Zinc – Learn How It Can Help You

Zinc – What Is It?

Zinc is one of many ingredients in the Tikva product. It is an essential trace Mineral. Every cell in the body needs it and hundreds of body processes rely on it, from the immune system and the enzymes that produce DNA to the senses of taste and smell. Although the body does not produce it on its own, this mineral is readily available in drinking water and certain foods. Even so, a surprising number of adults fail to get enough of this mineral through their diet. Better food choices and a good multivitamin and mineral supplement can help compensate for such mild deficiencies.

There’s now evidence that Zinc supplements may also be useful in fighting cold and flu symptoms. In addition it has shown promise for speeding the healing of canker sores and sore throat, promoting recovery from skin injuries, reducing tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and controlling acne and eye problems.

Zinc is believed to promote a strong immune system by, among other things, revitalizing the thymus gland and its production of white blood cells. In addition, autoimmune diseases (chronic ailments linked to the improper functioning of the immune system, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or fibromyalgia) may also benefit from supplementation.

Interestingly, the presence of not enough Zinc has been linked to a decreased immune response in older people. Again, supplementation may be a viable remedy. In a study of 118 relatively healthy but elderly nursing home residents in Italy, researchers found that those given 25 mg daily for three months developed stronger immune systems.

By boosting the immune system, it may also protect against fungal infections and various infectious disorders, such as conjunctivitis and pneumonia. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.

–WholehealthMD

Zinc Health Benefits

Infections and wound healing

The immune system is adversely affected by even moderate degrees of deficiency. Severe zinc deficiency depresses immune function. It is required for the development and activation of T-lymphocytes, a kind of white blood cell that helps fight infection. When supplements are given to individuals with low levels, the numbers of T-cell lymphocytes circulating in the blood increase and the ability of lymphocytes to fight infection improves. Studies show that poor, malnourished children in India, Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia experience shorter courses of infectious diarrhea after taking supplements. Amounts of zinc provided in these studies ranged from 4 mg a day up to 40 mg per day and were provided in a variety of forms (zinc acetate, zinc gluconate, or zinc sulfate). Supplements are often given to help heal skin ulcers or bed sores, but they do not increase rates of wound healing when zinc levels are normal.

-Office of Dietary Supplements

The Need For Zinc

Not having enough in your system may lead to poor night vision and wound-healing, a decrease in sense of taste and smell, a reduced ability to fight infections, and poor development of reproductive organs.

You may need to increase your supplementation if you have any of these issue below:

* Acrodermatitis enteropathica (a lack of absorption of zinc from the intestine)
* Alcoholism
* Burns
* Type 2 diabetes mellitus
* Down’s syndrome
* Eating disorders
* Intestine diseases
* Infections (continuing or chronic)
* Kidney disease
* Liver disease
* Pancreas disease
* Sickle cell disease
* Skin disorders
* Stomach removal
* Stress (continuing)
* Thalassemia
* Trauma (prolonged)