I read in the book Primal Panacea that Dr. Levy recommends sodium ascorbate powder over other non-liposomal forms of C. Also, a comment he entered in the forum section of the Foundation site implied that since the sodium in sodium ascorbate is not sodium chloride it should not be a problem for someone with high blood pressure, and on medication for such (like myself), to orally use this form of C. On the other hand, I read on another site that someone with high blood pressure should avoid this form of C. I was wondering if you could clarify which may be the best form for me, as I am planning to try the protocol described in Chapter 7 - The Pauling Therapy - of your book.
Thanks,
Thank you for reading our book.
We and others (Dr. Cathcart and Levy) generally recommend ascorbic acid for a wide variety of conditions - including heart disease. The only other form of vitamin C that Dr. Levy recommends orally is sodium ascorbate (Curing the Incurable) , and for technical reasons (we are told) liposomal vitamin C is made from sodium ascorbate.)
Some people find that sodium ascorbate is less irritating to the esophagus, and I now take my vitamin C about 50/50, half ascorbic acid and half sodium ascorbate.
Can you tell me the page in primal panacea the SA recommendation appears?
Both are excellent forms of vitamin C, and as a general rule, in the amounts we recommend, if your urine pH is acidic - take sodium ascorbate (the alkaline form of vitamin C) and if your pH is alkaline, take ascorbic acid, and keep your urine pH neutral.
The only form of vitamin C appropriate for intravenous infusion is sodium ascorbate. Massive amounts have been infused for decades without any reported blood pressure issues, making us believe that Levy is correct. Taking sodium ascorbate will have little negative effect on blood pressure, and may help. Dr. David Brownstein found literature that showed people with high blood pressure who avoid salt can have something like a 400% increased chance of a heart attack, presumably because of hormonal changes as the body retains water as it tries to hold on to the little sodium it has in the blood stream.
Any site that recommends not taking sodium ascorbate for people with high blood pressure is suspect, and I would be interested in their references.