Zinc as a critical mineral

Zinc is critical for many functions of our health. Many know of zinc for its immune support powers, but just as critical it is needed for proper hormone production and for the conversion of thyroid hormones FT4 to FT3. Zinc is also needed to create proper amounts of stomach acid, which enables the body to break down and utilize the nutrients in your food which is critical to prevent mineral and vitamin deficiencies and have a healthy body.

Thyroid Crisis in America

Many people today struggle with thyroid issues. Much of this is stemming from our toxic processed food supply, and therefore resulting in mineral deficiencies.

Zinc is necessary to make our thyroid hormones and balance TSH. It also helps support the immune system which is very important when it comes to thyroid autoimmunity (Hashimoto’s and Graves’). I have the Hashimotos hypothyroidism antibodies and would have never believed the amount of symptoms I endured throughout my life, related to hypothyroidism. The doctors were never able to get it under control and many of my symptoms I’ve had my whole life, so I just thought they were normal part of life.

After supplementing my vitamin and mineral deficiencies and balancing my electrolytes, alongside removing toxins from my system – suddenly symptoms I’ve had for 30+ years began to disappear. I had more motivation than I’d felt (without drugs) since I was a teenager. My debilitating anxiety had subsided. Who knew minerals were such a critical foundation?

I wish I’d known about deficiencies years ago

It has become my mission to educate on the healthy ways to seek minerals into our daily diets, understanding it’s much harder in today’s society with depleted nutrient soil and an abundance of processed foods enriched with fake synthetic vitamins.

Some of the best zinc-rich foods to include in your diet are pastured beef, organic eggs, oysters, soaked or sprouted lentils, liver and raw or cultured dairy.

How much should you get daily? The RDA for zinc is 8-11mg for adults, depending on age and gender. It is common for vegans and/or vegetarians to struggle with their recommended daily zinc requirements.

Is there a pill for that?

What about supplementation? You need to be careful taking zinc because too much can throw off copper in the body. And I cannot emphasize enough how important copper is for wellness! Thus, it’s really best to source your zinc through whole foods since those foods also contain the proper co-factors (and lots of other great nutrients!). *However I must mention, I do supplement zinc AND copper and can help you navigate this if you are interested in healing through minerals.

If you are concerned with potential mineral deficiencies, I strongly suggest ordering a test to check your vitamin/mineral balances. Most doctors do not offer this. I can help you order a test, if you are interested. Learning my deficiencies (and there were many for me) was the start of seeing improvements on my health journey! I typically would suggest that people test, don’t guess, prior to adding excessive supplements. This helps ensure you’re adding the right amount for your body.

The foods you eat play a HUGE part in your health including your hormone balance, mental health, energy, and metabolic function. Taking steps to eat a nutrient-dense diet is time and money well spent!