Category: Minerals

Arsenic – Benefits, Deficiency Symptoms And Food Sources

By

Arsenic

Acid/Alkaline :: Acid-forming

What is Arsenic?

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element widely distributed in the earth’s crust. In the environment, arsenic is combined with oxygen, chlorine, and sulfur to form inorganic arsenic compounds. Arsenic in animals and plants combines with carbon and hydrogen to form organic arsenic compounds.

Uses and Benefits of Arsenic

The role of arsenic in the body is unknown. In animal studies, arsenic was essential for growth, development, and reproduction, possibly because of its role in the metabolism of methionine, an amino acid involved in growth. Has a “garlic” odor when burned. Stored mostly in the liver. Excreted in urine. Possible uses in the body: skin, hair, nails, thyroid gland and brain.

Deficiency Symptoms of Arsenic

Arsenic settles in the muscles and the brain (dislodging phosphorus). Sweet metallic taste, garlicky odor to breath and stools, constriction of throat, constant backache (causes chiropractic adjustments not to hold), fatigue, low vitality, difficulties in swallowing, burning sensation (inflammation) in eyes, throat and chest, enlargement of tonsils, muscle spasms, pain in muscles of the back, listlessness, loss of pain sensation, loss of body hair, skin color changes (dark spots) gastroenteritis.

Toxicity: Metabolic inhibitor (reduces energy production efficiency), cellular and enzyme poison. Constricts the throat and causes muscle spasms. An extreme “nerve” toxin. Anorexia. Ingesting high levels can result in death. Breathing high levels of inorganic arsenic can give you a sore throat or irritated lungs. Also, nausea, vomiting, decreased production of red and white blood cells, abnormal heart rhythm, damage to blood vessels, and a sensation of “pins and needles” in hands and feet. Also, constant backache.

Rich Food Sources of Arsenic

Water, air and soil.

Toxic sources: Fish, grains and cereals, coal burning, pesticides, insecticides (via a chemical called arsenoxide), herbicides, defoliants, metal work, manufacture of glass and mirrors, tobacco smoke, dental compounds for root canal fillings. Also, breathing sawdust or burning smoke from wood treated with arsenic, living near uncontrolled hazardous waste sites, eating food, drinking water, or breathing air containing arsenic. Inorganic arsenic compounds are used to preserve wood.

Useful References

| Minerals | No comments

Sulfur – Benefits, Deficiency Symptoms And Food Sources

By

Sulfur

Acid/Alkaline :: Acid-forming

What is Sulfur?

Sulphur is a pale yellow, non-metallic element. It is an acid-forming mineral that is part of the chemical structure of the amino acids methionine, cysteine, taurine, and glutathione, sulfur disinfects the blood, helps the body to resist bacteria, and protects the protoplasm of cells . It is found in all body tissues, and is needed for the synthesis of collagen, a principal protein that gives the skin its structural integrity.

Uses and Benefits of Sulfur

  • Sulfur disinfects the blood, helps the body to resist bacteria, and protects the protoplasm of cells.
  • It aids in necessary oxidation reactions in the body, stimulates bile secretion, and protects against toxic substances.
  • Because of its ability to protect against the harmful effects of radiation and pollution, sulfur slows down the aging process.
  • It is needed for the synthesis of collagen, a principal protein that gives the skin its structural integrity.
  • Needed for hair, nails, insulin, cartilage, and blood. Aids digestion and elimination. Oxidizing agent in hemoglobin.

Recommended Dosage of Sulfur

There is no official Recommended Dietary Allowance or Dietary Reference Intake for this mineral but as a guideline, you need more than 100 mg of sulfur per day.

Deficiency Symptoms of Sulfur

Restricted growth, eczema, dermatitis, poor growth of nails and hair or brittle hair and nails.

Toxicity: Increased cardiac risk. Unlikely to threaten life.

Rich Food Sources of Sulfur

Kale, turnip, Brussels sprouts, dried beans, cabbage, cauliflower, garlic, onions, raspberry, kelp, broccoli, lettuce, wheat germ, etc.

Toxic sources: Hair permanents, straighteners, some conditioners can affect sulfur levels.

Note: Sulfur is known to protect cells from the toxic effects of heavy metals. Also, tobacco decreases absorption.

Useful References

| Minerals | No comments

Sodium – Benefits, Deficiency Symptoms And Food Sources

By

Sodium

Acid/Alkaline :: Alkaline-forming

What is Sodium?

Sodium is one mineral you don’t need to worry about getting enough of. Sodium is a mineral that is present only in small quantities in most natural foods, but salt is added, often in large amounts, in food processing and by cooks to enhance flavour. Sodium is the predominant ion in extracellular fluid. Sodium is an electrolyte that plays a crucial role in maintaining blood pressure . It is soft and malleable. It is normally found inside the body and outside it in combination with other elements.

