Roughly 10,000 cancer cells are generated by the body every single day. One of the most common factors contributing to the ability for these cancer stem cells to proliferate and invade new tissue is D3 deficiency. There are a variety of influences that have resulted in vitamin D being one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in our society today, which has only fueled the growth of cancer as the nemesis of our time. Researchers propose that supplementing 20,000 IU of D3 daily may be a potent and safe therapy to limit systemic inflammation and inhibit the development of cancer. GcMAF is a powerful immune supporting protein that demands a steady supply of D3. GcMAF activity is essential to a healthy immune system and can also assist in the destruction of tumors entirely. In fact, healthy vitamin D levels are one of the most important nutrients that benefit a baby during a woman’s pregnancy. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with autoimmune problems and considering that cancer is a multifactorial disease, optimal vitamin D levels are not worth compromise during neonatal development. Throughout fetal development, D3 supplementation supports: Reduced inflammatory secretions by natural killer cells Anatomical growth and development of fetus Neuroprotection (protection of the central nervous system) Neurogenesis (generation of new brain cells) Neuroplasticity (cognitive function and emotional pathways) The research on vitamin D and our immune system is incredible. Vitamin D may be one of the most important nutrients for reducing cancer cell formation. Discover more in this article by Dr. Jocker here: https://drjockers.com/vitamin-d-stops-cancer-stem-cells/

Magical wonders always happen in nature. And without a doubt, great food tastes even better on top of a mountain! The good people at Higher Grounds Coffee House (aka Idyllwild Coffee Roasters) understand this. Idyllwild sits like a beacon on our horizon. We are fortunate to have a mountain for more than just a pretty photo, Idyllwild is our playground. Spend a moment, a day or two exploring and relaxing upon the slopes of Idyllwild where you'll find breathtaking views, a natural wonderland of majestic trees, and now delicious Comfort Keto goodies. Life does not get any better! We are overly excited to announce that starting next week, March 15, 2022, three of Chef Janine's most popular culinary creations are making their debut at Higher Grounds Coffee House: Our most popular Keto Berry Power Bowl and two delicious low-carb Wrap Sandwiches, one with chicken and one with tofu (vegetarian). After your enjoyable hike along the scenic trails of Idyllwild or your stroll through the specialty stores at the center of this lovely mountain town on a sunny day, you need to rest and feed your body. Incorporate a stop at the Higher Grounds Coffee House to complete your delightful day's sightseeing plans. Now imagine yourself there. Step inside the Higher Grounds Coffee House after an invigorating hike in the cool mountain air. There is no noise from the city, no traffic to frustrate you; just the oneness with the organic world around you. Time upon the mountain slows down and you can reset your balance. Magical wonders happen in nature. On a warm spring day, most of the customers will be hanging outside on the deck, soaking up the commanding mountain view and the sunshine. And now, you also get to savor our delicious food while enjoying yourself on the patio of Higher Grounds with a great cup of in-house roasted organic coffee. This is your backyard, your destination for fresh air, fun and memories. Time to start making new ones. See you soon in the Higher Grounds Coffee House... Higher Grounds Coffee House 54245 N. Circle Drive, Idyllwild, CA 92549 (951) 659-1379 www.idyllwildcoffeeroasters.com Please visit our website to check out current week's menu (our menu changes every week). https://www.myketopal.com/comfort-keto-meals Read more: https://www.comfortketo.com/post/eating-healthy-get-out-and-soak-in-vitamin-d-and-get-exercise

The TP53 gene (located on chromosome 17) is the most common gene mutation found in cancer cells. Mutated TP53 gene is found in over 50% of cancers. This tumor-suppressor gene that has been coined "the guardian of the genome," codes for a protein that inhibits the development and growth of tumors. When inactivated, TP53 can also play a role in the persistence, growth, and spread of a cancer that develops. How the TP53 Gene May Be Damaged (Inactivated) The TP53 gene may be damaged (mutated) by cancer-causing substances in the environment (carcinogens) such as tobacco smoke, ultraviolet light, and the chemical aristolochic acid (with bladder cancer). Often times, however, the toxin leading to the mutation is unknown. What Happens If the TP53 Gene Is Inactivated? If the TP53 gene is inactivated, it no longer codes for