Deirdre (CT) on 11/08/2020
At least a decade ago, I started writing on Earth Clinic about trying to clear up nail issues on one of my feet. Then about 4 years ago, I started to have a bad rash on the top of my foot that I also wrote about. This rash got worse and worse and worse over time. A bunch of Earth Clinic readers were kind enough to write in suggestions about that one, and two incredibly kind women even sent me homemade herbal ointments to try!
Well, I wanted to report a CURE after all these years. It appears that it was a simple case of zinc deficiency!!
I started to take a zinc/copper supplement this summer and the itchy rash on the top of my foot disappeared after a week. I had managed to get it mostly clear by applying an antifungal OTC to it, but the zinc supplement completely eliminated the rash and I no longer have to apply anything to it.
Then... after 10 or more years, the nail on my big toe has finally grown in PERFECTLY over the past few months. For many years it kept splitting in the middle and looked terrible. I tried a lot of remedies over the years to cure it, including a cheapo apple cider vinegar from Heinz, which dyed my entire foot orange for a while (not kidding, that post is on Earth Clinic).
Now how many people would relate these two issues to a zinc deficiency? I've had issues on that right foot for decades, so I'm guessing I've been zinc deficient for 30+ years. I have never regularly supplemented with zinc, believe it or not!
Got fungal and/or nail issues? Try zinc for 6 months and report back.
Is the copper important? Possibly but I don't know for sure.
Zinc Chloride Kevin (San Jose, California) on 12/07/2013
I have purchased zinc chloride. You have stated that I use zinc chloride as a 5% solution. How do I go about this? What do you mean by 5% concentration? Should I use a teaspoon, tablespoon or what other measurement to do a 5% solution. Should I take it with water or what? I don't know how to go about a 5% solution? Could you help me in my inquiry? Thank you in this matter.
Zinc Side Effects Sunny (Ca) on 10/09/2013
When I take Zinc with food it makes my stomach feel weird, like nausea. Does anyone know how to make this go away? Or has it happened to you? I drank milk and it kind of stopped.
Zinc Citrate Vs. Other Zinc Supplements Trisha (Prince George, Bc) on 12/30/2012
The only zinc our health food store carries is zinc citrate.... What is the difference in the zinc you recommend and zinc citrate? is it worth the $$ and effort to take citrate? will I see any improvement taking citrate or shoud I try to find the other kinds?
Thank you!
Paula (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) on 08/29/2012
I was having persistant diarrhea for a week and researched that in developed countries, they would give zinc to children so that they don't die from the diarrhea.
I tried zinc gluconate 50mg and it stopped my diarrhea. Apparently zinc deficiencies make diarrhea worse.
Zinc Picolinate Vs. Zinc Gluconate Pat (Singapore) on 06/11/2011
hi, I've been reading on Earthclinic.com that zinc supplements can help with acne but there's so many kinds of zinc!
i narrowed it down to either zinc picolinate or gluconate.............. So may I ask which one is more readily absorbed by the body and hence, more effective for acne ?
many thanks!
Zinc for Oral Health (New Supplements Page Created, Thank You!) Rkymtsprt (Missoula, Mt, USA) on 10/29/2009
Hi, I could not find any feedback about Zinc supplements on the Ailments link or the Supplements link. Anyone have fantastic results with it? It seems to be great for my oral health...my gums have stopped bleeding. Been taking one 50 mg tab for two months now.
