Zinc Deficiency and the Benefits of Zinc Supplementation

Zinc Deficiency and the Benefits of Zinc Supplementation

What Is Zinc? Zinc is one of the body’s essential trace minerals, meaning that we don’t need huge amounts of it to stay healthy, but we do need some in order to function normally. Our bodies use zinc for proper functioning of our immune system, to help cells grow and divide properly, and to maintain our sense of taste and smell.

Symptoms of zinc deficiency

If you have a zinc deficiency, it could lead to one or more of the following symptoms: loss of appetite, diarrhea, depression, lack of concentration. Long-term deficiency may increase your risk for cancer. Fortunately zinc supplementation can help prevent these health problems. Speak with your doctor if you are concerned about your diet providing enough zinc! It is also important that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding speak with their doctors about getting enough zinc. Your body will need it to make healthy babies!

Test your level

A zinc deficiency is a condition that leads to low levels of zinc in your body, which can lead to a variety of health problems. It's important to test your level with an initial blood test or a 24-hour urine collection. You may also want to get tested for other minerals like copper and iron, as they are often related. After you have been diagnosed with a deficiency, you should try to supplement or add foods high in zinc into your diet. These include oysters, beef, shrimp and lamb. However, if you have stomach ulcers or are on medication that causes malabsorption (not able to digest), speak with your doctor before taking any supplements because it could be harmful.

Treatments for a zinc deficiency

If you suspect that you have a zinc deficiency, talk to your doctor about what treatment options are available. There are a number of treatments for a zinc deficiency, such as supplements and changes to your diet. In some cases, it may be necessary to do both. 

There are many symptoms of zinc deficiency which can include: loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea; these symptoms can also lead to weight loss or weight gain in some people.

It is important that those with an ongoing illness should make sure they take their supplement regularly so they don't lose out on essential nutrients like zinc.

Foods with high levels of zinc

Animal sources of zinc include oysters, beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and fish. Eggs are also a good source because they contain both types of animal-based zinc. Plant sources include whole grains (rice, wheat), seeds (sesame), nuts (almonds), beans (lentils), vegetables (sweet potatoes). Mushrooms, tomatoes, and garlic are also some excellent sources. 

If you do not have any foods rich in zinc on hand, there is always supplemental form as well.

Benefits of zinc supplement

Low levels of zinc have been associated with a number of health problems, including decreased immunity to infection, growth retardation in children, immunological dysfunction, depressed mood, impaired cognitive function, impaired sense of taste and smell. Fortunately there are many benefits to zinc supplementation that can help improve these symptoms. One study showed that zinc supplementation reduced incidence of diarrhea by more than two-thirds. A small, randomized trial found that this mineral reduces insulin resistance and improves cardiovascular health markers. It is also important for skin health as it has anti-inflammatory properties which helps fight acne. 

Another benefit of zinc supplement is its role in enhancing immunity to infections by stimulating T lymphocytes, making it a potential treatment for AIDS patients or patients who underwent transplant surgery. There is also evidence suggesting it could play an important role in cancer prevention because low concentrations of zinc are linked to increased risk for some cancers such as prostate cancer.

Avoid processed foods

Processed foods are very high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. They are also much lower in fiber, phytochemicals (plant chemicals), and vitamins than unprocessed or minimally processed foods. Processed foods typically have a higher glycemic index than unprocessed or minimally processed foods. The glycemic index measures how quickly food is converted to blood sugar. The more quickly this happens, the greater the insulin response will be. Insulin helps regulate blood sugar levels by moving glucose out of the bloodstream and into cells where it can be used as fuel for energy production. Excess blood glucose is stored as fat if insulin levels stay elevated for long periods of time.

Ways to get more vitamins and minerals into your diet

The best way to get a lot of nutrients into your diet is to eat a varied diet that includes many different types of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. You can also take supplements. One popular supplement for zinc is zinc sulfate which has been shown in studies to improve immune function and prevent or treat infections caused by bacteria such as tuberculosis. 

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by following these simple steps will help you increase your intake of zinc and other essential vitamins, minerals, proteins and fats!