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