Minerals, in general, are essential for proper functioning of the body. Minerals can be classified as major minerals such as calcium and sodium or minor minerals, for instance, iron and iodine.
Calcium
Calcium is the major mineral found in bones. It’s twice the amount of phosphorous in bones.
The function of calcium in the body : Calcium plays a vital role in regulating muscle contraction including the cardiac muscles. Calcium is important for blood clotting, normal functioning of heart muscle cells and activation of certain enzymes and hormone secretion. Calcium is a co-factor for many enzymes helping the enzymes to work efficiently (Hal, 2016). Calcium also causes relaxation of the smooth muscles surrounding the blood vessels.
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Sources; Raw milk, cooked kales, sardines, broccoli, cheese among others
Calcium deficiency; it can occur at any age. Chronic calcium deficiency can cause osteoporosis, rickets, and osteopenia. It may also cause metabolic rate disruptions plus other bodily dysfunctions for an example toothache, numbness in toes and fingers.
Phosphorus
It is mostly found in bones and teeth
Functions of phosphorus include the formation of bones and teeth.
It is needed for the body to make protein for the maintenance, growth, and repair of cells and tissues.
Phosphorus helps the body to synthesize adenosine triphosphate. It plays an important role in how the body uses carbohydrates and fats.
Sources of phosphorus: protein food contains phosphorus in high amounts, examples; milk and milk products, meat, beans, lentils, whole grain, nuts, legumes, egg yolk, etc.
Phosphorus deficiency: inadequate phosphorus in the body may cause bone disease like osteomalacia in adults and rickets in children (Hal, 2016). Osteoporosis may occur in case of an improper balance of phosphorus and calcium.
Iron
Functions of iron include: Iron is required for the formation of red blood cells.
The immune system is dependent on iron for its normal functioning. Iron is also involved in the conversion of blood sugar to energy. Iron also contributes to normal cognitive function in children. Sources of iron include; meat, fish, liver, eggs, beans, whole grain, e.g., brown rice, iron-fortified cereals or bread among others (Hal, 2016). Iron deficiency; lack of adequate amount of iron in the body can result in iron deficiency anemia
Iodine
Functions of iodine: Iodine is required for normal thyroid function. Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones (Hal, 2016). It is also needed for the cell to convert food into energy which is required for normal body functioning.
Sources of iodine; sea vegetables, cranberries, raw organic cheese, organic potatoes, organic yogurt, etc.
Iodine deficiency; lack of enough iodine in the body may result in autism, thyroid gland enlargement, weight gain, weakness in the immune system, etc.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition whereby there is a decrease in bone density which decreases its strength leading to fragile bone which is highly susceptible to fracture
Symptoms: In the early stages of bone loss typically there are no symptoms. Osteoporosis has weakened symptoms sets in once the bone. Some of those symptoms include:
Loss of height over time
A collapsed or fractured vertebra can cause back pain
A stooped posture
Required minerals and food sources: A proper balance of calcium and phosphorus in the body (Hal, 2016). Calcium can be obtained from cooked kales, sardines and broccoli while phosphorus from milk products and legumes.
People affected by osteoporosis: Osteoporosis affects both men and women. However, osteoporosis occurs more in female than in male gender. Also, osteoporosis affects mostly men and women aged 50 years and above.
Management and treatment: The first line treatment to prevent fractures entails of smoking cessation, fall prevention, alcohol intake moderation, and introduce bisphosphonate therapy (Hal, 2016). For those patients unresponsive to bisphosphonates other alternatives are used which include; Raloxifene, denosumab, and teriparatide.
The Functions of water in the body
Water is necessary for proper functioning of cells. Water takes place in the transport of nutrient and removal of waste products from the body. Water helps in temperature regulation in the body. It also participates in the chemical and metabolic reactions that take place in the body (Hal, 2016). Water helps the body stay hydrated.
The general effect of dehydration is that the blood becomes more viscous and restricts blood flow. This can result in a rise in blood pressure and elevated blood cholesterol.
Reference
Hal, J. E. (2016). Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology (13 ed.). https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/portal/portal/public/login.aspx
