The Importance of Zinc

 

Zinc is an essential trace element that’s used by every cell in your body.   During the Covid Epidemic it is more important then ever to ensure you have an adequate intake of zinc! 

Key Benefits of Zinc

•  Critical to successfully combat viruses and bacteria.
•  Helps to create DNA in every cell.
•  Critical for hormone synthesis and balance 
•  Essential for growth and development of babies and children.
•  Key factor for the creation of Super Oxide Dismutase - the most important antioxidant in your body!  
•  Key for proper wound healing (often recommended before and after surgery for this reason).
• Zinc is required in order to taste and smell anything!
• Prevents age-related vision loss.
•  Naturally stabilizes blood sugar.
• Can help control high blood pressure.
• Key for male fertility.
• Boosts athletic performance through improved muscle repair.

 Signs You’re Not Getting Enough Zinc

·        Loss of appetite

·        Diarrhea

·        Hair loss

·        Hormonal imbalance (especially low thyroid and low progesterone)

·        A weak immune system

·        Brain fog

·        Unexplained weight loss

·        Changes in taste

·        Changes in smell

·        Low libido

·        Poor wound healing

·        Fatigue

·        Digestive issues

·        Developmental delays in children

Factors that increase your risk of zinc deficiency

·        Gastrointestinal surgery

·        Birth Control Pills

·        Leaky gut syndrome

·        Vegetarians and vegans

·        Alcoholic Beverages

·        Sickle cell anemia

 Hormones that Require Zinc for production and balance

·        Testosterone

·        Growth Hormone

·        Thyroid hormones

·        Estrogen

·        Progesterone

 Zinc supplementation has been shown to improve male fertility and reduce pregnancy complications. Zinc supplementation can also help improve strength, confidence and sexual desire.

 Best Food Sources of Zinc

1.     Oysters

2.     Grass-fed beef

3.     Turkey breast

4.     Lamb

5.     Sesame Seeds

6.     Pasture-raised chicken

7.     Beans

8.     Pumpkin seeds

9.     Peanuts

10.           Cashews

11.           Sunflower seeds

12.           Cocoa

13.           Pork

14.           Egg

15.           Almonds

High Quality Zinc Supplements

The best zinc supplements are chelated meaning zinc is bonded to amino acids allowing maximum absorption.   Look for products that contain “Albion Mineral Chelates” like Zinc Bisglycinate from companies like Jarrow, Blue Bonnet Labs.  Another excellent form is “Optizinc” which is another high-quality chelated zinc supplement

How Much Zinc Should You Take?

An adult should be getting at least 40 mg of zinc per day. However, It is possible to take too much zinc, especially in the form of supplements. If you take too much you could experience:

·        Nausea

·        Abdominal cramping

·        Vomiting

·        Poor appetite

·        Headaches

 

If you consistently eat foods containing high levels of zinc like those listed above, you likely do NOT need to supplement. 

 

If you are a vegetarian or vegan and do not eat plenty of nuts/seeds like Pumpkin Seeds (highest plant food source of zinc available) you probably require a zinc supplement.

 

Most multiple vitamins contain about 15 mg of zinc so if you are taking a high quality multi with a chelated form of zinc it is unlikely you need more.

 

The exception would be before surgery or healing from a wound.  The other time zinc is highly beneficial is zinc lozenges as soon as you feel any symptoms of cold or Coronavirus coming on.   Zinc is absolutely critical to the prevention and treatment of Coronavirus.    Consider that the President was given zinc as part of his treatment regimen when he was infected with Coronavirus!