Zinc & Digestive Health

Digestive enzymes depend on a number of minerals.

​One of those minerals is zinc.

Zinc helps to activate these digestive enzymes, ensuring your meal is fully broken down and nutrients are absorbed so they can be utilized by the body. ​

Zinc also strengthens the barrier of the gut wall, making it an indispensable trace mineral for those experiencing leaky gut.

Zinc is the second most abundant naturally-occurring mineral in the body and therefore responsible for a variety of functions and biochemical reactions. Other roles that zinc is involved in include boosting immunity, supporting fertility (important for men and women), regulating blood sugar, helping to stop or prevent diarrhea in certain situations, and supporting liver health.

The highest dietary sources of zinc are found in animal-based foods. Particularly good sources include the organs and flesh of beef, pork, poultry, fish and shellfish (oysters contain more zinc per serving than any other food!). Lesser amounts are found in eggs, dairy products, beans, nuts.

Zinc can also be taken as a supplement and can commonly be found as a stand-alone supplement or as part of a multivitamin. Speak to your doctor or holistic health care provider if you think zinc supplementation might be right for you!
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*You can read more about zinc and gut health at the Canadian Society of Intestinal Research