Zinc – How to Tell If You Have A Deficiency!

Astrologer Vighnesh
www.astrovighnesh.com
Proper growth of the body, intracellular metabolism and the creation of DNA are just some of the processes for which zinc is essential, so it's no wonder that a zinc deficiency can cause impaired functioning of the body's entire system. This mineral deficiency is more common in people over the age of 60 and in people whose diets are vegan or vegetarian. What these two groups have in common is the fact that they consume a diet rich in legumes and grains that do not contain enough zinc. In fact, the foods they consume have ingredients that prevent zinc from being absorbed by the body.

So, how do you know if you have a zinc deficiency? Regular medical tests don’t always show if there is a deficiency in this mineral, but there are some signs that may indicate a lack of it in the body. The good news is that you can increase the level of zinc in your body quite easily -  you just need to know which foods are rich in this mineral.

6 signs of zinc deficiency

1. Frequent infections and diseases

Zinc plays a central role in the proper functioning of the immune system and prevention of infections. When you don't consume enough zinc, your immune system may function poorly and won’t be able to ward off viral and bacterial infections. Also, if you feel that you’ve been in a lot of pain recently, you may not be consuming enough zinc.

2. Abnormal hair loss

It’s natural to lose a few hairs while brushing it, but if you notice that the amount of hair left behind on your brush has increased significantly, it could be due to a lack of zinc. It's worth noting that only a significant zinc deficiency can cause huge hair loss and breakage, but you should keep an eye on the problem nevertheless.

3. Chronic diseases

Neurological disorders, autoimmune diseases, and diabetes are just some of the diseases researchers have found to be related to a zinc deficiency. This deficiency causes increased oxidation processes in the body, leading to inflammation, cell death, and an increased risk of chronic disease. A balanced diet that includes foods with high concentrations of zinc can delay the formation of chronic diseases.

4. Decline in hearing

Researchers have found that people with hearing loss might also have a zinc deficiency. The researchers believe that this is due to inflammation and decreased pressure in the inner ear as a result of zinc deficiency. If you feel that your hearing is not what it used to be, you body may be lacking zinc.

5. Decrease in growth rate

Children with a zinc deficiency may experience a decrease in growth rate. Due to the role of zinc in the normal development of cells and body growth, a lack of it causes problems with physical growth, meaning that children who do not consume enough of this essential mineral are shorter than average for their age. If you notice a low growth rate in your children, incorporate zinc-rich foods in their diet. If there is no change in their growth rate, it's recommended that you take them to get their zinc levels tested. 

6. The taste of the food has changed

Other senses besides the sense of hearing that may be damaged due to zinc deficiency are sense of taste and sense of smell. If you feel that foods have a different taste suddenly, this may be indicative of a zinc deficiency. This is especially true for people over the age of 60, as zinc deficiency is more common in this age group, and other factors, such as increased drug use, may exacerbate the ability to taste and smell.

So how can you consume more zinc?

The good news is that zinc deficiency can be easily corrected by adding foods rich in this mineral to your daily diet. It's important to eat these foods every day since the body doesn’t store zinc and only daily consumption will result in constant adequate zinc levels in the body. Women should consume about 8 mg of zinc a day, men about 11 mg daily, and people with different diseases or significant zinc deficiency will need larger amounts depending on their health.

People who are vegan or vegetarian should sometimes consume twice as much as the recommended daily amount, as their bodies absorb zinc less efficiently and some vegetables can even interfere with zinc absorption in the body. If you feel that you’ve been sicker lately or have some of the symptoms mentioned above, you should prepare zinc-rich dishes so that you can enjoy healthier hair, get sick less, and getting back the taste for life, literally. However, be careful not to consume too much zinc, as in excess it can cause headaches, nausea, and anemia.

8 Recommended zinc-rich foods

* The amounts of zinc given are per serving size of 100 grams.

 1. Beef

Beef is full of flavor and nutritional benefits, which include, apart from a high zinc content (7 mg per serving), large amounts of protein and vitamin B12. Despite these benefits, it's recommended not to overeat meat because it also contains large amounts of fat. It's best to eat beef once or twice a week and to incorporate other zinc-rich foods into your diet the rest of the week.

