FitSugar

What Does Your RDI Look Like: Zinc

FitSugar — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:00:00 -0700

When the mineral zinc comes to mind, I mostly link it with fighting colds. While it's true that it helps support a healthy immune system, that's not all zinc does. It's essential for cell division and the synthesis of DNA and protein. It also stimulates 300 enzymes, which are responsible for many of your body's functions. Zinc heals and protects your skin, is needed for proper thyroid functioning, and helps maintain your sense of smell and taste. It also boosts brain activity, improves your mood, and can help alleviate PMS symptoms.

An adult woman over 19 should be getting 8 mg of zinc each day. If she's pregnant, she needs 11 mg, and if she's nursing, then she needs slightly more, 12 mg. Are you getting your RDI? To find out read more.

1 cup milk

Food	Amount of Zinc
6 medium oysters	76.7 mg
3 oz. beef shanks	8.9 mg
3 oz. crab	6.5 mg
1 roasted chicken leg	2.7 mg
3 oz. pork tenderloin	2.5 mg
3 oz. lobster	2.5 mg
1 oz. pumpkin seeds	2.1 mg
1/2 cup baked beans	1.7 mg
2 tbsp sunflower seeds	1.6 mg
1 oz. dry roasted cashews	1.6 mg
1 cup lowfat yogurt	1.5 mg
1/2 cup chickpeas	1.3 mg
1 oz. Swiss cheese	1.1 mg
1 oz. almonds	1 mg
.9 mg
1/2 roasted chicken breast, no skin	.9 mg
1 oz. cheddar or mozzarella cheese	.9 mg
1/2 cup kidney beans	.8 mg
1/2 cup cooked peas	.8 mg
1 packet instant oatmeal	.8 mg
2 tbsp hummus	.6 mg
3 oz. flounder or sole	.5 mg
1 cup Kashi Go Lean Crunch	.4 mg
1 miniature box of raisins	.1 mg

Source

5 Highest Sources of Zinc

FitSugar — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 11:00:00 -0700

I'm sure you rarely think to yourself, "Did I get enough zinc today?" Zinc just doesn't get the press like other minerals, calcium for instance. Zinc is an essential mineral since it's present in every cell of our bodies. We need zinc for a healthy immune system (it helps increase the production of white blood cells) to heal wounds, and in order to have the ability to taste and smell. Two of my favorite senses. Zinc has also been shown to slow the growth of cancer.

Adult women should be getting 9 mg of zinc per day, and it's best to obtain your zinc from actual food rather than a supplement, so here are some great sources:

6 ounces of oysters: 75 mg
3 ounces of crab: 7 mg
3 ounces of beef: 6 mg
1 cup chopped chicken: 2.9 mg
1 cup chickpeas: 2.5 mg

Fit's Tips: If you consume more than 50 mg of zinc (as can happen if you take supplements), it can lead to improper copper metabolism, altered iron function, reduction of HDLs (good cholesterol), and reduced immune function.

Source

Zinc and Echinacea vs. the Common Cold

FitSugar — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 15:30:00 -0800

Nobody wants to get stuck with a cold, so when you hear that you can take something simple and inexpensive to prevent a week's worth of misery, why not jump at it? Echinacea and zinc are much buzzed-about when it comes to preventing or shortening the duration of colds, but do they really work?

When it comes to zinc, hundreds of studies have been conducted, including one in 2000, which found that taking zinc lozenges during a cold produced "modest" benefits. A more recent study published by Stanford Medical School analyzed data from 14 previous studies and reported that the effectiveness of using zinc to treat a cold "has yet to be established." Hmm.

Well, what about echinacea? To find out read more

Over the summer, a large study published in the Lancet Infectious Diseases journal said that taking echinacea can reduce your risk of catching a cold by 58 percent. This contradicted an earlier study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, which said that echinacea didn't help at all. It's tough to determine echinacea's effectiveness, because so many parts of the plant are used to make tinctures, teas, and pills. More research definitely needs to be done to figure out what part of the plant is helpful.

Fit's Tips: The bottom line is that there really is no consistent opinion about whether zinc or echinacea really benefits you when it comes to colds. During this season of sickness, instead of wasting money on things that possibly help, stick to doing things that are proven to work. Be sure to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, get your daily supply of vitamin C (75 mg), and get plenty of rest each night. This will help to keep your immune system strong, so if your body does come in contact with germs, it can fight them off so you don't get sick.

The Skinny on Zinc

FitSugar — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 02:00:00 -0700

Zinc is one of those essential minerals that often flies under the radar, mostly because deficiencies of zinc are rare here in the U.S. It is, however, present in almost every cell of your body. It stimulates almost 100 enzymes, which are responsible for many biomechanical reactions in the body. This busy mineral supports a healthy immune system, is needed for wound healing and helps maintain your sense of taste and smell.

