Human Health Can Be Harmed
without Enough Zinc
The Effects of Zinc
Deficiency on Human Health
Zinc deficiency has been
associated as one of the contributing aspects to eating
disorders such as anorexia nervosa and
bulimia.
It has been noted that some
people with anorexia nervosa loose the sense of taste, this
links with zinc deficiency as it is known that some people with
zinc deficiency have a poor sense of taste (ageusia) and smell
(anosmia). Zinc supplement are
known to stimulate appetite and improve food intake with people
who have eating disorders.
The lack of zinc can cause problems with female
reproduction; it can cause lack of ovulation, late onset of
menstruation and amenorrhea (lack of periods).
Zinc deficiency has an effect on the skin, nails and promotes
poor growth of hair. The skin looses its flexibility and
elasticity and is prone to stretch marks, this affects pregnant
women especially. Acne, boils, dermatitis, psoriasis and white
marks on fingernails all respond to extra zinc in the diet.
Lack of zinc has also been associated with gum inflammation,
increased risk of coronary heart disease, diabetes, poor wound
healing, eczema, tinnitus and acute diarrhoea in Third World
children.
Zinc deficiency is common in low-income pregnant women,
pregnant teenagers, people suffering from liver cirrhosis,
people with Down's syndrome, children with alopecia areata,
vegetarians, alcoholics, people with sickle cell anaemia,
people with chronic kidney disease and malabsorption
problems.
Typical signs of zinc deficiency in a person are loss of
appetite, poor sense of smell and taste, tendency towards
depression, white marks on fingernails, pale skin, frequent
infections, low fertility, stretch marks, prostate problems,
stunted growth, mental problems, poor wound healing, a poor
immune system, diarrhoea, mental lethargy, poor appetite, rough
skin, weight loss, ache and greasy skin.
To treat zinc deficiency, it is best to advise a person to
increase foods that are high in zinc content within their diet.
These foods are Oysters, ginger root, lamb, pecan nuts, dry
split peas, haddock, green peas, shrimps, turnips, Brazil nuts,
egg yolks, whole wheat grain, rye, oats, peanuts and almonds.
Pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed butter are excellent sources of
this vital mineral.
Good stomach acid, vitamin A, E and B6, magnesium, calcium and
phosphorus will all help with the absorption of zinc.
Phytates (wheat), alcohol, oxalates such as rhubarb and
spinach, stress, high calcium, high sugar intake, copper and
low protein intake will all hamper the absorption of zinc.
Zinc supplements will also help with zinc deficiency; this can
be either in the form of zinc sulphate or zinc gluconate
ranging from doses of 15 to 300 mg for an adult. Chelated zinc
is the best form of zinc supplements to be taken.
In conclusion, zinc is an essential mineral with over 300
enzymes reliant on it to help heal wounds, maintain fertility
in adults, protect against free radicals, promote healthy
growth in children, boost immunity, synthesise protein,
preserve good vision and help cells reproduce. Deficiency is
very common (especially in the Third World) and can cause major
health complaints, zinc deficiency can be over come by
consuming the right diet full of foods that are high in zinc
and by supplementing the diet with chelated zinc.
About the author:
Stewart Hare C.H.Ed Dip NutTh
Advice for a healthier natural life
website: http://www.newbeingnutrition.com
Additional Thoughts:
Zinc seems to assist the body as it tries to heal itself. Zinc
deficiency in bones may cause pain of the hip and joints of the
knees. This mineral also seems to be related to healthy brain
functions and so the lack of zinc may cause your child to be
behind in his or her mental development. The consumption of
alcohol tends to remove this mineral from the body. Having
enough zinc in the body can help skin and hair and nails to be
healthier, so don't leave zinc out of your diet. For healthier
gums, don't forget to include this vital mineral. Zinc may help
your heart to be healthier and it may help your wounds to heal
more quickly. When you don't have enough zinc, this can affect
your appetite. It could also affect your emotions as well as
your sense of smell and taste. So be sure to eat food that has
zinc in it and if needed, take zinc supplements or a good
multivitamin that includes zinc.
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