the proteins that lead to the functions that inhibit the development and growth of tumors. Thus, when another form of DNA damage occurs in another region of the genome, the damage is not repaired and may result in the development of cancer. Can the TP53 Gene Be Reactivated? Due to the great importance TP53 mutations play in cancer, researchers have been looking for ways to reactivate the gene. Though the science is very complex, it is advancing, and small molecules known as MDMX inhibitors are now being evaluated in clinical trials for people with blood-related cancers. You can read about Natural products targeting the p53-MDM2 pathway and mutant p53 If you are interested in learning more about the functions of TP53, how it works to stop cancer from forming, how is may be damaged, and therapies that may help to reactivate its effect, please visit this very valuable site: https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-p53-gene-its-role-in-cancer-2249349

Food manufacturers use confusing marketing terms to hide the true amount of sugar in their foods, and this is something you need to be aware of. You may ask yourself, why are the food manufacturers load their products with so much sugar. The answer is simple: Taste and palatability. When the food manufacturers removed all naturally occurring good fats from their products, they had to replace them with sugar so that they are palatable and sell-able to consumers. It is that simple! Same sugar, different names Meanwhile, you may have noticed that many food ingredients ending in "-ose" are sugars. These scientific sounding names often appear on ingredient labels and complicate it for the consumer to recognize just how many different forms of sugar may be present in a particular processed food product. In a nutshell... Glucose is the body's primary fuel source and the simplest sugar used by the body's cells for energy. Fructose is the naturally occurring sugar found in fruit. It tastes sweeter than glucose and is commonly used in processed foods and sweetened beverages. Sucrose is ordinary table sugar. It consists of equal parts glucose and fructose and derives much of its sweetness from its fructose content. Dextrose is chemically identical to glucose and is commonly used as a sweetener in processed foods. Maltose, also known as malt sugar, consists of two glucose molecules joined together. It is found in foods containing barley and malt. Lactose, often called milk sugar, consists of glucose and galactose. It occurs naturally in milk and dairy products. Galactose has the same chemical formula as glucose but a slightly different molecular structure. It is found primarily in dairy foods and is released when lactose is broken down during digestion. This list contains common examples, but there are many more. If you do not recognize these names on ingredient labels, you may be consuming far more sugar than you realize. Sugar does not always appear as "sugar" on ingredient labels. It may be listed under different names within the same ingredient list. Being aware of this is important when making food choices at the grocery store. As a general rule, the safest approach is to stay away from industrially produced foods with long ingredient lists filled with unfamiliar and difficult-to-pronounce ingredients. If you are interested in knowing more about sugar, please check out the articles we published on this topic. • What Is a Carbohydrate? • Glucose: The Body's Preferred Fuel • Fructose: The Sugar That Behaves Differently • High Fructose Corn Syrup Explained • Lactose: The Sugar Found in Milk • Comparing Common Sweeteners

Vitamin D insufficiency has reached epidemic proportions and has been linked to low bone mineral density, increased risk of fracture, and obesity in adults. Vitamin D has always been known to improve bone strength, among several other health benefits. Obesity is defined as an excess amount of body fat and represents a significant health problem worldwide. High prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in obese subjects is a well-documented finding, most likely due to volumetric dilution into the greater volumes of fat, serum, liver, and muscle. Research suggests that Vitamin D influences the structure and function of fat cells and may even influence how much body fat is stored and released to be burned as energy. Another recent study reveals that individuals with higher levels of belly fat and larger waistlines are more likely to have lower vitamin D levels. Although there is still ongoing research, recent studies show that taking extra vitamin D may help to reduce body fat. In the below video, the emerging research and implications in the prevention of obesity and its related diseases like diabetes and heart disease are being discussed. 0:00 Intro 00:26 Vitamin D is sequestered in fat tissue. 