How to Take Vitamin C to Treat Animal Bites

Vitamin C, found in citrus fruits, tomatoes and herbs such as alfalfa, is a great immune system booster and a preferred natural choice when fighting infection and inflammation. Still, many people prefer to take vitamin C supplements to fight colds or prevent sniffles. While this is still the most common use for vitamin C, supplements can also be used to treat animal bites and other wounds that may get infected.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Vitamin C pills (up to 1,000 mg. daily)
• Vitamin E pills

1. Use vitamin C to prevent or fight infection after animal bites. Vitamin C is an immune booster which can help prevent toxins from entering the bloodstream or give your body the tools to fight them if they are already there.

2. Take vitamin C along with vitamin E to treat animal bites. Both vitamins are powerful antioxidants which can accelerate the healing process, and they are especially good at healing skin wounds. A bioflavonoid complex also increases the strength of vitamin C, especially if taken at the same time.

3. Take vitamin C pills throughout the day, rather than taking a single large dose. This facilitates absorption and prevents heartburn. Taking the vitamins along with food also helps prevent discomfort.

4. Avoid alcohol, coffee and smoking for at least an hour before and after taking vitamin C. All 3 substances lower the strength of vitamin C and even deplete your body of stored vitamins. Don't take orange juice along with vitamin C pills, since an excess of this vitamin may result in stomach irritation.

5. Ignore the established daily requirement of 90 mg. a day when taking vitamin C to treat animal bites. Overdosing on vitamins is highly unlikely (it's more common with minerals), but always consult a doctor if you want to know the maximum level at which you are still safe. In general, it is safe to take up to 1,000 mg. a day.

Tips & Warnings

• Take vitamin C as a daily supplement, even if you are currently in good health. Since vitamin C strengthens the immune system, you may be less likely to develop an infection if you suffer a bite.
• Since vitamin C protects cells from free radical damage, it is an ideal choice for helping heal the skin while preventing scarring.
• Iron and vitamin C work well together, increasing the absorption rate of both substances when taken at the same time.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• How to Lose 30+lbs Guaranteed. Try it Free.

[jull14]

on 7/6/2009 Thank you for sharing this information with me, it is very interesting, helpful for many here at ehow and the article is well written and easy to follow, thanks so much.

[rodneysouthern]

on 7/24/2008 Vitamin C is a wonder vitamin. Great article and very well done. Excellent!