MINERALS and what they do!!!! The following list is of the now recognized minerals and in years to come will add more, as studies discover the insufficiencies noted in different illnesses. BORON – Is said to potentiate estrogen's role in building bones by helping convert vitamin D into the active form necessary for the absorption of calcium. Boron is essential to bone metabolism and calcification of bones, and helps prevent osteoporosis, arthritis, and tooth decay. Boron is necessary for cartilage formation and repair; it affects calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus levels. Memory and brain function can be improved with boron. Boron plays a role in regulating the hormones, especially estrogen, but testosterone as well. A boron deficiency can cause weak and fragile cell walls. Some research shows that boron improves libido. Boron is stored in the parathyroid glands. Indications of insufficient of Boron may be: Arthritis, Memory loss, Brittle bones, Muscle pain, Carpal Tunnel syndrome, Osteoporosis, Degenerative Joint Disease, Receding gums, Hormonal imbalance, Weak cartilage and Loss of libido… CALCIUM – Calcium is one of the most essential of the major biochemical elements needed in human nutrition. It is necessary for every organ of the body, including the brain. Calcium is called the "knitter" because it promotes healing or knitting everywhere in the body. It is valuable for tone, power, strength, longevity, vitality, and endurance, healing of wounds, counter-acting acids, and helping regulate metabolism. Because it is used in almost every function, calcium is commonly deficient in our diets. It is one of the first elements to go out of balance when the diet is inadequate. Calcium is stored in the blood and teeth, as well as in the nerves, muscles and tissues. Calcium requires other minerals to be effective and do its job. Magnesium and Vitamin D increase calcium absorption while sodium helps keep calcium in soluble form in the body (it must be water soluble to be useable). Calcium raises the body's resistance to viruses, parasites, bacteria, and cancer. A lack of calcium leads to a host of diseases and degenerative conditions. Pure water-soluble calcium serves a two-fold purpose; it helps reverse symptoms caused by a buildup of compounded calcium, like kidney stones, gallstones, arthritis, and high cholesterol, and helps reverse conditions caused by a deficiency of calcium like acidosis and osteoporosis. A high incidence of cavities, or white spots on fingernails indicates a calcium deficiency. This mineral is necessary to regain the proper pH balance. Osteoporosis, Arthritis - calcium level is low, then there are possible indicators toward osteoporosis (demineralization of bone), increased tendency to bone fractures, dental caries, periodontal disease, muscle cramps, etc. Indications of insufficient of Calcium may be: Acne, Cancer, Arthritis, Cavities, Acidosis, Cataracts, Attention Deficit Disorder (A.D.D.), Enlarged heart, Asthma, Fibromyalgia, Bell's Palsy, Gallstones, Cramps, High Cholesterol, Common cold, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome… CHROMIUM – Chromium deficiency is a major factor in the development of heart disease (heart attacks, hardening of the arteries). Chromium is stored principally in the kidneys, spleen and testes, with trace amounts found in the heart, lungs, pancreas and brain. The body cannot easily absorb chromium if other minerals are out of balance as well. Chromium helps the body regulate metabolism, and regulate insulin and blood sugar levels. Chromium helps the body lose weight by stimulating enzymes that metabolize glucose for energy. It plays an important role in the liver synthesis of fatty acids (burns fat). When the body is deficient in chromium, twice the amount of time is needed for insulin to remove glucose from the blood. Chromium enhances insulin performance and glucose utilization and helps carry proteins. Chromium works best if taken before meals. Refined sugar causes the body to deplete chromium more rapidly. Strenuous exercise can also deplete chromium levels. The elderly are unable to store as much chromium in the body as are younger people. The refining of starches and carbohydrates robs foods of chromium. If you are American you have less chromium in the soil compared to European soil. Indications of insufficient of Chromium may be: Anxiety, Hyperinsulinism, Attention Deficit Disorder (A.D.D), Hypoglycemia, Aortic cholesterol