Zinc
What Is It?
Zinc is a trace mineral that was recognised as an essential mineral in 1869 when Professor Jules Rawlin first hinted that zinc played an important role in life processes. Zinc is needed in every cell of the body and it is involved in more than 300 enzymatic reactions. The body doesn’t store or produce zinc so we need to get it from our food. Zinc works best with vitamin A, calcium and phosphorus.
Zinc is known to be depleted by; alcohol, smoking, and profuse sweating.
Why Do We Need It?
Zinc helps balance blood sugar, stabilise metabolic rate, protects the body against colds and flu as well as supporting the immune function.
Zinc maintains smell and taste sensitivity, regulates genetic activities and is essential for normal bone formation. Zinc also plays an important role in growth and development, neurological function and reproduction. It enhances fertility in both men and women and is beneficial in the production of sex and thyroid hormones, improves insulin levels and enhances Vitamin D activity.
Zinc helps with formation of insulin, it is important for blood stability, maintains the body’s acid-alkaline balance and is used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s and some types of schizophrenia.
Zinc speeds up wound healing, protects the liver from chemical damage and helps those with allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, fatigue, osteoporosis, skin problems and digestive complaints.
Deficiency Symptoms
Acne vulgaris, alopecia, amnesia, apathy, brittle nails, delayed sexual maturity,
depression, diarrhoea, eczema, frequent colds, growth impairment, hypercholesterolemia, impaired sense of taste or smell, impotence, infections, lack of appetite, lethargy, male infertility, memory impairment, night blindness, paranoia, sterility, white spots on nails and wound healing impairment.
Also associated with deficiency are: alcoholism, candidiasis, cataracts, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy, seizures, gout, neuropathy, periodontal disease, ulcerative colitis, decreased sperm mobility as well as testosterone levels. Swollen prostate, sterility and impotence, slow learning and mental retardation,
Where Can We Find It?
Oysters are one of the richest sources of zinc, recommended as an aphrodisiac to increase sex drive and fertility.
Very good levels can be found in asparagus, cashews, crimini mushrooms, shitaki mushrooms, pumpkin seeds (which are known for their ability to destroy parasitic intestinal worms), sesame seeds and spinach. It can also be found in almonds, apple, avocado, beet greens, bok choy, brazil nuts, broccoli, brussel sprouts, carrots, chard, collard greens, green beans, green peas, lentils, mustard seeds, orange, parsley, sea vegetables, sunflower seeds, squash, strawberries.
You can find it in the herbs: alfalfa, burdock root, cayenne, chamomile, dandelion, fennel seeds, nettle, parsley, sage, and skullcap.
Be-Aware
High levels of zinc supplementation can impair absorption of calcium, copper, iron and immune responses. It may also increase susceptibility to infection.
In Pregnancy, low levels of maternal zinc during pregnancy can be associated with complications, labour abnormalities, spontaneous abortion and premature delivery, CNS abnormalities, including neural tube defects, low birth weight and toxemia.
If you are taking prescribed antibiotics, check with your GP before taking zinc supplements as they may interfere with the medication’s effectiveness.
Most zinc is lost in food processing or nutrient poor soil.
Research
A study published in the International Journal of Dermatology in 1982 established that zinc levels in acne patients were lower than in the general population.
Studies have shown zinc is important in brain function and schizophrenia.
A study on the relationship between zinc and testosterone concluded that zinc may play a role in modulating serum testosterone levels.
According to the Mayo Clinic, studies have found strong scientific evidence that diarrhoea and the healing process of stomach ulcers may be improved by increasing zinc levels.
There is good scientific evidence that zinc can be effective for acne, children with ADHD, and the management of Wilsons Disease.
References
Nutritional Influences on Illness - Melvyn R. Werbach, M.D.
The Worlds Healthiest Foods - George Mateljan
Readers Digest Guide to Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements.
Vitamins and Minerals DeMystified - Dr Steve Blake
The Vitamin Bible - Earl Mindell
Nutrients A-Z - Dr. Michael Sharon
Nutritional Healing - Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
www.mayoclinic.org
www.chiro.org
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
www.oucom.ohiou.edu
Disclaimer
Please be aware that we are not Doctors, so it is important BEFORE making any changes that you consult with your GP or Medical Practitioner. The suggestions above are not meant as an alternative to any current medical treatment so please DO NOT stop taking any medications you are on. They are also not an endorsement of their effectiveness, nor a recommendation that they should be followed but instead, provided for informational purposes. None of the information on the Natural Juice Therapy site is intended or implied to treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease.