Benefits Of Zinc For Brain Health
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What Is Zinc?
Zinc has many benefits for men, ranging from immune support to brain function. In the winter, zinc supplements tend to fly off the shelves because it's been associated with lower rates of colds and the flu. But zinc has many more benefits beyond boosting immunity. Having adequate zinc in your body is critical in maintaining brain health. Read on to learn how zinc helps your brain.
Zinc Helps Memory Formation
Zinc is a trace element that is used to create new neurons in your brain's hippocampus. The hippocampus is like a temporary hard drive that stores your memories, emotions, and other sensations. The hippocampus isn't a long-term storage facility for memories, as its main role is developing them. It does this by synthesizing your memories, emotions, and other sensations together, which is why you may feel a pang of guilt when thinking about a past mistake or a boost in your mood when smelling a familiar scent from childhood. After memories are developed in the hippocampus, they are later transferred to long-term memory during sleep.
Low levels of zinc in the body can stunt this process, making it difficult for your hippocampus to create, and later store, new memories. This can greatly affect personal and professional life, but having adequate zinc, engaging in regular exercise, and getting enough sleep can protect this precious area of your brain.
Zinc Can Reduce Brain Fog
Aside from forming new memories, zinc assists with communication among your brain cells. When brain cells cannot communicate properly with one another, this can lead to brain fog. Brain fog is difficult to define, but it is often thought of as the general inability to focus or think clearly. Some even describe it as a "fuzzy" feeling in the brain, or simply no longer feeling like yourself. Brain fog can impaired a person's ability to reason and make appropriate, logical decisions, making this a more serious issue than it can appear on the surface.
Brain fog can occur for many reasons, such as several chronic conditions, being on certain medications, or other lifestyle concerns. Some researchers speculate that inflammation may also play a role in creating a foggy brain feeling. Zinc can help the body fight off and prevent inflammation, which may alleviate symptoms of brain fog.
Sources of Zinc
Zinc is used to create and facilitate over 300 enzymes in our body, making it one important nutrient. Adequate levels of zinc will help support your body, boost your immune system, and protect your brain health as you age. If you believe you have a zinc deficiency, talk with your doctor about adding foods rich in zinc to your diet.
Zinc rich foods include oysters, chicken, dark chocolate, eggs, and some vegetables. You can also take a zinc supplement or a multivitamin that contains zinc, like Mdrive Multi, to boost your intake.
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