Zinc For Faster Healing

The human need for zinc is small, but its role in growth and well-being is enormous, starting even before birth. The entire body of a normal man weighing 70 kg may contain 1.4 to 2.3 g of zinc. Zinc is present in small amounts in all tissues. The bones, teeth, and the pancreas contain slightly higher amount of zinc than other tissues. Whole blood contains about 0.7 mg/100 ml, while blood serum or plasma contains 0.1 mg/100 ml.

Zinc has also been found in some other enzymes, such as in the pancreatic hormone insulin.
Zinc is a bluish-white, metallic element. It is present in the body mostly in combination with other constituents of the body.

About 20 to 30 per cent of the zinc in foods is absorbed by the body through the small intestine. This absorption is decreased by fibers, calcium, copper, phytate, and phosphate in pulses. In contrast, amino acids and peptides increase zinc absorption. Nearly 99per cent of the total zinc in the body is stored in cells and the remainder in the plasma and extracellular fluids. Excretion of zinc occurs principally through secretions of the pancreas and intestine.

Functions of Zinc in the Body

Zinc is needed for a healthy skin and hair, proper healing of wounds, successful pregnancies, and male virility. It plays a vital role in guarding against disease and infection. It is needed to transport vitamin A to the retina. Almost all the enzymes in the body require zinc for their functioning. It has long been known that growth and sexual maturity depend on zinc amongst other things.

Sources of Zinc

Cereals, nuts and oilseeds are important sources of zinc. Vegetables and fruits contain only a small quantity of zinc.

Zinc Deficiency Symptoms

Zinc deficiency in the diet has been reported to be the cause of anemia, retardation in growth, and delayed genital maturation.

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Vanadium - Good for the Heart

Vanadium is a rare, silver- white metallic element. It is present in the human body in minute quantities. During recent research on laboratory animals, it has been identified as an essential element. The implications of these findings in human nutrition are not fully known.

Functions of Vanadium in the body

Vanadium helps in the metabolism of cholesterol and sugar in the body, thereby preventing the occurance of heart attacks.

Sources of Vanadium
Corn oil and peanut oil are good sources of vanadium. Also green beans, cabbage, carrots, tomatoes and garlic have good amounts of this mineral. Buckwheat is an excellent source of vanadium.

Deficiency Symptoms of Vanadium

There is no evidence to show that man suffers from either deficiency or excess of dietary vanadium.

Vanadium Healing Properties

On the basis of experiments conducted on animals, conflicting claims have been made that this trace mineral can prevent or promote dental caries.

Precautions

Vanadium can prove to be toxic if taken in synthetic form.

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Sulphur For Glowing Skin and Beautiful Hair

The greater part of the sulphur present in the human body is contained in the two sulphur containing amino acids, methionine and cysteine.

Sulphur is a pale yellow, non-metallic element. In the body sulphur is found only in combination with some other constituents of the body. It does not exist in a free state.

Sulphur from foods is absorbed as an organic compound and after metabolism, it is converted into sulphate and excreted in the urine.

Functions of Sulphur in the Body

Sulphur is essential for the synthesis of VitaminB1. It helps in the digestion of fats and controls the metabolism of carbohydrates. It is essential for healthy hair, skin, and nails. Along with B complex vitamins, it aids the liver in bile secretion.

It is believed that sulphur ejects some of the waste and poisonous matter from the system. It helps to keep the skin clear of blemishes and makes it glossy.

Sources of Sulphur

The main sulphur-containing foods are red gram, green gram, and leafy vegetables. A diet sufficient in protein is generally considered to be adequate in sulphur.

Deficiency Symptoms of Sulphur

Deficiency of sulphur may interfere with the healthy growth of hair and nails.

Sulphur Healing Properties

Sulphur creams and ointments have been remarkably successful in treating a variety of skin problems.

Precautions

There are no known toxic effects of sulphur.

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Sodium - An Essential mineral

Man has been consuming sodium chloride (the chemical name for common salt) from as far back as history has been recorded. The body of a healthy person weighing about 65 kg contains 256 g of sodium chloride. Of this, just over half is found in the extracellular fluid. About 96 g is found in the bones and less than 32 g in the cells.

