The Minerals Ashes to ashes and dust to

“The Minerals”

Ashes to ashes and dust to dust… When life leaves the body, what is left behind will indeed become a small pile of ashes. n Carbs, proteins, fats, vitamins, and water will all disintegrate, be consumed, or evaporate. n What is left behind? Minerals. n

About 5 pounds of minerals. Doesn’t seem too vital, but they are. n If we ran a magnet through the ashes, we’d get less than a teaspoon of iron. n Vital to absorption of oxygen! n

“There are 7 major minerals. ” And many, many trace minerals. n This doesn’t mean that the major minerals are more important, n Just that they’re in larger quantities, so we need to eat more of them. n

So today… We’ll begin with calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. n Later, sodium, potassium, chloride, and sulfate. n

“Calcium” Where do we find it in the body? n “ 99% is in teeth and bones. ” n What does it do here? n “Integral part of bone structure. ” n “Also serves as a bank that can release calcium into blood. ” n

How do bones form? “Calcium and phosphate crystallize on collagen protein. ” n This happens as our bones form. n “These hydroxyapatite crystals accumulate, giving strength to new bone. ” n

How do they stay strong? “Fluoride can join this, forming fluorapatite. ” n “This compound resists bonedismantling forces. ” n Hence, fluoride in toothpaste. n But fluoride can be toxic in large amounts! n

What else does calcium do? “Calcium also is important for: ” n “blood pressure” n “blood clotting” n “muscle contraction” n “including heartbeat!” n “secretion of hormones” n

Possible connections Perhaps… n Cholesterol in blood n Diabetes n Colon and rectal cancers n Healthy body weight n

“Calcium Balance” Key to bone health is in calcium balance. n “Body must balance new calcium placed in bones” n “With calcium taken from bones. ” n Otherwise, we risk osteoporosis. n

How does bone mass vary?

Where can we get calcium? “From dairy, tofu, broccoli, greens, whole grains” n Toxicities can include interference with absorption of other nutrients, and kidney stones. n

“Phosphorus” Second most abundant mineral in the body. n “ 85% is attached to calcium in bones and teeth. ” n The unsung hero of bones! n

What else does it do? It is also valuable for: n acid-base balance n part of DNA and RNA n storing and releasing food energy n present in proteins n

Am I short on phosphorus? Probably not, “deficiencies are rare. ” n Because protein contains phosphorus, where can we get it? n “Meat, dairy, and beans are good sources. ” n

“Magnesium” “Only 1 ounce in a 130 -lb person” n Still, a lot as far as minerals are concerned! n “Over half in bones. ” n “Rest in muscles, heart, liver, other soft tissues. ” n

What if dietary intake fails? n Bones can be tapped for Mg, and kidneys can conserve it.

So what does it do? “Mg is important for: ” n “operation of 300 enzymes” n “release of energy from nutrients” n “heart functioning” n “muscle contraction” n

Why deficiency? Inadequate intake, vomiting/diarrhea, alcoholism, protein malnutrition. n Can cause hallucinations that can be mistaken for mental illness. n Half U. S. has intake below recommended. n

Toxicity “Toxicity occurs from supplements, or children with access to medicine cabinets. ” n Also older people who abuse laxatives, antacids, other meds. n Diarrhea, dehydration. n