Posts Tagged ‘Sodium’

Iodine – Important mineral that prevents GOITER

Iodine is one of the first mineral to be recognized as vital for good health. Iodine comes in three forms: calcium iodide, potassium iodide, and sodium iodide. It occurs in a variety of chemical forms, the most important being: iodide (I-); iodate (IO3-), and elemental iodine (I2). The thyroid is a gland that regulates development, growth and metabolism, producing hormones that support most systems within the human body.
Practically, in countries where iodine is lacking in the soil and water, people are suffering from Goiter. Japan is the only country which is free from this disease and this is because of high consumption of seaweed as food.
- Iodine is grayish black in color.
- Iodine, when heated, yield corrosive fumes of a rich violet color.
- Iodine forms an essential component of thyroxine, the main hormone produced by thyroid gland.
- Iodine is absorbed from gastro-intestinal tract into the blood.
- Iodine is concentrated mainly in thyroid gland, where it is stored in the form of thyroglobulin, a complex of protein and iodine.
- When amount of thyroid hormone is serum is decreased, the pituitary gland releases a thyroid-stimulating hormone which causes the thyroid gland to produce more cells and to increase in size in an attempt to manufacture more hormones. This results in enlargement of thyroid gland, which is also called goiter.

FUNCTIONS OF IODINE IN HUMAN BODY

- Iodine is essential in maintaining the function of the thyroid and parathyroid glands in the human body.
- Iodine is essential to the production of thyroxine, a hormone associated with the thyroid gland and proper thyroid functioning.
- Iodine also promotes general growth and development within the body as well as aiding in metabolism.
- Iodine controls the utilization of sugars.
- Iodine regulates the rate of energy production and body weight.
- Iodine increases heart rate and urinary calcium excretion.
- Iodine improves mental alertness.
- Iodine promotes healthy hair, nails, skin, and teeth.
- Iodine is considered very important for breast shape and health.
- Iodine is used to treat eye infections, also iodine protects against UVB radiations.
- Iodine acts as an antioxidant in the blood.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS OF IODINE IN HUMAN BODY

- Cretinism occurs in children whose diet lacks in iodine. A cretin is a dwarfed child who is mentally retarded, enlarged thyroid gland, defective speech and a gait that is clumsy.
- Extreme fatigue.
- Slowing of both physical and mental processes.
- Weight gain, facial puffiness.
- Constipation and lethargy.
- Anemia.
- Slow pulse rate.
Excessive intake of foods like cabbage, cauliflower, and raddish causes iodine deficiency as these foods contain a substance which reacts with the iodine present in food and makes it unsuitable for absorption.

FOOD SOURCES RICH IN IODINE

- Iodized salt.
- Seaweed, yogurt, cow’s milk, mozzarella cheese, eggs and strawberries.
- Cod liver oil.

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Sodium – Indispensable for Life – Properties, Sources, Deficiency Symptoms, Healing Properties

Sodium is a mineral that is present only in small quantities in most natural foods, but salt is added, often in large amounts, in food processing and by cooks to enhance flavor. Sodium is an essential mineral or micronutrient found in the bones as well as the fluid surrounding cells.

PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SODIUM
- Sodium is silver white in color.
- Sodium is highly reactive.
- Sodium is alkaline in nature.
- Sodium is soft and malleable.
- Sodium is found inside the body and outside in the combination with other elements.
- Sodium is usually taken in the form of sodium chloride.
- Sodium is absorbed from gastro-intestinal tract but substantial losses may occur due to vomiting and diarrhea.
- Sodium balance is controlled by hormone aldosterone which is secreted by adrenal gland.
- Increased amounts of aldosterone are secreted when the need for sodium increases which increases the re-absorption of sodium ions by kidney.

HOW DOES SODIUM FUNCTION IN BODY ?

- Sodium acts with other electrolytes especially potassium to regulate the osmotic pressure and maintain proper water balance.
- Sodium is vital component of nerves as it stimulates muscle contraction.
- Heart contraction is maintained.
- It helps in glucose absorption.
- It helps in transportation of other nutrients across cell membranes.
- It relaxes muscles.
- Important in the distribution of water in the body.
- It helps in maintenance of fluid volume in the vessels and tissues.
- Sodium helps in brain functioning.
- Sodium is an important hydrating product of anti-aging creams.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS

Deficiency of sodium is caused by:
- excessive sweating.
- prolonged use of diuretics or chronic diarrhea.
Deficiency of sodium may lead to:
- nausea.
- muscular weakness.
- heat exhaustion.
- mental apathy.
- low blood pressure.
- muscle cramps.
- dizziness.
- weakness.
- lethargy.
Overdose of sodium causes high blood pressure, swelling of brain nerves and cerebral edema. If it worsens, it can even lead to comma.

SOURCES OF SODIUM

Some of the important sources of sodium are apple, common salt, homemade soups, cabbage, egg yolks, pulses, bananas. Even, carrot, baking powder and baking soda, turnips, leafy vegetables and dried peas are some of the essential sources. Processed cheese, smoked fish and salty meats, snacks, pickles and sauce contains ample amount of sodium.