SUPPLEMENTal health insurance: Zinc

Link to Zinc

“Zinc is an essential mineral of “exceptional biologic and public health importance”. Zinc deficiency affects about two billion people in the developing world and is associated with many diseases. In children it causes growth retardation, delayed sexual maturation, infection susceptibility, and diarrhea, contributing to the death of about 800,000 children worldwide per year. Consumption of excess zinc can cause ataxia, lethargy and copper deficiency.”

Darryl’s story:

I love my husband! But. He stinks! He has body odor even right after taking a shower. He has sleep apnea where he sweats profusely and snores loudly. (you can imagine the impact of MY night) Why is the one who snores always falls asleep first? This past winter he developed a severe case of eczema on his back. His toenails are thick and discolored(which is why he doesn’t like sandals). He has been steadily losing his hair along the hairline and that common spot on the top his head for a few years now. We chocked his bad breath up to smoking and poor diet but it turns out he was just deficient in zinc.

After taking 50mg of zinc twice a day for just two weeks we have noticed a significant improvements in all of his “flaws.”

Looking at the symptoms separately we could rationalize and just deal with it being bad genes, stress, poor diet or environmental consequences but as a whole and learning about zinc, the lights have been turned on!

15 ailments cured by everything but the kitchen ZINC

Night vision
Body Odor
Bad Breath
sleep apnea/snoring
Eczema
Acne
Restore sense of smell and taste
Healing injuries or sores
athlete’s foot
cracked skin
dandruff
fungus
hair loss
prostate problems
rashes

Finding Zinc in our food

Some of the highest concentrations of zinc can be found in lobster, oysters and red meats. Depending on zinc levels in soil some plants rich in this wondrous element are wheat, nuts, seeds and beans. Processed foods also contain zinc but it is added into fortified breads and cereals. I prefer whole foods and naturally occurring nutrition over this form of consumption.

“SUPPLEMENTal health insurance” is a blog series highlighting various methods, supplements, vitamins, minerals and home remedies for common ailments and improving health.

Disclaimer: I am not a physician! The information here should not take the place of medical advice. I urge you to talk to your health care providers (doctor, registered dietitian, pharmacist, etc.) about your interest in, questions about, or use of dietary supplements and what may be best for your overall health. Any mention in this Blog of a specific brand name is not an endorsement of the product.