plaque, Hyperactivity, Arteriosclerosis, Impaired growth, Bi-polar disease /Manic Depressive Illness, Infertility, Decreased sperm count, Coronary blood vessel disease, Obesity, Depression, Pre-diabetes, Diabetes, Peripheral neuropathy, High blood cholesterol… COBALT – Cobalt is an essential mineral, although the body only needs a small amount. Also is another mineral that will not function without sufficient amounts other minerals in the body. Cobalt is stored in red blood cells with smaller amounts in the kidney, liver, pancreas and spleen. Research indicates that cobalt helps with the repair of the myelin sheath, increases the effectiveness of glucose transport from the blood into body cells, and increases the assimilation of iron and the building of red blood cells. Cobalt is an important agent of Vitamin B-12; it increases the body's ability to absorb it. Cobalt stimulates many enzymes of the body and normalizes the performance of other body cells. Because of its low absorption rate and high excretion rate, cobalt toxicity is not common, but an excess can lead to enlargement of the thyroid gland. Indications of insufficient of Cobalt may be: Digestive disorders, Pernicious anemia, Fatigue, Poor circulation, Myelin sheath damage, MS/Multiple Sclerosis, Slow growth rate, Nerve damage. COPPER – Copper is most concentrated in the liver, heart, kidneys, brain, bones, and muscles and is essential in the blood. Trace amounts are present in all body tissues. Without copper iron cannot be assimilated; iron and copper work together in the formation of hemoglobin and red blood cells. Various enzyme reactions require copper. Copper increases healing by increasing the protein metabolism and improves vitamin C. Low or high copper levels can be found in those with mental and emotional problems. Copper helps rid the body of parasites, and is beneficial for graying and thinning hair. Copper excess is not common because only a small percentage is assimilated and in those rare instances can present serious disease states. Copper insufficiency in the body can present as Menkes' syndrome. An inherited copper deficiency occurs in male infants who have with an incidence of about 1 in 50,000 live births. The disorder is characterized by deficiencies of copper in the liver and serum and, more significantly, deficiencies of essential copper proteins, including cytochrome-c oxidase, ceruloplasmin, and lysyl oxidase. Clinically, the disorder is characterized by severe mental retardation; sparse, steely, or kinky hair; and a number of other abnormalities, some of which can be correlated with deficiencies of specific copper proteins. Indications of insufficient of Copper may be: Allergies, Kawasaki Disease, Anemia, Liver cirrhosis, Aneurysm, Osteoporosis, Arthritis, Oppressed breathing, Dry brittle hair, Parasites, Edema, Parkinson's Disease, Gulf War Syndrome, Reduced glucose tolerance, Hernias, Ruptured disc, High blood cholesterol, Skin eruptions or sores, Hypo and hyper thyroid, White or gray hair, Hair loss/baldness, Varicose veins, Heart disease, Wrinkled skin... GERMANIUM – Germanium is one of the most dynamic new discoveries of trace elements necessary for optimum nutritional health. Germanium increases the level of activity of various organs (facilitates oxygen uptake) and helps to detox harmful pollutants and arrest germ activity. Germanium posses the ability to act as an electrical semiconductor, helping correct distortions in the areas of the electrical fields. Germanium continues to be researched for all its possible supplementary applications. Indications of insufficient of Germanium may be: Poor immune system creates an atmosphere for Asthma, Leukemia, Breast Cancer, Lung Cancer, Bladder Cancer, Neuralgia, Cardiac Insufficiency, Nephritis, Hypertension, Neurotic disorders, Hepatic cirrhosis, Softening of brain tissue... It is believed to act as an anti-cancer agent and is effective for viral, bacterial and fungal infections. GOLD – Gold promotes and enhances the body's natural defenses against illness, and promotes vitality and longevity. Gold has been found to improve glandular function. It helps the body to relax. Some people report that after taking gold for an extended period of time, it raises energy levels. It is also believed that gold helps repair damaged DNA. Gold is effective against joint inflammation and, when used with aspirin for arthritis, relieves pain, sometimes given in Injectable form for severe arthritis. Gold is