Zinc is an essential trace element found in every cell in our bodies.  It is naturally present in many foods or available as a dietary supplement. It may also be found in cold lozenges and some common cold remedy drugs. 

Zinc helps the body in many ways, such as protecting cells, strengthening the immune system, and repairing damaged DNA. It also plays a large role in healing wounds, helps stabilize blood glucose, supports neurological function, helps maintains the senses of taste and smell, as well as many others.  Zinc helps the inner ear, and may be beneficial in decreasing tinnitus, or ringing of the ears.

You may be familiar with the benefits of zinc in helping with common colds and sore throats. It is also vital in maintaining overall good health.  Studies have shown that about one in eight Americans has zinc deficiencies, and our ability to absorb zinc declines with age. Almost half in older Americans may be deficient in the mineral.

Also, zinc encourages normal growth during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence. Further, it can help to guard against macular degeneration, one cause of blindness in adults over the age of 60.  Zinc has shown to be effective in treating skin conditions as acne and eczema.  Other diverse benefits may be help with anorexia nervosa, post-surgical trauma, and even libido.

A lack of sufficient zinc may lead to numerous health issues, including prostate disorders.  Frequent colds, flu, and other infections may be signs of zinc deficiency, because zinc benefits the immune system. 

In addition to aging and poor dietary habits, digestive disorders such as Crohn's Disease and irritable bowel syndrome may be contributing factors in the depletion of zinc from our bodies.  Diuretics and medications used in controlling high blood pressure may also contribute to zinc deficiency. Medications that suppress stomach acid may also reduce zinc in your body. 

Some Zinc deficiency symptoms include:

• Depression

• Loss of appetite

• Hair Loss

• Rashes & Eye and Skin Lesions

• Chronic Diarrhea

• Night Blindness

• Decline in libido

Some good sources for Zinc include:

• Beef & Liver

• Turkey

• Crab & Oysters

• Dairy products

• Cashews, almonds or peanuts

• Spinach

• Pumpkin seeds

The prostate is a gland that is part of the male reproductive system. The urethra runs from your bladder to the end of your penis and delivers urine and semen out of the body. The prostate surrounds the urethra. Men over 50 have a greater risk of developing a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate. In BPH the enlarged prostate squeezes the urethra, which slows or stops the flow of urine, making it difficult for men to urinate. 

A young, healthy prostate is about the size of a walnut. As a man ages, the prostate can grow larger. When a man reaches the age of 40, the prostate gland might have increased from the size of a walnut to that of an apricot. By the time he reaches the age of 60, it might be the size of a lemon.

By age 80, as many as 35 percent of men will have undergone surgery to relieve BPH symptoms such as frequent urination, straining to urinate, a weak urine stream, and a sensation that the bladder has not completely emptied. However, watchful waiting should be the standard approach for BPH patients who have mild symptoms.

Zinc has shown beneficial to good prostate health as well. Nutritionist Shari Lieberman, Ph.D., stated: “Zinc has been shown to reduce the size of the prostate and BPH symptoms.  Zinc inhibits 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. It also limits the action of prolactin, another hormone involved in BPH.”