Are You Low In Zinc?

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Are You Low In Zinc?

Written by Dr Sandra Miranda, ND

Have you ever suffered from acne, eczema or dermatitis, low energy, frequent colds and flu, and a decreased ability to smell and taste?  Did you know that you could be suffering from a deficiency of zinc?

 

Zinc is one of our most important minerals yet it is one of the most common deficiencies that we can have. Without enough zinc we can have more inflammation, diarrhea, a lower immune system and we are at increased risk of developing cancer.

 

Zinc deficiency symptoms are aggravated in children and also if you are not having enough protein in your diet.

 

The immune system is particularly dependent on a steady supply of zinc.  Studies in mice with 30 days of sub-optimal zinc intake have shown a 30-80 percent loss of immune function.

 

How can you find out if you are low in zinc?

 

Since loss of taste is a well-documented sign of zinc deficiency, there is a very easy and useful functional taste test to check for people’s zinc levels called “Zinc tally test”.   We offer this test at the clinic.  A tbsp. of a zinc solution is given to the patient to swish around for 15-20 seconds and the levels of zinc are determined depending on what the patient tastes.  To get more information on this quick and easy test call the front desk at 905-239-3900. 

 

How much zinc should you take if you are deficiency?

 

The dose is condition specific.  Some people benefit from 15 mg, 30 mg or up to 50 mg per day.  The best form is zinc picolinate because it is better absorbed.  You can take 15 mg of zinc picolinate and it would equivalent to 50 mg of different form of zinc.

 

If you would like to get your zinc levels tested contact us today – it takes only 5 minutes.

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