Zinc Deficiency Symptoms and Side Effects

Zinc Deficiency

The research of past 10 – 15 years suggests that zinc deficiency is widespread and affects the health and well-being of populations worldwide. The causes of zinc deficiency fall under two main categories:
1) Nutritional causes such as consumption of food items with either low zinc contents or unavailable forms of zinc.
2) Conditioned (secondary) deficiency related to diseases and genetic malfunctions that impair intestinal absorption and/or increase intestinal loss of zinc.

The burden of diseases related to deficiency of zinc. Zinc deficiency is associated with the many breakdowns in the human body.Following are the Symptoms and Signs of Zinc Deficiency:

Growth Retardation, Arrested Sexual Maturation, Anorexia, Night Blindness, Liver Cirrhosis, Diarrhea, Acrodermatitis Enteropathica, Impaired Taste Acuity, Delayed Wound Healing, Hair Loss, Alopecia, Skin Dryness, Hyperpigmentation of the Skin, Emotional Disturbance, Blood sugar impairments, etc. These are the common symptoms of zinc deficiency.

Zinc Deficiency Side Effects:

• Skin changes, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, etc. (Zinc deficiency has been seen in adult cases of acne and dramatic improvement in skin conditions have been seen with zinc supplementation.)

• Mental disturbances (Alzheimer’s patients given zinc supplementation showed improved memory, understanding, communication and social contact. Zinc deficiency is very common in the elderly.)

• Immune system dysfunction (Zinc and immunity go hand in hand. It has antiviral activity, includes defense again several strains of the common cold, stimulates the production of white blood cells, and helps the production of the thymus hormone, which is directly related to immune function.)

• Diabetes (Zinc balances blood sugar. It helps the pancreas produce insulin and protects receptor sites so the insulin can go in and metabolize the glucose. Zinc also helps pregnant women cope with gestational diabetes.)

• Prostate enlargement (Zinc reduces the size of the prostate as well as the symptoms of BPH – benign prostatic hyperplasia. It also diminishes the frequent urge to urinate and other symptoms associated with BPH.)

• Accumulating toxic metals (The zinc to copper ratio needs to be 15:1. Copper levels become elevated when zinc levels are low, either from vegetarianism, lifestyle, and / or poor diet. When copper levels become elevated, copper toxicity results, which is associated with migraine headaches, damage to the eyes, macular degeneration, preeclampsia, breast cancer, lymphoma, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, leukemia, acne, adrenal gland insufficiency, anemia, PMS, a racing mind, overgrowth of candida, osteoarthritis, and viral infections.)

• Sexual health (Zinc is required for fertility, used in every aspect of male reproduction, and essential during pregnancy. Zinc deficiency is associated with low sperm count and decreased testosterone in men, and pregnancy-related problems in women, such as, spontaneous abortion, toxemia, premature births, delivery problems, retardation, and more.)

• Taste, vision, and smell loss (Zinc maintains vision, taste, and smell. Night blindness occurs often because of zinc deficiency. The elderly most commonly experience a lost of taste and smell, which is associated with zinc deficiency as well.)

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Eating Oysters Nutritional Benefits

Eating Oyster Nutritional Benefits

Typically, seafood is touted as one of the best foods for good health. Zinc makes oysters a sexy superfood. Oysters contain more zinc per serving than any other food. A serving of oysters contains more Zinc than any other food per serving (76.7mg in 6 medium oysters!).

Raw and canned oysters bring nutritional benefits. Here are some benefits of eating oysters:

1. Oysters contain more zinc than any other food. Zinc is necessary for proper growth and development, strengthens the immune system and promotes healing.

2. Oyster raises your sexual desire. Oysters could raise your libido by the power of suggestion, much like peaches, alcohol, chocolate, or any other food with a desire-boosting reputation. The Zinc mineral which loaded in oyster helps the body produce testosterone, a hormone critical in regulating men's and women's libido and sexual function. Research suggests that zinc can improve sperm count and swimming ability, and increase sexual potency in men.

For women, zinc may help ovaries—the source of estrogen, progesterone, and some testosterone—stay healthy, keeping you primed for bedroom action.

3. Oysters are heart healthy. They are high in omega – 3 fatty acids, potassium and magnesium which can help reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke and lower blood pressure.

4. Oysters can help you lose weight. They are low in calories, low in fat and a good source of protein which makes you feel fuller after eating.

5. Oysters are a good source of other essential nutrients. These include vitamins A, E, and C, zinc, iron, calcium, selenium, and vitamin B12.