Sodium is a silver-white, highly reactive, alkaline, metallic element. It is soft and malleable. It is normally found inside the body and outside it in combination with other elements. It is essential for life and is present in the fluids of the body outside the cells. It is usually taken in the form of sodium chloride.

Sodium is almost completely absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract in the normal individual, but substantial losses may occur due to vomiting and diarrhea. Most of the sodium consumed is excreted by the kidneys, with variable amounts being lost through the skin and stools. The sodium balance in the body is controlled by the hormone aldosterone, which is secreted by the adrenal gland. When the need for sodium increases, increased amounts of aldosterone are secreted which increase the re absorption of sodium ions by the kidney tubules.

Skin losses may increase greatly when there is profuse perspiration due to strenuous physical exertion in a hot environment. Under such circumstances, salt depletion may be accompanied by heat exhaustion. Salt tablets may be taken with a liberal amount of water in this condition.

Functions of Sodium in the Body

Sodium is the most abundant cation in the extracellular fluid of the body. It acts with other electrolytes, especially potassium, in the intracellular fluid, to regulate the osmotic pressure and maintain proper water balance within the body. It is a major factor in maintaining the acid-base equilibrium, in transmitting nerve impulses, and in relaxing muscles. It is also required for glucose absorption and for the transportation of other nutrients across cell membranes.

Sources of Sodium

Vegetables like dry lotus stems and leafy vegetables are rich in sodium, as are a variety of pulses and legumes. Fruits, fish, and meat also contain a substantial amount of sodium.

Sodium Deficiency Symptoms

Deficiency of sodium is caused by excessive sweating, prolonged use of diuretics, or chronic diarrhea. Deficiency may lead to nausea, muscular weakness, heat exhaustion, and mental apathy.

Healing Properties of Sodium

In case of mild deficiency of sodium chloride, taking a teaspoon of common salt in a pint of water or in any fruit juice, quickly restores health. In severe conditions, however, administration of sodium chloride in the form of normal saline by an intravenous route may be resorted to.

Precautions

The adverse effects of excessive sodium chloride in the body can be rectified by avoiding the use of common salt. Fresh fruits, eggplant, cabbage, cauliflower, tomatoes, potatoes, onions, peas, and pumpkin can be eaten.

Oversupply of sodium is a more common problem because of overuse of dietary sodium chloride or common salt. Too much sodium may lead to water retention, high blood pressure, and even stomach ulcers.

The point then is that getting used to a decreased amount of salt in the diet, is a matter of habit. What is salty to one person may be bland to another. Fortunately, getting used to less salt in the food does not take long.

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Silicon - A Beauty Mineral

Silicon is an essential trace mineral. Only minute amounts of this element are present in the tissues and the actual amount required by the body has not been determined so far.

Silicon is a widely distributed non-metallic element. It is second only to oxygen in abundance in the biosphere. Pure silicon is found in the form of white crystals in matured bamboo stems. This mineral and its salts are poorly soluble in water.

Functions of Silicon in the Body

• Silicon is essential for the proper functioning of nerve cells and tissues, and the synthesis of Vitamin B1 or Thiamine in the human body.
• It controls the transmission of nerve impulses.
• It contributes greatly to the strength and integrity of bones everywhere in the body.
• It is also essential for the growth of hair, nails, and teeth, and is therefore often called the ‘beauty mineral‘.
• It makes the eyes bright and protects the skin from becoming flabby.
• It is beneficial in all healing processes and protects the body against many diseases, such as tuberculosis, irritations in the mucous membranes, and skin disorders.

Sources of Silicon

The main food sources of silicon are apples, oranges, cherries, raisins, almonds, peanuts, raw cabbage, onions, endives, carrots, eggplants, pumpkin, red beets, celery, cucumber, fish, honey, and com. An increased need for silicon is best met by increasing the consumption of whole grains, because they are rich sources of absorbable silicon.

