Zinc is a micro nutrient, and as such could easily be missing from our diets. Reports from 2015 show that 1 in 7 of us are deficient. Why is this important?
- Zinc impacts the behavior of more than 300 enzymes our bodies need. Why is that important? Enzymes help the body do all the things it is supposed to do, and impacts nerves, digestion, immunity, and many additional important physiological processes.
- While our genes cannot be changed, zinc does effect the expression of them.
- Many people with Zinc deficiency often suffer from a range of immune function problems and autoimmune disorders, including frequent colds and viruses. This is why some over the counter medicines contain zinc,
- Zinc is needed for healthy skin, hair and nails.
- Zinc is necessary for all hormone production.
- Zinc deficiency can affect your sense of smell.
- Zinc deficiency is often the cause of chronic inflammation which affects how we age and negatively affects our immune system.
- Zinc is needed for our mental health. Zinc directly affects our emotions, memory, attention, learning ability and motivation.
- Lastly, Zinc improves the growth and maturity of brain cells.
Here is a list of foods that contain zinc:
| Vegetables | Shellfish |
Meat |
Whole Grains | Dairy | Nuts/seeds | Fish | Beans |
| Mushrooms | Oysters | Beef | Oats | Milk | Pumpkin | Cod | Black |
| Green Beans | Crab | Pork | Black Rice | Yogurt | Flax | Sardines | Lentils |
| Asparagus | Lobster | Lamb | Quinoa | Cheese | Almonds | Salmon | Peas |
| Leafy Vegetables | Chicken and Turkey | Eggs | Cashews | Mung |
Until next time,
Dr. Polly
