Many people appear to be zinc deficient, hair and blood tests give little indication of this. Zinc is extremely important in so many functions and enzyme reactions, it also protects our DNA. It helps to maintain a healthy immune system and is needed for repair, for a healthy sperm count, healthy skin, wound healing and maintaining taste and smell.
Found in whole grains, some nuts and seeds especially pumpkin seeds. Deficiency symptoms are quite varied – White mark on the finger nails, appetite problems (especially associated with eating problems), poor skin – including acne, skin easily marked, scared including stretch marks, infertility, poor resistance to infections, emotional and mental problems, cravings, lack of zinc is involved in most chronic diseases.
Supplements are easy to find and must be taken with a vitamin B complex. Stress, smoking and drinking puts a huge strain on zinc levels. Diabetes, prostate enlargement, immune problems, poor wound healing, colds, osteoporosis, skin problems, fatigue, hearing impairment, eating disorders, blood sugar imbalances, poor taste buds, craving for sweet and salt foods, eye health, Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis and chemical sensitivities.
Calcium supplements hinder zinc absorption by 50% so take zinc and calcium supplements separately.
Zinc is lost with a high refined carbohydrate diet and from stress – physical or emotional, exposure to pollution, needed for the correct levels of stomach acid.