Symptoms of Silicon Deficiency

• Deficiency of silicon in animals causes retarded growth and abnormal bone development.
• A deficiency in human beings can lead to soft brittle nails, aging symptoms of the skin such as wrinkles, thinning or loss of hair, poor bone development, osteoporosis(a condition of brittle bones caused by hormonal changes or lack of calcium or (vitamin D).
• The chief symptom of silicon deficiency is sensitiveness to cold. One always feels cold even in the hot months.

Precautions

Toxicity of silicon can lead to chronic fibrosis of the lungs. Its reckless can cause irreparable damage. This mineral should therefore be administered only on the advice of a physician.

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Selenium - A Women’s Friend

Selenium acts as a micro nutrient or trace element in the human body. Its distribution in the earth’s crust varies from place to place. Its content of water varies even more greatly. The amount present in foods also varies widely. Males appear to have a greater need for this mineral. About half the supply of their bodies is concentrated in the testicles and parts of the seminal ducts adjacent to the prostrate gland.
Selenium is a Grey, crystalline element of the sulfur group. It is an antioxidant and its biological activity is closely related to vitamin E. It is excreted in the semen.

Functions of Selenium in the Body

Selenium acts with Vitamin E as a non-specific antioxidant to protect cell membranes and tissues. Both of them prevent or slow down the aging process and hardening of tissues. Selenium aids in maintaining youthful elasticity in tissues.

Sources of Selenium

Wholegrain cereals like wheat germ, barley, and wholewheat bread are the best sources of selenium.

Deficiency Symptoms of Selenium

Low levels of selenium put people at higher risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory diseases, and other conditions associated with increased free radical damage, including premature aging and cataract formation.

Healing Properties of Selenium

Selenium has been found beneficial in the prevention and treatment of Keshan disease. This is a syndrome endemic to the Keshan province in China where the soil is deficient in selenium. Keshan disease is characterized by degeneration of the muscle fibers of the heart. During their child-bearing years, women are particularly susceptible to this disease. Selenium binds cadmium and other metals and mitigates their toxic effects.

This mineral also helps in the regeneration of the liver after damage, especially by cirrhosis. It is useful in alleviating hot flushes and menopausal distress. It helps in the prevention and treatment of dandruff. It is believed to neutralize certain carcinogens and provide protection from some types of cancer.

Precautions

Selenium toxicity occurs in animals but human beings who have consumed vegetables grown in soil containing high selenium content, show no ill effects. Selenium poisoning has been reported due to ingestion of water containing large amounts of the metal. In rare cases, it can result in patchy baldness (alopecia), abnormal nails, emotional instability, and lassitude.

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Functions of Potassium and its Sources

Functions of Potassium in the Body

• Potassium is important as an alkalizing agent.
• It maintains a proper acid-alkaline balance in the blood and tissues.
• It prevents hyper acidity.
• This mineral is essential for muscle contraction and is, therefore, important for the proper functioning of the heart, especially for maintaining a normal heartbeat.
• It promotes the secretion of hormones and helps the kidneys in detoxification of blood.
• Potassium prevents female hormonal disorders by stimulating the hormone production.
• It is involved in the proper functioning of the nervous system and helps to overcome fatigue.
• It also assists in reducing blood pressure.

Sources of Potassium

Potassium is widely distributed in foods. Pulses such as green gram, cow peas, red gram, and black gram; and vegetables like lotus stems and sword beans are rich in potassium. Other good sources are legumes, leafy vegetables, and fruits such as bael, sweet limes, peaches, and apricots.

Healing Properties and Deficiency symptoms of Potassium

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Potassium Prevents Acidosis

Potassium, one of the most important minerals, is essential for the very life of every cell. It is also among the most generously and widely distributed of all the tissue minerals.

Potassium is found principally in the intracellular fluid. A small amount of potassium in the extracellular fluid is necessary for normal muscular activity.

The average adult human body contains 120 g of potassium and 245 g of potassium chloride. Out of this body potassium, 117 g is found in the cells and 3 g in the extracellular compartment. Formation of sulphate and phosphate of potassium also takes place from the food potassium in the body.

