5 reasons to use zinc for colds
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Zinc supplements can not only reduce the duration of the common cold, but also protect the body from infection. This element is present in some products and is important for our health.
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Zinc can alleviate the symptoms of colds
Preparations with zinc will help alleviate cold symptoms such as: sensation of scratching and dryness in the throat, help to soften the cough. Physicians believe that zinc-based drugs can even destroy the influenza virus. This theory has not yet been proved, but it is known that zinc prevents the multiplication of viral particles. This conclusion scientists made, based on several experiments involving 2 121 people. High dosages were more effective than low dosages, but you must be careful with the amount so as not to harm your health. While it is not known which dose is effective, in case of an overdose, the patient may feel side effects such as an unpleasant taste in the mouth, nausea, and also suffer from diarrhea attacks.
Zinc will shorten the duration of the disease
According to experts, it is the intake of preparations containing zinc that will help with colds. According to the results of the research, zinc reduces the duration of the disease by almost 40%. This effect is explained by the fact that zinc has an effect on the immune system and is important for the body's resistance to infections.
Placebo effect
Scientists suggest that the placebo effect plays a significant role in the successful recovery. This means that some kind of connection between the mind and the body helps make the treatment more effective. Therefore, the person's mood for recovery, taking medications in conjunction with rest and plenty of fluid, will help get rid of the disease faster.
Correct doses of zinc increase immunity
As we have already said, zinc is a vital mineral for human health. It supports the work of our immune system at an optimal level and is an excellent defender against the attacks of viruses. The lack of zinc is dangerous for especially vulnerable groups of the population - the elderly and young children. To maintain a normal amount of zinc in the body can be with the help of products rich in this element, for example, legumes (beans, lentils), beef, poultry meat, nuts, cereals and whole grains.
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Zinc promotes healing of wounds
We talked about the fact that zinc helps immunity to withstand pathogenic viruses, but in addition, it also accelerates the growth of cells. This natural element contributes to the rapid healing of wounds and cuts. Of course, cuts and wounds are not cold symptoms, but now you know how to speed up their healing.