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Written by Sarah Cain
Sunday, 07 March 2010 04:40
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According to many in the medical establishment, zinc is the single greatest dietary supplement. Chemists, pharmacists and doctors alike glorify zinc supplementation. Hallelujah!...Some of them maintain that zinc will ward off all sickness. While this is not entirely true, zinc does nonetheless fight the rhinovirus, which is responsible for about a third of the common colds in adults, along with many other illnesses which exhibit flu-like symptoms. In addition, it boosts the immune system; helping to prevent illnesses, and speeding recoveries from them. Zinc supplementation is therefore useful to almost everyone; and of course, it should be taken at elevated levels by those who have been known to have zinc deficiencies. Zinc deficiencies have been shown in studies to lead to decreased thyroid hormone levels, and hypothyroidism.
Zinc supplementation is absolutely vital for pregnant women. If zinc was given to every mother-to-be, then a large portion of birth abnormalities, pre-eclampsia occurrences, and deformations could be avoided. Give zinc the same respect that you would give to folic acid and calcium during pregnancy.
Symptoms of Zinc Deficiency
- White spots (cuticles) in the fingernails.
- Pale, rough skin, dry hair, and acne
- Unhealthy weight loss caused by loss of appetite.
- Dandruff *
- Slow wound healing occurs in particularly bad cases of zinc deficiency.
* Some readers may have noticed that the primary ingredient in anti-dandruff shampoos is zinc. While there is nothing actually wrong with putting zinc in the hair, it would be much more health wyze to simply supplement with it orally.
Not All Zinc Is Created Equal
Zinc sulfate and zinc oxide are among the most popular types of zinc to be sold, but they are definitely not the best. In fact, the largest portion of these simply flush out of the body, because they cannot be absorbed well. These supplements actually increase a body's burden instead of lightening it. In other words, they create expensive urine. In the particular case of zinc oxide, it is a widely known carcinogen (used in sunscreens that cause skin cancer). This is a dirty little industry secret, and it is the main reason why sunlight is falsely believed to cause skin cancers. Always avoid zinc oxide. Read more about such dangers and scams in our article, Sunscreen Lies and Cosmetic 'Trade Secrets' or Why You Ought To Be Concerned About What You Are Rubbing On Your Skin.
Chelated zinc is at least partially absorbed by the body. There are different types of chelation, but most zinc manufacturers do not tell their customers which form they have used. In those that do, zinc gluconate, and zinc citrate are among the best forms of chelated zinc. Zinc orotate is a chelated form of zinc that is the most readily absorbed by the body. Manufacturers of it will usually boast about having this type, because they have good reason to. Zinc orotate passes through the membranes of cells easily, and pulls the highest amounts of accompanying minerals into the cells, which leads to higher tissue concentrations of zinc and other beneficial nutrients.
Good food-based sources of zinc include cashews, almonds, kidney beans, flounder, and eggs. Zinc is also present in oysters, pork and crab, but we do not recommend these latter sources for health reasons. See our nutritional article, God's Nutrition: From The Big Guy Himself for more information about why one should avoid the latter group.
Prologue
Zinc is one of the few supplements that the mainstream medical establishment will actually recommend. For some people, especially pregnant women, it is absolutely essential. We do not recommend zinc supplementation for vegetarians, because zinc will reduce their absorption of iron, and will increase their already high chance for developing anemia. However, the N.I.H. recommends that vegetarians get 50% more zinc than non-vegetarians, which is something straight out of the Twilight Zone. Never take zinc on an empty stomach, for it can induce severe nausea and stomach pains. In the very least, follow zinc supplementation with a large glass of water.
Related Articles:
How To Cure Hypothyroidism Naturally
The Politically Incorrect Truth About The Cult Of Vegetarianism
God's Nutrition: From The Big Guy Himself
Sunscreen Lies and Cosmetic 'Trade Secrets' or Why You Ought To Be Concerned About What You Are Rubbing On Your Skin
