Zinc is one of the most common elements in the earth's crust. Zinc is found in air, soil, water, and food. It has been used since ancient times to heal wounds. Zinc is a mineral that is essential for enzyme function and plays an important role in biological processes, including cell production for a healthy body.
Zinc is an important and essential element that plays very important and vital roles in the human body, more than 100 enzymes and hormones require zinc for secretion and activation. Immune system Zinc is essential for the activity of the immune system and helps produce white blood cells (WBC) that play the role of defense soldiers in the body to fight viruses, bacteria and pathogens, therefore one of the symptoms of zinc deficiency is a weak immune system and frequent occurrence of viral and infectious diseases such as colds. Protein production: Everything in the body that is made from protein requires zinc. This includes most of the body's cells, such as DNA and RNA, enzymes, and many hormones, including sex hormones. Symptoms of zinc deficiency in men include decreased libido and semen volume. Also, in the case of zinc deficiency, digestive enzymes are not produced in sufficient quantities, and digestive problems such as bloating and acid reflux occur. Collagen and Keratin Production: A large part of the skin is made of a protein called collagen, and as mentioned, zinc is used to produce various proteins. Therefore, to have healthy and radiant skin, it is essential to get enough zinc through your diet or in the form of a dietary supplement (Zinc Plus, Zinc tablets). Hair is also made of a protein called keratin, hair loss, thinning hair strands can be directly related to zinc deficiency in the body. Vision system There is a high concentration of zinc in the eyes and it is necessary for the activity of the visual system and maintaining the health of its various parts, including the cornea, etc. Many studies show that elderly people who take zinc, selenium, vitamin A and E supplements in sufficient amounts are up to 60 percent less likely to develop problems such as cataracts. Metabolism of food Zinc, along with other nutrients such as magnesium and B vitamins, helps produce digestive enzymes, digest and absorb food, and convert it into energy, which is called food metabolism. Dealing with stress Another role of zinc is to help the adrenal glands function and produce hormones. One of the dozens of functions of the adrenal glands is to control and respond to stress. During stress, the body consumes large amounts of zinc, magnesium, vitamins B5, C, B1, and B6. Another symptom of zinc deficiency is the inability to control stress. If you are under stress for any reason, whether physical or mental, due to your life and work conditions, you will need to consume more of the nutrients mentioned in order to have sufficient health and energy. Zinc also plays numerous other functions and roles in the human body, just a few of which were mentioned in this article.
Most trace minerals are toxic to the body if taken in excess, and this is true of zinc. Symptoms of toxicity include stomach upset, vomiting, and usually occur when 2,000 mg or more is taken. Studies show that up to 150 mg of zinc is safe, but this amount is not usually needed and can interfere with the body's use of other elements. Research suggests that taking less than 50 mg per day is safe, but there is no information available on long-term use of this amount of zinc. A known negative side effect of zinc is that too much can lower HDL (good cholesterol) and increase LDL (bad cholesterol). Some research suggests that taking too much zinc can reduce immune function, while other studies do not support this. If zinc sulfate irritates your stomach, consider taking another form of zinc, such as zinc citrate, and consult your doctor before taking it. Other side effects of zinc toxicity include dizziness, headache, drowsiness, increased sweating, muscle incoordination, alcohol intolerance, hallucinations, and anemia.
Too much zinc or zinc supplements can lower your immune system, interfere with copper absorption, lead to copper deficiency, and increase your risk of anemia. Too much zinc can also cause nausea, headaches, stomach upset, and vomiting.
Zinc can cause stomach upset, which can lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. So try to take zinc with food to reduce the risk.The following things can reduce zinc absorption:excessive calcium intake, a vegetarian diet, caffeine, heavy alcohol consumption, oral penicillin, dairy products.Hormone replacement therapy can reduce zinc excretion.When taking zinc supplements, copper levels are reduced, so try to take copper supplements in a ratio of one to ten compared to zinc.
