zinc deficiency symptoms in the body: Foods, side effects
A large number of people feel a lack of the mineral even without realizing their condition. Several key indicators of zinc deficiency symptoms that deserve attention will help identify the problem.
Symptoms of zinc deficiency are most often manifested by the following :
1. Deterioration of neurological function
One of the consequences of a lack of minerals in the body is a deterioration in attention and movement disorders that do not disappear with age.
Maintaining the balance of other substances obtained from Whole Foods contributes to better absorption of the mineral in the body. To eliminate several risks and make sure that you are deficient in zinc, consult a doctor.
zinc deficiency symptoms 2. Weakened immunity
A mineral is one of the basic structural components necessary for hormone receptors and proteins. His work supports health, normalizes mood, and increases the defense of the whole organism. Zinc contributes to:
The growth and differentiation of T cells into white blood cells, which prevents disease; apoptosis (programmed cell death) necessary to eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells; gene transcription, which is considered the first step towards gene expression; preservation of the protective functions of cell membranes.
zinc deficiency symptoms 3. Diarrhea
An infectious deficiency of zinc in the body of women and men contributes to a weakening of immunity, which often leads to constant diarrhea. More than two million children living in developing countries suffer from a similar problem every year. Scientists say that a lack of zinc in children's bodies leads to an increased susceptibility to colic and other infections.
Before offering zinc supplements to your baby, consult a pediatrician, as this remedy is effective only in the treatment of babies over 6 months of age.
4. food allergies and environmental allergies
O chronic stress is a common cause of adrenal fatigue and leads to zinc deficiency and increased histamine levels. Zinc deficiency affects the release of more histamine into the surrounding tissue fluid, causing the appearance of common signs of allergic reactions and increased sensitivity to all allergens.
zinc deficiency symptoms 5. Thinning Hair
Indian researchers have repeatedly mentioned the need for zinc for thyroid hormones. The lack of minerals, which occurs in patients with adrenal overwork, often leads to hypothyroidism, thinning hair, and alopecia. Improving the condition of the hair will help the use of thyroxine with zinc supplements.
zinc deficiency symptoms 6. Leaky bowel syndrome
Scientists have discovered the connection between the intestine and the skin. Researchers have found that leaky gut syndrome can cause the following health problems:
- Poor absorption of nutrients.
- Allergic reactions deteriorate the skin.
- Autoimmune diseases;
- decreased functioning of the thyroid gland.
It has been clinically proven that zinc supplementation literally tightens the leaky gut in patients with Crohn's disease, reducing the risk of the leaky gut syndrome.
zinc deficiency symptoms 7. Rashes and pimples
Leaky bowel syndrome is not the only thing that can cause various skin problems. One of the signs of a lack of zinc in the body is skin rashes, including acne and skin rashes.
Potential causes of zinc insufficiency
Zinc deficiency in the body does not appear on its own. It is often the result of several problems:
- Alcohol abuse leads to the absorption of zinc, which increases the risk of a deficiency.
- Doctors advise diabetics to use zinc-containing preparations with caution. A high zinc concentration seriously reduces the level of glucose in the blood.
- Patients undergoing hemodialysis who need zinc supplementation are also at risk.
- People with HIV / AIDS should beware of the mineral because of the risk of a decrease in life expectancy.
- Mineral deficiency is often the result of malabsorption syndrome.
- Due to the lack of absorption of zinc, people with rheumatoid arthritis. You also need zinc supplements
zinc deficiency symptoms Groups of people who are also at serious risk. The list includes:
- Toddlers, who are born prematurely or breastfed, and older children who do not eat enough zinc-fortified foods ؛
- Pregnant and lactating women, elderly people over 65 years of age, and patients with parenteral nutrition or with anorexia and bulimia.
- Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease, acute or persistent diarrhea, chronic kidney disease, and sickle cell anemia.
- Strict vegetarians who eat cereals and legumes. The presence of a large amount of phytic acid in these products impairs the absorption of zinc.
- Patients use tetracyclines, quinolone antibiotics, as well as bisphosphates. These drugs can cause zinc absorption, which leads to a decrease in their effectiveness.
List of natural zinc products
To eliminate the signs of zinc deficiency in the body, do not rush to immediately run to the pharmacy for dietary supplements.
In its composition, the metal is present in various modifications, including zinc acetate, gluconate, and sulfate. The concentration of the metal element directly depends on the selected preparation.
You can solve the problem in another way by diversifying the diet with zinc-containing foods:
- Pumpkin seeds
- Beef meat
- Cooked mushrooms
- Cooked chickpeas
- Spinach
- Yogurt
- Cocoa powder
zinc deficiency symptoms: Side effects of high doses of zinc
Excessive consumption of zinc supplements for a long time can harm the body. General fatigue, cough, stomach ache, fever - only a fraction. In some cases, taking more than 100 mg per day doubles the likelihood of prostate cancer in men.
Zinc deficiency in the world
Zinc deficiency is most often observed in people living in African countries, as well as on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean and Southeast Asia.
In order to survive, people are advised to maintain a normal zinc intake. Pregnant and nursing ladies require special consideration.
a summary
Symptoms of zinc deficiency are most often manifested by the following: Deterioration of neurological function and weakened immunity. Zinc is one of the basic structural components necessary for hormone receptors and proteins. It supports health, normalizes mood, and increases the defense of the whole organism
High zinc concentration seriously reduces the level of glucose in the blood. Alcohol abuse leads to the absorption of zinc, which increases the risk of a deficiency. Toddlers, who are born prematurely or breastfed, and older children who do not eat enough zinc-fortified foods are at risk.