Can zinc help fight COVID-19?

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We’ve long known that zinc can be effective when it comes to shortening the duration of the common cold, and we also know that many common colds are caused by coronaviruses. That has left many people wondering if zinc can help alleviate the impact of the novel coronavirus that is wreaking havoc across the planet, COVID-19.

Zinc is an essential mineral for human health, but we generally don’t need large quantities of it; around 15 milligrams a day is considered reasonable. Responsible for our immune system, wound healing, eyesight, and brain development, it has also been shown to possess antiviral activity.

In one study, people who took zinc while experiencing cold symptoms experienced a far shorter average cold duration than a control group at 4.5 days versus eight days. The participants took roughly 80 milligrams per day, which may be above the daily requirement but is unlikely to cause problems if taken in the short term.

Researchers don’t know exactly why it has this effect, but they think it may prevent the virus from getting into cells by binding with a protein that normally helps it get inside; it could also be that it lowers the level of inflammatory substances found in the blood known as cytokines.

Zinc may help with other coronaviruses, but how useful is it for COVID-19?

One critical care specialist and pulmonologist recently took a closer look at a study carried out into how intracellular zinc can inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 version of coronavirus and how it might also be helpful in fighting the current COVID-19.

The study showed that zinc works by inhibiting coronavirus RNA polymerase activity. It essentially blocks the synthesis of RNA so that the virus is unable to keep replicating.

Because there are a lot of similarities between the two types of coronavirus, it’s reasonable to expect that zinc could affect the current iteration in a similar way. However, this finding pertains to intracellular zinc, or the zinc inside your cells, so zinc lozenges may not be helpful based on that finding.

While it’s not known if taking zinc orally can raise your intracellular zinc levels the way liposomal products can, it wouldn’t hurt to increase your zinc intake by consuming foods that are good sources of the mineral.

Topping the list of good zinc sources is oysters, which stand head and shoulders above other foods when it comes to zinc content. Other good sources of zinc include crab, beef, and lobster.

Is zinc a “silver bullet” against coronavirus?

There was a bit of controversy when online posts attributed to pathologist and coronavirus researcher Dr. James Robb claimed zinc lozenges were a “silver bullet against the coronavirus.” While he has said that his words were misrepresented, he maintained that, given its effects on inhibiting the replication of viruses such as coronaviruses, it may be helpful in the current pandemic.

However, he emphasized that there is no experimental support for such a claim. Nevertheless, he recommends that people suck on zinc lozenges as few times a day should they experience cold-like symptoms, preferably while lying down.

Although we can’t say with 100 percent certainty that zinc can indeed help with coronavirus, taking it is unlikely to hurt and may even help with other health issues. In fact, a deficiency of the mineral can cause problems like hair loss, compromised immunity, high cholesterol, chronic fatigue and osteoporosis.

Researchers and doctors the world over are working hard to uncover ways to address COVID-19. Natural treatments like zinc might not be a panacea, but ensuring you get enough of it is still a great way to enhance your health.

Cassie B.

Sources for this article include:

DrEddyMD.com

McGill.ca

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Dr Eddy Bettermann MD focus on Biological Medicine (Biologische Medizin), Darkfield Microscopy (Dunkelfeld Mikroskopie), Orthomolecular Medicine (Orthomolekulare Medizin), Ayurvedic Medicine (Ayurveda), Psychosomatic Medicine (Psychosomatische Medizin), raw food (Rohkost), fasting (Fasten): Our primary integrative medicine goal is the maintenance of your health and wellness, and we are committed to safe and effective healthcare. Our specialties include online integrative medicine education by alternative doctor: food and allergy management through the use of Integrative medical therapy, Environmental Medicine, General Family Medicine, Ayurveda, Panchakarma, Chronic Fatigue, ADHD, autism, Fibromyalgia, Yeast/Fungus related diseases – Candidacies, mercury dental replacement and detoxification, Natural Thyroid Replacement, Weight loss, Lyme Disease, Irritable Bowel Disease, Attention Deficit Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, Addiction related programs, Intestinal Dysbiosis, as well as trigger point therapy using Neural Therapy. Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD, physician from Germany, consultant and teacher in biological medicine, especially dark field microscopy known as Live Blood Analysis in Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Philippines. But he lecture also in the USA, Canada and the U.A.E. He speaks english and german. https://dreddymd.com/2017/01/17/the-interactive-live-blood-cd-and-the-certified-training-live-blood-analysis-online-course/ https://dreddymd.com/courses/ https://dreddymd.com/2017/01/17/live-blood-microscopy-analysis-darkfield-course/ “Let thy Food be thy Medicine and thy Medicine be thy Food.” — Hippocrates Physician Member of the Medical Board at AOX Singapore, Medical Doctor at Nurse Mobile Clinic and Physician at DrEddy Clinic Our Mission: The mission of the Integrative Medicine is to search for the most effective treatments for patients by combining both conventional and alternative approaches that address all aspects of health and wellness – biological, psychological, social and spiritual. Biological Medicine is a big part of my work and so is Dark field Microscopy, what I use in my daily practice and what I teach more then 15 years in Asia and around the world: Live Blood Analysis in dark field based on Haematology. We utilize Live blood analysis since 2004, conventional as well as specialty laboratories for a thorough diagnostic work up of the disease in question. Our integrative medicine treatment regimens are especially unique and are tailored specifically to the individual needs of each patient. Our Mission: don’t harm, prevent, use food as medicine We are a reliable partner for integrative medicine in Medical Spa & Clinic Development and integrative medicine Education Training for alternative doctors – we bring different holistic approaches, like Integrative Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda Medicine together. On your request we offer our service in your place as well. Heavy metal poisoning Heavy metal poisoning is much more common than most people realize, and if you’re thinking that it doesn’t apply to you because you haven’t been exposed to any, think again. If you’ve eaten fish regularly, had amalgam fillings, received vaccinations, drank contaminated water, or done industrial or agricultural work or pharmaceutical manufacturing, there’s a good chance that you have a fair amount of toxic metals in your system.. We are here to help and to educate! Wishing your health and happiness Dr Eddy Bettermann MD Multimedia library https://bit.ly/2Wgqsd3 Protect you and your family from harmful radiation https://bit.ly/synergyscience-dreddymd More information about 5G and EMF: https://dreddymd.com/?s=5G+and+EMF Protocol https://amzn.to/2Nxsfql DrEddyClinic is affiliate of Amazon and get comission for the products, which we recommend https://www.amazon.com/shop/dreddyclinic , same as GlobalHealing https://dreddymd.com/shop/supplements/ View all posts by dreddymd