subject: Mineral Deficiency Symptoms [print this page] Mineral Deficiency Symptoms Mineral Deficiency Symptoms
The natural health researchers at Institute for Vibrant Living (IVL) have investigated the natural remedies available for mineral shortages in the diet. Here is their report:
What exactly are minerals?
Minerals are inorganic substances that are essential for a healthy body, as they help to create hormones, enzymes, bones, tissues, teeth and fluids.
Minerals are divided into two categories:
1. macro minerals
2.trace minerals
The body needs larger amounts of the macro (meaning "large" in Greek) category.
The macro mineral group is composed of:
calcium,
phosphorus,
magnesium,
sodium,
potassium,
chloride,
sulfur.
The trace mineral group is composed of:
iron,
manganese,
copper,
iodine,
zinc,
cobalt,
fluoride,
selenium.
Other trace minerals: molybdenum, selenium, phosphorus, iodine, and sodium.
The Bone Builders
Calcium and Vitamin D are essential for maintaining bone density and reducing the risk of fracture.
As women are particularly prone to calcium deficiency, it is important that they have a bone scan by age 60 and take a daily calcium supplement (ionic and monatomic liquid vitamins and minerals such as L Minerate 528 are now available from Institute for Vibrant Living).
These ionic and monatomic minerals have the best bio-absorbable characteristics. They are so molecularly small - they go directly into the cells when ingested.
In elderly adults, supplementation of calcium and vitamin D can markedly enhance bone density and reduce fractures. To learn more, visit IVLProducts.com and use search term: L Minerate 528.
Effects of Mineral Deficiencies on the Body:
Calcium is a well known mineral. If deficient, it can produce:
Improper brain function
Low bone mineral density
Muscular symptoms like aches, pains, twitching, spasms and cramps
Magnesium is important for maintaining energy levels. A deficiency in magnesium triggers:
Retention of sodium
Muscular symptoms such as tremors and spasms
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Vomiting
Personality changes
A calcium deficit (which results in low blood potassium levels)
Potassium keeps the muscles and nervous system working properly. Because of its alkaline properties, it helps the body maintain pH levels and regulates the amount of water in the blood and body tissues. The most important function of potassium is in helping to regulate blood pressure.
A deficiency in potassium triggers:
Hypokalemia (a super-low level of potassium in the blood, which can be fatal)
Fatigue
Muscular weakness
Acne
Anxiety
Memory loss.
Iron which the body uses to produce hemoglobin, a substance in red blood cells that transports oxygen from the lungs to body tissues. When there is a deficit in iron, the red blood cells are fewer and smaller than usual, and anemia results.
Iron-deficiency anemia will likely cause :
Fatigue,
Dizziness
Irritability
Headaches
Difficulty concentrating
Pale appearance
Brittle nails
Cracked lips
Note - Supplementing with iron can increase risk for diabetes in women.
Some of the best iron sources are dietary, in the form of clams, oysters, beef, shrimp, turkey, enriched breakfast cereals, cooked beans and lentils and pumpkin seeds.
Zinc is essential for healthy growth in humans, animals and plants, for mental development in children and proper functioning of the immune system.
Symptoms of zinc deficiency include:
Hair loss
Skin lesions
Diarrhea
Acne
White spots or lines on the fingernails
Chromium is essential in the use of glucose for energy and for the metabolism of amino acids and fats.
Symptoms of chromium deficiency include:
Glucose intolerance
Elevated cholesterol
Unexplained weight loss
Note - Folks over age 55 who exercise regularly may lose chromium through the urine and will probably need supplementation. Some chromium supplements contain yeast, which can interfere with certain prescription drugs, and chromium is unsuitable for pregnant or breast-feeding women and for epileptics.
Taking Preventative Measures
A good diet is the foundation of a healthy body, but to ensure proper nutrition and to stave off symptoms of deficiency, make sure to take high-quality liquid vitamins and minerals on a daily basis.
Natural mineral supplementation is more important than ever. When you consider the risks, it only makes good sense to start taking a quality mineral and vitamin supplement TODAY!