Potassium is a bluish-white metallic element. It is highly reactive and never found free in nature. It plays an important role as a catalyst in energy production and in the synthesis of glycogen and protein. Liberal use of alcohol, coffee, sugar, and diuretics can lead to depletion of potassium.

Potassium absorption occurs mainly in the small intestine. In healthy people on a normal diet, about 90 per cent of potassium is excreted in the urine. Increased amounts of potassium are found in the urine whenever the tissues are losing potassium. Perhaps the most important cause is a breakdown of cellular proteins such as occurs in diabetes, under-feeding, and after an injury. Any condition giving rise to acidosis is liable to cause cellular depletion of potassium. In patients given diuretics to increase the output of sodium and water in the urine, an important side-effect is an increase in potassium excretion.

In a healthy person the feces contain very small amounts of potassium. The digestive juices contain large amounts but this is normally reabsorbed in the gut. However, diarrhea may cause large losses in the stool. Loss of potassium from the skin is usually negligible.

Functions of Phosphorus and its sources

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Potassium cures for Low Blood sugar, Muscular weakness and Sciatica

Deficiency Symptoms of Potassium

Potassium deficiency is most unlikely in healthy individuals because normal food supplies sufficient quantities of this mineral. However potassium deficiency may occur during gastro-intestinal disturbances accompanied by severe vomiting and diarrhea, diabetic acidosis, potassium-losing nephritis, and potassium loss during steroid therapy and that of similar drugs. Both mental and physical stress can also lead to potassium deficiency.

Potassium deficiency causes undue body tiredness, palpitations of the heart, cloudiness of the mind, nervous shaking and excessive perspiration of the hands and feet, and great sensitivity of the nerves to cold. It may also result in slow healing of ulcers and fractures.

Healing Properties of Potassium
Whenever possible, potassium deficiency should be corrected by increased dietary intake or supplementation with potassium salts. Potassium chloride is the salt of choice. It may be given in the form of an elixir or as tablets.

Potassium cures for Low Blood Sugar

The use of potassium has been found beneficial in the treatment of low blood sugar a condition characterized by lassitude, fatigue, apathy, tension, nervousness, weakness, trembling, sweating, and headaches. These symptoms usually start in the morning and continue throughout the day, if one has not eaten well the night before. An intake of sugar and potassium chloride brings almost immediate relief.

Potassium cures for Muscle Abnormalities

Potassium is valuable for muscle abnormalities. When healthy volunteers are given refined foods deficient in potassium, for a week, they developed muscle weakness, extreme fatigue, constipation, and mental apathy. All these symptoms disappeared immediately when 109 of potassium chloride was given to them. Studies have also shown that severe potassium deficiency can result in muscles becoming weak, lax, soft, or partially paralyzed. Recovery, however, takes place within a short time after taking potassium in large doses.

Potassium cures for Sciatica

Increasing potassium intake can often help to alleviate discomfort from leg cramps and sciatica. This is due to the role of potassium in nerve function. Large quantities of vegetable juices, along with increased potassium supplements, can tackle this problem successfully.

Precautions

• The toxic effect of potassium is manifested in the muscles and the heart.
• Muscular weakness and mental apathy are generally marked.
• High concentration of potassium in the blood is found only in association with other severe diseases such as renal failure and adrenal insufficiency.
• In these conditions the potassium can leak out into the blood from the damaged cells.

Potassium gives energy to the body

Functions and Sources of Potassium

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Phosphorus Deficiency symptoms, Sources and Healing properties

Functions of Phosphorus in the Body

• Phosphorus is indispensable for all active tissues. In combination with calcium, it feeds the nerves.
• It aids the growth of hair and helps counteract fatigue.
• This mineral is important for the regular functioning of the heart and for normal kidney functioning.
• Phosphorus is essential in the chemical processes involved in the utilization of carbohydrates and fats. It liberates their energy at the rate demanded by the body.
• It also helps in regulating the acid-alkaline balance of the blood, which is vital for the maintenance of health and prevention of disease.
• Phosphorus is also necessary for the formation of the phospholipids - lecithin and cephalin - which are integral parts of a cell structure and also act as intermediates in fat transport and metabolism.
• This mineral is also an essential constituent of the nucleic acid and nucleo-proteins of body cells.

