Summary: <p>Let’s talk about zinc. Zinc is involved in 300 different enzymes and over 1000 factors related to DNA. </p> <p><br></p> <p>Zinc is involved in your sleep cycles, cognitive function, and making neurotransmitters. Having low zinc increases your risk of diabetes. </p> <p><br></p> <p>Zinc also makes up an important group of antioxidants involved with your brain, heart, and muscles. It even helps reduce oxidative stress involved with the mitochondria. </p> <p><br></p> <p>Instead of masking a symptom related to zinc deficiency or any other health issue, it's crucial to get to the deeper problem to help prevent further concerns. Learning how to support a healthy body and avoid health issues or recognize the early stages of one is much more simple than trying to fight a health problem. </p> <p><br></p> <p>Side effects of advanced zinc deficiency can include:</p> <p> • Loss of appetite </p> <p> • Necrosis </p> <p> • Ulcers </p> <p> • Hypogonadism </p> <p> • Low testosterone </p> <p> • Thymus atrophy </p> <p> • High cortisol </p> <p> • Muscle loss </p> <p><br></p> <p>The organ that is most affected by zinc deficiency is the pancreas. The most common early sign of zinc deficiency is foul-smelling stool that floats. </p> <p><br></p> <p>Other early signs of zinc deficiency include:</p> <p>• Shortness of breath upon exertion</p> <p> • Cramping </p> <p> • Diarrhea </p> <p> • Abdominal pain </p> <p> • Bloating </p> <p><br></p> <p>Top causes of zinc deficiency: </p> <p> • Lack of zinc in the diet </p> <p> • Malabsorption </p> <p> • Inflammation in the gut</p> <p> • Phytates or phytic acid (grains)</p> <p> • Consuming sugar </p> <p> • Diabetes </p> <p> • Stress</p> <p> • Drinking alcohol </p> <p> • Infection</p> <p><br></p> <p>Foods rich in zinc: </p> <p>1. Oysters </p> <p>2. Crab </p> <p>3. Other shellfish </p> <p>4. Meats </p> <p>5. Fish </p> <p>6. Nuts </p>
