You may currently take zinc when you have a cold or flu – however, did you know that your cells need zinc on a daily basis? The adult body contains approximately 2.0 to 3.0 g of zinc, mostly stored inside your cells. Zinc has far-reaching actions which affect the health of your whole body and it is responsible for over 360 functions in the body.

Are your Zinc Levels Low?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, your zinc levels may be low:

•    Recurrent colds, flus and/or infections
•    Poor appetite, reduced sense of taste and/or smell
•    Sluggish digestion
•    Slow growth and development
•    Slow healing, acne and other skin conditions
•    Infertility
•    Sugar cravings; and/or
•    Stress, anxiety, and depression.

Zinc is found in high concentrations in the hippocampus area of the brain which controls thought and memory. Recent research has shown zinc to be good for the brain, reducing stress and having a positive impact on mental function and mood.

Anxiety can be due to zinc deficiency.

The Low-Down on Zinc Deficiency

Many people are deficient in zinc. Inadequate dietary intake, increased physiological needs, or a diet high in sugar or alcohol and profuse sweating are common causes of zinc deficiency.

Mineral Hair Analyses – also test for Zinc levels

In the DH Natural Medicine, we test for a mineral hair analysis to determine your zinc levels as well as other minerals including toxic metals. If zinc levels are low, toxic lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) begin to replace it with potentially harmful consequences.

In the DH Natural Medicine Clinic, we do  Mineral  Hair Analyses including  Zinc Level.

Nourishing Your Body from A to Zinc

Zinc protects your cells from free radical damage by providing antioxidant defence. Zinc supports healthy immunity, and improves appetite and digestive function. Its ability to increase the healing rate of acne and wounds makes it an indispensable nutrient for skin health. Zinc also plays a key role in blood sugar metabolism, for greater blood sugar control.

Zinc aids growth and development, and is an important nutrient during pregnancy for both mother and baby. Zinc plays an important in male health, fertility and sperm production, increasing sperm motility and concentration, therefore enhancing the chances of conception.

Seeds and nuts are good source of zinc

Food source of zinc

You can top up your zinc levels by increasing the intake of zinc-rich foods:

  • Oysters are a rich source of zinc, but if you are not a fan; beef, pork, herrings, liver, chicken, milk and lamb all contain zinc.
  • Whole grains, legumes and ginger.
  • Bilberry, brewers yeast, capsicum, pumpkin  and sunflower seeds.
However, you need to remember that 80 % of zinc is lost during the milling of flour and 25- 50% is lost when vegetables are frozen. Therefore supplementation with zinc may be necessary from time to time.
 
Source: Metagenics, Australia

If you would like to know more about how the DH-Natural Medicine Clinic can help you,

call us now on (02) 4854 0205.

Danuta Hulajko is a holistic practitioner, international speaker and the founder & practitioner at the DH Natural Medicine Clinic and www.healingremedies.com.au in the Southern Highlands.

Danuta specialises in Allergies, Anti-Aging, Auto-Immune Conditions, Cardiovascular Conditions, Female Reproductive, Menopause, Mould Toxicity, Skin Conditions, Stress and Insomnia and Thyroid Dysfunction.

For more information please go to our website. You can also follow Danuta Hulajko’s work, events, seminars, expos, latest health research, her health tips and advice on FacebookLinkedIn and Instagram.

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