Uses and Benefits of Sodium

  • Sodium functions with chloride and bicarbonate to maintain a balance of positive and negative ions (electrically charged particles) in our body fluids and tissues.
  • An essential body electrolyte. A principle cation (positively charged ion) for intra- (inter) cellular activities and homeostasis.
  • Sodium also helps to keep calcium and other minerals soluble in the blood, as well as stimulating the adrenal glands.
  • Plays a major role in the osmotic pressure of a cell, thus affecting water and nutritional utilization by cells.
  • Involved in muscular contraction.
  • Plays a role in carbohydrate and protein metabolism; plays a role in glucose catabolism (breakdown) and glycogen formation (glucose storage); plays a role in neuro- (electrical) transmission through the nervous system (affecting conductivity of a cell); and plays a role in normal heart rhythms.
  • Sodium is vital component of nerves as it stimulates muscle contraction.

Recommended Dosage of Sodium

The minimum Recommended Dosage Allowance of Sodium are :-

  • Adult – 500 mg.
  • Children – 400 mg.

Deficiency Symptoms of Sodium

Sodium deficiency symptoms include muscle weakness and muscle shrinkage, twitching, fatigue, poor concentration, memory loss, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, arthritis, nerve pain, digestive distress, poor adrenal function, and weight loss. These are usually a result of starvation or severe fasting, vomiting, dry skin, allergies, low blood pressure, constipation, perspiration or diarrhea. A severe deficiency of sodium chloride could cause dehydration and death.

Toxicity: A diet high in sodium is linked to hypertension (and restriction of sodium lowers blood pressure). Diets in the U.S. contain excessive amounts of sodium (as much as 15 times the recommended daily intake).

Rich Food Sources of Sodium

All fruits and vegetables, especially dark green leafy ones, carrots, celery, watermelon, strawberries, apples, huckle­berries, gooseberries, cauliflower, asparagus, salt (all types), cucumbers, beets, okra, pumpkin, string beans, kelp/dulse.

Toxic sources: Most processed foods, water supplies.

Note: Diuretic drugs are the chief offenders in throwing off excess sodium from the body. Excessive sweating can reduce sodium in the body to low levels. Also, low sodium may be indicative of reduced adrenal cortex function. Sodium has a strong affinity for Oxygen.

Useful References

| Minerals | No comments

Potassium – Benefits, Deficiency Symptoms And Food Sources

By

potassium

Acid/Alkaline :: Alkaline -forming

What is Potassium ?

Potassium is the third most abundant mineral in the body and is considered an electrolyte. The human body has about a 4 1/2 ounce supply and most of it is located inside muscle cells. Potassium is an electrolyte (a substance that maintains your body’s fluid levels), this mineral helps regulate blood pressure and heart function. Research shows that increasing your potassium intake can lower your blood pressure. Those individuals with existing hypertension, as well as those just looking to keep their blood pressure in check, can benefit from potassium.

Uses and Benefits of Potassium

  • Balances body fluids, regulates nervous and muscular irritability.
  • Aids in formation of glycogen from glucose, fats from glycogen, proteins from pep tones and pro teases.
  • Potassium helps control convulsions, headaches and migraines, promotes faster healing of cuts, bruises and other injuries and generally contributes to a sense of well being.
  • May cure acne, allergies, alcoholism, heart disease and help to heal burns.
  • Potassium also regulates water balance and assists recuperative powers.
  • Body builders use a “potassium load” to give their muscles more energy but there is no scientific proof of its effectiveness.

Recommended Dosage of Potassium

The minimum Recommended Dosage Allowance of Potassium are :-

  • Adult – 2000 mg.
  • Children – 1500 mg.

Deficiency Symptoms of Potassium

Heart arrhythmias, shortness of breath, weakness in muscles, poor digestion and utilization. Slowed growth, paralysis, sterility, mental apathy and confusion, kidney damage. Dry skin, acne, chills, insomnia, decreased reflex response, glucose intolerance. Potassium deficiency can occur with chronic diarrhea, vomiting, diabetic acidosis, kidney disease, or prolonged use of laxatives or diuretics.

Toxicity: Excess intake of potassium can cause high concentration of the element in blood, disturbances in heart and kidney function, and alterations in fluid balance. Fatalities may result when high levels of potassium in the bloodstream cause heart attacks.

Rich Food Sources of Potassium

All fruits and vegetables, especially dark green leafy ones. Kelp, dulse, seeds, figs, celery, mushrooms, dried fruits, potatoes, avocados, broccoli, legumes, papaya, raisins, brown rice, Brussels sprouts, bananas, and watermelon.