6. Oysters can help improve your energy. They are a good source of iron which helps the body transport oxygen to individual cells giving you more energy.

7. Oysters can help lower your cholesterol. A study done by the University of Washington found that eating oysters can help raise the HDLs (good cholesterol levels) and lower the LDL’s (bad cholesterol levels).

Note: Eating raw oysters can be risky.

Raw oysters are just as nutritious as cooked oysters, providing a number of essential nutrients including omega-3 fats, vitamins and minerals. But they aren't as safe, because they can be contaminated with organisms that cause food poisoning. Because of this, consumption of raw oysters isn't recommended, especially if you have a compromised immune system.

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Zinc Health Benefits

The health benefits of Zinc include proper functioning of the immune and digestive systems, control of diabetes, reduction of stress levels, energy metabolism, and an increased rate of healing for acne and wounds. Also, zinc is helpful in terms of pregnancy, hair care, eczema, weight loss, night blindness, colds, eye care, appetite loss and many other minor conditions.

Zinc, being an important mineral, plays a vital role in protein synthesis and helps regulate the cell production in the immune system of the human body. Zinc is mostly found in the strongest muscles of the body and is found in especially high concentrations in the white and red blood cells, eye retina, skin, liver, kidneys, bones and pancreas. The semen and prostate gland in men also contain significant amounts of zinc.

In the human body, there are more than 300 different enzymes that require zinc to function normally. Researchers believe that 3,000 proteins out of the approximately 100,000 in the body consist predominantly of zinc.

A normal person contains two to three grams of Zinc at any given time.  There are organs of the human body which secrete Zinc, such as the salivary gland, the prostate gland and the pancreas. Even cells involved in the activity of the immune system secrete zinc. As such, it is used up in various metabolic processes and eliminated through normal excretory and urinary channels, so it needs to be replenished often. If it isn't you will begin to suffer from deficiency symptoms, a list of which can be found below.

Zinc Deficiency Symptoms:

• Growth retardation
• Low blood pressure
• Retarded bone growth
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of smell and taste senses
• Depression
• Rough skin/Pale Skin
• Weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Hair loss
• Fatigue
• White spots under finger nails.

Important Sources of Zinc: The most important food source for zinc is meat, and other products like oysters, turnips, peas, oats, peanuts, almonds, whole wheat grain, pumpkin seeds, ginger root and pecan nuts have smaller, but still worthwhile amounts of this beneficial vitamin.

Health Benefits of Zinc:

The most important health benefits of zinc are listed below.

Skin Care: Studies have shown zinc to be an effective home remedy for curing pimples and acne. The consumption of antibiotic medication is still considered to be more effective, but the side effects and potential hormonal imbalance that those medicines can cause also must be considered. Also, since one of zinc’s most vital functions are to stimulate white blood cell function. White blood cells are integral in the healing process and can defend the body against a number of infections, including those that commonly attack canker sores, ulcers, burns, surgical incisions, and other various wounds. Zinc is also required for the production of collagen, a connective tissue that is required for skin repair and regrowth.

Eczema: Also called “atopic dermatitis”, eczema is an inflammatory and chronic disorder of the skin, and it is mainly caused by deficiency of zinc in the body. Zinc plays an important role in healing chronic infections and assists the body in restoring its ability to heal properly and completely. This irritation can be cleared up by re-balancing the zinc content in your blood.

Acne: This mineral is important for eliminating acne from the skin. It regulates and controls the amount of testosterone in the body, which plays a dominant role in causing acne. In addition to that, zinc is also involved in collagen synthesis. This further aids in normalizing the amount of skin oils and improves the maintenance of healthy skin. The open sores that come with acne are practically magnets for bacterial and viral infections, and zinc can stimulate the white blood cell count and reduce the chances of any type of infection. Finally, acne can leave permanent scars on people who suffer from the condition, and zinc can help to reduce the evidence of those scars.

Prostate disorder: Zinc is very important in dealing with prostate disorders. Zinc deficiency causes enlargement of the prostate gland and makes it vulnerable to cancer. It is advisable to take 15mg of zinc every day, under close medical observation, when suffering from prostate disorder. Studies have shown a reduction in tumor growth in the prostate when normal levels of zinc are present in the system.

Cognitive Function: Recent research has shown zinc to have a strong impact on mental function, because it can pair up with vitamin B6 to ensure the proper function of neurotransmitters that communicate with the body. Zinc is also found in high concentrations in the hippocampus, which controls thought and memory. For those who have suffered from an injury, extra zinc will keep brain function strong, because the body naturally diverts zinc to the other parts of the body for healing purposes.

