Zinc—Zinc is a component of more than 100 enzymes associated with many
different metabolic processes, including the synthesis of the nucleic acids RNA
and DNA. It is required for the transport of Vitamin A from the liver, and as part
of the body’s antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) it helps protect cells from
free radicals and stabilizes cell membranes. Zinc is also required for normal growth
and development, reproductive development and function, and to support the
immune system, where it has been shown to increase T-lymphocytes and enhance
other white blood cell functions. Our brain and nervous system require zinc for
almost every enzymatic reaction. Zinc stimulates the production and action of the
thymic hormones (thymosin) which regulate T cell production and maturation in
the thymus. A deficiency results in atrophy of the thymus gland, reduced thymosin
levels and a decline in T cells. Zinc deficiency reduces lymphocyte numbers, thus
low zinc levels weaken the immune system, which makes us binge in an attempt
to gain energy. This further damages the immune system so that you gain weight
and fall even further into the low zinc danger zone. Zinc is needed by the pancreas
to manufacture insulin, and is helpful in healing the pancreas from the ravages
of a high sugar diet. It is necessary to get enough zinc daily as the body can store
very little. If you are stressed or taking contraceptive pills you maybe deficient in
zinc. Zinc supplements may reduce ADHD by helping to regulate the function
of the pleasure-reward neurotransmitter dopamine. Zinc is found in oysters, nuts,
wheatgerm, meat, seafood, nutritional yeast and pumpkin seeds. RDA is 15mg but
zinc requirements increase during times of healing and recovery so take 25 mg/day
of zinc daily during an awakening.