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How to Guide to Nutrition Supplements: Zinc

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By The Armchair Herbalist
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Guide to Nutrition Supplements: Zinc
Guide to Nutrition Supplements: Zinc
Image credits:tinpalace, under the StockXchange license

The body needs zinc for a wide range of critical processes. However, our bodies lack the capacity to produce this essential mineral on its own – zinc must be obtained from plant and animal sources through our diet. We can also obtain it from zinc supplements. Read on to learn more about the health benefits of zinc supplements.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Cold Prevention - Zinc supplements are effective in helping to prevent colds, as well as minimize the severity and length of cold infections. In particular, zinc gluconate lozenges or zinc sprays that contain zinc gluconate are especially effective, because they are easily absorbed by the body. The recommended daily dosage for cold prevention and treatment is 15mg to 25mg.

  2. Step 2

    Immune system booster - Zinc boosts the body’s ability to fight off infections, helping to prevent illness, which is especially useful for older people and people in need of strengthened immune systems. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
    Zinc, for example, can be taken in the form of tablets or nasal spray to aid the body in fighting off colds. The supplements should be taken with food, or they may cause nausea.

  3. Step 3

    Prostate Health - Zinc supplements may help to improve the condition of the prostate gland in the case of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The zinc helps to shrink the enlarged gland in mild to moderate cases of this condition.

  4. Step 4

    Skin and Hair Health - Zinc aids wound healing, and can assist various skin conditions, including burns, psoriasis, rosacea, eczema, hemorrhoids, wound healing and acne. The zinc helps by reducing inflammation and, in the case of acne, improving hormone levels.
    Zinc is of assistance in keeping the hair healthy and maintaining a healthy, clear complexion.

  5. Step 5

    Blood Sugar Levels - Zinc improves the ability of the pancreas to manufacture insulin. This means that it can help the body to maintain normal blood sugar levels, and is therefore be of assistance in cases of diabetes.

  6. Step 6

    Enzyme Regulation - Zinc is important in the regulation of enzymes in the body. It is present in many enzymes, which are vital for controlling protein synthesis, energy metabolism, hormone levels and cell growth.

  7. Step 7

    Age-related Conditions - Zinc has been shown to improve vision in the cases of people suffering from macular degeneration. Some lost vision may actually be regained.
    Zinc also helps prevent osteoporosis by facilitating the body’s ability to absorb minerals from the diet. This means that by aiding the absorption of calcium it can help to keep the bones healthy, and helping to prevent osteoporosis.

  8. Step 8

    Eating Disorders - Zinc supplements can improve the appetite of people suffering from anorexia or bulimia. What’s more, it is not only beneficial in assisting weight gain for patients with these conditions, but also helps with combating other side effects of anorexia or bulimia, such as reduced immunity to infection, dermatitis, thinning hair and mental dysfunction.

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on 3/23/2009 Zinc is great for acne. I always try to take Zinc on a full stomach. Zinc on an empty stomach can really jack you up.

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