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Is Zinc Effective as A Cold Remedy?

Studies have shown that zinc is important in one’s health. This is one of the minerals that our body should in order to promote its functions. It is necessary for our immune system and will help us defend our bodies from harmful pathogens. A lot of experts have been studying this type of mineral and its value to us humans. Fetuses in the womb, newborns, children and adults, all need this nutrient in order to develop well and survive.

How Does Zinc Work?

How does this type of mineral help us to fight different types of illness, even the common cold? Experts say that it prevents the virus from reproducing by itself. It can also shorten the time that you suffer from a cold. It is also believed that it prevents the rhinovirus or the type of virus that affects our respiratory tract, from binding to the membranes that cause the symptoms like runny nose, cough, sore throat and sneezing. Most of all this will help your body to fight infections. When you have zinc deficiency; it means that you don’t take enough food that has zinc or it is not properly absorbed by your body. This is when the body becomes vulnerable to viruses that can affect our overall health. A simple cold, or worse, a liver or kidney malfunction can happen, if zinc is not received in ample amounts for long periods of time.

Connection between Zinc and Colds

People believe that taking zinc lozenges every two to four hours can help eliminate or reduce their cold symptoms. Using a nasal spray between three and four times a day, is also helpful. A lot of research was made over the last decade to verify if this claim. Doctors made various case studies using different groups of people. They found out that most of the children can have six to eight colds a year. Once these kids begin going to school, the risk is increased to 12 times more. Exposure to people who have colds is a vital reason why it scatters.

Women, on the other hand, can have bigger chances of getting this virus compared to men; since they have more contact with children.  The average number of incidence, for colds in women, is around two to four times a year. Although studies are still being conducted to prove the validity of this claim, the information still helps women to become more aware of the chances of infection. 

Due to the series of tests that were made, it was concluded that people responded differently to the type of zinc supplements that they took. Further study must be made before experts can give recommendations about this matter, since changing the type of zinc can alter the results of the research. Technically, zinc doesn’t cure the common cold but it can lessen the severity and can shorten the duration of the illness. To fight the common cold, use correct dosages of zinc. Many people notice diminished symptoms and relief upon doing so. 

Mark Ken writes about natural health supplements and their health benefits. Visit his web to learn more about zinc lozenges or any other health related topics.