Sense of Smell and Taste: Zinc is one of the most important elements for a healthy life, but it has some very unique benefits as well, including the improvement of the senses of taste and smell. Taste buds and olfactory cells are zinc-reliant, and it is necessary for the proper development and growth of those specific cells. Studies have shown that raising zinc levels can heighten these two senses, because they are finally functioning at optimal levels.

Common Cold: Zinc supplements help in decreasing the severity and duration of colds and other mild illnesses. It reduces the amount of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which aggravate the body during colds or other infections. Also, zinc’s ability to stimulate white blood cell activity makes it ideal for reducing colds and infections.

Weight loss: Zinc plays a leading role in weight loss for obese individuals. A number of studies have connected zinc with a decrease in appetite, which prevents overeating. This is related to zinc’s manipulation of the ghrelin hormone, which tells the body when it wants to eat.

Pregnancy: Zinc is essential for the repair and functioning of DNA. It is essential for rapid growth of cells and for the building of major constituents of the cell over the course of a pregnancy. So much development and enzymatic activity takes place during pregnancy that zinc is one of the most important nutrients for infants and mothers.

Reproduction Hormones: In males, zinc assists in spermatogenesis and the development of the sex organs, while in females, zinc aids in all the reproductive phases, including the parturition and lactation stages. When it comes to sperm, zinc acts in a number of ways. First of all, it acts as a sort of sedative for the sperm so they don’t expend unnecessary energy. The zinc also protects the reproductive DNA inside the sperm from breaking down, so a correct transference of information is guaranteed. Once the sperm enters the female reproductive tract, it quickly dissipates and the sperm have a sudden burst of energy, which propels them up the tube. Finally, zinc is an essential part of the enzymes that allow sperm to penetrate the egg.

Biological Functions: Zinc plays a key role in many biological functions such as reproduction, diabetes control, stress level modulation, immune resistance, smell and taste, physical growth, appetite and digestion.

Infection: Zinc helps a person to sense tastes and smells, improves the rate of wound healing, boosts immunity and helps in promoting the fetus growth. Zinc helps in protecting against infectious disorders and fungal infections, which include pneumonia and conjunctivitis.

Antioxidant: Zinc acts as an antioxidant and is involved in some of the biochemically decisive reactions in the body, including protein synthesis, enzymatic function and carbohydrate metabolism. Since zinc is involved in so many integral systems and functions of the body, it cannot be stressed enough – You must have zinc in your diet!

Enzyme regulation: Zinc is an essential component in a number of enzymes that help in regulating cell growth, protein synthesis, hormonal level, DNA, regulating gene transcription, energy metabolism and other related functions.

Cancer: In males, zinc plays a vital role in the prostate gland and prevents premature damage or strain, which can lead to problems like cancer. The natural antioxidant properties of zinc mean that it actively seeks out free radicals, the hazardous byproducts of cell metabolism that can cause a number of diseases. Free radicals can morph normal cells into cancerous cells by breaking down the DNA integrity so the elimination of free radicals by antioxidants is one of the most vital lines of defense against many kinds of cancer.

Chronic Fatigue: People suffering from chronic fatigue are usually told to consume fish oil, as it is rich in zinc. Many doctors suggest no other medications for curing chronic fatigue except to start consuming fish oil. Zinc must be doing something right! Zinc is integral for normal muscle function, and many researchers believe that muscle fatigue is one of the major causes of chronic fatigue. Therefore, zinc is the ideal supplement to boost your energy levels.

Alopecia: Alopecia causes loss of hair in both children and adults. Doctors often tell people suffering from this condition to seriously boost their intake of zinc in their diet. Since zinc is so beneficial for hair strength and integrity, the symptoms of alopecia can sometimes be diminished. You can access zinc supplements and capsules in almost all health food stores and groceries. studies have shown that zinc is somewhat more effective on treating childhood alopecia that the conditions of adults.

Bone loss: This is a condition when the bones become weak and fragile. Zinc is a component of hydroxyapatite, which is a salt and makes the bone matrix strong and hard. For this reason, zinc should be added in your dietary plan to avoid bone loss, particularly as you get older, or if you show any signs of premature aging or osteoporosis.

Night blindness: Consuming Zinc in quantities of about 150-450 mg will help to improve your vision. Therefore, it is always recommended to consume food like beef, lamb, oysters, buckwheat and crabs as they are rich in zinc content and will improve the ability to see, and is particularly helpful for those suffering from night blindness. Vitamin-A, which is an essential part of improving night vision, stimulates certain enzymes that couldn't function without zinc, therefore making it a necessary element in reducing night blindness.