not an analgesic but is believed to have anti-inflammatory effects. IODINE – Iodine is one of the most vital of the biochemical elements and called a vibratory of the highest frequency rates of all the body elements. It mainly affects the thyroid, which not only controls many important functions in the body, but also keeps us in a quickened state of health. Iodine restores heat and assists calcium in the repair and building of tissue in the body. Iodine is stored mostly in the thyroid, and in smaller amounts in the muscles, skin, and bones. The thyroid gland secretes iodine. Hormones produced by the thyroid regulate and control the metabolism of the body, increasing the assimilation of salts. They also control digestion, heart rate, body temperature, nervous system, reproductive system and body weight. Iodine protects the brain by destroying harmful toxins and helps neutralize toxins in the rest of the body. Iodine aids the assimilation of calcium and silicon. Skin problems such as dry or scaly skin are indicative of an iodine deficiency. An elevated ongoing intake of iodine would be required in order to produce iodine toxicity. Allergic reactions to iodine occur occasionally, manifesting as skin rashes or acne. Indications of insufficient of Iodine may be: Acne, Hyper and Hypothyroidism, Cretinism, Lethargy, Depression, Miscarriages, Frustration, Scaly or dry skin, Goiter, Sterility, Infertility, Hormonal imbalance... IRON – Iron attracts oxygen and builds blood creating energy in the body. Along with manganese and copper it is necessary for healthy blood chemistry and is essential for recovery from illness. It is stored in the blood, bone marrow, liver, and spleen, with trace amounts in every organ. Iron is one of the most common deficiencies in men as well as women, although women require more iron than men because of their menstrual cycle. Without sufficient iron, the body cannot manufacture enough new hemoglobin, the red cell protein that transports oxygen in blood. Iron helps the body rid itself of carbon dioxide and keeps liver tissue soft. Iron combines with other nutrients to produce vital blood proteins and is involved in food metabolism, digestion, elimination, circulation, and helps regulate blood pressure. Iron needs the help of Vitamin C to improve iron absorption. Anemia, Fatigue / lack of stamina, Anorexia, Fragile bones, Brittle nails, Growth retardation, Constipation, Hair loss, Dizziness, Headaches, Depression, Ice eating (Pica), Dysphasia, Unnaturally pale skin... LITHIUM– Lithium is one of the better know and studied trace mineral that is useful in treating alcoholism, manic depression and mental instability. Unlike our other mineral waters, lithium could have serious side effects. We believe that water-soluble ionic lithium does not have the side effects commonly associated with lithium compounds available from other sources. Indications of insufficient of Lithium may be: Alcoholism, Bi-polar / Manic Depression, Mental instability... MAGNESIUM – Magnesium is a natural tranquilizer. Known as an "anti-stress mineral," it aids in relaxing nerves, relieving tension, assisting digestion, activating enzymes important for protein and carbohydrate metabolism, and modulating the electrical impulses across all cell membranes. Magnesium is important in the production and transfer of energy, muscle contraction and relaxation, and nerve conduction. It also aids regularity, is necessary to keep vertebrae in their proper position, induces restful sleep, purifies and purges body tissues (combats acids, toxins, gases, impurities, and neutralizes poisons), and lowers fever. Magnesium is stored in the bowel, nerves and ligaments. Chlorophyll and green vegetables contain large amounts of magnesium Indications of insufficient of Magnesium may be: Asthma, Malignant calcification of tissue, Anorexia, Migraines, Cramps, Muscular weakness, Convulsions, Muscle tremors, Calcification of organs, Muscle tics, Calcification of small arteries, Myocardial infarction, Depression, Neuromuscular problems, ECG changes, PMS, Growth failure, Vertigo, Headaches, Wrinkles, Kidney stones, Heart Disease... MANGANESE -- Manganese, the "brain mineral," is important in the utilization of all mental facilities/functions. It aids healthy memory and other brain and nerve impulses. Though only found in trace amounts in the body, good health is impossible without it. It increases resistance and recuperative ability and, like iron, aids in oxygen