Need Vitamin C?

Ever wonder if you’re getting enough Vitamin C? Vitamin C helps repair tissue and combat infection as well as assisting in the absorption of iron from plant sources such as spinach or kale. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant associated with a a reduced risk of cancer and cataracts. Yet most of us can’t handle typical sources like orange juice or vitamin C pills. Of course, we can eat pears, but when it comes to Vitamin C, pears just don’t measure up to acidic (but high-C) fruits like oranges or strawberries. Some people with super-sensitive bladders can’t even handle vitamin C supplements in the milder buffered forms.  So, how to get plenty of this important nutrient while keeping your finicky bladder or stomach happy??

Three ways to sneak more vitamin C into your diet

TOP FOODS WITH RAW VEGGIES

Although most people don’t realize it, raw broccoli and bell peppers are excellent sources of this important vitamin. In fact, according to the USDA, a half-cup of raw bell pepper has more Vitamin C than the same amount of fresh-squeezed orange juice. So chop up some raw broccoli or bell pepper and add it to salads, throw it on top of baked or mashed potatoes, top a bowl of soup, or add to scrambled eggs.

EAT “HIGH C” COOKED VEGGIES

lowacidhighvitamincfoodsThough cooking destroys some of the vitamin, certain vegetables still provide adults with atleast 60 mg. of vitamin C (the amount you should consume daily). You could eat 2/3 cup of cooked kohlrabi or brussels sprouts; or you could have one cup of cooked sweet potato or green  peas. All these options get you the needed amount.

TRY LOWER ACID FRUITS

As fruits go, some are lower in acid than others. As you and your physician gradually gain control over your bladder smptoms, you may find these could be added back into your diet in small amouts:

  • Honeydew melons (31mg vitamin C per cup)
  • Bananas (13mg of vitamin C per cup)
  • Blueberries (14mg vitaminC per cup)
  • Watermelon (12mg vitamin C per cup)
  • Mango (60mg vitamin C per cup)

If these give you trouble, try taking 2 to 3 Prelief tablets right before you eat, adjust the amount of Prelief for your individual needs. Prelief often reduces the acid enough to make a noticeable difference. Give it a try!