Vitamin C, which is widely advocated as a natural defender against common colds and other ailments, is certainly the first nutrient that springs to mind when it comes to immune system support. But did you know that zinc is also important for maintaining a healthy immune system, as well as digestion and other bodily functions? probioticseverything.comprobiotic zinc
Zinc is especially capable of helping your body’s ability to absorb critical nutrients and protect against pathogens when combined with probiotics, which are the “good guy” or “friendly” bacteria that live in the gut microbiome and help to drown out harmful germs.
We’ll look at foods that can help you get enough zinc in your diet, as well as how the interaction between zinc and probiotics might benefit your general health. probioticseverything.comprobiotic zinc
Do You Get Enough Zinc From Your Food?
Zinc is the second most prevalent mineral in the human body, after iron, and it plays a role in hundreds of internal activities on a daily basis, particularly enzymatic ones.
What Foods Are Good Sources of Zinc?
Zinc can be found in a variety of foods, including beef, organ meats such as liver, chicken, dairy products, eggs, quinoa, chickpeas, lentils, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, cashews, and almonds, as well as fortified foods such as breads and cereals. probioticseverything.comprobiotic zinc
If you want to improve your immune health, focusing on the foods listed above can help you meet your zinc needs. For some people, however, taking a zinc supplement is a good idea because it provides additional support for your immune system, gut, brain, and other areas.
Low zinc levels can develop if a person doesn’t consume enough zinc-rich foods, or if they have difficulty absorbing and utilising it owing to advanced age or poor gut health.
Supplementing zinc can help you meet your zinc needs if you consume a restricted diet that excludes particular food groups, such as if you’re a vegan/vegetarian who avoids all meat, eggs, and seafood. If you have difficulties absorbing minerals for other reasons or if you’re pregnant, ask your healthcare professional if supplementing is an appropriate option for you.
How Zinc and Probiotics Help Your Immune System
Probiotics are live bacteria that help with vitamin absorption as well as overall gut health. While zinc and probiotics are both beneficial to your immune system and digestive health, they are much more effective when taken together. probioticseverything.comprobiotic zinc
The combination of zinc with probiotics has a number of advantages, including:
- Immune system activation and healthy immune defenses are supported.
- Support for appropriate gut microbiota, as well as overall gut health and gastrointestinal lining integrity. probioticseverything.comprobiotic zinc
- Support for appropriate mucosal immune responses in the lungs.
- Normal digestion is promoted, as is a reduction in difficulties such as constipation and gas.
If your diet is short in zinc-rich foods, incorporating a supplement into your daily routine can help fill in the gaps and keep your zinc levels in check. probioticseverything.comprobiotic zinc
Choose a high-quality zinc supplement, such as one that contains enzyme-activated zinc to aid absorption, for the best benefits. probioticseverything.comprobiotic zinc
Zinc that has been “enzyme activated” varies from zinc that has been bound to other molecules, such as elemental zinc or amino acid chelated zinc. Zinc that has been activated is regarded to be “body ready” and recognised by the body, making it easier to use.
Zinc supplements are usually taken in the form of capsules, and they can be taken with or without food. Taking zinc on an empty stomach, such as 30 minutes before a meal, is usually the best option when paired with probiotics. This keeps stomach acid from rising, making it more difficult for probiotics to be absorbed efficiently. probioticseverything.comprobiotic zinc
Zinc’s Other Health Advantages
Zinc not only strengthens your immune system and promotes good digestion, but it also has a positive impact on a variety of other physiological systems.
It helps your body produce collagen, which is a structural protein that produces connective tissues and cartilage and can be thought of as the “glue” that keeps your body together.
Zinc has a variety of crucial roles as an essential mineral that all people require, including:
- Facilitating the mobilization and release of stored vitamin A into the bloodstream by the liver.
- Supporting proper DNA synthesis and cell division.
- Supporting proper macrophage functioning, inflammatory reactions, and immune cell/natural killer cell growth and activity.
- Connective tissues, such as the skin, grow and mend.
- Antioxidant properties and the ability to combat oxidative damage.
- Supporting fertility, appropriate pregnancy growth and development, and baby development.
Focus on eating a generally healthy diet that includes a range of anti-inflammatory foods to get the most out of taking a zinc + probiotic supplement. probioticseverything.com
Because zinc interacts with other minerals in the body, it works best when you eat a variety of nutrient-dense foods including fresh vegetables, nuts, seeds, grass-fed meats, and healthy fats. Probiotics will thrive in your gut if you eat fermented and high-fiber foods like cultured vegetables, berries, yogurt, nuts, and whole grains.