Acne Treatment, In a Shell

From the depths of the ocean comes a product that few have
considered as a possible treatment for acne. However sitting
there in it's shell on the bottom of the ocean, the oyster
possesses some remarkable properties that can have a marked
effect on the progression of acne and other skin disorders.
Fresh oysters are of course delicious but are hard to get and
are not to every ones liking. Oyster extract offers a way to get
all the benefits without the oral sensation.

The reason for this is because the oyster has very high levels
of key trace elements and bioactive enzymes, which can be very
useful in the treatment of acne. One of these is zinc. Not just
any zinc, like the synthetic zinc supplements one finds in the
health food store or pharmacy, but natural, organic, bio
available zinc. And not just zinc alone, but zinc with
co-factors like copper, manganese and selenium. All bound in
protein structures which make them highly bio available.

Do not underestimate the bio availability issue. Zinc uptake is
greatest in the jejunum, which is the part of the intestine
directly after the stomach. However for uptake to occur the zinc
must first bind to active transport molecules. For synthetic
zinc this is a problem, but for zinc from an oyster it is not,
as that zinc is already bound to these transport molecules and
ready for uptake. This raises certain issues about the efficacy
of synthetic zinc supplements.

So why is this zinc so important I hear you say eagerly? Zinc
plays a key role in almost 300 enzyme reactions in the body.
Many of these happen in the skin. For example, zinc enzymes
control the production of collagen and elastin in the skin, both
of which keep it supple and young looking. For acne sufferers
the major issues are the flare-ups and the scarring.

Acne is caused when pores get clogged and sebum production runs
riot. The ensuing infection is what causes the redness and
soreness. The scarring can be permanent in severe cases. Zinc
helps in several ways.

1. Zinc controls the production of vitamin B6. This vitamin in
turn helps regulate the production of sebum.

2. Zinc stimulates the immune system to produce thymulin with
activates T-cells and T4 helper cells. These can help fight any
infections, which might be threatening in an infected follicle.

3. If a flare up has occurred, zinc can reduce scarring as it
is essential for new cell growth and it is involved in many
enzymes, which regulate tissue repair and tissue regeneration.

So how do you know if you are zinc deficient? The World Health
Organisation (WHO) estimates that up to 80% of Western society
may suffer from mild zinc deficiency. It is caused mainly by
poor nutrition and certain groups can be more prone than others
can. Athletes loose more zinc through sweat than normal people
and should therefore be careful about zinc supplementation.
Sexually active males, alcoholics and the elderly are also
groups that have a higher incidence of zinc deficiency than
normal. However poor nutrition and processed foods depleted of
micronutrients are the biggest culprits. This is a big problem
nowadays as corporate agriculture and corporate food processors
are more concerned about profits and less concerned about
nutrient availability in the products they create.

The solution is to seek out fresh ingredients and try to have a
healthy diet. Think Slow Food not Fast Food. Taking a good zinc
supplement is also wise if you suspect you are zinc deficient.
Oyster extract is by far one of the best forms of zinc
supplement available on the market today. However, beware of
cheap products that come from countries with dubious records on
environmental quality. Oysters must be grown in clean waters and
the process must be conscious of preserving the key elements in
high concentrations to be effective.

Some oyster extracts can have 20-30 times less zinc than others
as they process the oysters not for nutrient concentrations but
for bulk yields and profits. The bulkier extracts can be high in
glycogen but low in the micronutrients that can aid acne
treatment. Much research has been carried out on zinc and acne
and the results are very encouraging. If you wish to try an
oyster extract find one that is high in zinc and be prepared to
pay that little extra for the extra benefits you'll receive.
Lastly, try to remember that oyster extract is not just the best
form zinc supplement you can take, it is a whole food supplement
that contains 59 trace elements, vitamins, amino acids and omega
3 & 6 fish oils. Quite a big offering from the little oyster.

About The Author: Stephen Kavanagh is a Marine Biologist and
nutrition activist. His company, Gaia Biotechnology Ltd. is
developing a range of bioactive whole food supplements. To learn
more about the most potent oyster extract powder available, zinc
deficiency, zinc supplements, the benefits of zinc therapy or to
try the product visit http://www.oystermax.com

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