Mineral salts are precious for the health and well -being
of our organism, and therefore also for us. There are many, and each has
its role. But there are 6 that should never be lacking. Yet,
often, due to an improper and unbalanced diet, stress, age, etc.
these mineral salts are missing or deficient. Below, here’s what they are,
what they are for and where they are. The 6 main minerals for well-being
There are 6 main minerals that make our
body work well. They are also the ones that should never be lacking
or, worse, missing. These mineral salts are calcium, chlorine, magnesium,
phosphorus, potassium and sodium. All are necessary for the many processes of the organism.
Among the many, we remember the balance of body fluids, the maintenance of the
correct density of bones and teeth, the health of the nervous system and so on. How to maintain the right levels of minerals
To maintain the right levels of minerals in your body
, it is generally sufficient to follow a correct and balanced diet –
that is, complete with all the nutrients and foods of all kinds. The use of
supplements should be the “last resort” and only because
it is essential or because you have particular health problems. And, in case,
always on medical advice. One by one, the essential mineralsCalcium
The mineral called Calcium is one of the most important substances for the health of bones and teeth. When deficient, many associate it with osteoporosis. But not everyone knows that it is also important for the health of the heart and circulation: it is no coincidence that it is also involved in blood clotting. But calcium, 99% of which is stored in the skeleton, actually also underlies the proper functioning of the nervous and muscular systems.
Calcium is found mainly in foods such as dairy products, nuts, green leafy vegetables, but also in cabbage, broccoli and breakfast cereals. Mineral waters also contain it in different sizes: for this reason it is good to read the labels to see how much they contain.
Supplements, as mentioned, should be taken with caution. These, in fact, can interact with some drugs. If then taken in large quantities they can cause the formation of kidney stones. Phosphorus
Like calcium, phosphorus is also important for the growth and maintenance of bones and teeth. But phosphorus also plays an important role in the functionality of cell membranes. When present together with the B vitamins, this mineral helps to convert food into energy: an essential function to allow the body to cope with daily activities. A particularly unbalanced diet can cause its deficiency.
Phosphorus is found mainly in foods such as fish, meat, nuts, seeds, legumes and cereals.
Generally, phosphorus supplements are not taken. Chlorine
It is a mineral salt that is usually associated with the disinfection of swimming pool water or that which comes out of our home tap. Yet, chlorine is not just a disinfectant, it is used for the production of gastric juices in the stomach. Furthermore, together with calcium, it helps to keep body fluids in balance.
Chlorine is found mainly in table salt, in the form of sodium chloride.
Foods such as cheeses and cured meats, algae, seasoned foods and preserved products are particularly rich in this mineral salt. Its integration is usually not necessary. Sodium
As mentioned, sodium together with chloride helps to maintain the balance of body fluids in the cells. Having adequate levels of this mineral is important for regulating blood pressure as well as for the transmission of nerve impulses.
Sodium is mainly present in table salt (but more balanced in sea salt). It is also found in many foods such as cured meats and cheeses, baked goods, and preserved or canned foods.
Sodium deficiency is quite rare but, on the contrary, it is easier to have an excess of this mineral, which can cause blood pressure problems. Magnesium
This mineral salt is known especially when it comes to muscle cramps and problems such as nervousness or anxiety. But magnesium is important for many body functions: in particular for the biochemical processes that control muscle contractions, as well as the conduction of nerve impulses. By maintaining the hydroelectrolytic balance it helps to reduce the feeling of exhaustion. It is also necessary for the regulation of blood pressure and for the control of blood sugar. As in Calcium, and in combination with it, it is important for maintaining good bone health.
Magnesium is found mainly in foods such as nuts, bananas, seeds (such as pumpkin seeds), whole grains, legumes and green leafy vegetables. To a lesser extent we also find it in fish, meat and dairy products. Another excellent source of magnesium is mineral water.
Magnesium supplements are generally taken when there are problems with the muscles, the nervous system or digestive and intestinal problems such as celiac disease. It is also used – together with Potassium – to replenish the mineral salts lost with sweating. Excessive doses of magnesium can be laxative. Potassium
This mineral salt is essential for the proper functioning of the muscular system and the contraction of muscles (including the heart), as well as for the control of blood pressure. But potassium is also necessary for the regular functioning of the nervous system. Its presence in the body can have different and important effects: a deficiency can cause dangerous cardiac arrhythmias and respiratory failure (same thing if the levels are excessive). Conversely, adequate levels are essential for maintaining a normal heart rhythm.
Among the foods rich in potassium we find fruits and vegetables: in particular bananas, apricots and potatoes. But it is also found in legumes and nuts.
If you suffer from kidney disease it is necessary to keep the levels of this mineral under control and, at the same time, to follow a diet low in potassium. SEE ALSO: Supplements: Here’s What Happens To You When You Take Them Often,
Or Watch Out For These Symptoms: It Could Be A Vitamin B12 Deficiency.