Sources of Phosphorus

The most important food sources of phosphorus are wholegrain cereals, milk, and fish. Vegetables such as carrots, and leafy vegetables; fruits like black currants, raspberries, raisins, and apricots are fairly good sources. Other sources of this mineral are soya beans, lentils, and other pulses and legumes.

Symptoms of Phosphorus deficiency

• A phosphorus deficiency may cause loss of weight, retarded growth, reduced sexual powers, and general weakness.
• It may result in poor mineralization of the bones, and a deficient nerve and brain function.
• Conditions associated with calcium deficiency may also occur due to phosphorus deficiency.
• Deficiencies of phosphorus are however rare, as it is one of the elements available in large quantities in most diets.

Healing  Properties of Phosphorus
While taking calcium in therapeutic doses to make up for calcium deficiency conditions or for treating certain ailments, it is advisable to take that calcium supplement in which phosphorus has been added in the correct proportions. This is necessary as calcium cannot achieve its objectives unless phosphorus is present in the required proportion.

Precautions  

There are no known toxic effects of phosphorus.

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Phosphorus The Body Energiser

Phosphorus is a mineral colleague of calcium within the body. Calcium by itself cannot be responsible for good teeth and bones or nourish the brain and nerves. A proper balance of phosphorus must be present in the bloodstream for the effective performance of these tasks.

An adult human body contains about 400-700 g of phosphorus as phosphates. At least two-thirds of this amount is found in chemical combination with calcium in the bones and teeth, and the rest in other tissues. Phosphorus is essential for the proper utilization of not only calcium but also other minerals like iron, magnesium, potassium, and sodium.

The inorganic phosphorus content of blood serum in normal human adults ranges from 2.5 to 4.0 mg/ 100 ml, and in children from 4.0 to 5.0 mg/100ml. In individuals suffering from rickets, the level of phosphorus is reduced to less than 3 mg/1oo ml.

Phosphorus is a soft, non-metallic element found in the body only in combination with other substances. As a result, it is neither luminous nor inflammable. In the human body, phosphorus is a part of the ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and ADP{adenosine diphosphate) - the energy transporting systems in the cells, and is also a component of the phospholipids. Too much iron, aluminium, and magnesium can render phosphorus ineffective.

Phosphorus is absorbed in the small intestine as inorganic phosphates. Phosphorus present in an organic combination such as phytic acid, is hydrolysed to inorganic phosphate before absorption. Since the enzyme, phytase, is not present in human digestive juices, phytin phosphorus is absorbed only to a very slight extent in human beings. Phosphorus present in animal foods such as milk, meat, and eggs is absorbed to a greater extent than that present in cereals and legumes, as the latter exists mostly in the form of phytic acid.

The kidneys are the major pathway of excretion of the absorbed phosphorus. The retention of phosphorus in children on different diets has been reported to vary from 10 to 40 per cent. The retention of phosphorus depends on various factors like the quantity of phosphorus ingested the calcium content of the diet, the form in which phosphorus exists in the diet, and vitamin D intake.

Phosphorus Deficiency symptoms, Sources and Healing properties 

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Molybdenum for General Well Being

Molybdenum is an essential trace mineral found in animals and human beings. The amount of this mineral present in plants varies greatly, depending on the soil. A relatively higher amount is present in plants which are grown on neutral or alkaline soils with a high content of organic matter, and a lower amount in those grown on acid, sandy soils.

Molybdenum is a hard, heavy, and silver-white metallic element of the chromium group. It occurs only in combination with other chemicals in the body.

The excretion of molybdenum in the urine may be up to half the total daily intake.

Functions of Molybdenum in the Body

Molybdenum is essential for the synthesis of hemoglobin and absorption of iron. It functions as a component in several enzymes, including those involved in alcohol detoxification, uric acid formation, and sulfur metabolism. This trace mineral aids in carbohydrate and fat metabolism.

