What Taking Zinc Every Day Does to Your Body — Eat This Not That

By Ghuman

Introduction

Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in many bodily functions. It helps to support a healthy immune system, aids in wound healing, and helps to maintain healthy skin, hair, and nails. Taking zinc every day can help to ensure that your body is getting the necessary amount of this important mineral. In addition to its many health benefits, taking zinc every day can also help to improve your overall health and wellbeing. In this article, we will discuss the various ways that taking zinc every day can benefit your body. We will also provide some tips on how to ensure that you are getting enough zinc in your diet.

What Taking Zinc Every Day Does to Your Body

Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a role in many bodily functions. It helps your body fight off infection, supports your immune system, and helps your body heal wounds. Taking zinc every day can help you maintain optimal health and prevent deficiencies.

Benefits of Taking Zinc Every Day

Taking zinc every day can provide a number of health benefits, including:

  • Boosting your immune system
  • Reducing inflammation
  • Improving wound healing
  • Reducing the risk of age-related diseases
  • Improving fertility in men
  • Reducing the risk of certain types of cancer

How Much Zinc Should You Take Every Day?

The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for zinc is 8 milligrams (mg) for women and 11 mg for men. However, some people may need more or less depending on their age, health, and lifestyle. Talk to your doctor to determine the right amount for you.

Foods High in Zinc

You can get zinc from a variety of foods, including:

  • Oysters
  • Beef
  • Pork
  • Lamb
  • Chicken
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Legumes
  • Whole grains
  • Dairy products
  • Fortified breakfast cereals

Risks of Taking Too Much Zinc

Taking too much zinc can cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also interfere with the absorption of other minerals, such as copper and iron. It’s important to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements to make sure you’re getting the right amount.

Taking zinc every day can provide a number of health benefits, but it’s important to talk to your doctor to make sure you’re getting the right amount. Eating a balanced diet that includes foods high in zinc can help you meet your daily needs.

Zinc is an essential mineral that helps the body function in a variety of basic ways, from supporting the immune system to keeping our metabolism humming. Fortunately, the human body doesn’t need large amounts of zinc, and most of us get all the zinc we need from food. But there are some cases in which zinc supplementation could be warranted. These are some of the benefits of daily zinc, according to experts. Read on to find out more—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.

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“Zinc, a nutrient found throughout your body, helps your immune system and metabolism function,” says the Mayo Clinic. “Evidence suggests that if zinc lozenges or syrup is taken within 24 hours after cold symptoms start, the supplement can help shorten the length of colds.” One caveat: Using nasal sprays containing zinc is no longer advised—the practice has led to some people losing their sense of smell temporarily or permanently. 

doctor taking patient's blood pressure with analog device
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According to a 2020 meta-analysis of studies, zinc supplementation decreases systolic blood pressure. The authors noted that zinc deficiency has been linked with high blood pressure in animal studies. 

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“People with skin ulcers and low levels of zinc might benefit from oral zinc supplements,” says the Mayo Clinic. Applying zinc topically may help wounds heal by encouraging collagen production and the formation of new skin cells, experts say.

Mature woman inspecting her skin in front of the bathroom mirror.
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Moisturizers and sunscreens containing zinc oxide are recommended by dermatologists to prevent sun damage, which can cause premature skin aging and cellular changes that can lead to skin cancer. Experts recommend using a daily moisturizer with mineral sunscreen (such as those containing zinc or titanium dioxide) that are rated 30 SPF or higher. 

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Doctors may recommend taking zinc to slow the eye disease AMD (age-related macular degeneration), which occurs when the part of the retina responsible for vision starts to degrade. The Age Related Eye Disease Study found that people with macular degeneration could slow down the damage by taking 80 mg of zinc (80 mg), along with vitamin C,  vitamin E, beta-carotene, and copper. Ask your doctor if you’re concerned about your vision and if zinc supplementation might help. And to protect your life and the lives of others, don’t visit any of these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.

Michael Martin

Michael Martin is a New York City-based writer and editor whose health and lifestyle content has also been published on Beachbody and Openfit. A contributing writer for Eat This, Not That!, he has also been published in New York, Architectural Digest, Interview, and many others. Read more about Michael