Making sure the body has enough zinc may not be as simple as eating foods rich in the mineral. An undetected parasite infection could be depriving the body of zinc. At the same time, a zinc deficiency enables parasites to thrive in the body. The end result can be unpleasant mental and physical symptoms — like bloating, diarrhea, fatigue, insomnia, irritability, and poor immunity. (1, 2)

By addressing parasites via a cleanse, the zinc level may be just what your patients need. It’s important to understand why the body needs zinc, how it’s linked with parasites, and what you can do to help your patients maintain healthy zinc levels.

Why Zinc Is Essential

As an essential trace mineral, zinc is needed for: (3, 4)

  • Growth and development
  • Immune system functioning
  • Intestinal transport of water and electrolytes
  • Nervous system signaling
  • Reproduction
  • Sense of taste and smell
  • Vision
  • Wound healing

Zinc is also necessary for the activation of over 300 enzymes and almost 2,000 transcription factors. The latter are molecules involved with the expression of the genesis, which help turn the genes on or off. (5)

Lastly, as part of zinc’s role in immune system function, it is needed to fight off pathogens, including parasites. If individuals have a zinc deficiency, the body’s natural ability to perform all these functions is significantly compromised. (6)

Zinc Levels Needed 

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for zinc is: (3)

  • Women: 8 milligrams (mg) per day
  • Men: 11 mg per day

The RDAs for zinc differ for very young children and for pregnant or breastfeeding women (lactation can deplete maternal zinc stores). However, there’s no change in requirement as one ages. Still, older age is a risk factor for deficiency of zinc, typically due to reduced absorption. (3, 7)

The body requires daily intake of zinc because it doesn’t have easily-accessed zinc storage. It is found in all the body organs, including the liver and bones. However, because these stores do not give zinc very quickly or readily when it’s needed elsewhere, people need to get zinc in their diet regularly. (3, 8)

According to a U.S. dietary survey, the average daily zinc intake of adults is 12.3 mg per day. This is generally adequate. Still, due to diet, health status, and other factors, your patients may not meet their individual needs. (9, 10)

Globally, zinc deficiency may be as high as 25%. It’s particularly common in developing countries where good dietary sources of zinc are limited. It’s also very hard to measure zinc levels in the body because it moves both inside and outside the cells. (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)

Risk Factors for Zinc Deficiency

A rare genetic disorder called acrodermatitis enteropathica results in chronic zinc deficiency due to poor absorption. Chances are your patients do not have that. For most people, zinc deficiency results from any one or more of a wide variety of reasons. (12)

Based on human and animal studies, the following factors may increase the risk of zinc deficiency:

  • Age 75 or older (14)
  • Alcoholism or alcoholic liver disease (15)
  • Anxiety (16)
  • Candida albicans infection (17)
  • Chronic kidney disease (18) 
  • Depression (19)
  • Diet high in grains and legumes (12)
  • Heavy metal toxicity (20)
  • High-stress lifestyle (21, 22)
  • Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (12)
  • Intake of artificial food colors (23)
  • Malabsorption syndromes, such as celiac disease and short bowel syndrome (12)
  • Medications, such as some antacids, antibiotics, anticonvulsants, anti-inflammatories, and proton pump inhibitors (12, 24, 25)
  • Parasitic infection (1)
  • Severe or persistent diarrhea (12)
  • Strenuous exercise (26)

Zinc Deficiency and Parasites

When someone is zinc deficient, they are prone to infections, including parasitic infections. At the same time, parasites may contribute to zinc deficiency. Even if someone doesn’t think they have symptoms of parasites, they could still be infected. (27)

Parasitic infections commonly begin in the gut. At first, parasites penetrate the intestinal wall, can damage the gut lining, and may interfere with absorption of nutrients — including zinc. Then, the parasites may work their way deeper into muscles, organs, and tissues and may remain unnoticed for decades. (1, 28)

Many parasite species have developed ways to avoid specific immune defenses or simply aren’t affected by them at all, which is especially true when individuals are zinc-deficient. (29)

Zinc deficiency weakens gut defenses

The gut wall is the first line of defense against parasites ingested orally, as well as the toxins they produce. This function is the reason why the intestinal wall is part of the gastrointestinal immune system.

