Master Healer: The Benefits of Vitamin C for Dancers
This story originally appeared in the December 2014/January 2015 issue of Pointe.
Blisters, bruises, aches and injuries are an unpleasant but sometimes unavoidable part of being a dancer. But when you stock up on vitamin C, you’re also promoting healing throughout your entire body. Here’s what vitamin C can do for dancers.
Got a blister (or three) from nonstop Nutcracker performances? It helps heal wounds.
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If you bruise easily, C can help. It plays a role in building the collagen tissue that protects blood vessels in the skin.
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When you’re recovering from an injury that has you sidelined, collagen also helps regenerate skin, tendons and ligaments.
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It’s necessary for the repair and maintenance of bones and cartilage.
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Feeling sniffly? When taken regularly, it may help shorten the duration of colds and the severity of your symptoms.
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Skip the Supplement
The saying “too much of a good thing” certainly applies to vitamin C. Megadoses of it in supplement form can lead to a laundry list of nasty side effects, such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headaches and abdominal cramps. Getting your C from natural food sources is much safer, and you can fulfill your daily value easily with one large orange or a cup of chopped red bell pepper, broccoli or sliced strawberries.
