The body’s natural ability to fight infection and maintain health is a beautiful, and awe-inspiring. The immune system is one of the most incredible, and critical systems that the body has, and there are a number of factors that can support your immune system. Zinc is one of many minerals that has been associated with improved, healthy immune systems.
Here is everything you need to know about zinc, and 4 ways it improves your immune system.
What Exactly is Zinc?
So what exactly is Zinc? Zinc is a mineral that is known as a trace mineral meaning that it is both found, and needed in small amounts throughout the body. That being said, zinc has important functional qualities that can be found throughout the entire body. A necessary part of 100 important enzymes, a key player in processes like DNA synthesis, this tiny mineral plays a big part in making life possible.
Is it Possible to Be Zinc Deficient?
Even though zinc plays such an essential part in helping maintain strong health, it is a trace mineral means that a person can quickly become deficient. One of the main reasons for this is that the body does not naturally synthesize this important mineral. Therefore, without proper zinc, a person can become prone increases chances of sickness and even infection.
What Happens When You Are Low On Zinc?
There are quite a few surprising effects linked to a zinc deficiency. It is not solely linked to a lack of zinc in your system, but there is a direct correlation. Zinc is a crucial part of enzyme synthesis and mechanism of action. These enzymes are essential for several biological functions.
When a person is low on zinc, they may experience such adverse side effects as impaired hair growth, lack of smell and taste, and a zinc deficiency may even affect their eyesight. Zinc deficiencies can also be associated with developmental issues, such as the growth and maturation of sexual organs. Zinc is also an essential part of your body’s immune system and your body’s natural healing abilities. Low zinc levels in your system could manifest in impaired wound healing and a weakened immune system.
How Does Zinc Help Your Immune System?
Here are ways that zinc helps your body stay strong and healthy by improving your immune system.
Indirect Support
Zinc is a pretty incredible mineral that does a lot throughout the entire body. Most of what it does has an indirect but positive effect on your overall health and immune strength. Things like aiding in the metabolism of carbohydrates, one of your body’s most potent and vital energy sources, or even DNA synthesis itself.
Healthy levels of zinc also affect bone health which can have a huge effect on the human body.
Zinc is Used In Cells of the Immune System
One of the main ways that zinc strengthens your immune system is by helping to activate cells of the immune system that break down invading viruses. The immune system is made of incredible cells designed to recognize foreign pathogens and attack them. Zinc plays a critical role in this process, and someone who is zinc deficient won’t have as robust an immune system.
Zinc Is Thought To Reduce a Cold
Zinc has long been thought of as a great way to help mitigate the effects of a long cold. Taking zinc supplements while your body is fighting off a cold has been thought to help reduce the duration of a cold.
Zinc Helps With Inflammation
Zinc is a mineral that always has an indirect way of helping you stay healthy and strong. Zinc deficiency is rarely, if ever, fatal, and it is not considered a ‘cure’ drug of any kind. However, one of the many benefits of zinc is that it is thought to promote anti-inflammatory properties throughout the body.
This is a huge way that zinc can help to improve your immune system. Inflammation is your body’s natural response to infection, trauma, and even disease. However, as much as it is a natural process, it can often have adverse effects. Finding ways to help your body reduce inflammation and keep this natural response under control can help with general health and healing, and zinc is a part of this process. Someone who is zinc deficient can experience increased or excessive inflammation, leading to more damage.
Conclusion
Getting enough zinc through your diet is essential to keep your immune system healthy. However, if you feel like you aren’t naturally getting the zinc you need from your diet, consider supplemental zinc from healthydirections.com to help boost your immune system and keep you healthy.
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