Zinc you very much

Hello lovely readers,

I was sick for a little while last week and wanted to tell you about some of the things I used to help me get better ASAP. I was taking my usual multivitamin and vitamin D, but also added zinc, echinacea, and a powdered antioxidant blend. Of course I drank lots of liquids and tried to rest as much as I could, but I definitely know these other things helped. 

I want to focus on zinc though, and tell you guys about all it's great benefits and how good it is for your immune system. There is a link between zinc deficiency and some serious diseases (like AIDS) which makes the symptoms much worse. For something like a common cold or virus, it has been shown to help decrease the duration of the illness. 

Not only does zinc strengthen the immune system but it also helps maintain good vision, keeps skin healthy (can help reduce eczema and acne), and helps keep hair strong. It helps wounds heal faster, maintains your taste and smell, and ensures proper growth. Zinc is also associated with decreasing the negative effects of inflammatory diseases.
 
It is important to note that zinc has been found to be effective in regards to the common cold when you take it RIGHT AWAY! As soon as you feel a tickle in your throat, or start sniffling, or just know you don't feel your best you should take it. The greatest results are seen when zinc is taken within the first day or two of getting sick. 

So, you can get zinc in a pill form...I prefer the time release versions, and of course from food!!! Of course it is always better to get it from what you eat, but sometimes it gets tough, and when you're sick you just want a quick fix. Meat is the best source of zinc, and salmon and oysters have high levels as well. If you're vegetarian it is best to get your zinc from nuts and seeds. However, it is very important to remember that it is much harder for your body to absorb zinc when you eat it with veggies that have high phytate levels. This is not to say phytates are bad (they have loads of benefits themselves), and also not to say no zinc will be absorbed by your body, but just something to keep in mind. 

You can also get zinc lozenges, which some people really like (personally I really dislike them...make my tongue feel all weird), and they can soothe a sore throat too. I hope this shed some light on how helpful zinc can be, and everyone stay healthy!