9 Essential Foods for Zinc – And, the Role of Zinc in Treating Hair Loss and Night Blindness

The health benefits of zinc are numerous. It is essential for almost all organs and systems in our body. Zinc stimulates the learning potential of the brain and improves cognitive ability, helps the immune system by stimulating the free radicals, and reduces the stress levels which in turn keep diabetes under control. Lack of zinc in the appropriate proportions in the body leads to various health issues.

Medical researches on zinc and its essentiality in the body state that a man should take about 11 mg and a woman about 8 mg per day for better health. This element will be available in natural diets and you could also take it as a supplement post consulting the physician.

Here are 9 essential 3foods that are rich in zinc and take them on a regular base as part of your balanced diet.

·         Beans – This is the best food for fibre, antioxidants, magnesium, potassium and zinc. Making it part of your diet help you in reducing heart diseases and diabetes.

·         Animal Meat – Red meat is an excellent source of zinc. Balanced consumption of red meat ensures sufficient amounts of zinc in your body.

·      Nuts – The power-packed food with proteins is also rich in healthy fats such as mono and poly-saturated fats, Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc.

·       Fish – Fish is full of health essentials such as Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin D and Vitamin E, and minerals such as calcium, potassium and zinc.

·      Seafood - Crabs, clams, lobsters, oysters and other seafood are low in cholesterols and excellent sources of zinc and other minerals just as fish.

·       Dairy Products – Ensure Milk, yoghurt and other dairy products are consumed daily as they are good sources of zinc.

·       Seeds – Sesame and pumpkin seeds are excellent sources for zinc. You could consume them raw or eat the boiled ones. However, roasting decreases the zinc levels.

·         Fruits – A complete diet is incomplete without fruits. Consume pomegranates, avocados, berries and bananas as natural zinc supplements.

·        Mushroom – Similar to spinach, mushrooms are high in zinc. People who don’t like any of the foods mentioned above can choose mushrooms as an alternative.

Zinc plays a significant role in maintaining a healthy life. Deficiency of it may lead to various health issues such as reduced bone strength, immunity and infections. Zinc also works as the best treatment for Alopecia (Hair loss) and night blindness, the two major health issues faced by many due to stress and untreated short-sightedness, respectively.

·         Alopecia – This is a condition of excessive hair loss occurred due to stress, sedentary lifestyle and excess use of chemicals or drugs. One way to address this issue is taking a balanced diet and food that is rich in beta-carotene and zinc. The essential nutrients for healthy hair such as biotin, Vitamin C and iron, along with zinc work as a great supplement for hair regrowth. Doctors may prescribe zinc capsules as an additional supplement in case of high-deficiency of this mineral. Scientific researchers have proven that zinc works as the best treatment for hair loss, especially in the children.  

·         Night Blindness – It is a condition where the person could not see during night time. Conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa, untreated short-sightedness and cataracts may lead to night blindness. The treatment for this condition depends on the reason of it. Doctor may prescribe glasses or medications for glaucoma. However, with regular consumption of zinc, this condition can be prevented from advancing as Vitamin A needs zinc in functioning effectively.

Zinc is essential for our body in every aspect. Ensure this mineral is available in your regular diet and avoid various medical issues.   

How do you prepare yourself for Gamma Knife Surgery?

The Gamma Knife surgery is a non-invasive, advanced radiation therapy focused on small to medium-sized tumours located in the brain. Unlike as suggested in name the procedure does not include surgical incision but involves radiation therapy with single, many beams of high-intensity gamma radiation, targeted very precisely to destroy a tumour.

Basically, the Gamma Knife treatment includes six steps:

      Preparation

Applying the frame

Imaging studies

Treatment planning

Gamma Knife treatment

Recovery

Since this is a non-invasive procedure, surgical risks are eliminated and can be performed in a day or two without hampering much of the daily activity. If you have been scheduled for a gamma surgery, you may feel apprehensive. You need not feel anxious as the preparation is quite simple and involve only a few steps.  

Preparation prior to the day of the therapy

The preparation starts, a day prior the scheduled gamma knife surgery. Depending on your medical findings, doctors may recommend certain medications which should be taken positively.  It is advised to fast for eight hours before the treatment. So, preferably don’t eat anything after midnight.  In case you witness any abnormal pain, immediately inform the doctor.

Wash your hair using shampoo and refrain from using any product other than shampoo. It is good to take adequate sleep, so try sleeping early.

Make sure you have a family member or a friend who can accompany you to the hospital, stay at the hospital during the entire treatment.  

Preparation on the day of treatment

The procedure usually takes a day and you will be discharged the next day. It is good to wear comfortable and relaxing clothes.  Remove all your accessories, contact lenses, hairpieces, dentures and avoid any makeup products. Make sure you reach the hospital within time. Before you change into the hospital gown it is best to empty your bladder.

Applying the Frame

The head is cleaned at the position where the stereotactic frame is placed.  The local anaesthetics are administered at the pinpoints of the frame to achieve numbness in these areas, following which the head frame is placed. A slight discomfort may be felt at the time of administration of anaesthesia and frame insertion but this will last only for a short duration. 

Imaging Studies

Subsequently, after frame attachment, imaging studies are performed to trace the exact location of a tumour.  The imaging tools may include computed tomography (CT) scan, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, or a cerebral angiogram. The images obtained from these are used by the team to plan the specialized treatment.

Treatment Planning

On completion of the imaging, you are allowed to relax and take rest for some time; meanwhile, the team works on the treatment plan.  

Gamma Knife Treatment

When the team is ready with the treatment plan, you will be assisted to the gamma knife area. The nurse will instruct you to lie down on the bed. In most of the patients, a blood pressure cuff, oxygen monitor and EKG monitor is connected to monitor vital signs.  A special helmet, known as collimator helmet, is fitted over the stereotactic frame. After making all the necessary arraignments for the initiation of the treatment, the team will leave the room. You will also be observed with a video monitor.

Recovery

Upon completion of the therapy session, the stereotactic frame is removed and a sterile dressing is applied at the pin insertion points. You may have a headache or nausea after the treatment.  You can communicate with the nurse and get medicines. Most of the patients will be discharged the next day.  You can return to your normal activities, eat and drink as per your mood and choice.