The recommended daily intake of zinc is 9 milligrams for an adult woman, and it is always better to get your RDI in the form of whole foods. That being the case, here are some foods high in zinc include: oysters (6 oz = 75 mg), crab (3 oz = 7), beef (3 oz = 6), and beans (1/2 cup = 1.8 mg).

Zinc has been getting a lot attention lately for its ability to fight colds. Some studies indicate that it can decrease the length of a common cold, while others show no real benefits to using zinc lozenges. The debate continues, and it seems like the form of zinc you take matters. Look for zinc supplements that use zinc gluconate, since it seems to be the most effective form of the mineral. If you are fighting a cold with zinc, do be aware that the upper tolerance is 40 mg for adults and high doses of zinc can interfere with iron and copper absorption.

Source

Oysters: More Than Sexy

FitSugar — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 15:45:00 -0700

Oysters inspire no middle ground, you either love them or hate them. I fall in the former category and am always happy when oyster season comes around. Months that contain the letter "R" are the months of oyster season (that is September through April), so the season is upon us!

People gulp them raw hoping they are truly the aphrodisiac of legends, but some folks shy away from oysters because they think the mollusk is high in cholesterol. Well, truth be told they are a lean source of protein and they contain Omega-3 fatty acids. In fact 6 oysters contain one third of your RDI of the uber healthy fatty acid. Seems like a reason to split a dozen with your honey to me.

On the other hand, 6 oysters only contain about 55 milligrams of cholesterol, about 1/5 of the cholesterol found in an egg. So the effect on blood cholesterol caused by oysters is minimal at most. Plus they are high in the immune supporting mineral zinc, as well as B12, copper, iron and selenium,

Fit's Tip: You want to look for oysters that have tightly closed shells. They should smell like the sea and not at all sulfurous. Pregnant women, children and people with compromised immune systems should avoid eating raw oysters due to the potential of toxic bacteria that can lead to food poisoning.

And you, how do you feel about oysters? Do you like them raw? Do you prefer them on the BBQ. Tell me about it in the comment section below.

Source

Are You Getting Your RDI?

FitSugar — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 02:30:00 -0700

Is it me or are you confused about how much of each vitamin and mineral you are supposed to get each day?

Some of my friends take daily vitamins, and some eat fortified foods like calcium-enriched orange juice. It that necessary, or do we get enough in the foods we eat?

The first step in answering that question is to know how much we need to get each day. Here's a chart to make it a little more simple for you. These numbers are the RDI (reference daily intake) for women.

Want to see? Then read more.

Vitamin	Amount	Foods it's Found in
Vitamin A	700 mcg	Carrots, sweet potatoes, dark-green veggies
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)	1.4 mg	Green peas, spinach, liver, beef, pork, navy beans, pinto beans, soybeans, nuts, bananas, whole grain and enriched cereals, and breads
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)	1.2 mg	Asparagus, okra, chard, almonds, leafy greens, cottage cheese, milk, yogurt, meat, eggs, and fish
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)	14 mg	Chicken, beef, tuna, salmon, milk, eggs, broccoli, tomatoes, carrots, dates, sweet potatoes, asparagus, avocados, nuts, whole grains, beans, mushrooms, nutritional yeast
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)	5 mg	Whole grain cereals, beans, eggs, meat, some energy drinks
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine and Pyridoxamine)	1.3 mg	Nuts, liver, chicken, fish, green beans, salad greens, wheat germ, nutritional yeast, sea vegetables, and bananas
Vitamin B7 (Biotin or Vitamin H)	30 mcg	Beans, nutritional yeast, cauliflower, chocolate, egg yolks, fish, liver, meat, molasses, dairy products, nuts, oatmeal, oysters, peanut butter, bananas, soy products, mushrooms, wheat germ, and whole grains
Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)	400 mcg	Leafy greens such as spinach, dried beans and peas, sunflower seeds, oranges, asparagus, broccoli, liver, enriched cereal
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)	6 mcg	Animal products such as meat, eggs, dairy products, nutritional yeast, and fortified cereals
Vitamin C	75 mg	Oranges, strawberries, grapefruit
Vitamin D	200 units	Milk, sunlight
Vitamin E	15 mg	Eggs, fortified cereals, fruit, green leafy vegetables (such as spinach), meat, nuts, poultry, vegetable oils (corn, cottonseed, safflower, soybean, sunflower), olive oil, wheat germ oil, and whole grains
Potassium	4,200 mg	Potatoes, tomatoes, white beans, lentils, yogurt, bananas, broccoli, soybeans, avocado
Calcium	1,000 mg	Dairy products, nuts, broccoli, fortified orange juice, sardines
Protein	40-60g (depending on your weight and activity level)	Dairy products, nuts, meat, poultry, fish, eggs
Iron	18 mg	Molasses, liver, dates, baked potato with the skin, kidney beans, chickpeas, oats, beets
Zinc	8 mg	Oysters, red meat, chicken, beans, nuts, whole grains, dairy products, fortified cereals
Magnesium	300 mg	Chard, spinach, tofu, artichokes, lima beans, scallops, sea bass
Phosphorus	700 mg	Bran, Cocoa powder, dairy products, seafood, chickpeas, garlic, lentils, soybeans, nuts, liver, eggs, chicken, yeast

Zinc supplement (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:07:12 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Treats problems caused by a lack of zinc in the body.

