Much like magnesium, zinc is critically important in hundreds of processes in the body. It plays a role in hormone production, tissue development, antioxidant production, the immune system, and more. You may have heard of people recommending zinc lozenges when someone isn’t feeling well. This is because of the critical role that zinc plays in the immune system, which in turn affects the level of inflammation in your body. A strong immune system also helps the body destroy cancer cells. A zinc deficiency can adversely affect your health in a myriad of ways.
It is estimated that around 25% of the world population is actually deficient in this critical mineral. Fortunately, there is an easy way you can test your zinc levels at home using liquid zinc sulfate. You can find the reputable Biotics brand on amazon.com. https://www.amazon.com/Biotics-Research-Aqueous-Zinc/dp/B000UQTEQA/ You simply place a capfull in your mouth and notice any sensations.
- No metallic taste = zinc deficiency
- Delayed metallic taste = slight zinc deficiency
- Slight metallic taste = zinc levels are OK but could be better
- Very strong metallic taste = your zinc levels are probably adequate
Signs of Zinc Deficiency
As mentioned above, zinc is critical for many processes the the body, But some of the more common symptoms are low energy, skin problems, loss of appetite, diminished immune system, insomnia, spots on fingernails, slow thinking, loss of taste or smell, slow thinking, memory loss, and sudden hair loss. These symptoms can also be caused by an imbalance in your copper/zinc ratio. It is important that you have a balanced copper to zinc ratio, which is between 0.7 to 1.0. If you have symptoms such as those listed, you many want to consider working with a functional medicine doctor who can help get at the root cause and get you back in balance.
Common Reasons for Zinc Deficiency
Poor digestion or a leaky gut can effect how well you are able to break down your food and assimilate zinc. Low stomach acid can also affect your ability to absorb zinc. And to make matters worse, zinc is needed for healing and sealing the gut. Eliminating the sources of damage to the gut is the first place to start. Things that do damage and that should be avoided, if possible, include antibiotics, toxins, known food allergens, processed foods, unhealthy fats, and stress.
Medications can also cause zinc depletion. The medications most commonly affecting zinc levels are ACE inhibitors, antacids, antibiotics, contraceptives, corticosteroids, and diuretics. It is important to continue your medicine as prescribed, but you may want to work with a functional medicine doctor to make sure your zinc and other nutrient levels are optimized.
Food Sources of Zinc
Vegetarians tend to be deficient in zinc since of the most zinc rich foods are seafood (oysters, crab, lobster) and meat (organic lamb, grass-fed beef, pastured chicken). Other good sources of zinc include pumpkin seeds, garbanzo beans, spinach, asparagus, mushrooms, and cocoa powder. If you tolerate diary, you can get your zinc from organic grass-fed butter, keifer, and yogurt. And if you don’t have a nut allergy, you can add cashews and almonds. If you’re eating almonds, you may want to consider soaking them overnight in water. This is because soaking almonds can unlock more health benefits and make them easier to digest. It increases the amount of nutrients and vitamins your body can absorb, making it a simple and effective way to improve this healthy nut.
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