The Health & Zinc Connection
Ever since the coronavirus pandemic hit the globe, the voices for stocking up on zinc have gone louder. But what is it that makes Zinc a crucial part of your healthcare regimen? Well, it is a trace mineral, so your body does not need a lot of zinc, but it is necessary for the smooth functioning of 100 enzymes to perform important chemical reactions. Let’s dig deeper into the zinc-health connection below.
Zinc for a Healthy Body
The trace mineral is vital for healthy bone growth, intestinal cells, and strong immune function. Zinc deficiency is blamed for growth problems among kids, skin disorders, respiratory problems, impaired immunity, and learning disabilities
Immunity booster
Research finds that zinc supplements could be the key to making the flu season easier on you. Zinc deficiency might impair the function of important cells that are vital to the functioning of the immune system.
Studies claim that even mild zinc deficiency can suppress the immune system by slowing down the production of lymphocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils, which may further make you prone to infections and illnesses. That is the reason zinc has been an important part of the coronavirus treatment and prevention regime.
Lower the symptoms of respiratory tract infections
People with COVID-19 struggle with flu-like symptoms, including infections of the respiratory tract. Shortness of breath, cough, congestion, and runny nose are some of the symptoms of COVID-19. Zinc is thought to regulate certain important immune functions and thus reduce the risk of acute lower respiratory tract infections.
It is also known to protect the health of respiratory cells during lung inflammation or pneumonia.
Promotes Childhood Growth
Zinc deficiency is common among children suffering from stunted growth and diarrhea. Among seniors, zinc deficiency can result in poor appetite. A meta-analysis study published in Nutrients explains how zinc supplementation in infants promoted helped with growth and healthy height and weight.
Lowers risk of Preterm Birth
Zinc is known to aid in the proper growth and development of infants. The trace mineral plays a crucial role in the formation of DNA. Research finds that pregnant women can avoid early labor with zinc supplementation under the guidance of a gynecologist.
Zinc deficiency might be blamed on a poor diet that lacks essential minerals and nutrients. Sometimes the poor absorption of minerals in the body might also be a cause of zinc deficiency. Children who suffer from frequent diarrhea are at a higher risk of zinc deficiency. Certain toxic compounds coat cereals, legumes, ad whole grains, which bind to essential minerals, resulting in poor absorption.
Zinc deficiency is not so common among meat eaters as they get their zinc from diet. However, a poor die might be a cause for concern and result in nutrient deficiency. While zinc is an essential trace element that has a potential to lower the incidence of viral, flu, cold, and cough, but that does not mean you should go overboard with it. too much of zinc can deplete the copper stores in your body, resulting in copper deficiency.
Avoid starting on any type of over-the-counter supplementation without medical prescription.
