Zinc is an important chemical when it comes to our health and Zinc deficiency can be caused by an inadequate intake or poor absorption of Zinc by our gut. If you suffer from a poor digestive system or take certain pharmaceutical drugs you may not be absorbing Zinc. Chronic stress and adrenal fatigue may also contribute to Calcium, Magnesium and Zinc deficiency. If you suffer from alopecia (hair loss), dermatitis, dry rough skin, delayed wound healing, poor ulcer healing, poor appetite, weight loss, recurrent infections, low sperm count, delayed onset of puberty, growth retardation, impaired sense of taste and smell, learning disorders, poor concentration and memory, low insulin levels, stretch marks and white spots on fingernail – you may be deficient in Zinc. Low Zinc levels are associated with poor wound healing. Supplementing with Zinc promotes wound healing. Up to 6% of Zinc is stored in the skin. Zinc assists the enzyme involved in essential fatty acid metabolism and therefore may help with eczema. As well it is believed people suffering from acne may have lower serum Zinc levels and supplementing with Zinc may improve acne. There are also indications children suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder may have low levels of Zinc. Low Zinc levels have also been noted in people suffering from depression. Alzheimer’s disease is another disease where it has been found supplementing with Zinc may slow down cognitive deterioration. Patients suffering from anorexia nervosa increased their weight when supplementing with Zinc. Male fertility or should I say low male fertility is linked to low Zinc levels because of low sperm count, seminal volume, poor sperm mobility and reduced serum testosterone concentrations. One of the highest concentrations of Zinc in the body is found in the prostate gland. Zinc levels decrease in the prostate tissue and prostatic fluid in men with prostate cancer. Interestingly Zinc is mainly absorbed in the small intestine therefore malabsorption disorders such as celiac disease can increase the need for extra Zinc. I have often written about Leaky Gut Syndrome which can cause many health problems such as skin disorders, malabsorption, allergies and auto immune disorders. Zinc supplementation can assist in tightening up and healing Leaky Gut. With the arrival of winter and the inevitable winter colds, it important to note Zinc can be important in the treatment of colds particularly those cold symptoms such as sore throats, coughs, fever, runny nose, sneezing and muscle aches. Zinc has been found to shorten the duration of colds, especially when taken within 24 hours of the first signs and symptoms of a cold. The best dietary sources include meat, egg yolks, dairy products, pumpkin seeds, liver, nuts, oysters, crab meat and sunflower seeds. In addition, if you are low in Zinc it is also important to take a Zinc supplement. If you are unsure as to whether you do need Zinc you can call into our store where we can easily test for low zinc levels. This is a simple procedure – a taste test in fact – nothing invasive. For more information on any health issue call into see Bev and the team at Go Vita, Your Health Shop at 5 North St, Batemans Bay or phone on 44729737. Don’t forget to tune into Bev and Marianne on 2EC every Wednesdayat 12.15pm for Go Get Healthy. In Health, Bev Dunne Go Vita Batemans Bay
