Zinc and high blood pressure:

High Blood Pressure Linked to This Surprising Nutrient Deficiency

According to new studies zinc deficiency can cause the kidneys to absorb more sodium than they should and the result will be elevated blood pressure and imbalance in electrolytes. A new study shows that the mineral deficiency causes excessive sodium absorption.

WHAT IS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE?

Blood pressure is the measure of force that blood applies to the walls of the arteries as it travels through the blood vessels carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the body and back again. Elevated blood pressure can cause damage to blood vessels and make blood flow less efficient. It is linked to many complications like stroke, heart attack, and other heart disease-related problems.

ZINC IS A NUTRITIONAL POWERHOUSE IN THE BODY

Zinc is a key mineral for immune system, reproduction, healthy skin and normal vision. In addition it is important for kidneys, the brain, heart, liver and muscles functioning. Even minor deficiency can affect heart function and blood pressure.

THE PROBLEM OF EXCESSIVE SODIUM

Sodium is a vital mineral that is needed for the cell to conduct electricity and regulate water. Moreover, sodium is involved in heart muscle contraction and it is needed for controlling overall heart function. A higher intake of sodium is linked to high blood pressure while high intake of potassium can reverse blood pressure. Another cause of high blood pressure could be zinc deficiency that cause high sodium and low potassium.

THE PROBLEMS WITH THE DRUGS USED TO TREAT HYPERTENSION

Medications used to treat hypertension are linked to many side effects. For example, statins may lead to weakness, dementia and muscle pain. Beta blockers can block compounds in your body that regulate the heart to slow your heart and are linked to dizziness, weight gain, cold extremities, and depression and breathing problems. ACE inhibitors have been linked to dizziness, fatigue, headaches, loss of taste and even death. You need to consult your doctor to change the medication or even the dose don’t discontinue any medications without asking your doctor.

HOW MUCH ZINC DO YOU NEED?

Women and men need 8-11 mg of zinc daily according to experts. These needs vary according to life stage and other factors. Men tend to need 11 milligrams daily since zinc is vital to male reproductive health. Some conditions like infections, stress, trauma and use of steroids medications may deplete zinc from the body so you need a higher intake than the recommended one.

FOOD SOURCES OF ZINC

Oysters, legumes like black beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, navy beans, pinto beans, Romano beans, etc.; beets and beet greens, Brazil nuts, carrots; dark leafy green vegetables; nuts and nut butters; onions; peas; pumpkin and sunflower seeds; sprouts, and whole grains are good source of zinc.

SUPPLEMENTING WITH ZINC

The most absorbable form of zinc are zinc gluconate, zinc citrate and zinc orotate. You should not exceed recommended dose of zinc as it is toxic for the body and compete with copper. Moreover don’t take supplement within 2 hours of consumption high fiber food as it can bind to zinc and excrete it. Keep supplements out of reach of children.

Sources:

https://www.care2.com/greenliving/high-blood-pressure-linked-to-this-surprising-nutrient-deficiency.html

https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-foods-high-in-zinc-as-salmon-seafood-shrimps-beef-yellow-cheese-spinach-128917973.html