More and more I have seen clients that are lacking in zinc. Yes, the simple form of zinc!
Being deficient in zinc is a very serious issue that if left unknown can lead to major health challenges. Some signs of being zinc-deficient are listed below. Also, know that chronic stress, lack of vitamin D, aging, smoking, and alcoholism can also cause major zinc deficiencies. So how do our bodies let us know we may be lacking zinc? Do you have any or multiple of the following:
-Acne
-Burning mouth syndrome
-Chronic infections, such as, but not limited to, colds, flu, gastrointestinal infections, skin infections, etc.
-Chronically, dry, irritated, flaky skin
-Dandruff
-Decreased fertility
-Decreased quality of erections
-Decreased sex drive
-Decreased testosterone production and consequential physical manifestations thereof
-Depression
-Diarrhea, increased severity thereof
-Issues with smell
-Issues with taste
-Dry, scaly skin
-Erectile Dysfunctions
-Eczema
-Impaired immune system
-Impaired wound healing
-Inflammation of the mouth and lips
-Ingrown hairs
-Loss of appetite
-Night blindness
-Sores at the corners of the mouth
-White coating on tongue
The Recommended Daily Allowance for zinc is 11 mg for adult men and 8 mg for adult women. If you are pregnant you may need a dosage more like the men's 11 mg. You may need even more if you are breastfeeding.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding talk to your doctor about additional supplementation of zinc (if you know your doctor is educated on nutrition and nutraceuticals). If your doctor is not educated in this way find a naturopath or ND that would have more insight or just eat foods (that are preggo-friendly) that have higher amounts of zinc. Men tend to need more zinc because of their higher testosterone levels. Zinc actually helps with producing testosterone and can help prevent erectile dysfunction!
Foods with higher amounts of zinc:
-Oysters (most zinc ever)
-Beef
-Crab
-Lobster
-Pork
-Chicken
-Almonds
-Cashews
-Pumpkin seeds
-Broccoli
-Brazil nuts
Get a zinc test if you feel you could be low or just eat food that are higher in zinc and pay attention to what your body is saying. Listen here to this podcast about zinc (it is only 11-minutes). Stay healthy!