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Check nowIs zinc good for the digestion? Today, I take a look at how zinc can be beneficial to our intestinal systems.
I also look into the ways in which you can ensure you are getting enough zinc in your diet, whilst being aware of how zinc absorption can be affected by daily choices or bouts of ill health.
The digestive system could be seen as a long tunnel running through us. We are like doughnuts, the body being the doughy bit and the hole being our digestive system; starting at the mouth and ending you know where. That makes the skin and the intestinal wall like our pink, sugary frosting. I have stolen someone else's fantastic analogy but I can't remember who the genius is.
The intestinal wall needs to acts as a protective layer, but it also needs to be permeable. We need to be able to absorb nutrients from our food through this layer. It also needs to be strong enough to protect us from dangers like infection.
It does this with a gooey mucosal layer that covers the entire wall of the digestive system. Underneath this live our immune cells: 70% or more of our army of immune cells line the intestines. Alongside are a thin layer of cell walls that allow tiny food molecules to pass into the blood stream.
Without the protection of the mucosal barrier, the gut cells would be vulnerable. Many things enter the digestive system and make it past our stomach, where a thick mucosal layer protects us from our own stomach acid. Unfriendly bacteria, parasites and undigested foods that make it into the small intestine can cause damage or infection, resulting in symptoms like diarrhoea. This can obviously affect how well we absorb our nutrients: if it's speeding through the small intestine, food can't be broken down very efficiently. Zinc is very important to this protective mucosal layer1.
Zinc is also important for the production of digestive enzymes. Enzymes are proteins that help to break down our food into smaller molecules that can pass easily into the blood stream. Without zinc, we can't break down our food, especially protein. So, even if we eat nourishing food, we may not see the benefit. Even a short-term deficiency of zinc can affect our production of digestive enzymes2.
So, zinc is super-important to digestive function. Without it, our gut's protective layer can be compromised. This can cause digestive problems that may affect the absorption of nutrients. This may include zinc. So not enough zinc can affect your intake of zinc as well as other nutrients! Now that's a dilly of a pickle. Zinc is also important for a healthy appetite and for our sense of taste and smell.
A varied and balanced diet should be full of zinc-rich foods. It should be easy to get enough. Remember that the body does not store zinc. You need to get enough every day.
Here are some reasons for a low intake or poor absorption of zinc:
Luckily zinc is found in many everyday foods. They do need to be eaten every day, as the body doesn't store zinc. Good food sources of zinc include:
If you feel you need a little extra help to ensure your zinc levels are where they need to be, then try A.Vogel Immune Support.
In a recent poll we asked what your favourite zinc-rich food is. We've crunched the numbers and here are the results.
The majority of you said that beans, nuts and seeds are your favourite zinc-rich foods. It's great to see that many of you include sources of zinc in your diet as it plays many important roles within the body including being essential for proper function of the immune system.
1https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4231515/
2https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/06/160609115127.htm
Looking to support your immune system? Well, look no further!
Immune Support contains Nasturtium extract, Zinc, Acerola and Vitamin D which supports the normal functioning of the immune system.
To find local independent stores in your area that sell Immune Support, simply type your postcode below.
Check the health of your digestive system using our simple test.
Check nowDigestisan Oral Drops: A traditional herbal medicinal product used for indigestion, sensation of fullness and flatulence associated with over-indulgence in food or drink, or both, exclusively based upon long-standing use as a traditional remedy.
Always read the leaflet.
According to naturopathic principles, when two or three meals are being eaten daily, the bowel should move at least once or twice a day.
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