transfer from lungs to cells. Manganese strengthens tendons, tissues, ligaments, and linings in and outside of organs… "If the human body is well supplied with manganese, various tissues, cells and nerves are kept elasticized and strong" Manganese makes up part of a molecule known as mucopolysaccharides, which are used to form collagen, the strong fibrous connective material that builds tissue, bone, and cartilage. This mesh of collagen is the framework on which calcium, magnesium, and other bone hardening minerals are deposited. Deficiency of Manganese is prevalent in Deafness due to damage of the cartilage of the ear. Manganese has a positive effect on the libido by increasing energy levels and the brain's ability to receive and send messages. It also helps the reproductive organs to work properly because of its effect on tissues and nerves. Production of sex hormones is aided by manganese. It can help reduce menstrual cramps and PMS. Manganese is stored half in the bones and the remainder in the liver, pancreas, pituitary gland, and kidneys. Indications of insufficient of Manganese maybe: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, Deafness, Nerve problems, Depression, PMS, Gout, Poor muscle co-ordination, Hearing problems, Retarded growth rate, Infertility, Ringing in ears (Tinnitus), Lack of concentration, Stiff tendons, Loss of libido in both sexes, Stuttering, Memory loss/mental confusion, Tremors, Miscarriages or still births... MOLYBDENUM – Molybdenum is a little-known, though essential, trace minerals instrumental in regulating pH balance in the body. For each pH point increase (e.g., 6.1-6.2), the oxygen level is increased ten times, thus increasing the metabolism and enhancing the body's ability to burn fat. Although very small amounts are needed, molybdenum is a vital part of three important enzyme systems and is necessary for the proper function of certain enzyme-dependent processes, including the metabolizing of iron. When the iron stored in the liver is freed, it can then carry oxygen to body cells and tissue. Molybdenum works in conjunction with the enzyme systems to help eliminate toxic nitrogen waste by turning it into uric acid. The uric acid then can be converted and more easily flushed out of the system. Molybdenum promotes general well being, aids in carbohydrate metabolism, has proven itself useful in MSG (or other chemical) sensitivity, increases libido, and may enhance the effect of fluorine in tooth decay prevention (dental enamel is rich in molybdenum). It also induces sleep. Because of molybdenum's ability to raise the body's pH, it may be beneficial in the treatment of cancer, viruses, and parasites. There is no recommended dietary allowance (RDA) established for molybdenum, and it is considered safe up to 15 mg. per day. Indications of insufficient Molybdenum may be: Acne, E. coli, AIDS, Eczema, Allergies, Epstein Barr virus, Anemia, Gout, Anthrax, Gulf War Syndrome, Asthma, Hepatitis C, Athlete's foot, Herpes simplex, Bell's Palsy, Impotency, Bladder infection, Insomnia, Cancer, Liver damage - Cirrhosis, Candidiasis, Lupus, Canker sores, Lyme's Disease, Cavities, Multiple Sclerosis, Contrail/Chemtrail exposure, Obesity, Colds/Flu, Parasites, Depression, Prostate infection, Diabetes, Ringworm… PLATINUM – Platinum is used in the treatment of cancer and as a base in some of the chemotherapeutic treatments in conventional hospitals, in chemical manmade, not natural form. In the early 1970's, platinum was used in the dye in x-rays of women's breasts. Breast lumps reportedly began shrinking and even disappearing after use of the dye. Many believed the platinum in the dye caused the shrinking and disappearance. Since then, platinum dye has been replaced with radioactive dyes? Platinum may be effective in killing disease causing bacteria, fungus, viruses, and help boost the immune system. Indications of insufficient Platinum may be: Bad circulation, Insomnia, Bluish tint to skin, Intestinal pain, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Muscle weakness, Diabetes, Oppressive breathing, Earaches, Pain in the eyes, Edema, Prolapsed uterus, Headaches, Swollen glands, Heart palpitations, Tissue anemia, Hypertension, Water retention... POTASSIUM – Potassium is called the "alkalizer." It neutralizes acids and restores alkaline salts to the blood stream. Again a mineral that requires other minerals to be effective. Potassium works with sodium in all cells including at nerve synapses to