The gut is partially made up of specialized lymphatic tissue called gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). It’s estimated that up to 70% of all the body’s immune cells reside there. (30)

Research in animals shows that zinc deficiency can cause GALT to shrivel up. As the lymphatic tissue shrinks, so do the number of immune cells protecting the body. Fewer immune cells makes it easier for the parasites to multiply and spread. (2)

The weakened gut immune response to parasites can lead to immune system breakdowns in other parts of the body as well, like the spleen. (31)

High inflammation lowers zinc level

If your patient is in the throes of a battle against parasites, their body naturally sends out immune cells to combat them, which results in inflammation. But, if too much inflammation occurs, zinc levels may drop even more because zinc is needed to form interleukin-6 (IL-6), a protein that aids in the inflammatory immune response. (32)

Additionally, IL-6 triggers the liver to hold on to zinc to ensure the body will have a zinc pool to draw on when confronted with a challenge like parasites. But this trigger means lower circulating zinc levels to support the body’s vital life processes. (33, 34)

It’s a conundrum, but individuals can solve it by getting the zinc they need and doing a parasite cleanse. 

How Zinc Helps Against Parasites

If there is enough zinc in the body, it’s better equipped to fight parasites. The body is also better able to deal with the many undesirable side effects of a parasitic infection.

More specifically, zinc helps:

  1. Combat leaky gut. Some parasites cause increased intestinal permeability or leaky gut. Zinc promotes the normal functioning of the gut barrier. (35, 36)
  2. Enhance mitochondrial function. Zinc is essential for the mitochondria to produce energy. Parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii (which is carried by cats) can cause this cellular energy to malfunction. (37, 38, 39)
  3. Enhance sleep. Some parasites can disrupt sleep, and zinc can improve sleep. (40, 41, 42)
  4. Fend off other infections. Parasites can weaken the immune system defenses against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Zinc guards against weakness in the immune system. (43, 44)
  5. Heal wounds. Parasites can damage tissues. Zinc supports healing, such as in the areas damaged by parasites. (45)
  6. Prevent hair loss. Individuals can experience hair loss during a parasite cleanse or due to the infection. Zinc helps combat hair loss. (46)
  7. Reduce inflammation. A byproduct of the immune system’s defense against parasites is inflammation. An intake of zinc helps decrease inflammation. (47)
  8. Remove ammonia toxins. Some parasites, including the single-celled critter that causes malaria, secrete high amounts of ammonia. This toxin can damage organs, and zinc can help reduce the ammonia load. (48, 49)
  9. Restore thyroid function. Parasites such as Blastocystis hominis, a microscopic organism, may disrupt thyroid function. Zinc helps maintain healthy levels of thyroid hormones. (50, 51, 52)
  10. Stabilize mood. Parasites can disrupt the levels of neurotransmitters and alter mood. Zinc helps regulate emotions. (24)

How to Know If Zinc Levels Are Low

If your patients are thinking about doing a parasite cleanse, make sure they are functioning with optimal zinc levels beforehand. This will help ensure the best results from the cleanse.

