Zinc to maintaining immune-system health

Zinc (for breast cancer survivors)

Zinc is another essential mineral that contributes to many bodily functions,
informing our senses of taste and smell, maintaining skin health, and keeping the
male reproductive system running smooothly. Zinc also contributes to a healthy
immune system, by supporting the thymus gland and assisting in the production of T
lymphocytes (T cells). There seems to be a direct relationship between zinc
deficiency (identified through blood and hair samples) and both breast and ovarian
cancer (Memon et al. 2007). The breasts have a unique relationship with zinc, since
the production of breast milk requires substantial quantities of zinc. One study
published in Genes and Nutrition noted that “dysregulated mammary gland zinc
metabolism has recently been implicated in breast cancer transition, progression,
and metastasis” (Kelleher, Seo, and Lopez 2009). (Metastasis is tumor spread; a
secondary tumor that can result is also called a metastasis.)

Because zinc is so important to maintaining immune-system health, and given
the studies indicating its importance to female health, it is reasonable to consider
adding foods high in zinc to the diet. The RDA for nonpregnant, nonlactating
women is 15 milligrams per day. Zinc is plentiful in a wide variety of foods, for
example, calf liver, pumpkin seeds, cremini mushrooms, spinach, Swiss chard,
collard greens, and yogurt.

If your zinc levels are especially low, you may wish to consider
supplementation. You can measure your zinc levels with a blood test or a simple,
oral zinc “challenge test.” Discuss this possibility with your nutritionist or holistic
practitioner.