Zinc

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Zinc acts as a traffic poiceman, directing and overseeing the efficient flow of body processes, the maintenance of enzyme systems and cells, and the synthesis of proteins and DNA. Zinc governs the contractibility of muscles. It helps in the formation of insulin and is important for blood stability and in maintaining the body's acid-alkaline balance. Zinc helps promote growth and mental alertness and is important in the development of all reproductive organs. Studies indicate zinc's importance in brain function and the treatment of schizophrenia. Sufficient intake and absorption of zinc is needed to maintain the proper concentrations ofvitamin E in the blood. Most zinc in foods is lost in processing, or never exists in substantial amount due to nutrient-poor soil. Frozen vegetables are often treated with chelating agents, which also remove most of the zinc. Alcohol flushes zinc and other minerals out in the urine.Zinc levels may also be lowered by diarrhea, kidney disease, cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes, andfiber. The phylates found in grains and legumes bind with zinc so that it cannot be absorbed. Signs of deficiency may include a disturbed sense of taste or smell, allergic swelling of sinus and nasal passageways (as precludes ear infections), some cases of diabetes,oily skin, hair loss, lack of appetite, sexual difficulties, menstrual difficulties, painful growingpains(youth), apathy, and lethargy. The skin of zinc-deficient people may be dark from excessive pigmentation or show stretch marks on the hips, thighs, abdomen, breasts, and shoulders. Hair that splits and breaks easily and brittle nails that exhibit white spots or be opaquely white often signifies a zinc shortage. Wounds which heal slowly may signify zinc deficiency; zinc salts promote healing of surgical wounds. Extra zinc is needed by the body when large amounts of B6 are being taken (the combination being helpful for impotence and pregnancy). Men with prostate problems shouldtake extra zinc, as should women who are bothered by irregular menses, or who are pregnant or lactating. Elderly people, concerned about senility, would find a zinc and manganese supplement beneficial. When adding zinc to the diet, the need for Vitamin A is also increased. Food Sources: Significant quantities of zinc are found in brewer's yeast, egg yolks, lamb chops, lima beans, liver, mushrooms, pecans, pumpkin seeds, sardines, seeds soy lecithin, soybeans, sunflower seeds, and tourla. Zinc is found in fish, legumes, meats, oysters, poultry, seafood, onions, green leafy vegetables and whole grains Herbal Sources: Kelp, marshmallow Supplementation: Chelated zinc is the best way to take zinc (zinc gluconate or amino acid chelated zinc). Available in all good multivitamin and multimineral preparations. Can find in doses ranging from 15 to over 300 mg, but anything over 100 mg daily dosage should be monitored by a nutritionally oriented physician, since excess zinc can upset the balance of other minerals in the body. **Daily dosages of more than 100 mg of zinc can depress the immune system while dosages under 100 mg. can enhance immune response. WARNING: Though zinc is the least toxic of the trace elements in humans, single large doses will cause vomiting and diarrhea. Excessive zinc can displace copper from the tisues, temporarily exacerbating psychiatric depression by raising blood copper. Too much zinc in the gut interferes with the absorption of iron.