Researchers have learned that zinc promotes immune system function by strengthening epithelial barriers, boosting cellular immunity and activating the T-lymphocytes which attack and kill infected cells.
And, a recent review published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene concluded that zinc supplementation is associated with significant reduction in the duration of the common cold. The researchers noted that zinc reduced the length of colds and flu by over 52 hours.
In other words, zinc supplementation can rescue cold and flu sufferers from two whole days of sniffling, sneezing, achy misery -quite a reprieve! Important to note: in order to ease cold and flu symptoms most effectively, zinc should be taken at the first sign of illness.
Zinc is a potent antioxidant that scavenges free radicals which would otherwise damage lipids, proteins and cell DNA in the body, potentially triggering disease. This essential micronutrient is also a key constituent of superoxide dismutase, a natural antioxidant enzyme linked with longevity.
Zinc lends the liver a helping hand by reducing inflammation, decreasing free radical damage, promoting nutrient absorption and facilitating elimination of waste.
In an influential placebo-controlled study conducted in 2018, researchers gave supplemental zinc to participants with chronic liver disease, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (a possible complication of NAFLD) and alcohol-related cirrhosis of the liver.
After 36 months, the zinc group showed lower levels of inflammatory markers and better liver function. But, that’s not all. The zinc group also had a lower risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma, a deadly liver cancer that can result from chronic liver disease. Zinc deficiency can cause increased susceptibility to many chronic degenerative diseases – along with anemia, impotence, cognitive problems and slowed wound healing. Zinc deficient infants are at a higher risk of both pneumonia and diarrhea.
Diets that exclude grass-fed meats, wild seafood and pasture-raised eggs may be low in zinc, leaving vegetarians and vegans are at particular risk for deficiency. Along with elderly people, others at risk include those with chronic digestive disorders, athletes or any person that sweats heavily.
Classic symptoms of zinc deficiency include brittle nails, white spots on the fingernails, hair loss, fatigue and impaired memory and concentration. Lowered sex drive, adult acne and decreased sense of smell and taste can also indicate a shortage of zinc.
While the Institute of Medicine advises a zinc RDA of 11 mg a day for men and 8 mg a day for women, many natural health experts recommend more generous amounts. If you would like to try supplementing with zinc, talk to your integrative healthcare provider for guidance.
You can boost your dietary intake of zinc with grass-fed beef, wild-caught salmon, sardines, poultry, chickpeas, cashews, pumpkin seeds and mushrooms.
Virus Killer
Viruses are the most common cause of all kinds of chronic illnesses and conditions. Unfortunately, medical science and research haven't discovered this yet, nor have they discovered the existence of dozens of mutated strains of viruses that are causing health problems. Tragically, that means that unless people are discovering the truth in the Medical Medium information, or they’re hearing the truth from a friend, family member, doctor, or health practitioner who learned it from my information, then they will not get the answers they need to heal.
The truth is your body wants to heal. It loves you unconditionally and is working hard for you every day. All you need to do is give it the tools and resources it needs to begin the healing process. The simple tips I have shared here give you a healing toolbox to work with. I recommend also reading three books Medical Medium, Life-Changing Foods, and Thyroid Healing for more in-depth information and guidance on healing adrenal fatigue and hundreds of other health conditions and symptoms.
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