Despite all the fad diets and the strange theories about eating one type of food until you turn into it, there is some actual science behind diets. Protein and vitamins are well known. Much less known are vital trace elements, the body’s equivalent of the pool pump, which provides the resources to maintain the body and replenishes the nerves and organs.
Trace elements basics
Trace elements are mineral compounds. In the early 1800s Dr. Schuessler coined the word “biochemistry”, and developed a therapeutic system of treatment based on “biochemical salts”.
There are 12 naturally occurring body salts which have multiple functions in the body. These salts are a good illustration of the role of mineral trace elements.
The original biochemical salts were:
- Iron phosphate
- Sodium sulphate
- Sodium phosphate
- Sodium chloride
- Potassium chloride
- Potassium sulphate
- Magnesium phosphate
- Calcium phosphate
- Calcium sulphate
- Potassium phosphate
- Silica
- Calcium Fluoride
From this Schuessler developed a range of therapies which also treated symptoms. Iron phosphate, for example, has about 125 uses in therapy for various conditions. It’s an oxygen carrier, anti-inflammatory, and used in endless roles. The others, both individually and in combination, are used for everything from menstrual problems to depression and headaches.
The basis of the therapy is that these are the chemicals the body needs to deal with issues. In modern terminology, these chemicals in their non-compound forms are called electrolytes, and are well known in sports medicine.
Most of these minerals and many others are available in their raw forms from food. The body synthesizes them from whatever’s eaten. The problem is that the modern diet is generally unbalanced. Vital chemicals like sodium are oversupplied, but lack the important other minerals needed to make the compounds. Depending on the person, sodium on its own may be exactly what the person eating it doesn’t need, too.
All trace elements have important roles. These are just a few:
- Copper- Respiration, energy production, maintenance of nervous system myelin sheath, collagen and elastin production, vascular health
- Selenium- Immune system, anti- degenerative diseases, anti-inflammatory, anti-cardiovascular disease
- Zinc- Immune system, skin, wound healing, memory, male libido, female fertility
Deficiencies in the trace elements are directly linked to many preventable medical conditions which are really a result of diet problems. Some deficiencies are quite serious and even bizarre. A zinc deficiency can lead to loss of taste and smell.
The trace elements at work
The trace elements don’t operate alone. They work with proteins, vitamins, and water to operate at a cellular level. The body operates a very complex range of chemical functions, and science is only now starting to realize how complex the processes are.
Your diet should contain enough green leafy vegetables and fruit to supply the right amount of trace elements. Supplements are available at pharmacies, and you can also research the natural sources of trace elements. You’ll find you’re eating a lot of delicious food, but you have to stay healthy somehow, right?
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