How to Get Rid Of a Cold? - Is Zinc the Answer - By: Peter Hookes

Zinc, an essential mineral found in several foods, regulates the function of more than two hundred enzymes in the human body. Also for instance the process of producing particular hormones as well as production of insulin and vitamin A require zinc to take place. Zinc also promotes the function of essential fatty acids (GLA, EPA, DHA) in the tissues and it plays essential role in prevention of colds and allergies along with in maintaining sound immunity.

According to studies made with zinc, it can very well be the answer to your question; how to get rid of a cold? The results of studies show that when zinc is taken at onset of symptoms as zinc syrup or lozenges the colds suffered are shorter of duration and less severe. Especially in elderly zinc has also been shown to enhance immunity against flu and other resipratory diseases like pneumonia.

Well-balanced diet is the best resource for zinc. Almost all foods contain at least little amounts of zinc, good sources are protein rich foods like meats (especially liver) in addition to fish, but also nuts, beans, milk (preferably raw) and cheese (preferably raw). RDA for zinc is (depending of country you live in) about 15 milligrams per day for adults, 5-8 milligrams per day for children and about 3 mg per day for infants. It is good to know that only roughly 15-40% of the zinc from food is absorbed. Thus it is highly unlikely that you can get too much zinc just by eating regular food.

For the most part multivitamins or zinc supplements contain roughly 15 mg of zinc which makes them harmless to take on a daily basis. When used as a cold and flu treatment for short period of time the suggested amounts are 30-60mg per day for adults and 15-30mg per day for kids. Zinc supplements come in many forms such as tablets, liquid, capsules and lozenges. The most effective and most absorbable forms of zinc are zinc chelate and zinc picolinate.

Certain scientific studies have shown that absorption of zinc is improved if it is taken as lozenge and dissolved in the mouth. Basically the toxicity of zinc is low and excess zinc is fast excreted from body. Excess zinc doesn’t cause mutations, cancer or fetal damages. Long-term usage of zinc supplementation can nevertheless interfere with the absorption of other nutrients such as iron and copper and therefore supplement is best to be taken prior to bed away from food. In the long run excess supplement misuse can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea and lead to poor immune system function.

When zinc supplements are correctly taken the benefits of taking them far out weight the possible minor side effects. Thus zinc may be a great benefit when you are wondering how to get rid of a cold or flu.

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