Zinc was originally established in 1869 but it wasn’t until 1961, human trials began for individuals in countries where bread, potatoes and milk were abundant in their diet. Administering animal protein and zinc supplements corrected the symptoms associated with the deficiency.
Zinc is naturally present in some foods and is available as a dietary supplement.
Chelated- Organic ZInc is easily digested and is attached to another substance such as an amino acid.
NonChelated- Inorganic Zinc is not digested but used out side of the body
Foods
Zinc is found in a variety of foods such as lean meat, seafood, eggs, beans, chick peas, seeds and nuts (cashews and almonds). Oysters contain more zinc then any other food. Whole-grain breads, cereals, legumes, and other foods containing phytates can inhibit absorption of zinc. The bioavailability of zinc from foods containing phytates is decreased compared to animal food products. In other words, you can still absorb zinc from all these food items mentioned above but you get more bang for your buck with animal foods.
The following can possibly cause a deficiency in Zinc.
Zinc is generally safe. However, toxicity can occur from acute high doses of zinc
Prolonged period of high zinc levels can inhibit copper metabolism
Zinc can interfere with absorption of certain medications and supplements
What do you use Zinc for? What form do you use? Does your sunscreen contain Zinc?
]]>Vitamin D is a fat-soluble prohormone (precursor of a hormone). Its absorption depends on the gut’s ability to absorb fat. Generally, vitamins are nutrients that the body cannot create, and so a person must consume them in the diet. However, the body can produce Vitamin D. When the skin is exposed to ultraviolet B energy (sunlight), it converts the precursor to vitamin D3. Vitamin D plays an important role in the skeletal system, has many health benefits and very few side effects.
The most important role of Vitamin D is the regulation of the minerals calcium and phosphorus to assist with bone mineralization that maintains proper bone structure. It assists with bone growth and remodeling by osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Vitamin D has other roles in the body including cell growth, neuromuscular and immune function. In addition, it may also protect against a range of diseases and conditions such as rickets, osteomalacia, and osteoporosis. The pathway for Vitamin D is carried in the bloodstream to the liver, where it is then converted into the prohormone calcifediol. Lastly, in the kidneys, it is converted into calcitriol.
In the early 1900’s, Elmer McCollum tested modified cod liver oil to cure sick dogs with bone issues. Cod liver is abundant in Vitamin A and D. The modified version included only Vitamin D. McCollum concluded the modified cod liver oil cured rickets. Several years later, an American biochemist Harry Steenbock demonstrated that Ultraviolet light increased the Vitamin D.
Vitamin D has multiple benefits…..
Food
Supplements
Vitamin D is available in two forms
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that exclusively and partially breastfed infants should receive supplements shortly after birth and until they are weaned.
Vitamin D deficiency is very common and most experience little to no symptoms. However, some children can experience the following common symptoms…
Very low Vitamin D levels can lead to a condition called rickets in children and osteomalacia in adolescents/adults. Rickets in infants cause softening of the entire skull including delayed sitting, crawling and fontanelle closure. Rickets in children cause softer bones which can lead to “bow legs”, walking delays and other structural changes in the skeletal system. Osteomalacia predisposes adults to fractures.
Vitamin D deficiency can cause low calcium levels (also known as hypocalcemia). Low calcium can lead to tetany and seizures in young babies. For this reason, it is so important for pregnant moms to keep their D levels up. Low calcium levels also affect production of the parathyroid hormone which ultimately can result in impaired bone mineralization. Low parathyroid hormone can cause hyperparathyroidism that increases excretion of phosphate that is essential for bone mineralization. In other words, a lot of phosphate is removed from the body that is needed for balance in the skeletal system.
In addition to Vitamin D levels causing problems with bones and muscle; Low levels is also linked to other health problems such as heart disease/high blood pressure, bowl cancer, decreased immunity and autoimmune diseases such as diabetes.
Although, Vitamin D toxicity is very rare, the side effects can include…
Vitamin D is generally safe to use but can interact with certain medications.
*Disclaimer- Please seek health advice from your provider before trying any of the above mentioned supplements. Only you and your provider understand your child’s health history. These supplements are not considered cures for any ailments
What kind of outdoor activities does your family enjoy?
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Having said that here is what we know and what We can DO to prepare in a calm-rational manner…
COVID-19 is a VIRUS and it can cause pneumonia. Pneumonia can be fatal for elderly and compromised individuals. Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs with fluid or purulent (pus) material in one or both lungs. For the most part, the body is capable of reversing the damage from inflammation and allowing the lungs to heal. However, inflammation can become too much that a “cytokine storm” can occur, which is the key mechanism for fatality. A cytokine storm is basically your immune system taking on more than it can handle.
The main symptoms of Covid-19 include some but is not limited to fever, cough and shortness of breath. If you have symptoms, call your physician or local health department and they will instruct you further. Do not leave your house unless you need urgent medical attention.
We cant control the media and we cant control this virus. What we can control is how we react and what we do to protect our family during this time to prevent and treat any virus.
People are out buying endless supplies of toilet paper and I am over here buying ALL the immune supplements and cold remedies.
We live in a highly developed, medically advanced country and we will get through this together. Stay home, stay calm, do your part and wash Yo hands!
Comment below what you use for colds and or/viral infections for your children?
*Disclaimer- Please seek health advice from your provider before trying any of the above mentioned supplements. Only you and your provider understand your child’s health history. These supplements are not considered cures for any ailments including influenza or Covid-19.
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