00:30 Vitamin D influences your metabolism, 00:58 Vitamin D insufficiency causes a dysregulation within your fat cells, 01:30 vitamin D cutaneous synthesis. 02:25 Vitamin D in adipose (fat) tissue affects, 02:40 When you are overweight and obese, your fat cells become necrotic, and they can die. 03:22 The active form of vitamin D 04:30 Vitamin D exerts significant effects on the formation of fat cells (adipogenesis). 05:00 Sufficient levels active metabolites of vitamin D suppress the accelerated adipogenesis, shown in animal and cellular models. 06:00 Vitamin D2 VS vitamin D3 07:00 Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) is acquired from your food or sun exposure. Food sources are fatty fish, dairy, ruminants, the flesh/skin of vertebrae animals, egg yolks and dietary supplements. 08:10 Vitamin D5, sitocalciferol, is derived from an Ayurvedic herb called Rauwolfia serpentina. 09:05 Your liver is responsible for hydroxylating pre-vitamin D into the somewhat active form, calcidiol. This is what is measured in your blood, 25-hydroxy vitamin D. 09:20 Either your fat cells or your kidney further hydroxylates it into 125-dihydroxy vitamin D, calcitriol, is the active form. 09:55 The conversion from 25-hydroxy vitamin D to the 125 dihydroxy vitamin D is down regulated In fat cells, particularly in overweight people. 12:09 Vitamin D activates the vitamin D receptor. Generally, vitamins are cofactors. Vitamin D receptor is found in your fat tissue, kidney, muscle, and bone. When it is activated, it effects your immune system, calcium homeostasis and binding and many inflammatory pathways. 12:55 The vitamin D receptor impacts lipolysis, the release of lipids from your fat cells for energy. 13:18 Your fat tissues store between 35 and 75% of your total body levels of vitamin D. 13:46 People who have diabetes or insulin resistance or are obese, there is less fat cell turnover, which releases vitamin D that was stored in fat cells. So less vitamin D is released to the rest of the body. 14:00 Vitamin d deficiency is 35 to 40% higher in overweight or obese people, or diabetics. 14:30 Vitamin D impacts many functions within the fat cell, including the upregulation of fat cell creation. 15:08 Lipid accumulation decreases with increasing calcitriol (125-dihydroxy vitamin D) dosages. 15:40 Fat cell inflammation is mediated by leptin. 16:40 Chronic activation of immune system cells can trigger inflammation in obesity related pathogenesis in which insulin resistance is involved. 17:03 Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) transcription factor triggers inflammatory cascades within your cells. Vitamin D can inhibit this NF-kappa B activation. 17:30 Overweight or obese individuals have a higher prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency. 18:00 Dosing of supplemental vitamin D should be based upon body fat and health status. 18:23 Vitamin D impacts calcium metabolism. The balance of calcium affects apoptosis, pre-programmed cell death. 19:35 Serum vitamin D levels 20:00 Exercise helps to promote fat cell health and metabolism. It can mobilize fat cell lipids. Flux of fat cells is healthy. Fasting also promotes a healthy churn of your fat tissue. 22:00 With supplemental vitamin D, there are reductions in fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1C, and increases in triglycerides, improving metabolic health. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Vitamin D - also known as the "sunshine vitamin" - is produced naturally in your skin through "direct" exposure to sunlight, and then converted into bio usable form in your liver and the kidneys. The amount of vitamin D3 that your skin produces depends on the time of day and season. Both factors change how much UV light hits your skin. Yet, many other factors affect the amount of vitamin D your skin can produce, including your skin color (pigmentation), age, clothing, use of high factor sunscreens, and where you live. In the winter months, it is surely advisable to take vitamin D supplements. A word of caution though – too much sun exposure can be damaging due to the risk of developing skin cancer. Spend only a small amount of time in the sun without sunscreen, either early in the morning or late in the afternoon, and the rest of the time be sure to cover up and avoid sunburn. Between April and September, 10-15 minutes daily sunlight exposure for lighter skin types and 25-35 minutes daily sunlight exposure for darker skin types provides sufficient year-round vitamin D. How Is Vitamin D Produced In The Skin? Ultraviolet radiation of the sun rays penetrate into the epidermis (the outermost of the three layers that make up the skin, the inner layers are the dermis and hypodermis) and photolyzes provitaminD3 to previtaminD3. PrevitaminD3 can either isomerize to vitamin D3 or be photolyzed to lymisterol and tachysterol. ProvitaminD3 (7-Dehydrocholesterol) is