Monday, November 1, 2010

Zinc - Are you low in this essential nutrient?

Zinc is a trace mineral and is often depleted because its used by nearly every metabolic process in the body. It's excreted in saliva, urine, feces, sperm and more. It is an important part of immunity and metabolism, including the growth of skin, muscles, reproductive organs and cells.

People who are low on Zinc often do not have notable symptoms, and spotting a zinc deficiency without testing is sometimes difficult to do. Common signs that you may be low in Zinc are:
  • Milky White Spots on Fingernails
  • Freckles on the nose and cheeks
  • Acne
  • Diarrhea
  • Inconsistent Blood Sugar levels
  • Eczema
  • Enlarged Prostate
  • Colds or Slowed Healing
  • Sluggish Immune System
  • Reduced Ability to Taste or Smell
  • Inability to See Well After Dark
  • Male Infertility
  • ADHD

Individuals who have been diagnosed with Diabetes, HIV, AIDS, autoimmune dysfunction and even neurological concerns, such as Parkinsons' Disease, are often low in zinc. Zinc may also help to protect against fungal infections and other infectious disorders.

Because zinc and copper can displace each other, people who are low in zinc often have higher copper levels and often people who have a high zinc level are low in copper. Balance is important in all of the body processes. It's important that you have your zinc levels tested so that you know if you need more zinc by way of dietary changes or supplementation.

Our preferred method of testing for low zinc is a zinc tally test. The cost is $10, the test takes less than 5 minutes at our office and results are immediate. No appointment is necessary. Swing on in and ask for your Zinc Tally Test today!