Zinc: What is it and How does it HELP YOU! - a podcast by Discussions with successful health experts such as Ben Greenfield, Terry Wa

You certainly would have problems with wounds and cuts on your body if you do not get enough zinc. However, zinc has other essential benefits in the body, including the immune system and metabolism support, and other functions we shall show you in this article.

What is zinc?

Zinc is an essential micronutrient needed for overall growth and development in humans. This nutrient is important and you can only get it through foods, such as meat, beans, meat, and fish.

Low levels of zinc in your body can put you at risk of disease and illness. This shows that zinc is needed in an adequate amount to support your immune system and other functions. And it plays a key role in childhood growth and development. More so, zinc has antioxidant properties.

Let’s move on to discuss the benefits of zinc.

How does zinc help?

When you consume an adequate amount of zinc in your diet, you enjoy a plethora of benefits, including:

• Immune function

The body needs enough zinc from your foods to support immune function. You stand the risk of infections, such as pneumonia when you have low levels of zinc.

• Carbohydrate metabolism
• DNA synthesis
• Bone health
• Fertility and reproduction
• Healthy skin, hair, and nails
• Normal cognitive function
• Eye health

How zinc helps immune function

Zinc helps in all of the functions listed above. However, we are going to discuss more on the benefits of zinc to your immune system.

Zinc supports the immune system in several ways. But primarily, it activates enzymes that are responsible for breaking down proteins in bacteria and viruses to stop them from spreading.

Also, zinc boosts the activation of cells responsible for tackling infections.

Studies have shown that zinc helps cells destroy pathogens such as E.coli.

You may wonder, “How much of zinc is then enough?” Well, the daily RDA for zinc is 9.5 mg for men and 7 mg for women. You’d have to consume 25 mg or more per day for it to cause possible adverse effects, such as nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, a loss of appetite, and diarrhea.

Keep in mind also that excessive consumption of zinc may also inhibit the absorption of the minerals iron and copper. This often leads to weak bones and anemia.

The NHS recommends that you do not take more than 25 mg of zinc in a day.

 

 

Good food sources of Zinc

Although there are many zinc supplements out there that you can add to your diet, it is better to get zinc from natural foods.

Here are some good examples of foods high in zinc:

• Cheese
• Shellfish
• Legumes including chickpeas
• Meat
• Wholemeal bread
• Nuts and seeds
• Fortified vegan foods
• Milk
• Tofu
• Dairy products

You can add these foods to your diet throughout your day to get a good amount of zinc in your body to support your immune system and boost your overall health.

You can consult Dr. Jason Jones at our Chiropractic office in Elizabeth City, NC, to learn more about the benefits of adding zinc to your diet.

Further episodes of Health Made Easy with Dr. Jason Jones

Further podcasts by Discussions with successful health experts such as Ben Greenfield, Terry Wa

Website of Discussions with successful health experts such as Ben Greenfield, Terry Wa