a side product from the cholesterol and found in abundant quantities in the epidermis. ProvitaminD3 has a skin barrier function, increases skin resistance against environmental aggressors and supports the skin's natural recovery. Why do you need to take vitamin D3 supplements regularly at advanced age? Because as you age, your epidermis gets thinner (holds less cholesterol). Consequently, your skin has less ProvitaminD3 which is required for conversion into Vitamin D3. Furthermore, elderly people are less likely to access the outdoors and may be more at risk of deficiency. Studies suggest that some forms of Vitamin D supplements are more easily absorbed by the body. Certain groups are considered to be at higher risk for developing Vitamin D deficiencies. People who aren't often outdoors, such as those who are frail or housebound People who have darker skin, such as those of south Asian, African or African-Caribbean backgrounds People who stay out of the sun or cover up when outside Why Do You Need Vitamin D? Vitamin D is a fat-soluble compound that includes the family of vitamins D-1, D-2, and D-3. It is extremely important for strong bones and teeth, as it helps us absorb the calcium you eat and it also controls the amount of calcium in your blood. At low vitamin D levels your body won’t absorb the calcium you eat. If your levels are severely low, you may be at risk of developing weaker bones (osteomalacia). Furthermore, the excessive amounts of un-absorbed calcium floating in your blood may with time cause calcification at your joints and development of kidney and gal stones. Severe deficiency in children may result in their legs becoming curved (rickets). Unfortunately, there aren't any visual signs of vitamin D deficiency. Low levels of vitamin D are common in the US. It is advisable that you get a blood test through your health service provider. Blodd test vitamin D levels classification: Under 25 nmol/L – Deficient 25 - 50 nmol/L – Insufficient 50-75 nmol/L – Sufficient Over 75 nmol/L – Optimal Vitamin D And The Immune System The immune system defends the body from foreign, invading organisms, promoting protective immunity while maintaining tolerance to self. The implications of vitamin D deficiency on the immune system have become clearer in recent years. As the vitamin D receptor is expressed on immune cells (B cells, T cells and antigen presenting cells) and these immunologic cells are all are capable of synthesizing the active vitamin D metabolite, vitamin D has the capability of acting in an autocrine manner in a local immunologic milieu. Immune cells (B cells, T cells, monocytes, DCs) from multiple autoimmune diseases appear to respond to the immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D. Read more. Foods That Contain Vitamin D Foods that naturally contain vitamin D include oily fish such as mackerel, sardines, and salmon. There are smaller amounts found in eggs and some red meats. Natural vitamin D content of some foods: Mackerel (grilled, 5 oz) – 11.9µg vitamin D Salmon (grilled, 5 oz) – 19µg vitamin D Sardines (grilled, 5 oz) – 7µg vitamin D Eggs (poached, 2) – 2.9µg vitamin D

In this video, Dr. Eric Berg is talking about how your pulse rate may indicate how long you’ll live.

Our Chef Janine has been personally following Dr. Berg's excellent online lectures since over 7 years. We consider Dr. Eric Berg to be one of the pioneers of the contemporary ketogenic diet. His knowledge on ketogenic diet is deep and sound. We highly recommend watching his online presentations on Facebook and YouTube. This coming Friday, February 18th at 8:00 AM Pacific Standard Time (11:00 AM ET), Dr. Berg will be live on YouTube for an informative discussion on all-things KETO and Intermittent Fasting. If you're interested in getting answers to your most challenging questions on ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting from Dr. Berg during his live Q&A show next Friday, just fill out this application: Drberg.com/live You can enjoy the show right here on Facebook, or join him on YouTube.

With the world becoming increasingly toxic and the incredible lack of knowledge regarding appropriate healthcare, it has never been more important to take charge of your health and your life. The Extreme Health Academy is Dr. Bergman's website that's full of information to help you learn exactly what you must do to survive and thrive in this world. Best of all this website is a community of people ready to help others on the road to optimal health with features like an online forum, live workshop, podcasts, monthly video courses a supporting community, and much more! We at Comfort Keto have been following Br. Bergman for at least the last 6+ years. He is not only very knowledgeable the body and diseases but also an expert in metabolic therapy with ketogenic diet. We strongly recommend to follow him....

