Antidepressants Blog

Chlorine (CI)

Functions

Essential for the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which is needed for proper protein digestion and for mineral assimilation. Helps liver in its detoxifying activity. Involved in the maintenance of proper fluid and electrolyte balance in the system.

Deficiency symptoms

Impaired digestion of foods. Derangement of fluid levels in the body.

Natural sources

Seaweed (kelp), watercress, avocado, chard, tomatoes, cabbage, endive, kale, turnip, celery, cucumber, asparagus, pineapple, oats, salt water fish.

RDA (Recommended Daily Allowances)

500 mg.

Sulfur (S)

Functions

“The beauty mineral.” Vital for healthy hair, skin and nails. Involved in oxidation-reduction processes.

Deficiency symptoms

Brittle nails and hair. Skin disorders: eczema, rashes, blemishes.

Natural sources

Radish, turnip, onions, celery, horseradish, string beans, watercress, kale, soybeans, fish, meat.

RDA (Recommended Daily Allowances)

Not established. Considered to be sufficient in an adequate diet.

Iron (Fe)

Functions

Essential for the formation of hemoglobin, which carries the oxygen from the lungs to every cell of the body. Builds up the quality of the blood and increases resistance to stress and disease.

Deficiency symptoms

Deficiency of dietary iron may cause nutritional’ anemia, lowered resistance to disease, a general run-down feeling, shortness of breath during exercise, headaches, pale complexion and low interest in sex. Deficiencies are common among young girls and pregnant women.

Natural sources

Apricots, peaches, bananas, black molasses, prunes, raisins, brewer’s yeast, whole grain cereals, turnip greens, spinach, beet-tops, alfalfa, beets, sunflower seeds, walnuts, sesame seeds, whole rye, dry beans, lentils, kelp, dulse, liver, egg yolks.

A sufficient amount of gastric enzymes, especially of hydrochloric acid, is needed for proper assimilation of iron. Older people are often anemic in spite of plentiful iron in the diet, because they lack sufficient hydrochloric acid in their stomachs. For these reasons, the iron-containing fruits, which contain their own enzymes and acids needed for iron digestion and assimilation, are the most reliable sources of dietary iron. Vitamin С (up to 500 mg. daily) also aids in the absorption of dietary and supplementary iron.

Note: Coffee and tea interfere with iron absorption.

RDA (Recommended Daily Allowances)

10 mg. for males, 18 mg. for females.

*161/103/5*

Potassium (К)

Functions

Important as an alkalizing agent in keeping proper acid-alkaline balance in the blood and tissues. Prevents over-acidity. Essential for muscle contraction, therefore it is important for proper heart function, especially for normal heart beat. Promotes the secretion of hormones. Helps the kidneys in detoxification of blood. Prevents female disorders by stimulating the endocrine hormone production. Involved in proper function of the nervous system.

Deficiency symptoms

Severe deficiency may cause excessive accumulation of sodium (salt) in the tissues, with severe consequences of sodium poisoning, edema, high blood pressure and heart failure. May damage the heart muscle and lead to heart attacks. Prolonged deficiency causes constipation, nervous disorders, extreme fatigue, muscular weakness and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Natural sources

All vegetables, especially green leafy vegetables, oranges, whole grains, sunflower seeds, nuts and milk. Potatoes, especially potato peelings, and bananas are especially good sources.

RDA (Recommended Daily Allowances)

2,000 mg. to 2,500 mg.

Sodium (Na)

Functions

Sodium is closely associated with potassium and chlorine in many vital functions in the body. These three minerals are known to maintain proper electrolyte balance by changing into electrically charged ions which carry nerve impulse conduction and transportation. They control and maintain osmotic pressure, which is responsible for the transportation of nutrients from the intestines into the blood. They are involved in keeping the body fluid at normal levels. Sodium is necessary for hydrochloric acid production in the stomach, and plays a part in many other glandular secretions.

Deficiency symptoms

Deficiencies are rare, and may be caused by excessive sweating, prolonged use of diuretics or chronic diarrhea. Deficiency may cause nausea, muscular weakness, heat exhaustion, mental apathy, respiratory failure. Oversupply of sodium is a more common problem because of overuse of dietary sodium chloride (common salt). Too much sodium may lead to water retention, high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, stomach cancer, hardening of arteries and heart disease.

Natural sources

Kelp, celery, romaine lettuce, watermelon, asparagus, sea water supplement, sea salt.

RDA (Recommended Daily Allowances)

200 mg. to 600 mg. a day, according to Dr. Ragnar Berg. Some authorities list as: 2 to 4 grams. More than sufficient in normal diet of natural foods without added salt.

*160/103/5*