Whenever my children had the sniffles growing up, they always knew the drill. Out would come the vitamin C tablets and the extra doses of zinc.
Then I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and dove into the research. I realized that zinc was not just for the common cold. It plays a vital part in many facets of our health.
Where Does Zinc Come From and How Does it Help Your Body to Heal?
Zinc is found in nuts and beans as well as in clean, grass-fed, hormone and chemically-free beef. In general, it is responsible for the activation of over a hundred enzymes that use it as a cofactor in their catalysis. Getting enough of it every day is also essential for a properly functioning immune system, the synthesis of DNA synthesis and for proper cell division. It is also important for wound healing, again through the remarkable role it plays in the catalyzing of so many enzymes in the body.
When it comes to cancer, here are just a few reasons why zinc can be a powerful tool to have in your healing arsenal:
- Natural Killer cells are purposely designed to stop the spread of cancer tumor cells in the body. A powerful study conducted by Memorial University in St. John’s, Canada found that in mice injected with cadmium (a known Natural Killer cell suppressor) as well as large doses of zinc, the suppression of NK cells from the cadmium was significantly less than that in mice who were injected with cadmium alone. In short, zinc boosts the effects of Natural Killer cells in the body, even in the face of highly toxic substances like heavy metals.
- Zinc prevents cancer cells from producing their own blood vessels to grow larger tumors. In a 2009 study, nearly 65% of individuals with neck and head cancer were zinc deficient. Researchers in that study concluded that lower zinc levels correlated with higher number of hospital admissions as well as incidences of infections and that higher levels of zinc correlated with cancer cell apoptosis (programmed cell death).
- Cancer cells need sugar. A 2011 study conducted by researchers at Panjab University in India discovered that zinc prevented cancer cells from metabolizing sugar in patients with colon cancer.
- Zinc reduces the levels of IGF1 (Insulin Growth Factor), a known tumor promoter, according to a 2010 study conducted by Wayne University.
- Several studies have discovered how zinc decreases oxidative stress in general, helps lower inflammation and is a super infection-fighter.
- Zinc improves BMI and triglyceride concentration and helps regulate overall body weight. It may be helpful for people with obesity issues. Increased fat cells correlate with increased estrogen production and this can trigger cancer growth.
How Much Zinc is Enough?
Almost a half of a century ago, scientists discovered the vital importance for adequate amounts of zinc. Sadly, zinc deficiency is prevalent worldwide, especially in developing countries, affecting upwards of 2 billion people. The results of zinc deficiency include immune dysfunction, insulin resistance cognitive impairment, stunted growth, growth retardation and hypogonadism in men (i.e. not producing enough testosterone). Overall, this translates into a higher risk of disease, including cancer.
On the other hand, the benefits of proper amounts of zinc include improved cardiovascular health, improved cognition, the correction of macular degeneration and improved immune function overall. Make sure you are supplementing with anywhere from 15-30 mg of zinc per day. Some doctors recommend up to 50 mg per day for those who suffer from severe conditions such as cancer.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer, zinc supplementation with up at least 50 mg a day is a must-do. If you are being proactive with prevention, then zinc is a low-cost way to support your immune system over all.
References:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17244314
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2628286
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21967455
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20136438
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17344507
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24312830
Dr. Veronique Desaulniers (“Dr. V”) is a best-selling author and specialist in Chiropractic, Bio-Energetics, Meridian Stress Analysis, Homeopathy and Digital Thermography. After 30 years in active practice, she decided to “retire” and devote her time to sharing her personal, non-toxic Breast Cancer healing journey with others. Her years of experience and research have culminated in “The 7 Essentials™ “, a step-by-step coaching program that unravels the mystery of healing the body. Her website and personal healing journey have touched the lives of thousands of women around the globe. To get your F.R.E.E. 7-day mini e-course and to receive her weekly inspiring articles on the power of Natural Medicine, visit http://breastcancerconqueror.com/.