To figure out if a zinc status is good, start by looking at an individual’s diet to see if it regularly includes good sources of zinc. Additionally, several tests to assess zinc status are available, but they have limitations because the results may not be completely accurate. So, keep that in mind when deciding if you want to test zinc levels. (10)

Some of the more common ways to test zinc status, including factors that can skew results, include:

  • Blood plasma — This is the most widely used test of zinc status, but several factors can impact the results. Plasma zinc can fluctuate up to 20% depending on the time of day. Also, fasting increases plasma zinc level, and inflammation lowers it. (53, 54)
  • Hair — Analysis of a hair sample looks at zinc status long-term rather than the current status, and results can vary with the lab where it’s sent. A small study found that only one of three labs for hair analysis produced results that matched a blood plasma test. (55, 56)
  • Urine — Normally, people lose about 15% of zinc via urine daily. When the body is low on zinc, it holds on to as much as it can. So, low zinc in urine — collected over a 24-hour period — might suggest a deficiency. Some diseases, diuretic drugs, and other factors may skew the results. (57, 58)
  • Zinc taste test — To do this test, you put a zinc sulfate liquid into the mouth. If someone quickly gets a strong and unpleasant taste, it indicates good zinc status. If someone doesn’t taste anything, it suggests a zinc deficiency. This test is somewhat subjective, but it’s inexpensive and easy to do. (59, 60)

Some practitioners use functional medicine blood tests to assess micronutrient status, including zinc. These tests are developed and patented by specific companies. For example, one test assesses zinc status by looking at lymphocyte (white blood cell) function.

How to Raise Zinc Levels

Though your patients may have suboptimal zinc levels or even a deficiency, there are many ways you can help them restore their zinc status.

To prevent or correct a zinc deficiency, patients can:

  • Do a parasite cleanse
  • Increase intake of zinc
  • Reduce factors that cause zinc loss

5 ways to reduce zinc loss

To help conserve the body’s zinc, have patients try to follow most or all of these strategies every day.

1. Skip added sugars 

Zinc is needed to help metabolize sugar, as well as other carbohydrates and macronutrients. But, whole-food carbs like broccoli and sweet potatoes do not deplete zinc. That’s because they bring along micronutrients to make up for what the body uses to process them. (61) 

Unfortunately, added sugars aren’t the same. They tax the system — especially the pancreas — without contributing micronutrients like zinc. (62) 

2. Limit or avoid alcohol 

Drinking alcohol can increase the excretion of zinc, so individuals who are heavy drinkers could have a zinc deficiency. To avoid this source of zinc loss, encourage these individuals to drink non-alcoholic (and non-sugary) beverages instead. This approach will also ease the burden on the liver since it has to metabolize this health-robbing substance. (15)

3. Check zinc-medication interactions

Some medications interact with zinc and may contribute to zinc deficiency. In some cases, drugs reduce the absorption of zinc, particularly from supplements. And certain medications can increase zinc loss via urine. (3)

So, check to see if any prescribed drugs for patients could impact zinc. In some cases, taking the zinc supplement several hours before or after medications will prevent interactions.

Examples of drugs that may reduce zinc levels or interact with zinc in other ways include: (12, 24, 25) 

  • Antibiotics
  • Antacids
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Anti-inflammatories 
  • Antiretrovirals
  • Diuretics  
  • Proton pump inhibitors

4. Reduce stress

Zinc deficiency may reduce the body’s ability to handle stress. However, simultaneously, low zinc leads to an increased stress response. (21, 22)

Sometimes the body’s zinc level cannot handle the constant barrage of stressors from trying to do so many tasks all at once. This is a good spot to emphasize to your patients taking time for self-care. Getting enough sleep and taking time out for some deep-breathing exercises or meditation can help them navigate stress better. 

Also, have them examine their lives and see what they can take off their to-do list. This may not only help remedy their zinc deficiency, their overall health could improve too.

5. Remove heavy metals

People are exposed to dangerous heavy metals like lead and mercury in many different ways, such as via air pollution and contaminated fish. Even plant-based foods like leafy greens and whole grains can be contaminated with the toxic form of heavy metals, such as cadmium. (63)

Parasites are sources of heavy metals, too. Parasites in fish may contain high metal toxicity levels. So, when eating certain fish, people can consume the heavy metals from the parasites. (64) 

The toxic state of the metals often accumulate in the brain or bones. But, before they do that, the toxicity interferes with essential trace metals and minerals, including zinc, and can block the body’s absorption or use of the minerals. (65) 

Certain carbon-based binders, such as Carbon Technology, can help remove harmful, inorganic heavy metals. This unique carbon can enter the cells — including in the brain — to clear away toxic levels of cadmium and mercury. Carbon Technology also helps balance zinc and other minerals in the body. (66, 67)

Additionally, if individuals have heavy metal contamination from parasites, a parasite cleanse will help reduce the toxic heavy metal body burden. 

