10 signs you're not getting enough Zinc
/1. Poor immunity.
The immune system cannot work properly without adequate zinc levels.
2. Poor skin.
6% of total body zinc is located in your skin. Several studies suggest that people suffering from acne have lower levels of zinc.
3. Allergies.
Constant stress can lead to adrenal fatigue, which can cause a deficiency in zinc, which plays an important role in blocking the release of histamine into the blood. Excess histamine running through your system can give you typical allergy symptoms (think runny nose, rash, swelling, sneezing etc.), and it can also increase your overall sensitivity to allergens.
4. Leaky gut.
When your gut leaks, particles from undigested food get into your bloodstream, which causes an immune response. Of course, zinc deficiency is not the only possible reason for a leaky gut, but zinc supplementation has been proven to tighten the gut wall.
5. Sleep disturbance.
Melatonin is a hormone which helps you fall asleep. Zinc plays a significant role in both the production and regulation of melatonin. One study found that taking a supplement containing melatonin, magnesium, and zinc improved the sleep quality of people suffering from primary insomnia.
6. Attention disorders.
In the US, approximately 6.4 million kids have been diagnosed with ADHD as of 2011. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder, and although there is still not enough evidence to support treating ADHD with mineral and vitamin cures, numerous studies show a link between hyperactivity and low levels of urinary zinc.
7. Hair loss.
Low levels of thyroid hormones could indicate that your body's not absorbing zinc, a condition that has been linked to hair loss.
8. Slow growth.
Our bodies need zinc for the growth of healthy bones. Unfortunately, mild zinc deficiency is affecting growth of children and adolescents all over the world, even in developed countries.
9. Infertility & poor pregnancy outcomes.
Another side effect of irregular development is reduced fertility, which is an increasing problem around the globe. While zinc deficiency alone is unlikely to make you infertile, it plays an essential role in letting the reproductive system run smoothly.
In men, zinc is essential for normal testicular development and sperm motility. In women, low zinc levels have been associated with premature births, prolonged labor, low birth weight, and more.
10. Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's disease has become an epidemic in developed countries. With zinc deficiency being one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in the elderly, lots of studies have been conducted on the subject, which show that in elderly patients zinc therapy can protect against cognition decline.