With the holiday season embarking on us quickly, what can we do to help deal with the stresses that come along with it? A mineral that is sometimes overlooked is zinc. Zinc is a mineral that is used in more than 30 body functions such as sex hormone balance, immune enhancement, digestion, adrenal gland function and brain function. Zinc deficiency can lead to problems with appetite, growth, skin, immune health, and cognitive processes.
A quick test we use in the office to check whether you have enough zinc is to do the zinc taste test. If you drink the special zinc liquid and it tastes like water, you are deficient. If it tastes horrible, you have enough zinc. Many kids, especially those with ADHD have zinc deficiencies, as well as adults with hormone imbalances.
Zinc is most available to the body from plant based foods, seafood, meat, rice, beans, unprocessed cereals, unprocessed cheeses, seeds and nuts.