The human body is a complex mechanism in which everything is interconnected. Trace elements occupy a special place in this system, the lack of which can provoke the development of serious health problems. Therefore, it is important to know what a trace element is and what role it plays in the body. Let us consider in more detail the sources and the required amount of basic nutrients.
What is a trace element?
Everyone who is interested in a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition, was interested in the meaning of such a word as "trace element". These substances are a group of chemical elements consisting of metals and non-metals. Their body contains very little - less than 0.001% per 1 kg of body weight. Despite such scanty values, such a quantity is quite enough to maintain the operability of all systems.
Trace elements along with vitamins are necessary for the body daily, because the productive work of all systems and organs depends on this. Chemicals are involved in metabolic processes as catalysts and activators. Therefore, their stocks must be replenished regularly.
The use of trace elements for the body
The correct balance of micronutrients is the key to well-being and health of the body. You should be aware that chemicals alone are not produced by the system and come only from the outside. They are able to concentrate in various organs, for example, the pancreas is the “habitat” of zinc, and the kidneys are cadmium. This phenomenon is called selective concentration. In other systems, tissues and organs, chemical elements are also present, but in smaller quantities.
What is a trace element? This is primarily the basis for the normal growth of the body. Thousands of chemicals are responsible for the formation of the cardiovascular and central nervous system even in the period of intrauterine development.
Impact on immunity
Essential trace elements are responsible for the normal functioning of the immune system. It is especially important to replenish their stocks in the summer season, eating vegetables, fruits, and also in winter, introducing dried apricots, raisins, nuts into the diet.
Immunotoxic chemical compounds have the opposite effect and adversely affect the protective system. Unfortunately, every person falls under their influence daily. A huge amount of harmful substances that are emitted by various industrial plants is in the air. People living in large cities are more affected. An excess of harmful trace elements threatens serious health problems.
The main trace elements
In the human body, almost the entire periodic table is present, but only 22 chemical elements are considered basic. They perform various functions and participate in the metabolism. Every day, a person needs many trace elements, examples of which are given below. It:
- Iodine.
- Iron.
- Calcium.
- Zinc.
- Copper.
- Manganese.
- Molybdenum.
- Phosphorus.
- Magnesium.
- Selenium.
You can get the necessary trace elements primarily from food. As an additional source, medications are complexes of vitamins and minerals.
What causes the lack of trace elements?
Useful trace elements must be ingested constantly. This is necessary for the normal functioning of internal organs and systems. Insufficient intake of substances can occur against the background of poor nutrition, large blood loss, adverse environmental situation. Lack of vital chemical compounds is fraught with the development of serious disorders and pathologies. The most common problems include deterioration of the hair, nail plates, skin, overweight, diabetes, diseases of the cardiovascular system and digestive tract, allergies.
Deficiency of trace elements affects the state of bone tissue and joints, which confirms the rapid "rejuvenation" of diseases such as arthritis, osteochondrosis, scoliosis. Experts say that a frequent cause of infertility, monthly cycle disorders and problems with potency is the low content of certain trace elements in the body.
Symptoms of micronutrient deficiency
Diseases associated with an acute shortage of useful chemicals are called trace elements. If the body needs any elements, it will certainly report it. For a person, in turn, it is important to make out “signals” in a timely manner and take measures to eliminate the deficit. First of all, attention should be paid to the state of the nervous system. Constant fatigue, drowsiness, irritability, depression indicate a problem.
Symptoms of a lack of trace elements also include:
- Slow hair growth.
- Dryness and pallor of the skin .
- Muscle weakness.
- Fragility of nails.
- Tooth decay.
- Failures in the heart rhythm.
- The development of autoimmune pathologies (lupus erythematosus).
- Memory problems.
- Disturbances in the digestive system.
These signs are only part of the manifestations of the pathological condition. In order to determine exactly which trace elements for the body are needed, you will need to undergo a laboratory study. The material for diagnosis can be the hair, nails, blood of the patient. Such an analysis is often prescribed to determine the causes of pathologies of a gynecological, urological, cardiovascular and therapeutic nature.
Why does the body need iodine?
Having figured out what a trace element is, it is necessary to pay attention to the most important chemicals for the human body. Iodine is one of the main elements that regulate the work of all organs and systems. More precisely, it is necessary for the thyroid gland, which is responsible for metabolic processes, the nervous system and the production of the hormone thyroxine.
Decreased immunity and problems with being overweight are the main signs of iodine deficiency. Deficiency of an element can cause thyroid growth (goiter), hypothyroidism, and mental retardation.
Iron
For the processes of hematopoiesis and the supply of cells and tissues with oxygen, a certain trace element is also responsible - iron. Its body contains about 0.005%. Despite such a small number, no person can exist without this element. Iron is involved in the formation of red blood cells and lymphocytes, carries oxygen, and forms immunity. The metal is part of enzymes that inhibit oxidative processes in the body, it is necessary for the transmission of nerve impulses, physical development and growth.
It should be borne in mind that excess iron also negatively affects the body. The development of diseases such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, liver and heart pathologies, digestive disorders (constipation, diarrhea, nausea) can be caused by an increased content of the element. It is quite difficult to remove it from the body, it is almost impossible without the help of specialists.
Iron deficiency most often manifests itself in the form of anemia, a low level of hemoglobin in the blood. The skin also suffers, dryness appears, cracks in the heels, a constant feeling of fatigue, dizziness.
The role of zinc
This chemical element is involved in almost all processes that occur in the body. Zinc is necessary for the immune system, growth and proper development, affects the production of insulin, is involved in the functioning of the sex glands in men. A lack of mineral is often found in older people who have lost their taste sensitivity and have little smell. To maintain the health of the body per day, you need to get at least 12 mg of zinc. Vegetables, fruits, dairy products (especially cheese), cereals, dried seeds and nuts will help replenish its supplies.
Manganese
An important element for the human body is a trace element called manganese. It is necessary for the nervous system, promotes the transmission of impulses, strengthens the immune system, regulates the processes of the gastrointestinal tract. Without this chemical element vitamins are poorly absorbed, eye pathologies develop. It has been established that manganese is an excellent prevention of diabetes, and in the presence of an ailment it significantly slows down its further development. The mineral is needed for sugar processing, therefore, patients suffering from diabetes, it must be consumed in large quantities.
What threatens magnesium deficiency?
A healthy person contains approximately 20 g of magnesium. The element is involved in the processes of protein synthesis, it is necessary for the brain to work and maintain the proper functioning of the immune system. Magnesium deficiency can be determined by frequent seizures. Scientists have come to the conclusion that another important element - calcium - cannot be properly absorbed by the body without magnesium. Preparations for strengthening bone tissue will not bring any benefit if the system is deficient in the second substance.
Most people with a history of cardiovascular disease and nervous system disorders suffer from a lack of magnesium.
Trace elements in products
Doctors recommend to a greater extent diversify the daily diet with cereals, which contain almost all the necessary trace elements. Examples of the positive effects of these products can be observed with the naked eye: the skin condition improves, the weight and functioning of the digestive organs normalize. The greatest benefit will be the use of whole grains (brown rice, millet, buckwheat). Oatmeal, which contains the necessary amount of essential microelements, is considered to be an ideal breakfast product.
To normalize the level of trace elements, you need to use some foods. It:
- Walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts.
- Pumpkin seeds.
- Avocados, bananas, apples, citrus fruits.
- Peas, corn, beans.
- Sea kale.
- Fish and seafood.
- Dairy products.
- Beef and pork liver, heart, kidneys.
Proper and balanced nutrition is a good prevention of the development of microelementosis.