Sources of Molybdenum

• Foods rich in proteins and iron are said to contain molybdenum in sufficient concentration.
• Whole grains, pulses and legumes, leafy vegetables, and nuts are the main food sources of this element.
• Molybdenum, like other trace minerals, is not destroyed by cooking.
• A varied diet, including foods which are rich in molybdenum, should negate the necessity of taking any supplements, with a few exceptions.

Deficiency Symptoms of Molybdenum

It has been seen that animals on a low molybdenum diet do not grow normally, thus inferring that a deficiency of this mineral can be a contributory factor in some disturbances of iron metabolism. A deficiency can also lead to dental caries. It has been reported that the rates of dental caries are lower than average in children brought up in areas where the soil has a high molybdenum content. A molybdenum deficiency has been suggested as a cause for sulphite sensitivities, because sulphite oxidase, the enzyme that detoxifies sulphites, is molybdenum-dependent.

Healing Properties
Molybdenum is considered beneficial in the prevention of anaemia. It also promotes general well-being.

Precautions

Toxic reactions to molybdenum are not common. However, a very high incidence of gout in some cases has been attributed to high intakes of molybdenum from local plants.

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Manganese For Growing Years

Manganese is important for growth, bone development, reproduction, and the functioning of the central nervous system.

Manganese is found in the body as a trace element and is essential for life. The human body contains 10 to 20 mg of this element which is widely distributed throughout the tissues. It is found in high concentration in the mitochondria of cells.

Manganese is a hard, brittle, grayish-white metallic element. It is readily oxidized and forms an important component of certain alloys. If manganese is breathed in excess, in the form of dust or fumes, it can lead to a condition very much like Parkinson’s disease wherein tremors develop in the hands and fingers.

Only three to four per cent of the manganese present in the diet is absorbed from the intestine and reaches the blood. It is stored in the blood and liver. Serum manganese levels are almost always elevated following a myocardial infarction.

Manganese is excreted in the feces. The urine contains only traces of this element. High calcium intakes have been shown to increase the fecal excretion of manganese.

Sources of Manganese, Deficiency Symptoms and Healing properties

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Sources of Manganese, Deficiency symptoms and Healing properties

Functions in the Body

Manganese is an important component of many enzyme systems which are involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. In combination with choline, it helps in the digestion and utilization of fat. Manganese helps to nourish the nerves and brain and assists in the proper coordinative action between the brain, nerves, and muscles in every part of the body. It is also involved in normal reproduction and the function of mammary glands.

Sources of Manganese

Nuts, whole grains, and dried legumes are excellent sources of manganese.

Deficiency Symptoms
A prolonged deficiency of manganese may cause retarded growth, digestive disorders, abnormal bone development, and deformities. It may also cause male and female sterility and sexual impotence in men. However, the human body obtains sufficient manganese through normal dietary intake, so a deficiency syndrome is rare.

Healing Properties of Manganese
Since manganese deficiency rarely occurs, this element is seldom prescribed.

Precautions

Toxic symptoms have been reported to occur in mine workers due to inhalation of dust from manganese ores. The symptoms are blurred speech, tremors of the hands and a spastic gait.

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Magnesium The Alcoholic’s Balm

All human tissues contain small quantities of magnesium. The adult human body contains about 25 g of this mineral, the greater part of which is present in bones in combination with phosphate and carbonate. Bone ashes contain less than one per cent magnesium.

About one-fifth of the total magnesium in the body is present in the soft tissues inside the cells, where it is mainly bound to protein. The bones seem to provide a reserve supply of this mineral in case of a shortage elsewhere in the body.

Magnesium is a light, silver-white, malleable, and ductile metallic element. It burns with a very hot, bright flame and is used to form light-weight alloys. Biochemists call magnesium the cool, alkaline, refreshing, sleep promoting mineral. It helps to keep one calm and cool during the sweltering summer months. Intake of diuretics and alcohol can render magnesium ineffective.

Active absorption of this mineral occurs in the ileum of the small intestine. Magnesium may compete with and decrease calcium absorption from the intestine.

The parathyroid hormone, parathormone, which controls serum calcium levels, has a similar effect on magnesium. Almost twice the amount of magnesium is stored in bones as compared with soft tissues. Bone magnesium is, however, not readily exchanged with the magnesium of soft tissues.