Toxic sources: Prescription drugs, especially some diuretics, can cause excessive potassium loss from the body. Also, chronic diarrhea and diabetic acidosis.

Note: Excess Vitamin D can contribute to potassium loss and the suppression of thyroid function. Same with PABA supplementation. Also, potassium deficiency (or loss) is also affected by magnesium, zinc, and iron deficiency.

Useful References

| Minerals | No comments

Phosphorus – Benefits, Deficiency Symptoms And Food Sources

By

Phosphorus

Acid/Alkaline :: Acid-forming

What is Phosphorus?

Phosphorus is needed for many of the chemical reactions in the body . Phosphorus compounds help regulate the release of energy that fuels our bodies. Calcium alone can’t build strong bones and tissues. New research shows calcium needs phosphorus to maximize its bone-strengthening benefits, and taking a lot of calcium supplements without enough phosphorus could be a waste of money.

Uses and Benefits of Phosphorus

  • Phosphorus is essential for calcification of bone (85% of your body’s pH is in your skeletal system).
  • Used in many enzyme processes including metabolism.
  • Controls the activities of most hormones and many vitamins.
  • A factor in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism.
  • Phosphorus is needed for blood clotting, bone and tooth formation, cell growth, contraction of the heart muscle, normal heart rhythm, and kidney function.
  • Organic phosphates are a part of all cellular structures and many of their functions.
  • Part of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate), which is a cell’s power company. Used in the oxidation of sugars for the formation of ATP.
  • Builds bones, teeth, blood, brain and hair.
  • Phosphorus is also essential for stimulating hormone production and helping the body utilize the B vitamins.

Recommended Dosage of Phosphorus

The minimum Recommended Dosage Allowance of Phosphorus are :-

  • Adults – 1200 mg.
  • Children – 850 mg.

Video

Deficiency Symptoms of Phosphorus

Leads to bone pain and poor bone formation, osteoporosis, poor memory, tissue weakness, prolapsed conditions, fatigue, irritability, poor growth, rickets, skin sensitivity, decreased appetite and weight. General weakness. Excessive amounts of phosphorus can occur from prolonged and excessive intake of non­ absorbable antacids, high consumption of soft drinks, canned and processed foods.

Toxicity: Rarely toxic. Symptoms may include brittle bones related to loss of calcium (osteoporosis), seizures, heartbeat irregularities and shortness of breath.

Rich Food Sources of Phosphorus

Peas, seeds, com, mushrooms, carrots, nuts (pecans, almonds, etc.), whole grain products, dried fruit, legumes, eggs, fish, garlic.

Toxic sources: Meat, grains, intestinal products and wastes, phosphate mining, soaps, phosphate additives in carbonated drinks, etc.

Useful References

| Minerals | No comments

Oxygen – Benefits, Deficiency Symptoms And Food Sources

By

Green Trees

Acid/Alkaline :: Alkaline -forming

Very little is known regarding this mineral and therefore our information is very sketchy.

Uses and Benefits of Oxygen

  • Creates oxidation.
  • Needed for bones, teeth, skin, red blood cells, circulation and optimism.

Deficiency Symptoms of Oxygen

  • Lack of oxygen causes death.

Rich Food Sources of Oxygen

Fresh air

Toxic sources: Pollution

Useful References

| Minerals | No comments

Nitrogen – Benefits, Deficiency Symptoms And Food Sources

By

Nitrogen

Acid/Alkaline :: Acid-forming

Very little is known regarding this mineral and therefore our information is very sketchy.

Uses and Benefits of Nitrogen

  • Acts like and is the main element of a protein and the mineral phosphorus.
  • Helpful in Muscles, cartilage, tissue, tendons, ligaments, lean flesh.

Deficiency Symptoms of Nitrogen

  • Abnormal growth.
  • Thinness.
  • Neuromuscular issues, and death.

Rich Food Sources of Nitrogen

Proteins (Amino Acids). Dominating foods: nuts, seeds, alfalfa, green leafy vegetables.

Toxic sources: Meats

Useful References

| Minerals | No comments

Magnesium – Benefits, Deficiency Symptoms And Food Sources

By

Magnesium

Acid/Alkaline :: Alkaline-forming

What is Magnesium ?

Magnesium is water-insoluble and is stored throughout the body. Magnesium is required for the formation of enzymes that release energy from food. It is essential for life, as it plays a major role in the metabolism of glucose. It is also used in the production of cellular energy and to create protein. It is best taken with calcium , iron , B group vitamins as well as vitamin E .

