Will Zinc shorten the life of your cold?
When you have a cold, people are full of advice on how to overcome the symptoms. Instructions include drinking plenty of fluids, get plenty of rest, eat chicken soup, and avoid the cold. Amongst all of the helpful recommendations you may also be advised to try the nutrient Zinc. Zinc is credited with the ability to shorten the life of your cold. Some studies have found that it can actually cut the time by almost half. But there are some things you should keep in mind when considering using Zinc as a cold remedy.
• Zinc must be taken within 24 hours of the onset of your cold to be effective. You must respond quickly to the initial onset of symptoms. Otherwise the Zinc will be ineffectual.
• Zinc has not been found to prevent a cold from occurring. Taking Zinc as a preventive measure is futile.
• Zinc has been found to lower your good (HDL) cholesterol levels.
• Zinc may also suppress the functioning of the immune system.
• Some individuals that have taken Zinc reported feeling nauseous.
• Studies still haven’t determined if there is the possibility that too much Zinc could cause adverse medical effects.
Basically, studies have shown there is a positive link between taking Zinc within the first 24 hours of the onset of a cold and the duration of the cold. Zinc lozenges taken every two hours can produce results. If you do not catch the cold within this window, it may not be advisable to try the treatment. And try to limit the duration of time you utilize Zinc as a cold remedy since researchers have not come to a conclusive determination on the possible adverse effects.