Since a greater part of magnesium in the diet is not absorbed, it is excreted in the stools. About one-third of the amount ingested is excreted in the urine. Urinary excretion is reduced in magnesium deficiency. The magnesium content in the blood is about 2 to 3 mg/ 100 ml.

Magnesium Sources and Functions

Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency

Magnesium healing for Kidney stones, Alcoholism and Heart Attacks

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Symptoms of Magnesium deficiency and Precautions

Magnesium Deficiency Symptoms

• Magnesium deficiency is unlikely to arise in human beings due to an inadequate intake of foods containing it.
• Deficiency may, however, occur under the same metabolic condition that leads to a lack of potassium, namely, excessive loss due to chronic diarrhea.
• Magnesium deficiency has been observed in patients with certain clinical conditions where magnesium intake or absorption has been decreased and magnesium excretion increased. These conditions include chronic alcoholism, diabetes, malabsorption syndrome, renal disease, disorders of the parathyroid gland, and post surgical stress.
• Continuous deficiency of magnesium also causes a loss of calcium and potassium from the body with consequent deficiencies of these minerals.
• Deficiency can lead to kidney damage and kidney stones, muscle cramps, arteriosclerosis, heart attack, epileptic seizures, nervous irritability, marked depression and confusion, impaired protein metabolism, and premature wrinkles. Magnesium deficiency increases an individual’s susceptibility to high blood pressure.

Precautions

Large amounts of magnesium over an extended period of time, can be toxic if the calcium and phosphorus intakes are high. Supplements of magnesium should not be taken after meals as the mineral neutralizes stomach acidity.

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Magnesium Sources and Functions

Sources of Magnesium

• Magnesium is widely distributed in foods. It is a part of the chlorophyll in green vegetables.
• Other good sources of this mineral are nuts, soyabeans, alfalfa, apples, figs, lemons, peaches, almonds, wholegrain, brown rice, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds.
• Cereals and vegetable normally contribute more than two thirds of the daily magnesium intake.

Functions of Magnesium in the Body

• Magnesium helps to keep the nerves relaxed.
• It is necessary for all muscular activity.
• It is an activator of most of the enzyme systems involved in the metabolism of carbohydrate, fat, and protein.
• It is necessary for the activation of alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme involved in calcium and phosphorus metabolism.
• Magnesium also helps in the utilization of Vitamin B and Vitamin E.
• It functions with other minerals such as calcium, sodium, and potassium in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance.
• Adequate levels of magnesium are necessary for normal neuromuscular contractions.
• This mineral is also involved in the production of lecithin.
• It prevents the building up of cholesterol and consequent arteriosclerosis.
• Magnesium promotes a healthier cardiovascular system and thus helps prevent heart attacks.
• It aids in fighting depression.
• It helps to prevent calcium deposits in kidneys and gallstones.
• It also provides relief from indigestion.

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Magnesium Cures for Alcoholism, Kidney stones and Heart attacks

Healing with Magnesium

Magnesium cure for Alcoholism

Chronic alcoholics often show a low plasma magnesium concentration and a high urinary output. They therefore require extra magnesium intake, especially in an acute attack of delirium tremens.

Magnesium cure for Kidney Stones

• By increasing the solubility of calcium in the urine, magnesium prevents recurrence of kidney stones. Magnesium, together with vitamin B6 or pyridoxine, has also been found effective in the prevention and treatment of kidney stones.
• When needed, magnesium can be taken in a therapeutic dose of up to 700 mg a day.
• Magnesium chloride is the best form of supplementary magnesium, although other forms can also be used.
• Magnesium salts taken by mouth are both diuretic and laxative.
• The cathartic (stool loosening) action is due to the slow absorption of magnesium from the intestine and the consequent drawing of water into the brute.

Magnesium cures for Heart Attacks

• Low levels of magnesium have been found in persons who suddenly die of heart attacks.
• The magnesium deficiency may lead to a spasm in the coronary arteries, which in turn, reduces the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart.
• Magnesium therapy offers some protection against heart disease.

