Advantages of taking minerals and natural health supplements in diet

Manganese in trace amounts is needed for protein and fat metabolism, immunological reactions, healthy nerves and blood sugar regulation. Manganese is essential for energy production and is required for normal bone growth and for reproductive functions. It is used in the formation of cartilage and synovial (lubricating) fluid of the joints and also the bone.

Manganese is essential for people with iron deficiency anemia and is needed for the utilization of vitamin B1 (thiamine)and vitamin E.Manganese has synergistic effects with most of the B-complex vitamins to give an overall feeling of well-being. It aids in the lactation (milk production) and is a key element in the production of enzymes needed to oxidize fats and to metabolize bases present in nucleic acids. Manganese is required for strengthening of arterial tissues, making them more resistant to plaque formation.

Manganese is also involved in the building and degrading of proteins and nucleic acid, biogenic amine metabolism, which involves the transmitting of nerve impulses.

Low blood manganese levels have been shown to accentuate depression. A deficiency may contribute to depression stemming from low levels of the neurotransmitters —serotonin and nonepinephrine.

Bone cartilage is not able repair itself adequately without manganeses – which is an essential part of glucosamine, which is a major building block for joints. With glucosamine in short supply, various forms of arthritis can develop eventually leading to joint deterioration.

Osteoporosis also results in low blood levels of manganese. A deficiency of manganese may lead to atherosclerosis, confusion, convulsions, eye problems, hearing problems, heart disorders, high cholesterol levels, hypertension, irritability, memory loss, muscle contractions, pancreatic damage, profuse perspiration, rapid pulse, tooth-grinding, tremors, and a tendency to breast ailments.

Magnesium deficiency has been shown to be linked with both the male hair growth and the female hair growth Manganese deficiency always results in slow growth rate and taking manganese supplements is able to restore hair growth. The hair loss due of excess of Zinc and Calcium is also caused by the possible decrease of manganese deficiency as already discussed.

Adults normally contain an average of 10 to 20mg of manganese in their bodies, most of which is contained in bone, the liver and the kidneys. The increasing consumption of refined flours and sugars is the now the most common cause of deficiency of manganese. Some of the mineral supplementations like zinc , Calcium , have an antagonistic effect on manganese absorption.

It is always advisable to take multi-minerals that include manganese in it other wise the other mineral supplements can lead to manganese deficiencies. And if manganese supplements are taken alone the daily recommended dose is 55 mcg.

The largest quantities of manganese are found in avocados, nuts and seeds, seaweed, and whole grains. This mineral may also be found in blueberries, egg yolks, legumes, dried peas, pineapples, and green leafy vegetables. Herbs that contain manganese include alfalfa, burdock root, catnip, chamomile, chickweed, dandelion, eyebright, fennel seed, fenugreek, ginseng, hosp, horsetail, lemongrass, mullein, parsley, peppermint, raspberry, red clover, rose hips, wild yam, yarrow, and yellow dock.

Some of the other mineral supplements needed in trace elements are silicon, sulfur and vanadium.

Silicon is necessary for the formation of collagen for bones and connective tissue; for healthy nails, skin, and hair; and for calcium absorption in the early stages of bone formation. It is needed to maintain flexible arteries, and plays a major role in preventing cardiovascular disease. Silicon counteracts the effects of aluminum on the body and is important in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and osteoporosis. It stimulates the immune system and inhibits the aging process in tissues. Silicon levels decrease with aging, so elderly people need larger amounts.

Foods that contain silicon include alfalfa, beets, brown rice, the herb horsetail, bell peppers, soybeans, leafy green vegetables, and whole grains.

An acid-forming mineral that is part of the chemical structure of the amino acids methionine, cysteine, taurine, and glutathione, sulfur disinfects the blood, helps the body to resist bacteria, and protects the protoplasm of cells. It aids in necessary oxidation reactions in the body, stimulates bile secretion, and protects against toxic substances. Because of its ability to protect against the harmful effects of radiation and pollution, sulfur slows down the aging process. It is found in hemoglobin and in all body tissues, and is needed for the synthesis of collagen, a principal protein that givens the skin its structural integrity.

Brussels sprouts, dried beans, cabbage, eggs, fish, garlic, kale, meats, onions, soybeans, turnips, and wheat germ contain sulfur, as do the herb horsetail and the amino acids cysteine, cystine, lysine, and methionine. Sulfur is also available in tablet and powder forms.

Vanadium is needed for cellular metabolism and for the formation of bones and teeth. It plays a role in growth and reproduction, and inhibits cholesterol synthesis. A vanadium deficiency may be linked to cardiovascular and kidney disease, impaired reproductive ability, and increased infant mortality. Vanadium is not easily absorbed.

Vanadium is found in dill, fish, olives, meat, radishes, snap beans, vegetable oils, and whole grains.

There may be an interaction between vanadium and chromium. If you take supplemental chromium and vanadium, take them at different times. Tobacco use decreases the uptake of vanadium.