As Americans are focused on bettering their health during the times of a global pandemic, it’s important to make some dietary changes. Among those changes we are seeing more people make an effort to try supplements. Zinc is one of the supplements we are seeing people add to their diet in the morning. What are the benefits of zinc and why are so many people taking it now? We know it has something to do with boosting immune function, however, zinc has various other health benefits. Zinc takes on the role of helping to regulate a number of bodily functions. If you are looking for a supplement that serves multiple purposes, try incorporating zinc into your daily routine. Here are 5 benefits on why people are adding zinc to their diet and why you should too.
Regulates immune function.
Zinc helps to regulate the immune system to prevent sickness. The way our immune systems are structured, we need zinc to activate T cells. According to Teach Me Physiology, T cells play a major role in directly killing infected hosts cells, activating other immune cells, producing cytokines and regulating the immune response. Having a zinc deficiency means being more susceptible to various illnesses and infections.
Treats symptoms of diarrhea.
Diarrhea is loose, watery stools in the bowel movements that occur multiple times a day making it easy to become dehydrated. Taking zinc helps to reduce symptoms of diarrhea. In countries near South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa have a colossal mortality rate in children with diarrhea. According to UNICEF, from 2000 to 2017, the total annual number of deaths from diarrhoea among children under 5 decreased by 60 percent. Health organizations overseas are giving children zinc in hopes to reverse diarrhea and save more lives.
Maintains skin health and healing.
Incorporating zinc into your daily supplements will help maintain skin structure and speed up the process in wound healing. Zinc is used in various skin products to help with skin irritation and acne. Its anti-inflammatory properties assist with calming acne flare-ups and diminish skin scarring. People who are zinc deficient experience more ulcer and skin openings. However, it has not been proven that patients with chronic ulcers should take zinc for healing.
Adjusts male infertility.
Zinc deficiencies have also been linked to male infertility. Studies have shown that taking zinc improves low sperm quality and count. Zinc helps to regulate hormones in the body such as testosterone, prostate and sexual health functions. According to this study, zinc can serve as an antibacterial agent for the male’s urea system. Zinc is an element that is essential for men’s fertility.
Treats the common cold.
Oral zinc lozenges, syrup, or pills have been shown to shorten the process of the common cold. When taken at first sight of cold symptoms, zinc can reverse and treat cold and flu. Additionally, zinc helps to fight upper respiratory infections in children. However, it has not been proven to prevent colds or infections.
There are a number of benefits that reveal why men and women should take a zinc supplement each day. Zinc is an essential trace element for human health and nutrition, found in all of our bodily tissues. Lack of zinc could mean you are struggling with chronic illnesses that rely on the immune system for health improvement. Try taking zinc on a daily basis for boosted immune function, skin health, and fertility. If you don’t want to take zinc tablets, you can find them in delicious foods such as beans, meats, nuts, and seafood.
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