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Iron purifies the blood

The hemoglobin content of the red blood cells is made up of certain proteins and iron. In a normal healthy adult, there is about 15 g of hemoglobin per 100 ml of blood. Each gram of hemoglobin contains about 3.5 mg of iron.

The normal body of an adult contains about 4 to 5 g of iron. About 60 to 70 per cent of this iron is present in the hemoglobin. Iron stores in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow account for the next largest concentration of iron - that is, about 30 to 35 per cent. Small amounts of iron are found in the muscles as myoglobin, as also in the blood serum and in every cell as a constituent of certain enzymes. Iron is present in the body in combination with other body constituents.

All healthy persons absorb about 2 to 10 per cent of iron from food, depending on its nature. But in persons who are deficient in iron, the amount absorbed increases up to 50 per cent from ingested foods.

The main sites of absorption are the stomach and the upper part of the small intestine. Absorption of iron is enhanced when there is a deficiency of iron in the body or there is a need for increased blood formation.

Iron is stored in the liver, spleen, and intestinal mucosa. The stores of iron as well as the iron released from the disintegration of red blood cells is available to the body for the synthesis of hemoglobin. Hence the iron in our bodies is used very efficiently, and is not normally used up or destroyed but converted and utilized again and again.

Iron is excreted along with the bile, stools, scaling of the skin, and sweating. It is, therefore, advisable to take an extra quantity of iron-rich foods during summer to compensate the iron loss.

Sources of Iron and Its Functions

Iron Deficiency Symptoms and Healing properties

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Iron deficiency symptoms and Healing properties of Iron

Iron Deficiency Symptoms

• Iron deficiency is generally caused by severe blood loss, malnutrition, infections, and by excessive use of drugs and chemicals.
• Severe blood loss can occur due to a major injury to blood vessels, or rupture of aneurysms, perforation of internal organs, incomplete abortion, and severe menstrual bleeding.
• Repeated pregnancies, prolonged breast feeding, and excessive sweating during summer also reduce the iron content in the blood.
• The volume of fluid in the body is also reduced.
• Deficiency of iron in the diet may cause nutritional anemia, lowered resistance to disease, a general rundown condition, pale complexion, shortness of breath on manual exertion, and loss of interest in sex.
• The patient may suffer from mental depression and irritability.
• When there is severe blood loss, the body becomes pale and cold with profuse sweating. The patient becomes extremely exhausted and finds great difficulty in breathing. The mind becomes dull and the patient may become unconscious. If blood transfusion or some other method is not adopted immediately to prevent further blood loss and shock, the patient may die soon.

Healing Properties of Iron

• Eating foods rich in iron regularly and keeping the gastro-intestinal tract healthy is one of the safest and more potent methods of preventing iron deficiency.
• Different types of anemias may be due to different causes. However only iron-deficiency anemia responds to the supplementary intake of iron.

Precautions

Iron stored in the body in excess quantities is harmful.

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Sources of Iron and Its Functions in the body

Sources of Iron

• The best food sources of iron are wholegrain cereals, pulses and legumes, and fish.
• The best plant sources are green leafy vegetables such as dry lotus stems, cauliflower greens, and turnip greens.
• Also fruits such as black currants, water melons, raisins, and dried dates are rich in iron.
• Enzymes and hydrochloric acid in the stomach are needed for proper assimilation of iron. Older people are often anemic in spite of plenty of iron in their diet because they lack sufficient hydrochloric acid in their stomach. For these reasons, iron-containing fruits which possess their own enzymes and acids needed for iron digestion and assimilation, are the most reliable sources of dietary iron.

Functions of Iron in the Body

Iron is essential for life. It is necessary for the production of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is composed of four iron-containing heme groups. The heme is responsible for the characteristic color and the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. Iron thus enables the blood to carry oxygen throughout the body and is of great value in helping to remove carbon dioxide from the tissues.

Myoglobin (an oxygen-carrying protein containing iron) in the muscle tissue is related to blood hemoglobin in both structure and function. It supplies oxygen to the muscles and removes carbon dioxide. Iron increases resistance to stress and disease. It aids growth and prevents fatigue.