Increasing Zinc Intake

Individuals can increase their zinc intake through a wide variety of foods, as well as supplements if needed.

Address Candida 

An overgrowth of candida can absorb the zinc meant for body function. So, even if your patients’ zinc intake is adequate, they could still be deficient in the mineral if they have chronic infections. 

Food sources of zinc

Many animal foods, such as grass-fed meat and organic chicken (particularly dark meat), are good sources of zinc. Plus, it’s highly bioavailable from these foods.

Legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains also contain a fair amount of zinc. But, phytates and other natural compounds in these foods reduce its absorption, while sprouted versions of these foods have less phytate. If plant-based foods are your patients only source of zinc, they might need a supplement. (3, 33)

Here’s how much zinc is in a sampling of foods based on the Daily Value (DV) of 11 mg — (70, 71)

  • 4 ounces (oz.) grass-fed beef steak: 4 mg (36% DV) 
  • 1 oz. dried pumpkin seeds: 2.2 mg (20% DV) 
  • 1 oz. roasted cashews: 1.6 mg (15% DV) 
  • 6 oz. plain, low-fat yogurt: 1.5 mg (14% DV) 
  • 1 cup cooked oatmeal: 1.4 mg (13% DV) 
  • 3 oz. cooked, skinless chicken thigh: 1.3 mg (12% DV) 
  • ½ cup cooked garbanzo beans: 1.2 mg (11% DV) 
  • 1 large egg: 0.6 mg (5% DV)

A lab study suggests pumpkin seed extracts may help fight off parasitic worms. Whole pumpkin seeds haven’t been tested for this purpose. (72)

Supplementing zinc

Do you suspect your patients diet is low in zinc or do they have one or more risk factors for zinc deficiency? If so, it may be wise for them to take a zinc supplement, such as zinc citrate or zinc glycinate. Studies suggest these are well-absorbed forms. Zinc oxide is not absorbed as well. (73, 74)

Remind your patients that taking more zinc isn’t necessarily better when it comes to zinc supplements.  Regularly getting too much supplemental zinc may weaken the immune system. Excess zinc may also lead to copper deficiency because high zinc intakes can inhibit the absorption of copper. (75, 76) 

The tolerable upper intake level for zinc is 40 mg per day (364% of the Daily Value) from food and supplements combined. That means you generally shouldn’t exceed this amount. An exception is if an individual has been diagnosed with zinc deficiency. In that case, as a practitioner, you will want to work closely with your patient until the deficiency is corrected. (9, 77)

It’s important for individuals to check zinc supplements to see what percent of the Daily Value they provide per dose, especially since zinc from food contributes to the daily quota.

Lastly, it’s generally best to take zinc supplements on an empty stomach, if your patient tolerates that. This will help avoid interference from phytates and other compounds that reduce zinc absorption. (78)  

Tip the Scales in Favor of Zinc

Many things can increase the risk of zinc deficiency, including a parasitic infection. Parasites compete against the body’s efforts to maintain a healthy level of this essential nutrient.

Moreover, when individuals are low on zinc and facing other health challenges, parasites can easily get the upper hand. 

To reduce your patients risk of zinc deficiency, have them take proactive steps such as limiting sugar and reducing stress. At the same time, boost their intake of zinc.

Increasing zinc levels will go a long way toward strengthening the body so that it can better fight off parasite infections. Most importantly, encourage patients to do a parasite cleanse to rid themselves of the critters that are zapping their zinc and burdening their health.