Uses and Benefits of Magnesium

  • Magnesium is important to neuromuscular transmission. It is also an important cofactor in the enzyme processes that form the matrix of bone and in the synthesis of nucleic acid.
  • Strengthens muscles and nerve tissues.
  • Activates many enzymes, especially in carbohydrate metabolism.
  • Needed for proper bone and teeth formation. Conditions liver and glands.
  • Magnesium is vital for the nervous system, muscle contraction, and for the formation of healthy bones and teeth, it also helps to protect against cardiovascular disease and lowers high blood pressure.
  • May help combat stress, maintain muscle contractions and aid in adaptation to cold, and regulation of normal heart rhythm.
  • May reduce effects of lead poisoning and reduce kidney stones. Also, blood albumen.

Recommended Dosage of Magnesium

The minimum Recommended Dosage Allowance of Magnesium are :-

  • Adults – 300 to 350 mg.
  • Children – 200 mg.

Note: Alcohol, diuretics, emotional or physical stress, diarrhea, zinc, and fluoride increase the need for magnesium.

Deficiency Symptoms of Magnesium

Symptoms may include diarrhea, fatigue, calcium depletion, and heart arrhythmias. Also, soft and porous bones, poor digestion, GI upsets, fatigue, sleep disturbances, irritability, confusion, cramping and spasms, tachycardia, nervousness, kidney stones, convulsions, poor complexion. A severe magnesium deficiency may result in coronary heart disease, mental confusion, and blood clot formation.

Toxicity: Severe nausea and vomiting, extremely low blood pressure, extreme muscle weakness, difficulty breathing and heartbeat irregularity.

Rich Food Sources of Magnesium

All fruits and vegetables, especially dark leafy greens, seaweeds, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, potatoes, sesame seeds, alfalfa, figs, brown rice, kelp, pineapple, honey, celery, whole-grain products, almonds, avocados, bananas, apples, peaches, lime beans, black-eyed peas, wheat germ, brown rice.

Toxic sources: Water

General Interaction

  • Magnesium and calcium have competing effects on many of the body’s chemical pathways. For this reason, combination magnesium and calcium products–or multi mineral supplements–are often recommended for maintaining a proper balance of these minerals.
  • Magnesium can reduce the effectiveness of tetracycline antibiotics. Take magnesium supplements one to three hours before or after using this type of medication.

Useful References

| Minerals | No comments

Hydrogen – Benefits And Food Sources

By

Hydrogen

Acid/Alkaline :: Alkaline-forming

Very little is known regarding this mineral and therefore our information is very sketchy.

Uses and Benefits of Hydrogen

  • Uses in Blood and by all cells.

Rich Food Sources of Hydrogen

All foods, especially carbohydrates and fats. Sugars, fruits and vegetables (especially carrots, celery, spinach, tomatoes and cabbage).

Useful References

| Minerals | No comments

Choline (Chloride) – Benefits, Deficiency Symptoms And Food Sources

By

Choline

Acid/Alkaline :: Acid-forming

What is Choline?

Choline is one of the most important minerals in the blood, along with sodium, potassium, and calcium. Choline (Chloride) helps keep the amount of fluid inside and outside of cells in balance. It also helps maintain proper blood volume, blood pressure, and pH of body fluids. Most of the choline in the body comes from table salt (sodium chloride) in the diet. Choline is absorbed by the intestine during food digestion. Any excess chloride is passed out of the body through the urine.

Uses and Benefits of Choline

  • Choline is the major extra cellular anion and contributes to many body functions including the maintenance of osmotic pressure, acid-base balance, muscular activity, and the movement of water between fluid compartments.
  • An electrolyte, along with sodium and potassium.
  • Affects blood, nerves, epithelium. Aids digestion and elimination, normalizes osmotic pressure in blood and tissues.
  • Helps maintain normal heart function, acid-base balance and water balance.
  • Increases capacity of blood to carry carbon dioxide to lungs for excretion.
  • Helps to cleanse both the intestines and body of toxins.
  • Produces the normal acid environment in stomach. (This aids in absorption of iron and vitamin B12.)

Recommended Dosage of Choline

The minimum Recommended Dosage Allowance of Choline are :-

  • Adults – 750 mg.
  • Children – 600 mg.

Deficiency Symptoms of Choline

  • Disturbed digestion.
  • Water retention issues.
  • Loss of hair.
  • Weight loss.

Toxicity: Very toxic in even slightly higher amounts. Symptoms are weakness, confusion and coma.

Rich Food Sources of Choline

Coconut, avocados, dates, turnips, lettuces, kale, kelp/dulse, celery, tomatoes, potatoes, apricots, orange juice, pineapple, watercress, raw white cabbage, spinach, asparagus, cucumbers, parsnips, carrots, onions. In cooked dried beans and peas, and sea salt, etc.

Toxic sources: Water supplies

Useful References

| Minerals | No comments