Warning Signs That You're Zinc Deficient
But too Much Zinc Causes a Copper Deficiency
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Today At A Glance:
This article dives into why balancing zinc and copper in your brain is crucial for cognitive health. It explains how these minerals compete in your body and why getting the ratio right is vital. Plus, it highlights the risks of over-supplementing zinc and how it can mess up your copper levels.
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Neuro Athletes,
Team, I think we need to chat about what exactly your brain wants and needs to survive and thrive. There's many misconceptions about the brain, such as the role of dietary cholesterol—your blood-brain barrier (BBB) cannot take in cholesterol directly from the diet, so all those influencer claims about dietary cholesterol boosting brain health are just plain wrong.
Therefore, I want to open your minds up and chat about antioxidants, particularly focusing on the critical balance of zinc and copper in the brain.
The Zinc-Copper Tug of War
I think it's fascinating to know that Alzheimer's disease has a zinc and copper component. It's super important for you, my community, to understand how these trace minerals impact brain health. Zinc and copper are essential trace minerals that play significant roles in maintaining brain health. However, they are in constant competition with each other, especially regarding absorption and utilization in the body. Maintaining the correct ratio of zinc to copper in the brain is crucial, as it impacts various biochemical processes critical for cognitive function.
Zinc: Required for the activity of over 300 enzymes, zinc is vital for DNA synthesis, cell division, and protein synthesis. It is also crucial for immune function and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Copper: Essential for iron metabolism, energy production, and neurotransmitter synthesis. However, copper can generate free radicals, potentially leading to oxidative stress if not balanced with zinc.
Why the Right Balance Matters
Research by Professor Mario Mendez and others has shown that individuals with certain types of Alzheimer's disease, particularly those with the toxic subtype (Type 3), often exhibit low serum zinc levels and high copper-zinc ratios. This imbalance is critical as it can exacerbate cognitive decline and dementia.
Low Zinc and High Copper-Zinc Ratios: Associated with increased oxidative stress and inflammation, which are detrimental to brain health.
Optimal Ratio: The ideal zinc to copper ratio is approximately 10:1, ensuring both minerals support cognitive functions without causing harm.
Factors Affecting Zinc and Copper Levels
Several factors contribute to the imbalance of zinc and copper in the body, including:
Dietary Intake: Most people are deficient in zinc due to poor dietary choices, while copper is often more prevalent due to its presence in drinking water from copper pipes.
Age and Medication: As we age, gastric acidity decreases, impairing zinc absorption. Medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for GERD further reduce zinc absorption.
Environmental Factors: Exposure to copper through plumbing and certain foods can lead to higher copper levels, disrupting the balance.
The Science Behind Zinc and Copper in Cognitive Health
Zinc is integral to numerous enzymes that support cognitive function. It aids in insulin regulation, immune responses, and acts as a structural component in many proteins. Conversely, copper, though essential, can generate free radicals if not balanced properly, contributing to neurodegenerative processes.
Recognizing the Signs of Zinc Deficiency
Zinc deficiency can manifest in various ways, impacting both physical and cognitive health. Common signs include frequent infections due to a weakened immune system, slow wound healing, and hair loss. You might also experience loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, and a decrease in your sense of taste and smell. Additionally, cognitive impairments such as difficulty concentrating and memory issues can arise, highlighting zinc's crucial role in brain function.
This is the zinc I take below. Keeping in mind that I do regular bloodwork so I know what my levels are.
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Foods High in Zinc
Many of you have been following me for a while but you probably don’t know my deep love for food and cooking. I don’t post about it too much but I think I am going to! In light of this, I wanted to share a list of top zinc foods with number one being OYSTERS!!!!
Including zinc-rich foods in your diet is essential for maintaining optimal brain health and cognitive function. Here are some excellent sources of zinc:
Oysters: One of the best sources of zinc, providing more than the daily recommended intake in just a few servings.
Beef: Especially lean cuts like chuck roast and ground beef.
Pumpkin Seeds: A great plant-based source of zinc, perfect for snacking or adding to salads.
Lamb: Rich in zinc and other essential nutrients.
Chickpeas: Versatile and high in zinc, perfect for vegetarians and vegans.
Cashews: A tasty snack that also boosts your zinc intake.
Quinoa: This grain is not only high in zinc but also provides complete protein.
Chicken: Particularly dark meat, which contains more zinc than white meat.
Yogurt: Dairy products like yogurt can contribute to your daily zinc needs.
Mushrooms: Certain varieties, like shiitake mushrooms, are good sources of zinc.
Incorporating these foods into your diet can help maintain a healthy zinc-copper balance, supporting brain health and overall well-being.
The Dangers of Oversupplementing Zinc
While ensuring adequate zinc intake is essential, oversupplementing zinc can be detrimental. Excessive zinc can interfere with copper absorption, leading to copper deficiency. This imbalance can result in anemia, weakened immune function, and neurological issues. It's crucial to strike the right balance between zinc and copper to maintain optimal health. To ensure you're getting the right amounts, click the link above to check your bloodwork from InsideTracker and make informed decisions about your supplementation needs.
I hope you enjoyed this one, if you did, share this article with a friend!
Until next time,
Louisa x
Thanks for sharing this!
I strongly suggest you reconsider your life choices.
This is not ethical practice.
(is it even practice?)
its intended purely to generate traffic, using with elementary one- or two- sentences paragraphs – yet still uncited – written with a tone chosen by algorithms to maximize the selling potential of words that, for you, have lost all meaning.
minimum commitment and maximum extraction of money.
One person asked a question on yhe topic, responsibly engaging, and you didn't care to answer.
this is corporate shilling. commodified medical science dispensed with illusions using manipulative techniques.
go very nearly 180° and you'll find both ethics and science.