3 digestive symptoms warning of zinc deficiency

Zinc is involved in many functions of the body, from the functioning of the immune system to the process of wound healing. The body cannot store zinc, so it needs to be regularly replenished. Zinc deficiency can lead to a variety of health problems.

People with digestive diseases, vegetarians and the elderly are the groups at highest risk of zinc deficiency. Children with zinc deficiency will develop stunted growth and lead to immune disorders, according to the health website Medical News Today (UK).

Lobster, oysters, and crab are foods rich in zinc.

Zinc deficiency can lead to the following digestive problems:

Diarrhea

One of the most common signs of zinc deficiency is diarrhea. Diarrhea caused by digestive diseases will go away after taking medication. However, diarrhea caused by zinc deficiency is prolonged and recurring. People with this condition will not understand why diarrhea lasts so long. The reason is that zinc deficiency reduces the ability of the intestinal mucosa to recover and reduces the ability of the digestive system to absorb water.

Nausea

Zinc deficiency can impair digestive function, causing nausea or indigestion. This is because the lining of the stomach and intestines is affected when zinc is lacking, causing the digestive process to be disrupted.

In fact, zinc is an important component of many digestive enzymes, especially those involved in breaking down food in the stomach and intestines. These enzymes help break down nutrients, making them easier for the body to absorb. For example, the enzyme amylase helps break down starch into sugars, while the enzyme protease helps break down proteins into amino acids.

Loss of appetite

Loss of appetite can be accompanied by a loss of taste and smell. People with this condition will have symptoms similar to anorexia. This is because zinc also contributes to the maintenance of taste and smell. Zinc deficiency affects these functions, leading to loss of appetite.

To avoid zinc deficiency, people should regularly eat zinc-rich foods such as oysters, lobster, crab, beef, chicken, and pork. In addition, plants such as cashews, almonds, chickpeas, and kidney beans are also rich in zinc, according to Medical News Today.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/3-trieu-chung-tieu-hoa-canh-bao-co-the-thieu-chat-kem-18525011619083696.htm