When we think of Zinc, we mainly think of our immunity.
Zinc is our defence mineral, protecting us against physical and mental stress, infections and toxins. However its impact is far reaching in our body.
Zinc is involved in our energy cycle, glucose and hormone regulation, the production of neurotransmitters, our mood and sleep control, correct cholesterol control, and is a key factor in our ability to digest food – which is our energy and nutrition.
We also need Zinc to learn a new language and think abstractly such as with nouns. Take a glass as an example. When you think of a glass you need to cater for a model that includes a full glass, partially full or an empty glass – of all sizes and shapes. This is Zinc in action.
What I see a lot in clinic is poor stomach acid production and low Zinc … primarily starting with high stress which impacts our ability to make stomach acid and digest food. If we don’t digest our food well, we don’t receive the necessary nutrients to create energy and support health.
Zinc, along with key B vitamins, is critical for the production of stomach acid. You need stomach acid in order to absorb the Zinc, and you need Zinc to make stomach acid. If we can’t digest our food, and Zinc, a whole host of issues begin to arise including poor immunity, high cholesterol, mood and sleep dysfunction.
This miraculous mineral’s impact also stretches to our joints as Zinc is required to make synovial fluid and keep our cartilage healthy. Many skin conditions also respond to Zinc including dermatitis and eczema.
Excellent foods that contain Zinc are oysters, beef, brazil nuts, almonds, cashews, hazel nuts, walnuts, rice, barley, sunflower seeds, rye, olives, herring, liver.
Good foods that contain Zinc are pumpkin seeds, oats, garlic, wheat germ, lettuce, millet, soya beans, brewer’s yeast and asparagus.
This is not a call to start popping Zinc supplements. Minerals and vitamins work in concert. For example, Zinc – Copper need to be in balance as high Copper will block Zinc’s action in our tissues. Zinc is an antagonist to iron so we keep these minerals separate when taking both. So enjoy your Zinc intake from plenty of Zinc rich foods.
Luckily, I love oysters.
Do you have a niggling health issue you’d like to resolve, or a wellness goal you’d like to achieve? I offer free 15-minute Discovery calls, drop me a line and we can get you booked in.
Deborah McTaggart is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist working with diet, sleep, movement, stress and genetics to help you achieve the best outcome for your health. She specializes in helping the frequent flyer arrive in better shape.
“The programme filled the brief of supporting my particular nutrition needs but did so much more. I am sleeping better, have more energy and have healthier hair and skin.” Susan, London
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