Minerals: How important are they for our health?
As you get more comfortable with an acid alkaline diet, you can start to incorporate other concepts into your eating habits. One of these concepts is to ensure you are getting all the proper nutrients!
In a similar way to any other complex machine, our bodies need the right kind of fuel in order to function properly. Minerals play an essential role as far as this goes so it is important that we learn about them and how they help us to live healthy lives.
For the most part, our bodies are made up of water carrying all manner of substances throughout the vessels. This can be likened to passengers traveling along on a bus. Upon arrival at the location where they are needed, substances such as minerals, amino and fatty acids, hormones and vitamins pass through the vessel lining and take up position in the organs and cells.
So, why are minerals so important? The reason we need minerals in our bodies is all about electrolyte imbalance. Taking a general view, minerals are present in the fluid which makes up cells. Electrolytes are the minerals and mineral salts present such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and sodium, the majority of which are actively involved in muscle, tissue and bone building.
If we do not have enough minerals in our bodies, changes begin to occur. When certain minerals are in short supply it would not be unusual to experience pain in the lower back, a poor skin texture, a brittleness of the finger and toe nails, a weakness in your hair, and maybe dental, heart and depression problems.
Let’s take a look at iron. Iron forms hemoglobin in the blood. It is the mineral which is responsible for blood being red in color and it transports oxygen to the various cells of our bodies. A low level of iron is often the reason why females feel tired during their menstrual cycle when they lose quite a lot of blood.
There are several foods we need on a daily basis which supply the necessary minerals and vitamins to the body and by eating a variety of these foods we can rest assured that our mineral and vitamin intake is as it should be. For example, iron is provided by animal products like chicken, fish and red meat, and seafood not only gives us iron but many other essentials, namely, calcium, copper, iron, potassium, phosphorus, selenium and zinc. Seeds and nuts contain selenium too.
An assortment of metabolic processes is driven by minerals working alongside enzymes. When minerals are taken into the tissues of the body they play their part in regulating everything from muscle growth to nerve function. The federal government has come up with an RDA (recommended daily allowance) of the minerals and vitamins we need to keep the body functioning in good working order.
Where else can these minerals be found? For those who don’t eat red meat and fish, the good news is that fruit and vegetables are a great source of minerals. Citrus fruits and berries are just what’s needed for the necessary intake of calcium, copper and iron just as the leafy green variety of vegetables will supply us with copper, iron, magnesium, manganese and phosphorus.
Experiencing the unwanted effects of not getting enough minerals will be a thing of the past as long as a variety of the above mentioned foods are eaten on a regular basis. And they fit very nicely with an acid alkaline balanced diet 
Trying To Find The Best Colon Cleanser? Look At These Tips!
July 30, 2009 by Admin
Filed under IBS - Free Content
There are basically two different types of colon cleansing. The first is medicated, in which an over-the-counter product or prescription treatment is used. These colon cleansers usually come in the form of liquids, capsules, powders, enemas, and even teas. The second type of treatment is by natural colon cleansers. There are many recipes that discuss the main foods and herbs that will results in a colon cleanse. Many of these come in the form of drinks made from a blend of fruits and vegetables.
Colon irrigation method- Colon irrigation is often compared to an enema probably due to the fact that in both methods water is pumped into the colon area via the anus, by means of a pump. Up to twenty Gallons of water combined with herbs, probiotics or enzymes may be used along with massaging techniques to flush fluids and residue from the stomach. The method is painful, not to mention embarrassing and can possibly cost you an arm and a leg.
You may want to try a natural recipe for colon cleanse. There are a variety of recipes you can choose from, but you must be aware that some recipes are untested by health professionals and may be unhealthy to use, or should only be used on a semi-regular basis. If you find a colon cleanse recipe you feel might be right for you, take it to your doctor to get the “okay” before you begin to use it. Some popular ingredients for colon cleansers are aloe leaves (which are an excellent form of laxative) and flax seed, which is a great source of fiber. Fruit and vegetable diets are also very popular, and tend to be a long-standing favorite. The kidneys and liver get a mild cleanse from toxins due to the natural, raw diet. The fruit and vegetable diet dictates that one should eat nothing but fruits and vegetables three times a day for three consistent days. You are allowed to drink only water, and it is recommended that you drink the usual eight glasses per day. As this diet consists of nothing but natural fruits and veggies, it is safe to use for the directed three days. The use of this diet for longer than three days will result in a lack of protein (such as meat or nuts), therefore it is not recommended that you use this diet for more than three consistent days without discussing it with your doctor.
By: Best Colon Cleanser
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