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Zinc Deficiency and Dyslexia in Children

Dyslexia was first diagnosed in about 1963 and can be part of the syndrome known as MBD “minimal brain dysfunction” often thought to be the direct result of too little oxygen at birth causing the death of some brain cells. For the child itself and for the family, it is anything but “minimal”, as the disrupted mental function can be quite profound especially if there is an aspect of hyperactivity.

Zinc is one of our body’s most important trace minerals and there have been some research studies to show that people with dyslexia and other learning difficulties have been linked to a deficiency of this mineral. Dr. Ellen Grant, in a study done in co-operation with Bio-lab found an undeniable link with Zinc deficiency. Zinc deficiency in dyslexic children confirm in early fetal development can cause of learning difficulties.

Researchers compared children in the control group to dyslexic children and found that zinc concentrations differed significantly between the groups. Since these findings, researchers have determined that impaired learning in children can often be corrected through zinc supplementation.

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Zinc and Mesothelioma - How Zinc affect Mesothelioma Patient

Zinc is a naturally occurring, essential mineral that plays key roles in building DNA and RNA, cell metabolism and in regulating the immune system. It is required for the healing of wounds, and in the senses of smelling and tasting. Zinc also comes under other names, such as zinc gluconate, zinc acetate, zinc carbonate, zinc sulfate, and zinc picolinate, though these forms are slightly different in composition. Zinc is claimed to be a strong antioxidant, which blocks free radical cells in the blood system, by its strongest supporters. Zinc is found naturally in foods like eggs, cheese, legumes, seafood, meats, grains and nuts.

The adult recommended daily allowance (RDA) is 11 milligrams for men or pregnant women, 12 milligrams for breast-feeding women and 8 milligrams for the average woman. However, the FDA states that the average person should not take in more than 40 milligrams in one day. There are plenty of zinc supplements and products on the market, ranging from zinc tablets, capsules, lozenges, nasal sprays, liquid zinc, and zinc gel and spray, which accelerate healing on the skin.

This mineral has been found in metal alloys since 1400 BC. In 1300, metallic zinc was produced in India and in 1500 it was first recognized as an element. In the 1700s Germany built factories in order to produce zinc, though medical research on its bodily effects did not begin until the 1970s. Researchers have found that low levels of zinc do relate to different diseases, including cancer, but no definite studies have been conducted to medically prove it. It’s difficult for scientists to determine whether those low levels of zinc were a result or cause of the cancer.

In 2004, a study was conducted for seven years on 13,000 French adults, who either took a placebo or a vitamin combination of vitamins E & C, selenium, beta-carotene and zinc. This study did show a reduced rate of cancer risk, but it is not sure what role zinc played. In addition, studies show that zinc has positive effects on people with sickle cell anemia.
Zinc Sideeffects: Overdoses of zinc are very rare, but people who take 300 – 450 milligrams per day show serious complications, such as a slight risk of developing prostate cancer, kidney failure, vomiting, headaches and extreme fatigue. Patients are cautioned to always consult with a doctor, especially when pregnant, before taking any supplements or sprays.

Though necessary for normal body functioning and a possible cancer inhibitor, too little scientific evidence exists as to whether this element represents an effective mesothelioma treatment in itself. Although tests have confirmed patients taking compounds which include zinc do reduce cancer rates, the mineral’s uncertain role makes it impossible to determine its value. Although several patients have seen positive results from adopting diets rich in essential vitamins and nutrients like zinc, all mesothelioma sufferers are encouraged to consult a medical professional firsthand.  

Reference: The American Cancer Society

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What is Mesothelioma Disease?

Mesothelioma is a rare type of lungs cancer that occurs in the thin layer of cells lining the body's internal organs, known as the mesothelium.

There are three known types of mesothelioma:

• Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of the disease, accounting for roughly 70% of cases, and occurs in the lining of the lung known as the pleura.
• Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the abdominal cavity, known as the peritoneum.
• Pericardial mesothelioma originates in the pericardium, which lines the heart.

Mesothelioma Symptoms:

An individual may be at risk to develop mesothelioma if he/she was exposed to asbestos in the workplace or at home. Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos and the inhalation of asbestos particles. In most cases, mesothelioma symptoms will not appear in an individual exposed to asbestos until many years after the exposure has occurred. Those with a past asbestos exposure history experiencing symptoms should consult a physician with experience in accurately diagnosing mesothelioma. The earlier mesothelioma is diagnosed, the more likely it is to be caught at an early stage. At earlier stages of mesothelioma progression, more treatment options are available and oftentimes a better prognosis is given.

