhance their well-being.

But you don’t need to be sick to benefit from vitamin C therapy. As I touched on above, it can do much to boost your overall health.

For example, here are some of the key benefits vitamin C injections can bring to anyone:

1. Boost Immune System Function

Vitamin C is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system. It helps stimulate the production of white blood cells, which fight off infections. High-dose vitamin C injections may help strengthen immune responses and reduce the duration of illnesses like the common cold.

2. Support Skin Health and Collagen Production

Vitamin C plays a crucial role in the synthesis of collagen, which is vital for maintaining healthy skin, cartilage, and bones. Vitamin C injections can promote skin healing, reduce wrinkles, and improve skin texture by boosting collagen production. It may also help reduce the appearance of scars and enhance skin elasticity.

3. Act as an Antioxidant

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes harmful free radicals in the body. By reducing oxidative stress, it may lower the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, certain cancers, and neurodegenerative diseases.

4. Reduce Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is linked to various diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. Vitamin C injections have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce symptoms in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.

5. Support Wound Healing

Vitamin C is vital for tissue repair and wound healing. High doses of vitamin C injected into the bloodstream can accelerate the healing process after surgery or injury by promoting collagen formation and supporting the regeneration of damaged tissues.

6. Improve Energy Levels and Reduce Fatigue

Many individuals who undergo high-dose vitamin C therapy report feeling more energetic and less fatigued. Vitamin C injections can support the body in fighting oxidative stress and improving energy levels, particularly in people with chronic fatigue or those recovering from illness or surgery.

7. Detoxify the Body

Vitamin C has detoxifying properties that can help the body eliminate toxins. It supports liver function and promotes the removal of heavy metals and other toxins from the body, enhancing overall detoxification.

8. Improve Mood and Mental Clarity

Research has indicated that vitamin C can help regulate neurotransmitters that affect mood, such as serotonin. Vitamin C injections may improve mood, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and enhance mental clarity.

9. Reduce the Risk of Chronic Disease

High-dose vitamin C injections may help reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, improving blood vessel function, and supporting overall health.

10. Help with Iron Absorption

Vitamin C enhances the absorption of non-heme iron (the form of iron found in plant-based foods). This can help individuals with iron deficiency or those prone to anemia, particularly vegans or vegetarians.

While the potential benefits of vitamin C injections are numerous, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any treatment, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions or those undergoing other therapies.

Where To Get Vitamin C Therapy In Peru

In Lima here, here, or here.

In Cusco, here, or here.

Scientific Research On The Subject

Heather Osbourne is a former nurse who is now dedicated to holistic health. She’s about to embark on her PhD in Wales, UK. She’s  a single mother of two teenage girls and a breast cancer survivor.