2. Toasted wheat germ

A dose of toasted wheat germ will provide you with 16.7 mg of zinc and enrich your daily diet. You can eat wheat germ in its natural form, without toasting, and enjoy its nutritional benefits, which include aiding in digestion and delaying the narrowing of central blood vessels in the body.

3. Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds are known as a great snack for after a meal, but you can also add them to salads or shakes to increase your daily zinc intake. A dose of pumpkin seeds contains about 10.3 milligrams of zinc and serves as a healthy, tasty and balanced snack.

4. Red beans

Red beans are low in calories but rich in zinc, about 2.79 mg per serving, and can be eaten when cooked and seasoned as a standalone meal or as a side to a variety of foods.

5. Mushrooms

Mushrooms are low in calories, contain 7.66 mg of zinc, and many vitamins and minerals. In addition, its high antioxidant content is similar to that of carrots or tomatoes, and selenium chlorine, which is a mineral not usually found in plant sources, can also be obtained from their eating them.

6. Egg yolks

For those who’ve given up this part of the egg, you should put it back on the menu. Egg whites are not as rich in zinc as yolks, so you should eat the egg in its entirety if you want to increase your intake of this essential mineral. A serving of egg contains 4.93 g of zinc in addition to vitamins A, E, D and K.

7. Cocoa and chocolate

Cocoa and chocolate products will delight anyone who has a sweet tooth, and if you eat them moderately they will do wonders for your body. A serving of chocolate (dark chocolate is preferred) contains 9.6 mg of zinc so you can refill your zinc levels with a smile.

8. Turkey breast

Roasted turkey breast is tasty, rich in protein and zinc and low in calories when compared to other types of meat, such as beef. A dose of turkey breast will supply your body with about 3.09 milligrams of zinc.

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10 Incredible Health Benefits of Peaches

Peaches are nature's chosen snacks, thanks in part to the many health benefits they contain. The delicious fruits are excellent s of iron, potassium, magnessium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and many cancer-fighting antioxidant properties. They can be eaten raw, blended with other health foods as a smoothie, or used as a main ingredient for baking such desserts as peach cobblers and pies. You won't believe the numerous health benefits these magical, juicy fruits contain! They are great for losing weight, essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure and can even prevent cancer. You'll definitely want to include them in your diet plan after reading about their amazing health benefits! 10 Incredible Health Benefits of Peaches: 1) Promotes Healthy Skin - Peaches contain high levels of vitamins A and C, which are vital for maintaining proper skin health. Vitamin C acts a powerful antioxidant to fight off the harmful free radical cells, while Vitamin A moisturizes the skin. You can even rub the fruit against your skin to get rid of wrinkles and dark circles. 2) Helps to Prevent Cancer - A peach a day can actually help lower the risk for lung, colon and oral cancers. Peaches contain phenolic acids, which help prevent breast cancer. The acids neutralize the dangerous carcinogenic cell lines before they grow and spread throughout the body. 3) Prevents Heart Disease - Peaches can significantly decrease heart disease by killing off the free radicals that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Peaches also help regulate a normal heart rate and keep blood pressure in check. It's no wonder why peaches are the chosen snack! 4) Great for Weight  Loss - Peaches should be part of everyone's dietary intake. They are great s of vitamin C, and contains only 68 calories! Skip the sugary candy bars and go for the sweet tasting fruit instead. You can slice a peach up and add it to your oatmeal, yogurt or salads, for a very interesting taste.  5) Protects Eye Vision - Did you know that peaches actually improve your vision? The beta-carotene found inside the delicious fruits protect your retinas from free radical cell damages, and minimizes the risk for macular degeneration. The carotenoids help guard against other eye diseases, such as night blindness and cataracts. 6) Controls Blood Pressure  - The powerful phenolic properties contained inside the peaches are used to fight off oxidation, and promotes HDL cholesterol levels (the good guys). The high content of beta-carotene, found in the ripe fruit, also aids in healthy blood flow in the body. The potassium helps you maintain a normal blood pressure level as well. 7) Protects Against Anemia - People who suffer from the iron deficient disease can reap the health benefits of peaches. Peaches help to increase the production of hemoglobin in the bloodstream, which combats fatigue and drowsiness symptoms. Those two symptoms are most commonly attributed to the disease.  8) Reduces Inflammation - Peaches help prevent symptoms of redness, swelling and joint discomfort, since they contain extremely high levels of anti-inflammatory components. There are a bunch of anti-inflammatory foods we spoke about in great depth, to protect against various bone diseases. 9) Promotes Healthy Teeth - Peaches are rich in fluoride, which is a vital component for healthy bones and teeth. Fluoride is also essential for prevention of caries, and can even spare you a painful trip to the dentist! Peaches also contain natural sugars, which are healthier substitutes for calorie-dense junk food products. 10) Prevents Bone Disorders - Peaches help treat joint disorders, such as rheumatism and gout, due to the high levels of vitamin A. Peaches combined with ginger, offers a natural soothing remedy to eliminate discomfort and aches in the joints. Here is a recipe for an anti-inflammatory ginger peach smoothie, which is extremely simple to prepare: What You'll Need: 4 ripe peaches  2 cups of ripe pineapple 1 large piece of ginger 1 cup coconut water or chunks of fresh coconuts Add all the ingredients into a blender and pulse blend for about 15-30 seconds. To your health!  Peach Trivia: Did You Know?  The world’s largest peach cobbler is 11 feet by 5 feet, and made each year in Georgia. The famous Impressionist-style French artist, Renoir, had encouraged his students to improve their painting skills with the various colors and textures they saw from the fruit. China is the largest producer of peaches in the world, with Italy coming in a distant second place.  The peach tree is often considered to be the tree of life. Peaches belong to the Rosaceae family, which actually makes them a close relative of almonds. Peaches have a long history of being used around the world. Georgia is the Peach State, but California produces about 50 percent of the USA peaches. The peach is considered a symbol of good luck, longevity and protection, in China. Close relatives of almonds, peach seeds are used as an almond oil substitute in cosmetic preparations. August is National Peach Month in the USA, and has been since 1982.

