Vitamin C mitigates flu pneumoniaA new mechanism of vitamin C effects on A/FM/1/47(H1N1) virus-induced pneumonia in restraint-stressed mice.
We examined the effects of vitamin C on pneumonia caused by the influenza virus, specifically the H1N1 strain, in mice under stress. The study found that when exposed to restraint stress, the mice experienced increased mortality and more severe pneumonia symptoms.
However, by giving them oral vitamin C at doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg, we observed a significant reduction in these severe outcomes. Vitamin C seemed to modulate the expression of certain genes related to the immune response, such as MAVS and IRF3, and increased the expression of NF-κB, which plays a key role in the body's antiviral defense.
Our research suggested that vitamin C's protective effects might stem from its ability to inhibit excess cortisol production in the adrenal gland, which is often elevated due to stress. By lowering cortisol levels, vitamin C may help reduce susceptibility to influenza infections, making it a potential ally during the flu season, especially for those experiencing stress.
Through these findings, we highlighted a new mechanism for how vitamin C can be beneficial during influenza infections, particularly for those who are feeling overwhelmed.
Emergen-C aided recovery
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Used this to help me recover from the H1N1 flu. My husband, a police officer, caught it at the end of October, and soon after, I fell ill too. Prescribed Tamiflu made us feel worse, and this flu lingered. After three weeks, although fever and lung pain were gone, I still struggled with a persistent cough and fatigue. A friend dropped off Emergen-C, and within an hour, I felt a significant improvement. I began taking it daily, and it helped alleviate my fatigue and sinus infection. My husband, who recovered in six days after regularly taking it, noticed a considerable difference as well. Emergen-C provided the vital nutrients my body needed to fight the flu. I firmly believe it worked better than our medications.