The white blood cells need folic acids, Vitamin B12 and Zinc (to name a few) to do battle effectively. Zinc is needed for well over 100 enzyme reaction.
We also need zinc to make HCL (hydrochloric acid) in the stomach and important enzymes like carbonic anhydrase. Having these enzymatic reaction functioning properly has far reaching effects ranging from pain reduction, proper digestion to reducing depression.
Associated Conditions with low zinc:
- Decreased taste and sense of smell
- decreased immunity
- free radical damage / oxidation
- low libido
- low sperm counts
- tooth decay
- poor adrenal function / stress response
- depression, anxiety
- low thyroid activity
- poor fetal growth
- poor hair growth
- poor wound healing
- easily broken nails / white spots on nails.
To find out if your zinc is low, you can ask your health care practioner to do an easy Zinc Tally or Sufficiency Test. This test involves swishing 10ml of a zinc sulphate solution in your mouth for 20 seconds, if the solutions tastes like water this indicates that you are zinc deficient. You will know your levels are up when you re-take the test and the solution has a strong metallic taste.
To replete your zinc levels a liquid zinc sulphate solution is recommended until you start tasting the solution and then you can continue to use a zinc capsule. Absorption of zinc is decreased by fiber and food, as it competes with binding sites with calcium and magnesium. Best to be taken on an empty stomach or with a small amount of food.