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9Ways Neem Tree Oil Repairs Your Skin and Hair

Neem tree oil is commonly harvested from the neem tree (sometimes called an Indian lilac or by its technical name Azadirachta indica), found growing in India and other tropical regions. It is dark colored and smells like a fusion between garlic and peanuts. This healing tree oil is an important part of Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medicine practice. As a natural ingredient, it is also anti-bacterial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal. It can treat many skin and hair problems.

For your skin Protects skin from aging Since neem tree oil is rich in antioxidants applying it to your skin can protect it from environmental damage. The oil’s abundance of carotenoids can prevent free radicals from harming your skin. Neem tree oil is also rich in fatty acids and vitamins, which can improve your skin’s elasticity. This helps with smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. Clears up spotty skin Neem tree oil can reduce the redness and inflammation caused by acne and pimples.  Neem tree oil eradicates the bacteria and the concentrated fatty acids prevent acne scars from forming. Similarly applying a face mask made with neem tree oil can help get rid of any skin impurities and can help tighten your pores. Relieves eczema Eczema is largely a genetic disorder which causes skin abrasions, swelling and redness. Applying neem tree oil can help this disorder without having to take strong medication. The ample amounts of fatty acids and vitamin E in the oil penetrate the skin’s outer layer. This provides moisture and thereby restores the protective barrier of the skin, while the antiseptic properties protect the skin from infection. There are compounds of nimbin and nimbidin in the oil, which reduce swelling and relieve the redness. Fights fungi Fungal infections are more widespread than most people realize. Common ones include nail fungus, ringworm and athlete’s foot and can pester one to no end. Because neem tree oil is a powerful antifungal agent applying it to these infected areas can help eliminate these skin conditions quickly and naturally. Remedies dryness Neem tree oil is a natural skin conditioner and can help with dryness and keeping your skin moisturized. The plentiful vitamins and minerals repair any prolonged skin dryness and it’s a common ingredient in moisturizing products.

