How Zinc Could Help Demolish Acne!

Have you ever heard of the mineral zinc? If you haven’t, don’t fret, you’re not alone!

Many have never heard of zinc, let alone know what foods to eat to obtain this ominous mineral…

If you are someone who’s never heard of zinc, it is likely because it’s not a nutrient that your doctor, or anyone else for that matter, is talking about…BUT WE SHOULD BE!

Zinc plays a part in some of the most crucial roles of the body, including:

• Cell development
• Cell division
• Immune system functioning
• Acting as a catalyst in many important reactions
• Healing of wounds
• Acne support
• Sperm production

As you can see, some of the roles that zinc plays in the body are essential for life! But one specific role I would like to focus on is its acne reducing potential!

Zinc is an Acne Superhero!

At the most basic level, zinc is supportive in the healing of any wounds the body has, be it internal or external wounds. Being that acne is a wound of sorts, it can speed up the healing of acne.

However, there is a deeper acne supporting mechanism at play here…

Particularly in the case of males, testosterone is the main sex hormone in the body. Testosterone has the ability to be converted into a more devious form called DHT. This compound can become a problem as it relates to acne, as it can increase the output of sebum from the skin.

Sebum is the oily compound released from skin pores to help with the natural lubrication of the skin surface, and while this is good for the skin, excessive sebum release can lead to clogged pores and an increased incidence of acne!

This is where zinc could be of some help! Zinc can inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which is responsible for converting testosterone into DHT.

Although this can be more supportive for males dealing with acne, zinc can be helpful for women as well, as they too have testosterone as a sex hormone, just not as much of it. Don’t forget that zinc is also supportive in wound healing in general!

What Can I Eat to Obtain Zinc?

The foods that contain good amounts of zinc are:

• Pumpkin seeds
• Oysters
• Crab/Lobster
• Lamb
• Beef
• Chicken
• Eggs

So, if you’re struggling with acne and have never thought about whether you may need some zinc in your supplement routine, talk to your doctor or natural health practitioner to see if it’s a good fit for you!

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Keep on living holistic,

Michael Sharp, CNP, NNCP.

DISCLAIMER: The information listed above is for educational purposes and discussion of general health information only. The information, opinions, ideas, and suggestions listed above are in no way intended to diagnose disease/health issues or act as a treatment for disease/health issues and is not to act as a substitute for medical advice from your doctor. Before taking part in any natural or alternative approach to health, these approaches should be reviewed by your doctor for approval especially if there are existing health conditions and if prescribed and or pharmaceutical medication is being taken due to the potential for interactions between medications and any natural approaches to health.