Brand Name(s)

Rite Aid Zinc, Elite Zinc, Zinc Aspartate, Zinc Chelated, Orazinc 110, PharmAssure Chelated Zinc, PharmAssure Zinc, Zn Plus Protein, Galzin, Orazinc 220, Zinc-220, Zincate, M2 Zinc 50

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to zinc.

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet, Capsule

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach, 1 hour before eating a meal or 2 hours after a meal. You may take this medicine with food if it upsets your stomach. Tell your doctor if you are taking this medicine with food.

If a dose is missed:

Missing one dose is generally not a problem.
If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using penicillamine or tetracycline. Make sure your doctor knows about all other supplements you are using, such as iron supplements or copper supplements.
Avoid taking zinc at the same time you eat whole-grain bread or cereal, bran, milk, yogurt, cheese, or ice cream. These foods can keep your body from absorbing enough zinc.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Dizziness
Upset stomach, vomiting

Review Date: 8/4/2008

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adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5107

Zinc sulfate (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:49:16 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Zinc Sulfate (zink SUL-fate)

Treats problems caused by a lack of zinc in the body.

Brand Name(s)

Orazinc 110, Orazinc 220, Zinc-220, Zincate

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to zinc sulfate.

How to Use This Medicine

Capsule, Tablet, Lozenge

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach, 1 hour before eating a meal or 2 hours after a meal. You may take this medicine with food if it upsets your stomach. Tell your doctor if you are taking this medicine with food.

If a dose is missed:

Take the missed dose as soon as possible.
Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose.
Missing one dose is generally not a problem.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking penicillamine, tetracycline, or iron or copper supplements.
Avoid taking zinc at the same time you eat whole-grain bread or cereal, bran, milk, yogurt, cheese, or ice cream. These foods can keep your body from absorbing enough zinc.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Dizziness
Upset stomach, vomiting

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_0297

Pentetate zinc trisodium (Injection)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:10:10 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Pentetate Zinc Trisodium (PEN-te-tate zink trye-SOE-dee-um )

Removes harmful substances such as plutonium, americium, or curium from your body.

Brand Name(s)

Pentetate Zinc Trisodium

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, there is no reason why you should not receive this medicine.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
Drink extra fluids so you will pass more urine while you are using this medicine. This will prevent the exposure of your bladder from the risks of radiation.
You may need to take vitamin and mineral supplements while using this medicine. Talk to your doctor about this.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant, breast feeding, or if you have kidney disease.
While using this medicine your urine, mucus (phlegm from coughing) and stool may contain radioactive substances, which can be harmful to others. Talk with your doctor about the risks and precautions you need to take.
Your doctor will need to check your blood, stools, or urine at regular visits for several weeks after you have used this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Pain in your lower stomach.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Headache.
Lightheadedness.
Pain, itching, swelling, burning, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5340

Diphenhydramine/zinc (On the skin)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:04:20 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Diphenhydramine (dye-fen-HYE-dra-meen), Zinc, Zinc Acetate (zink AS-e-tate), Zinc Oxide (zink OX-ide)

Treats pain and itching caused by insect bites, minor cuts or burns, or sunburn. Also treats skin rash caused by poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac.

Brand Name(s)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to diphenhydramine or zinc. Do not use this medicine for chickenpox or measles. Do not use on large areas of skin, or on rash areas that have blisters or broken skin. You should not use this medicine if you are also taking diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) by mouth.

How to Use This Medicine

Stick, Lotion, Gel/Jelly, Spray, Cream, Ointment

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
Do not apply the medicine more than 4 times each day.
This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Do not use it on skin areas that have cuts or scrapes. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
Apply a thin layer to the affected area. Rub it in gently. Press tip of stick on affected skin area until liquid medicine flows, then dab lightly.
Do not cover the treated area with a bandage unless your doctor has told you to.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, apply it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to apply the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
The stick form of this medicine is flammable. Keep the medicine away from fire or open flame.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Do not use cosmetics or other skin care products on the treated skin areas.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Worsened skin rash, itching, redness, or swelling.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Return of your skin symptoms a few days after they have cleared up.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_4902