How to do a Vitamin C Flush
This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Charles Penick, MD
How to do a Vitamin C Flush: What You Need to Know
Vitamin C plays an important role in the body’s health, but the body cannot produce vitamin C on its own: it can be found in dietary supplements or consumed in various foods. This article will discuss what a vitamin C flush is and how it can help regulate the body. We will also discuss how to conduct a vitamin C flush, its potential risks, and how to determine optimal vitamin C intake levels for the body.
Potential Vitamin C Flush Benefits
What is a Vitamin C Flush?
Created by Dr. Russell Jaffe in the 1980’s, the Ascorbate flush (now known as a vitamin C flush) is a cleanse where toxins are removed from the body by consuming high levels of vitamin C. The vitamin C is consumed until a person has a watery stool. The high levels of vitamin C in the body is believed to help boost the immune system and promote rapid healing.
Who Needs a Vitamin C Flush
There are several reasons to consider a vitamin C flush. In addition to the immune system simply needing a boost, other reasons include when recovering from illness, feeling run down, or recuperating from surgery or trauma.
Individuals with a vitamin C deficiency should also consider a vitamin C flush. The following are associated with low vitamin C levels:
- Cigarette smoking
- Chronic stress, injuries, or infections
- Cancer patients
- Acute viral illnesses
- Alzheimer’s patients
Those at risk of a vitamin C deficiency could potentially benefit from a vitamin C flush.
Potential Vitamin C Flush Benefits
The vitamin C flush is considered by many to be one of the easiest and quickest ways to detox the body. Once the flush is completed, the body has increased levels of vitamin C and higher absorption rates of the nutrient. In addition, many feel refreshed and rejuvenated after the flush.
A vitamin C flush can be performed at any time but is most prevalent at the start of the winter cold and flu season. (This is considered an ideal time by many to boost the immune system). Each time the cleanse is performed, absorption rates increase, which results in the body maintaining sufficient levels of vitamin C.
Vitamin C Flush Side Effects
Vitamin C is water-soluble, which lowers its risk of toxicity. Instead of storing the nutrient, excess amounts are excreted from the body via bowel movements. While generally considered safe, the following precautions should be taken when doing a vitamin C flush:
- Irritable bowel syndrome. Irritable bowel syndrome and irritable bowel disease could interfere with vitamin C absorption in the gut. This has the potential to decrease the effectiveness of the flush.
- Hereditary hemochromatosis. Hemochromatosis is a health condition where too much iron is stored in the body. Heart problems, diabetes, and liver disease are potential health issues associated with hemochromatosis. In addition, vitamin C can increase iron absorption in the small intestines, potentially causing severe reactions in those with hemochromatosis.
- Dehydration. A vitamin C flush can cause diarrhea, which could lead to dehydration. Drinking adequate amounts of water during the flush is key to decreasing the risk of dehydration.
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Gilbert’s disease. Gilbert’s disease is a condition where the liver does not process bilirubin properly. Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment created during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. Individuals suffering from Gilbert’s disease and jaundice should refrain from doing a vitamin C flush
Performing a Vitamin C Flush
A vitamin C flush should be performed on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. The following ingredients are needed:
- Ascorbic acid or vitamin C supplements (click the links to see products from Revelation Health)
- Water or diluted fruit juice
A vitamin C flush could require frequent trips to the bathroom. As a result, staying home while performing the detox is advised.
Here are step-by-step instructions for a vitamin C flush:
- Begin flush on an empty stomach
- Consume 1000mg of vitamin C/ascorbic acid every hour with water or fruit juice
- Repeat every hour until a watery stool is passed
Note: The amount of vitamin C ascorbic acid depends upon your health.
- Healthy individuals: consume ½ teaspoon of vitamin C/ascorbic acid in 1-2 ounces of water every 15 minutes.
- Moderately healthy: consume 1 teaspoon every 15 minutes
- Ill health: consume 2 teaspoons every 15 minutes
The flush is completed when a watery stool is passed. Make a note of each time the vitamin C is consumed.
Understanding Your Results
The average person will consume 10-15 grams before going to the bathroom or less. Others suffering from health issues (cold, influenza, etc.) may take 50 grams or more before passing a watery stool. Once you finish the cleanse, approximately 75% of the total vitamin C consumed during the flush is the amount of ascorbic acid your body uses daily.
Dosage Adjustments
Healthier individuals will require lower amounts of vitamin C to complete the flush than those with health issues or vitamin C deficiencies. As a result, those who are moderately healthy or suffer from ill health will require higher doses of vitamin C to meet their daily needs.
To increase vitamin C to healthy levels, flushes can be performed on a weekly or monthly basis until a plateau is reached. Loosening the stool during subsequent flushes signifies that the body is reaching a plateau. As a person’s health improves, vitamin C is better conserved in the body and used more efficiently.
Final Thoughts
A vitamin C flush removes toxins from the body and helps increase vitamin C levels. Benefits of a vitamin C flush could include increased absorption of vitamin C, a boost to the immune system and feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after the cleanse. In addition, a vitamin C flush is a safe and effective way for a person to gauge their vitamin C needs.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is based upon the opinions of Revelation Health. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Revelation Health and associates. This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Charles Penick, MD for accuracy of the information provided, but Revelation Health encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.