Minerals are vital for both physical and mental well-being, and the foods that contain them are essential for your health. Some minerals are called "essential" because they are necessary for normal health and growth but cannot be produced by the body in sufficient amounts, requiring us to obtain them from our diet. Your body doesn't produce certain minerals or may lack them in the proper amounts. A deficiency can lead to various physical and mental health issues unless you balance and regulate your mineral intake through proper nutrition. Effects Of Keto Flu In this blog post, we shall look into four critical minerals for those individuals on keto diet. Unbalance of these minerals (electrolytes) is the main cause for keto flu. Sodium and potassium, magnesium and calcium Sodium (Na) and Potassium (K): A Perfect Balance The Electrical Balance Behind Life: Using energy to push sodium out and pull potassium in — helping power nerves, muscles, hydration, and healthy cell function. Sodium and potassium are two key electrolytes that work together to regulate fluid balance in the body, including inside cells, in the blood, and in extracellular fluids. Potassium is found mainly inside the cells, while sodium is found mostly outside the cells in extracellular fluid. Maintaining the right balance between the two is essential for proper health. Too much sodium and too little potassium can contribute to high blood pressure and other health problems. This balance is also influenced by aldosterone, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps regulate sodium and potassium levels. Think of every cell in your body like a tiny battery-powered room. The sodium-potassium pump acts like a gatekeeper in the cell membrane, constantly moving these minerals where they belong. Here’s the simple version: The pump pushes sodium (salt) OUT of the cell And pulls potassium INTO the cell It performs this process continuously using energy from food. Why this matters: Helps nerves send signals Helps muscles contract, including the heart Supports proper hydration and fluid balance Maintains the body’s electrical and energy balance A simple way to picture it: “Sodium mostly stays outside the cell, while potassium mostly stays inside the cell — and the sodium-potassium pump keeps that balance going 24/7.” Without this pump, your nerves, muscles, brain, and heart would not function properly. The sodium-potassium pump uses a molecule called ATP as its energy source. Mitochondria make ATP → ATP powers the sodium-potassium pump → the pump maintains the cell’s electrical balance 24/7. Importance of Potassium (K) Potassium is essential for cell function, nerve signal transmission, and heart health. Without sufficient potassium, muscles and the heart can’t function properly. We recommend 3,500 mg of potassium daily for adults. Here are some potassium-rich foods used in our recipes: 1 cup of sliced avocado: 15% of your daily value 1 cup of winter squash: 896 mg (20% of daily value) 1 cup of broccoli: 10% of daily value, plus Vitamin C and antioxidants Double-strained Greek yogurt: 10% of daily value, high in calcium and Vitamin D 1 medium tomato: 8% of daily value, with Vitamins A, C, and B-6 1 cup of carrots: 390 mg of potassium, high in Vitamin A 1 cup of sliced mushrooms: 323 mg of potassium Fish: A great source of potassium, omega-3s, and protein Sodium (Na) Sodium helps regulate blood volume, blood pressure, and pH balance, and plays a role in neuron function and sensory clarity. Sodium is found in eggs, meat, seafood, and vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, celery, and turnips. The recommended daily intake of sodium is 500 mg, but most people consume much more—around 2,000 mg in one teaspoon of salt, and up to 9 grams per day. Magnesium (Mg): Essential for Proper Calcium Absorption Calcium and magnesium are two vital minerals that work together in many bodily functions, including regulating heartbeat, muscle tone, and nerve conduction. An imbalance or deficiency in either mineral can lead to serious health issues such as headaches, fibromyalgia, anxiety, depression, osteoporosis, blood pressure problems, diabetes, and more. Magnesium’s Importance Magnesium plays a role in over 300 chemical reactions in the body, particularly in supporting the nervous and immune systems. It’s crucial for maintaining bone density, with 50% of magnesium stored in bones and the rest in organ tissues and cells. Without enough magnesium, excess calcium cannot be properly absorbed, which may lead to toxic buildup, joint calcification, and other painful conditions. Magnesium also helps regulate heart rhythm, blood sugar, and blood pressure, and is involved in protein synthesis and metabolism. If you consume too much calcium, without sufficient magnesium, the excess calcium is not utilized correctly and may actually become toxic, causing painful conditions in the body and calcification of the joints and even the brain. COMFORT KETO meals masterfully designed by Chef Janine contain ingredients rich in magnesium. First, there are green vegetables. Nuts and seeds are rich in magnesium as well. One ounce of dry-roasted mixed nuts provides 64 milligrams of magnesium. The daily value of magnesium is 300-400 mg (men, women respectively). Why Do You Need Calcium (Ca)? Calcium is essential for strong, healthy bones and teeth. A deficiency can lead to bone disorders, with osteoporosis being the most common. It also plays a crucial role in blood flow, enzyme function, and hormone release. Calcium in COMFORT KETO Recipes COMFORT KETO meals include calcium-rich foods like cheese, yogurt, fish, and nuts. The recommended daily intake of calcium varies by age, with adults needing between 1,000 and 1,300 mg. One cup of double-strained Greek yogurt provides 700 mg of calcium.

