Zinc is a mineral and an antioxidant that is important to the body in a variety of ways. However, its importance to support the immune system was discovered only 40 years ago.
Your body needs zinc to:
- Make DNA – your genetic material
- Keep your immune system healthy
- Helps the body to repair
- Create and balance hormones
- On the DNA level, it also participates in gene activation to produce anti-inflammatory factors
The zinc’s ability to function as an antioxidant suggests that it can prevent free radical-induced damage during inflammatory processes.
Several studies have shown the benefits zinc supplementation has during infectious diseases as it reduces the incidence of infections.
There have been many documented studies about zinc supplementation to lower the oxidative stress-related factors, so there is no surprise it is so essential for your immune system.
Zinc is also essential to maintain adequate hormone levels such as testosterone, prolactin, and growth factors. It directly participates in biochemical reactions related to sex hormones. As an example, zinc deficiency causes decreased testosterone levels. Zinc deficiency may reduce a sense of smell and also may reduce libido.
It directly affects natural killer cell activity, interleukin production, and when this cell count decreases, you become prone to infections, acute and chronic inflammation, and other very unpleasant conditions.
Zinc plays a role in cognitive function, weight loss, and maintaining lean muscle mass. Zinc also activate receptors that allow calcium absorption.
How can you test zinc levels in your blood?
Because it is crucial for DNA production and repair, we need to measure it accurately inside white blood cells instead of a regular total blood test. I run such a test when I see hormonal imbalances and almost always detect zinc deficiency.
What causes zinc deficiency?
- Digestive disorders can decrease the amount of zinc that the body absorbs
- being vegetarian or vegan because meat contains more zinc than beans and nuts
- Alcoholic beverages also reduce the amount of zinc that the body absorbs.
How to increase zinc levels in your body?
You can increase it through food and supplementation. I recommend first testing exactly how much of it you need.
There are also different formulations of zinc for various purposes.
- You can use Zinc lozenges and nasal sprays to reduce cold symptoms.
- Zinc sulfate is the least expensive form, but it’s not readily absorbed and can irritate your stomach.
- Zinc picolinate, citrate, and glycerate are the most common forms, and they don’t cause stomach irritation.
- Zinc carnosine stimulates got repair processes. It supports the Integrity of gut health and offers digestive benefits. It promotes repair in case of ulcers and intestinal injury. it also provides immune system support
Which foods are rich in zinc?
Your body absorbs 20 to 40% of the zinc present in food.
- Oysters are the best source of zinc. However, not everybody likes oysters, and it’s kind of challenging to include oysters in your everyday diet.
- Red meat, chicken, crabs, lobsters and other shellfish, and dairy products. That is a little challenging for our vegans and vegetarians to include in their diet.
- Beans, nuts, whole grains, tofu, brewers yeast also provide some zinc.
How to take zinc?
How much zinc to take should be determined by your intracellular blood test. Generally, 15 mg is recommended, but during viral infections, you can increase the dose. Like anything else, you should take zinc with precaution; therefore, I highly recommend testing first.
To avoid stomach irritation, you should take zinc with food.
I provide telehealth consultations on personalizing supplements and will review your individual case to clear confusion and create an effective solution for you.
Remember, taking incorrect supplements is not just ineffective, it can lead to health problems. But, when you chose the correct protocol, it might not only prevent some future health problems but correct existing ones.
This post is not medical advice, only information for your educational purposes. Always seek medical advice from your healthcare physician.
Dr. Maya Sarkisyan
I like Zinc Supreme because it is formulated to be bioavailable.
Zinc Supreme™ offers chelated minerals by Albion Advanced Nutrition, the leader in mineral technology. The zinc is zinc bis-glycinate chelate and the molybdenum is bis-glycinate chelate. These are ideal chelates with a 2:1 molar ratio of two amino acids of glycine chemically bonded in liquid to one mineral ion of zinc or molybdenum for optimal absorption. These minerals are combined with other nutrients like vitamins B6 and taurine to provide superior results.
Made with non-GMO ingredients.
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