How a Vitamin C Deficiency Causes Constipation
Vitamin C is not naturally generated by the human body, so not consuming enough of it can lead to painful ailments such as constipation. Moreover, it is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning that it dissolves in water to enter the bloodstream, so the body must contain enough water to process vitamin C. Vitamin C is found in many fruits and vegetables, including oranges, broccoli and peppers. Vitamin C also interacts with a fiber called chitosan, helping it bind to foods digesting in the intestinal tract, which makes the stool smoother and easier to eliminate. In sum, if you are not eating enough vitamin C, you are depriving yourself of these digestive benefits and may eventually become constipated.
Vitamin C's Association with Other Nutrients
One reason why constipation often occurs due to a vitamin C deficiency is that vitamin C is often found in foods with high fiber counts. For example, oranges have vitamin C as well as high fiber. Therefore, not eating high-fiber foods often contributes to constipation because fiber is a natural cleanser of the and pushes stool out the body. In addition, Vitamin C is also found in hydrating foods, which means that a Vitamin C deficiency is accompanied by dehydration that only worsens constipation.
How Vitamin C Can Treat Constipation
Just as a Vitamin C deficiency can cause constipation, consuming more amounts of vitamin C can treat constipation. A person suffering from constipation can find relief through vitamin C, by eating more fruits and vegetables containing vitamin C and drinking plenty of water so the Vitamin C can properly dissolve. You can also take a vitamin C supplement or a multivitamin containing vitamin C, with 1,000 mg of vitamin C being the standard daily amount. However, it is important not to consume too much vitamin C as this can lead to overly soft stool, including diarrhea.
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