A new study by the technology research company Technavio.com reported that the ketogenic diet market is set to grow by USD 1.68 billion, progressing at a "compound annual growth rate" (CAGR) of 6.14% until 2025. This study published an up-to-date analysis regarding the current market scenario, the latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment. Let's have a look at some points of interest in the study. Products The ketogenic supplements segment (for example: exogeneous ketones, MCT oil, collagen peptides) of the ketogenic diet market will continue to grow until 2025. Moreover, more new product will be introduced due to the rise in the popularity of ketogenic diet. Consumer Landscape The awareness toward foods that help with weight loss is increasing exponentially. As a result, the number of consumers with health complications, obesity and other lifestyle-related diseases taking up the ketogenic diet will continue to grow until 2025. The global ketogenic diet market is characterized by small-to-large nationwide as well as regional vendors. Vendors compete based on product pricing, and geographic presence. As a regional small vendor, Comfort Keto has a great advantage over giant firms in terms growth due to our geographic presence and fresh prepared gourmet products. https://www.technavio.com/report/keto-diet-market-industry-analysis

Zinc is one of those critical nutrients which are important in countless processes in your body including healthy hormones, a strong immune system, and healthy tissues. Bad news is nearly 25% of the world population is deficient in this mineral. Good news is there is a very simple method to test your zinc levels at home. Zinc is critical for overall health and quality of life. That's why we at COMFORT KETO recommend the you test your zinc levels on a regular basis. Foods Rich in Zinc Zinc is involved in foundational human processes from modulating the immune system to supporting healthy hormone production. You will notice a huge difference in your health when you increase your consumption of zinc rich foods and use supplemental forms of zinc. The recommended daily allowance for zinc is between eight to eleven milligrams for most adults. However, progressive nutritionists and doctors recommend between 20–40 mg/daily for most functional health. Zinc Supplements Supplementation is helpful to balance your body's zinc levels quickly. Zinc supplements come in several forms. At COMFORT KETO, we recommend the Zinc supplements in easily absorb-able chelated form Zinc Glycinate. Chelation is a type of bonding of ions and molecules to metal ions and prevents the absorption of copper, and helps the removal of toxic metals and fertilizers from the body. It is best to supplement with zinc with meals. So take 20 mg with one meal or 20 mg, 2 times daily with meals to get your levels where they need to be. Benefits Of Zinc Boosts Immunity If you are getting sick often, you may have low zinc levels because Zinc modulates the immune system by balancing the Th-1 and Th-2 branches of the immune system. Zinc also assists a protein called human cytokine interferon alpha that is responsible for inhibiting the replication of viruses within the body (read more). Reduces Inflammation Chronic inflammation one of the number one health problems in our society. Zinc drastically lowers inflammation. In addition, zinc plays a critical role in the production of antioxidants (SOD; superoxide dismutase) in the body. SOD prevents damage of genes, detoxifies the body, and supports the immune system against viral infection. Anti-Cancer Zinc improves the body’s ability to fight off cancer cells by reducing inflammation and improving immune coordination. In addition to this, zinc plays an important role in regulation of the expression of the P53 gene (in order to be active, P53 needs to bind zinc), which monitors the cell division cycle and preventing cancerous growth (read more here and here). Low zinc levels or excessive copper and other heavy metals -lead, aluminum, cadmium and mercury- can damage the P53 protein (read more here and here). This is why it is important to test zinc levels on a regular basis. Reasons For Zinc Deficiency Remember! You may be eating a zinc rich diet and yet still be deficient in zinc. That's if you aren’t digesting and absorbing zinc well and/or if you are consuming other substances that deplete your zinc stores. Here is a quick list regarding what may be causing your zinc stores to deplete. Leaky Gut & Poor Digestion If you have a leaky gut or poor stomach acid production, it is likely that you are deficient in several nutrients. Zinc is extremely important for healing and sealing the gut. So if you are deficient, the gut lining