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Show Nelson Says Zinc Deficiency Can Cause Problems Fitness Tips by Dr. Dale Nelson Professor of Health, Physcial Education and Recreation, Utah State University Logan - Not long ago I mentioned that zinc deficiency has recently been reported in a study of distance runners. run-ners. Now, Dr. Irving M. Bush and a fews of his colleagues have done some interesting research concerning the effects of zinc deficiency defi-ciency on the prostate. This came to my attention atten-tion in the monthly medical newsletter, Medical Update and Health Digest. Dr. Bush's group treated 19 patients with enlarged prostates pro-states with oral zinc and reported shir-nkage shir-nkage of the prostate and a reduction in symptoms in 14 which isn't a bad batting average. Dr. Bush postulates that "zinc is to the prostate pro-state what iodine is to the thyroid." He has also found that supplemental sup-plemental zinc can correct cor-rect a typ-e of infertility infertili-ty caused by a sluggish slug-gish sperm and low semen zinc level. A final reported comment com-ment relates to the FDA is now recognizing recogniz-ing that we are a zinc deficient society and that supplementation may be necessary for good health. I'n not one to recommend recom-mend the "shotgun" approach and have -:ioi i everyone add zinc to the diet, but there does appear to be sufficient evidence to aleat us to the fact that many people peo-ple ought to at least consult with competent compe-tent medical people on a need for more zinc. More on Salt and Hypertension. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have discovered more than a grain of truth in the long held belief that salt restriction can dramatically reduce high blood pressure. In a five year study, the hosptial monitored 4,000 hypertensive patients pa-tients who, instead of receiving the usual drug therapy, were simply placed on low salt, low calorie diets. Results showed that the diet alone reversed high blood pressure in 85 percent of the mild cases and in 52 percent of the severe cases. It showed beyond a doubt that salt restriction restric-tion should be the first line of defense for the estimated 24 million Americans who are afflicted af-flicted with hypertension. hyperten-sion. I hasten to add that losing weight and getting get-ting lean should be the sec ond line of defense. A low salt diet is not the whole answer because most people do not have a complete understanding of the food they eat. Much of our procesed food is too high in salt to begin with, and there is also a need to restrict cholesterol, saturated fat and, by all means, calories. It is estimated that the hypertension death rate could be reduced by at least 20 percent if we would take this advice. That's a pretty good enticement, don't you think. Varicose Veins Invariably, as I talk to groups on fitness I field questions on varicose veins and activity. ac-tivity. Many people with a varicose condition condi-tion die when blood clots in the legs migrate to the lungs. The solution is to keep blood pumping through the legs and to avoid anything that impedes blood flow. A brisk walk for short period several times during the day will assure adequate circulation cir-culation and the spin off fitness benefits are obvious. When possible, possi-ble, walk barefoot around the house and wear shoes that allow the feet to be exercised as 'yotf walk. Heat is bad for varicose veins because it relaxes muscles and hinders blood flow, so avoid sun bathing and hot baths. A cold shower morning and night with spray on the legs will increase blood flow in the calves by as much as 25 percent, per-cent, so keep cool and step lively. Be a person "on the move." |