Zinc for autoimmune diseases

    Zinc is a trace mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy immune system and has been associated with several potential benefits for individuals battling autoimmune diseases. One of its primary roles is in supporting the proper functioning of immune cells, including T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells, which are essential for regulating your defensive immune responses.

    Zinc has immunomodulatory effects, meaning it can help regulate the immune system's activity. It can prompt a shift from pro-inflammatory responses to more balanced, controlled immune reactions, reducing the severity of any autoimmune symptoms you may be experiencing.

    Zinc also plays a role in the production and function of antibodies, which are proteins produced by the immune system to target and neutralize foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses. In autoimmune diseases, these antibodies sometimes get confused and mistakenly ttack your body's own tissues. Adequate zinc levels can support the production of well-functioning antibodies, making sure these defenders are sharp and focused, and potentially reducing the likelihood of autoimmune flares.

    But that’s not all. Zinc reinforces your body's protective barriers which also contributes to overall immune function. It plays a role in maintaining the integrity of your skin and mucous membranes, forming na essential line of defense against unwelcome pathogens. In autoimmune conditions, maintaining this stronghold becomes paramount to ward off infections and prevent further immune chaos.

ZINC DEFICIENCY

    Not getting enough zinc can be dire! Dietary zinc deficiency has been associated with impaired growth and development in children, pregnancy complications, and immune dysfunction with increased susceptibility to infections.

    Zinc deficiency is quite common due to inadequate dietary intake and high sugar or alcohol consumption, poor soil quality and increased  physiological demands.

FOOD SOURCES OF ZINC

    Your body does not naturally produce zinc, so you need to eat a diet rich in zinc or incorporate a high-quality zinc supplement into your wellness routine to get its benefits. Some of the best plant-based food sources of zinc include legumes like chickpeas, lentils, and black beans, as well as nuts and seeds such as pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, and cashews. Whole grains like wheat, quinoa, and oats also provide zinc, along with vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and peas.

    Incorporating these foods into your diet can help you meet your daily zinc needs while enjoying a variety of flavors and textures from plantbased sources. Soaking, sprouting, or fermenting these foods can help enhance zinc absorption.

ZINC SUPPLEMENTS

    If you have an autoimmune disease, you will most likely benefit from taking a zinc supplement. Zinc supplements come in many formulations including capsules, lozenges, tablets, and powder. Long-term consumption of zinc in excess of the tolerable upper intake level (40 mg/day for adults) can result in copper deficiency. If more than 50 mg of supplemental zinc is to be taken daily for more than four weeks, 2 mg of supplemental copper should also be taken to reduce the risk of copper deficiency.

Dosage

    The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for zinc varies depending on age, gender, and life stage. For adults, the RDA for zinc is typically around 11 milligrams for males and 8 milligrams for females. Pregnant and lactating women may require higher doses. Always follow the dosage instructions provided on the supplement label or as recommended by a healthcare professional.