What are minerals? Minerals are chemicals needed in small amounts by the body to perform various functions. The body cannot make them itself so we must get these minerals from the foods we eat.
Why do we need them? Without minerals we would not be able to perform certain vital functions in the body. We need varying amounts of these minerals in order to maintain body functions and good health. Examples of common minerals we use are:
Calcium: Needed for strong bones and teeth. Our bodies need it throughout our lives. The times we need it the most are in growth periods, which occur in childhood. Women also need more in pregnancy and when breast-feeding.
Iron: In the blood?helps us carry oxygen from the lungs via our blood stream to the rest of the body. It also gives us more energy. Iron is found in the red blood cells. Fluoride: Contains elements that are believed to help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay.
Sodium (as in sodium chloride): Sodium is an electrolyte. It is essential for the balance of fluids in the body. Too much salt in the diet can cause many ailments and malfunctions of the body. The most common are high blood pressure and fluid retention.
Sulfur: A key element in our bodies and one of the components in protein. As such, it is essential for us to make amino acids in the body.
Potassium: Potassium is also a vital element for the body to maintain fluid balance. It helps with muscle contractions, sending nerve impulses, and releasing energy during metabolism.
Phosphorous: Essential to all life and vital to the molecular construction of DNA and RNA. It also helps to transport cellular energy in living cells.
Magnesium: One of the elements that make up the nucleic acid of cells. It helps enzymes perform their catalytic actions.
Iodine: A trace element vital to our thyroid gland functions. This regulates our metabolism.
Lack of minerals:
Lack of iron: Will cause iron deficiency anemia, which results in a decrease of hemoglobin, which allows the body to absorb oxygen. Symptoms of lack of iron will be weakness, giddiness, and a considerable lack of energy.
Lack of calcium: Will result in deterioration of bones and teeth.Long-term calcium deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, in which the bone deteriorates and there is an increased risk of fractures.
Fluoride: When the body has less fluoride, this can lead to deterioration in bones and teeth.
Potassium: Shortage of this element can cause a life threatening condition known as hypokalemia. Symptoms include weakness, paralytic ileus, arrhythmia, deceased reflux response, and respiratory paralysis. Deficiency is often caused by diarrhea and vomiting.
Magnesium: Deficiency can produce muscle spasms, high blood pressure, anxiety, and heart problems. It is can be brought on by alcholism and taking diuretics.
Iodine: Lack of iodine results in a condition known as goiter. It can also lead to mental retardation. Iodine is added to table salt to prevent deficiencies.
Salt: Too much or too little of this mineral can cause dizziness, muscle cramps, and electrolyte disturbances.
Where can we find them?
Foods containing common minerals:
? Dairy products and green leafy vegetables?calcium
? Nuts, soy beans, and pure cocoa?magnesium
? Table salt (sodium chloride, the main source), milk and spinach?sodium
? Legumes, whole grains, and bananas?potassium
? Table salt (main dietary source)?chlorine
? Meat, eggs, and legumes?sulfur
? Red meat, leafy vegetables (especially spinach)?iron
As you can see minerals are a vital part of our diet. Most of them can be found in the common foods we eat. We do not need a huge amount of the elements, but without them we would not be functioning correctly and could even die. It is important to eat a healthy balanced diet to ensure we have all these vital minerals included in our diets.
Zach Thompson is a Glyconutrients Representative. You can get a free Glyconutrients consultation by visiting Glyconutrients. Clinical studies have shown that glyconutrients can help balance your immune system. | |
