Can Zinc Help Alleviate Common Cold Symptoms?

zincOral zinc therapy initiated within 24 hours of common cold symptom onset, may reduce duration of the common cold in healthy people.    The common cold is caused by human rhinoviruses that attach to the inside of the nasal passages.  Zinc ion blocks this attachment.  Thus, an antiviral effect is elicited.

In one recent multi-country study, zinc was associated with shorter duration of cold symptoms but not severity.  Zinc formulations included in the study were syrup and lozenges.  Prophylactic zinc use in children resulted in reduced cold incidence; prophylactic use was not studied in adults.  The study was unable to quantify a recommended dosage of zinc as release of the zinc ion varies across formulations (syrup and lozenges).  Side effects were minimal, study participants reported bad taste and nausea with zinc lozenges use.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, maintains offices in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

How Does Vitamin K Help Me?

Vitamin K is essential for cardiovascular and bone health.  Vitamin K deficiency can lead to bone weakening, increased blood pressure and arterial plaque formation.  The recommended daily dietary intake of vitamin K is approximately 100mcg.  However, optimal levels for cardiovascular, nutritional needs and bone health is 250-1000mcg daily.  Foods rich in vitamin K include kale, spinach, broccoli, asparagus and brussels sprouts.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers comprehensive vitamin testing to her patients.  Dr. Hermann is also board-certified in nutrition.  Offices are maintained in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

 

Vitamins And Minerals For Healthy Hair

Certain vitamins, when taken on a daily basis, can help with hair loss, brittleness and dullness.  Daily vitamins and supplements help fill gaps in or diets that can form from restriction of carbohydrates and fats in an effort to lose weight.   However, systemic issues such as chronic anemia or thyroid problems can also lead to hair loss.  Together, you and your physician can determine the cause and best treatment options for your hair loss.  Listed below are vitamins and nutrients that have been shown to affect hair health.

  • Iron – Iron carries oxygen to hair and promotes growth.  Many women of child-bearing age and individuals who do not consume a lot of red meat are iron deficient. Iron- rich foods include: chicken, spinach, lentils and egg yolks.
  •  Vitamin D – Vitamin D is essential for hair follicle cycling.  Vitamin D – rich foods include:  salmon, mushroom and fortified grains.
  •  Zinc – Zinc is an excellent hair growth mineral.  Foods rich in zinc include:  turkey, lamb, chocolate and pumpkin seeds.
  • B-Complex Vitamins – Biotin, niacin, and cobalamin all help restore shine and thickness to hair.  Eggs, avocados, whole grains and legumes are all rich in B-complex vitamins.
  •  Vitamin C, vitamin E and Copper are also essential for hair health.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, maintains offices in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Dr. Hermann is also board certified in nutrition, and offers comprehensive vitamin testing to her patients.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.