maintain or restore membrane potentials and assist in metabolic processes. Potassium is critical to cardiovascular and nerve function, regulating the transfer of nutrients into cells, and facilitating muscle energy. Potassium also regulates water balance, assists recuperative powers, aids rheumatic or arthritic conditions - detoxing acids to leave the joints and ease stiffness - is vital for the elimination of wastes, is a natural pain desensitizer, helps control convulsions, headaches, and migraines, promotes faster healing of cuts, bruises and other injuries, and generally contributes to a sense of well being. Potassium is stored in the muscles... Indications of insufficient Potassium may be: Bad circulation, Insomnia, Bluish tint to skin, Intestinal pain, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Muscle weakness, Diabetes, Oppressive breathing, Earaches, Pain in the eyes, Edema, Prolapsed uterus, Headaches, Swollen glands, Heart palpitations, Tissue anemia, Hypertension, Water retention. SELENIUM – Selenium is an essential trace mineral that works with Vitamin E in metabolic functions. It promotes normal body growth, enhances fertility, encourages tissue elasticity and is a potent antioxidant that naturally reduces the retention of toxic metals in the body. Selenium is crucial for the proper functioning of the heart muscle and there is evidence that it can help the body fight cancer. The people of Norfolk, England, are said to be among some of the longest-lived. Scientists believe it is due to high concentrations of selenium in the soil. A low level of selenium in soil has long been associated with higher cancer rates. Selenium is stored in muscle and other tissues, as well as in the liver and kidneys... It also enhances the effectiveness of vitamin E, known since 1957! Stimulate the production of immunoglobulins. Known to bind mercury in the human system, thus not allowing it to be absorbed and pass harmlessly thru? Indications of insufficient of Selenium may be: Age spots, Prostate Cancer, Liver spots, Immune deficiencies, Alzheimer's, Infertility, Anemia, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Cancer, Muscular Dystrophy (MD), Cardiomyopathy, Muscular weakness, Cirrhosis of the liver, Pancreatic atrophy, Cystic Fibrosis, Pancreatitis, Fatigue, Parkinson's Disease, Fibromyalgia, Premature aging, Heart disease, Scoliosis, Heart palpitations, Sickle cell anemia, HIV (AIDS), Sudden Infant Death, Syndrome (SIDS), Hot flashes... SILVER – Silver has been used for thousands of years for health care. It is believed that silver, is a systemic disinfectant and works like a secondary immune system. Since silver kills only bacteria that is anaerobic or nitrogen breathing, the friendly bacteria in the digestive tract are immune to it due to the fact that they are oxygen breathing, (aerobic). Silver can also neutralize sodium fluoride poisoning. Silver is known to kill more than 640 bacterial and viral infections. When man began to manufacture antibiotics, clinical uses for silver as an antibiotic were discarded, but is now being discovered as the smartest non-mutating antibiotic thereby preventing mutating mega bacteria. Indications of insufficient of Silver may be: Anthrax, Gonorrhea, Athlete's foot, Impetigo, Boils, Infection, Candida, Influenza, Cerebral-spinal meningitis, Intestinal trouble, Colitis, Pneumococci, Cystitis, Ringworm, Dermatitis, Shingles, Diphtheria, Staphylococci, Diplococcus, Tuberculosis, Dysentery, Warts, E. Coli, Whooping cough... SULFUR – Sulfur is known as a healing mineral. It aids every cell in the elimination of toxic substances through agitation. Sulfur aids functions in enzyme reactions and protein synthesis and is important in cellular respiration. Sulfur is the flexible bond that connects cells; it is the lubricant found between joints. A deficiency of water-soluble sulfur can lead to a variety of conditions. It is believed that sulfur can repair the myelin sheath, the protector on the end of every nerve in the body. Damage to the myelin sheath causes the shaking condition in palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Lorenzo's Disease and many other disease conditions where motor functions are uncontrollable. Chronic or severe allergies to materials such as dust, pollen, wool, animal hair, feathers, etc. with symptoms ranging from respiratory congestion to inflammation, itching, and general discomfort, can be relieved with sulfur. It increases blood circulation, reduces