Zinc: Traffic Director of the Blood Stream

Zinc is an essential trace mineral which is involved in numerous aspects of cellular metabolism.  Zinc also supports normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence and is required for proper sense of taste and smell. 

A daily intake of zinc is required to maintain a steady state because the body has no specialized zinc storage system. Zinc has been known to help us think and is vital to the immune system.  

Possible Zinc Deficiency Signs:

• Small white spots on fingernails (large spots are indicative of weak adrenals)

• Stretch marks

• Prostate problems

• Lack of energy

• Brittle hair

• Visual problems

• Painful knee and hip joints

• Poor circulation -- cold extremities

• Birth defects

• Gum disease

• Slow healing wounds

• Blood sugar problems

Foods High in Zinc:

• Eggs

• Wheat germ and bran

• Sunflower seeds

• Whole oats

• Whole nuts

• Peas

• Beef

• Raw, green leafy vegetables

Herbs High in Zinc:

• Skullcap

• Pumpkin

• Capsicum

• Sage

• Spirulina

• Chickweed

• Echinacea

• Irish Moss

Uses of Zinc in the Body:

• Present in all tissue

• Necessary for the effective action of Vitamin B1 and B12

• Helps produce energy

• Helps stimulate the action of vitamins

• Aids in tissue respiration

• Helps the function of enzymes

• Reduces body odor

Clinical Uses of Zinc:

• Prostate problems

• Arteriosclerosis

• Helps prevent stretch marks when used with Vitamin B6

Men are generally more deficient in zinc than women.  

Hint:  "If your feet stink, take zinc."

LNH