For your hair Treats head lice Using neem tree oil is a safe alternative to the more toxic anti-lice shampoos. Applying neem tree oil won’t irritate or itch your scalp while effectively killing off nits and lice.  Leave neem tree oil on your head and hair overnight, and comb out the lice with a lice comb the next morning. Promotes hair growth Hair thinning and shedding can be caused by medication, pollution and stress. Neem tree oil has been found to be effective for people suffering from this type of hair loss. The minerals and vitamins in neem tree oil promote hair growth and can even improve the quality of your hair. Treats split ends and frizzy hair When your hair is weak and develops split ends it can cause hair growth to become stunted. The results are unmanageable and bushy hair. This solution also effectively helps you manage frizzy hair. Neem tree oil can make your hair more adaptable and provides a rich source of moisture, protection and works to repair damaged hair cuticles. It also makes your hair shine, and look smooth and hydrated. The best way to apply the oil is by adding a few drops to your regular shampoo. You can also apply a few drops directly to the scalp. Treats dandruff Using neem tree oil shampoo or a dandruff shampoo with neem tree oil can prevent and get rid of dandruff. The oil protects your scalp skin, preventing skin from shedding and maintain your scalp’s PH level. The oil’s rich deposits of vitamins can strengthen your hair follicles roots too.

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Treating Stiff and Sore Muscles!

Have you ever woken up in the morning and stretched only to feel neck or shoulder pain? Every movement afterward sends pain shooting down your back, but why exactly does this happen? Read on to find out:

Why do muscles get stiff?

• Muscles require magnesium for them to relax, and calcium for them to contract. When the two are imbalanced, it can lead to muscle spasms and contractions. 
• Dehydration is also a contributing factor to stiff muscles. This is because muscles are active tissues and require lots of water. The water contains electrolytes that help transfer orders from your nervous system to your muscles and back. Without enough water, muscles lose their ability to communicate with the brain.
• Inactivity is another culprit. Leaving your muscles in one state for a prolonged period (sleep or sitting in a chair for an extended period, for instance) can cause them to stiffen. Another cause of muscle stiffness is stress. When we’re stressed, our bodies tighten up in preparation for a “fight or flight” situation. Prolonged stress can lead to tightness in the muscles, resulting in strain. 
• The biggest contributor to muscle pain of all is exercise. Muscles lose mass after a prolonged period of inactivity, so when you start training again, it leads to micro-tears that cause pain and stiffness.

How to treat stiff muscles

1. Exercise 

Exercising for 30 minutes each day (or every other day) can prevent most cases of muscle stiffness. Exercise keeps your muscles relaxed, and can even improve your mental state. Just don’t overdo it, because that’s when your muscles get stiff. 

2. Baking soda bath

Add 2-4 heaped tablespoons of baking soda to a hot bath and climb in for rapid muscular pain relief. You can even try replacing the baking soda with ¾ cup of Epsom salt if you wish to.

3. Take supplements

Balance your magnesium and calcium levels by taking supplements, and consider making dietary changes.

4. Massage therapy

Getting a good massage can work wonders for stiff muscles. A licensed masseuse will be able to relieve stiff muscles in a single session, sending you home pain-free and much more relaxed (consult your massage therapist regarding the best treatment for you).

5. Heat application

Simply applying heat to muscles causes the tissue to expand and increase blood flow to the heated area. You can do this by taking a hot shower or massaging the stiff area with a heating pad.

6. Relax & Meditate

Calm yourself down. By reducing the level of stress in your life, your body will relax as well, reducing the likelihood of tight and stiff muscles.

7. Take an NSAID

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen are your best choices. Do not exceed the recommended daily dosage or take them for more than a couple of days at a time.

8. Make sure you’re hydrated

Drink water or isotonic drinks to keep your hydration and electrolytes at an adequate level. Men require 13 cups (3 liters) of water per day, while women need nine (2.2 liters).

9. Stretch

Stretching your muscles when you wake up can prevent muscles from stiffening. It increases blood flow throughout your body, and prepares the muscles for the daily movements ahead.

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