back pain, relieves migraine headaches, promotes muscle healing, scavenges free radicals, beautifies the skin, relieves allergies to food, controls acidity in stomach ulcers, is important for carbohydrate metabolism and speeds wound healing. Sulfur is stored in the brain, nerves, bowel and liver, and in all body cells, especially skin, hair, and nails. Indications of insufficient of Sulfur may be: Arthritis, Infection, Asthma, Migraines, Acne, Muscle pain, Back pain, Nerve disorders, Constipation, Stress, Circulatory problems, Skin disorders, Dry skin, Urinary tract disorders, Free radical damage, Muscle and skeletal disorders, Inflammation, Wrinkles... TIN – Tin is concentrated primarily in the adrenal glands but is also found in the liver, brain, spleen and thyroid. Tin is found in the tissue and has many chemical and physical properties similar to those of carbon, silica, germanium and lead. Tin has been implicated in hair loss and hearing loss. Little is still known about the functions for tin in humans. Indications of insufficient of Tin may be: Hair loss, Male pattern baldness, and Hearing loss... VANADIUM – Vanadium regulates the circulatory system, helps reduce cholesterol levels and buildup in the central nervous system, lowers elevated blood sugar and is believed to help reduce the incidence of heart attack. When used in combination with chromium it is found to be very beneficial in dealing with mineral deficiencies found in diabetics and hypoglycemics. It has been estimated that 80 million Americans exhibit some of the characteristics of diabetes such as insulin resistance, excess insulin release, high triglycerides and high blood sugar. Chronic weight loss or gain, frequent urination, and chronic thirst are warning signs that are indicative of the possible onset of diabetes. It helps reduce cholesterol levels and buildup in the central nervous system, lowers elevated blood sugar and is believed to help reduce the incidence of heart attack. When used in combination with chromium it is found to be very beneficial in dealing with those mineral deficiencies found in diabetics and hypoglycemics. It has been estimated that 80 million Americans exhibit some of the characteristics of diabetes such as insulin resistance, excess insulin release, high triglycerides and high blood sugar, leading this writer to believe it is simply a total mineral deficiency, caused from the lack of mineral content in our foods. Chronic weight loss or gain, frequent urination, and chronic thirst are warning signs that are indicative of the possible onset of diabetes. Indications of insufficient of Vanadium may be: Cardiovascular disease, Infertility, Diabetes, Metabolic dysfunction, High cholesterol, Obesity, Hyperinsulinism, Pancreatic dysfunction, Hypoglycemia... ZINC – Zinc deficiency is common due to depletion of our soil and losses associated with food processing. Zinc aids in: the proper assimilation of vitamins, normal growth and development, maintenance of body tissues, sexual function, immune system, chemical detoxification, synthesis of DNA, and helps reduce healing time both before and after surgery. It is an anti-oxidant, and must be in proper balance to assist some 25 enzymes in various functions involving digestion, metabolism, and reproduction. In the 1800's surgeons used zinc as an antiseptic/antibiotic after surgery and it was noted for its healing properties. Lack of zinc in pregnant women can result in numerous birth defects such as: Down's Syndrome, cleft lip, spina bifida, clubbed limbs, hiatal hernia, and umbilical hernias. Zinc is anti-bacterial, anti-viral and is found in all the body fluids, including the moisture in the eyes, lungs, nose, urine, and saliva. Because zinc moves through all the fluids in the body, it creates a defense against infection-causing bacteria and viruses trying to enter the body and stops bacterial and viral replication. Zinc is stored in the thyroid, pancreas, liver, kidneys, bones, voluntary muscles, prostate, sperm, skin, hair, nails, white blood corpuscles and parts of the eyes. Indications of insufficient of Zinc may be: Angina, Herpes, Alzheimer's, Hypertension, Anemia, Hair loss, Anthrax, Infertility, Alcoholism, Infection, Acne, Libido, Anorexia & Bulimia, Loss of smell and taste, Body odor, Miscarriages, Birth defects, Obesity, Cavities, PMS, Crohn's Disease, Still births, Depression, Thyroid disorders, Diabetes, Urinary tract, infections, Eye diseases, Free radical damage...