Calcium (Ca) : Dairy Products Acid-Forming
Calcium (Ca) : Dairy Products Acid-Forming
Calcium (Ca) : Dairy Products Acid-Forming
Calcium (Ca)
Found in teeth, bones and nails: Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the
body.
Roles of calcium in the body: Calcium is essential for the clotting of blood,
the action of certain enzymes and the control of the passage of fluids through
the cell walls. It is also essential to normal heart action and muscle
contraction.
Symptoms of calcium deficiency: Weaker bones, delayed growth, nervous
irritability and muscle sensitivity.
Good sources of calcium: Green leafy vegetables such as broccoli and
cabbage, seeds, nuts, dates, oranges and tofu. Though high in calcium, dairy
products are acid-forming so they are not a good source.
2. Phosphorus (P)
Phosphorus is found in bones, teeth, and the protoplasm and nucleus of every
cell. It is used in more bodily functions than any other mineral.
Roles of phosphorus in the body: Phosphorus is used to build healthy
bones and teeth (in combination with calcium); to metabolize carbohydrates,
fats and proteins; to build nerve and brain cells.
Symptoms of phosphorus deficiency: Poor bone and teeth development,
mental fatigue, feeling of depression resulting from exhausted nerve energy.
Good sources of phosphorus: Coconut, green leafy vegetables, pears,
apple, avocado, dates, carrots, rice, oats, fish, legumes.
3. Potassium (K)
Roles of potassium in the body: Potassium regulates transportation in and
out of cells including the removal of toxins and delivery of nutrients, regulates
the heart beat, tissue elasticity, aids healing, promotes correct liver functioning
and regulates nerve and muscle action.
Symptoms of potassium deficiency: Poor muscular control, poor digestion,
liver problems, slow healing of sores.
Good sources of potassium: Cereals, most fresh fruit and vegetables,
bananas, papaya, fish, pulses, nuts and seeds.
4. Sodium (Na)
Roles of sodium in the body: With potassium, sodium regulates exchange in
and out of cells; helps maintain water balance; is required to produce
digestive juices; helps eliminate carbon dioxide; aids correct nerve
functioning.
Symptoms of sodium deficiency: Muscle cramp, nausea, indigestion,
arthritis, rheumatism, gallbladder and kidney stones.
Good sources of sodium: Seeds, strawberry, melon, sea asparagus,
fish, natural extracted salts. Note that sodium chloride (refined table salt) is a
bad source of sodium and poisonous to the body.
5. Magnesium (Mg)
Roles of magnesium in the body: Required for more than 300 biochemical
reactions, maintain normal nerve and muscle function, supports a healthy
immune system, carbohydrate metabolism.
Symptoms of magnesium deficiency: Poor complexion, faster heartbeat,
irritability, digestive disorders, soft bones.
Good sources of magnesium: Nuts (especially walnut and almonds),
cereals, spinach, fish.
6. Iron (Fe)
Iron is best known for its role as a primary constituent of haemoglobin in red
blood cells.
Roles of iron in the body: Transportation of oxygen and carbon dioxide
around the body; building of bones and muscle tissue.
Symptoms of iron deficiency: Pale complexion, anemia, low energy levels,
stunted growth.
Good sources of iron: Dark green vegetables, legumes, dried fruits, whole
grain cereals, spinach, liver.
7. Manganese (Mn)
Manganese is found in the liver, kidneys, pancreas, lungs, prostrate, adrenal
gland, brain and bones.
Roles of manganese in the body: Facilitates chemical reactions,
carbohydrate metabolism, strong tissues and bone, helps form thyroxine,
helps regulate blood sugar levels, needed for antioxidant and enzyme
function.
Symptoms of manganese deficiency: Weak bones, anemia, chronic fatigue,
low immunity, hormonal imbalance, infertility.
Good sources of manganese: Beans, walnut, whole cereals, green
vegetables, cabbage, sweet potato.
8. Copper (Cu)
Copper is found in the heart, lungs, liver and gallbladder.
Roles of copper in the body: Copper is required primarily for the absorption
and metabolism of iron.
Symptoms of copper deficiency: Copper deficiency symptoms are similar to
those of iron: poor hemoglobin production, pale complexion, anemia, low
energy levels, stunted growth.
Good sources of copper: Nuts and seeds, raisins, shellfish.
9. Iodine (I)
Found mainly in the thyroid gland in the throat.
Roles of iodine in the body: Used to make thyroxine which regulates some
of the metabolic functions; oxidation of fats and proteins.
Symptoms of iodine deficiency: Swollen thyroid gland, goiter, low
metabolism.
Good sources of iodine: Nuts and seeds, raisins, green leafy vegetables,
turnip, banana, watermelon, shellfish, seaweeds, sea salt, fish, whole cereals
and grains.
10. Zinc (Zn)
Roles of zinc in the body: Regulation of blood sugar, healing of wounds,
transfer of carbon dioxide from tissue to lungs.
Symptoms of zinc deficiency: Poor intestinal absorption, restricted growth,
prostrate problems, absence of taste.
Good sources of zinc: Nuts and seeds, shellfish, cereal products such as
wheat germ. Though they contain zinc, dairy products are acid-forming so not
a good source.