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Top 10 Health Benefits of Drinking Water

Water is the natural source of Zinc. Water contains 5mg of zinc per 1 liter. Water is main component of human body. The human body is composed of 55% to 78% of water depending on body size. Adequate and regular water consumption has a lot of health benefits as it has no calories, no fat, no carbohydrates, and no sugar.  The amount of water you consume everyday plays an extremely important role in maintaining a healthy body. The required amount of zinc per day is

15mg = 3 liters of water = 12 glass of water

All health experts recommend drinking at least eight to twelve glasses of water a day in order to maintain good health. Human body needs water to function properly as almost every cell present in the body needs water. Also water helps to keep the body well hydrated which is very essential to for a healthy body. You can never imagine that just by drinking a healthy amount of water, you gain tremendous health benefits.

Here are the top 10 health benefits of Drinking Pure Water:

1.       Weight Loss

Water helps you to lose weight in a fast and better manner. Water helps to flush out the by-products of fat. Also when you drink water, your stomach becomes full and you do not feel the tendency to eat more. And the most important thing about water is that it does not contain any calorie and it is also a great replacement for high-calorie drinks such as alcohol, sugary fizzy drinks and sodas that often cause weight gain.

2.       Healthy Skin

Water keeps the body well hydrated which promotes healthier and younger looking skin. This happens because water helps to replenish skin tissues, moisturizes skin and increases the elasticity in your skin. When the body gets enough water, your skin will feel moisturized and it will look fresh, soft, glowing and smooth. Also your skin will not suffer from soft lines, scars, acne, wrinkles or other aging symptoms.

3.       Headaches and Migraines

In case of headache and migraine problem, the first thing that you can do to get some comfort is to drink plenty of water. In most cases, the main reason behind headaches and migraines is dehydration. So, when you drink water the body becomes hydrated and soon the problem of headache and migraine get resolved.

4.       Relieves Fatigue

In case if you always feel tired, then there is a high chance that it can be due to less consumption of water. Water is used by the body to help flush out toxins and waste products that the body does not need. When there is less water in the body, the heart needs to work more to pump out the oxygenated blood to all cells and at the same time other major body organs also become exhausted. All these factors make you feel tired always.

5.       Improves Mood

Water makes your body feel good and improves your energy level. When your body is active and in proper functioning state, then it gives positive signal to your brain which ultimately boosts your mood and helps you to feel happy from within. Good mood also has a direct impact on your productivity level whether at work or in doing other tasks.

6.       Helps in Digestion and Constipation

Water also improves the functionality of gastrointestinal tract. This helps in digestion and prevents constipation. Less amount of water in the body often results in constipation. But when you drink adequate amount of water it boosts your metabolism rate and helps the food consumed by you to break down properly. This helps your digestive system to work properly.

7.       Regulates Body Temperature

Ample amount of water in the body also helps to regulate body temperature. The thermal properties of water and its ability to release heat from the body when sweat evaporates from the surface of skin help a lot in maintaining body temperature throughout the day. A well regulated body temperature will make you feel more energetic when performing exercises and at the same time it also helps to fuel your muscles. At the same time it also helps keep your joints and muscles lubricated, so that you do not have to suffer from cramps and sprains.

8.       Reduces the Risk of Cancer

There are some studies that suggest that drinking a healthy amount of water also reduces the risks of bladder cancer and colon cancer. Water destroys the cancer-causing agents and reduces the risk of different types of cancer.

9.       Improves the Immune System

When the body gets adequate amount of water, it also improves your immune system and makes you less likely to get sick. Good immune system means your body can fight against ailments such as flu, kidney stones, and heart attack in a better manner. It will also help a lot to deal with health problems like rheumatism and arthritis etc.

10.   Solves Bad Breath

Bad breath is a clear sign that your body needs more water. Your saliva helps your teeth free from bacteria and keeps our tongue hydrated. So, whenever you suffer from bad breath, the first thing that you need to do is drink plenty of water. Also you can use water to rinse your mouth properly to get rid of food particles and bacteria that may be stuck in between your teeth and gum line.

To conclude, now as you know the importance of drinking more water, it is important to make necessary efforts to drink at least eight to ten glasses of water on a daily basis. Along with water, you also need to eat more fruits and vegetables that are high in water content. With adequate consumption of water, nothing can stop you from enjoying a healthy lifestyle.

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