DENVER — Days are getting longer and spring is here, and so are fluctuating temperatures! This means increased opportunities to get sick if your immune system isn’t up to the challenge.
One thing you can do to bolster your immune system is to make sure you have adequate levels of zinc. Even if it doesn’t prevent you from getting a cold, zinc can shorten its duration.
The recommended daily intake of zinc is eight milligrams for women and 11 milligrams for men. It is safe to take 15-30 milligrams per day as a supplement, but do not exceed that amount to avoid adverse effects.
Zinc can be safely taken with vitamin C and vitamin D, but not with calcium or magnesium, and should be taken one hour before or two hours after meals.
Even without a supplement, you can find zinc in many foods including chuck roast, chickpeas, nuts, Greek yogurt, Alaskan king crab, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, oysters, oats, beans and lentils.
Wishing you a very healthy spring!
Regina Topelson is the owner of Life Well-Lived, a nutrition practice in Englewood, Colo., serving individuals with digestive issues and cancer survivors. Find out more about her practice at lifewell-lived.com.
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