will inflame and never heal. Medications Medications like prescription antibiotics, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as asprin, ibuprofen, naproxen etc.), proton pump inhibitors, or antacids may damage the gut or inhibit stomach acid production. Poor Diet & Blood Sugar Imbalance Consuming processed foods heavily, a lot of grains, nuts, and foods containing phytic acids depletes your body’s zinc stores. Limiting or at least sprouting such foods before consuming is important. Chronic Stress Zinc is utilized by your body at a much more rapid rate during times of elevated stress. If you are experiencing high anxiety, this could be in part due to low levels of zinc, magnesium and B-complex vitamins. Toxin Exposure Exposure to pesticides and heavy metals interferes with zinc absorption. Also, consuming high levels of copper in city water can lead to an imbalance in copper/zinc ratios. Additionally, foods such as grains, nuts and seeds are high in copper and also contain phytic acids that reduce zinc absorption. Copper and zinc work against each other to regulate certain functions in the body. Having high copper levels in relation to zinc can create many problems (read more). Relationship Between Zinc and Copper Zinc and copper compete against one another as antagonist in order to properly regulate the physiological pathways in your body. The proper balance between the two trace minerals is critical to maintaining health (read more). Unlike zinc, copper can readily accumulate in the body into toxic concentrations. In order to maintain adequate zinc levels, a higher dose of zinc compared to copper is required daily. Zinc is only stored for short durations in the blood and bone and is quickly excreted through our urine and fecal matter (read more). Ideally, nutritional biochemist Dr. Paul Eck recommends that the proper intake of copper to zinc should be a 1:8 ratio (read more). When properly concentrated in the right balance, zinc behaves like the bigger brother blocking copper in food and in the body from being absorbed (read more). Fortunately, the foods that are high in zinc, such as meat, seafood, nuts and pumpkin seeds are also very high in copper so you get both of these together in your diet. Signs Of Zinc Deficiency Common symptoms of zinc deficiency and copper/zinc imbalance. If you have any of these symptoms, I would highly recommend you test zinc levels (read more). How To Test The simplest and most cost-effective test is the zinc sulfate taste test. All you do purchase a bottle of zinc sulfate liquid (this is a good one and if that is sold out, try this one here), place a capful in your mouth, and observe the sensations in your mouth. Test zinc levels on a weekly basis to see how you are improving. Below are the possible outcomes and indications: You Notice No Metallic Taste: Zinc Deficiency You Notice A Delayed Metallic Taste: Slight Zinc Deficiency You Notice Slight Metallic Taste: Zinc Levels Are Adequate, But Could Be Higher You Notice Very Strong Metallic Taste: You Likely Have Optimal Zinc Levels You can use your results from the Zinc Sulfate taste test to determine how much supplemental zinc to consume. Optimal Levels If you notice that you are expressing signs of slight to complete zinc deficiency, you will need to be intentional about the foods you eat to drastically increase zinc intake. You will also need to avoid dietary habits that deplete zinc levels like consuming high amounts of sugar, grains, and processed foods. You may also consider taking a multi-vitamin with zinc or taking another supplement that supports your zinc levels. If you are very deficient, you should absolutely take a zinc supplement for a few months to get your levels back to normal. If your results indicate a slight or complete zinc deficiency, 40 mg daily is likely more suitable for you while 20 mg daily may be more suitable for someone who is trying to maintain optimal levels. Remember! Zinc is only stored for short durations in the blood and bone and is quickly excreted through our urine and fecal matter (read more). Alternatively, Get A Thorough Blood Test Getting a thorough blood test on an annual or semi-annual basis is one of the best ways to pick up any underlying health challenges and prevent the development of degenerative disease. The lab markers found on a comprehensive blood analysis can catch potential health problems in their early stages and help one customize health strategies to prevent potential disease development. The comprehensive blood analysis looks at a number of inflammatory markers, blood sugar regulation markers, thyroid, liver, kidney, and immune health as well. You can find out more about the comprehensive blood analysis here.