Nutrition - Electrolytes

NUTRITIONAL NEEDS OF THE BODY
"Each day, normal cell functioning must be maintained, damaged cells need to be repaired,
and new cells are generated. These things cannot occur without proper nutrients."

THE SCIENCE OF NUTRITION

ELECTROLYTES

            Electrolytes are molecules that release ions in water. The electrolytes of greatest importance to cellular functions release sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca++), magnesium (Mg++), chloride (Cl-), sulfate (SO4--), phosphate (PO4---), bicarbonate (HCO3), and hydrogen (H+) ions. This electrolyte balance is maintained within our body as long as our total electrolyte intake equals the total electrolyte lost. Electrolytes are primarily obtained from food, but can also be found in drinking water and other beverages and as the by-product of the body’s metabolism. The body loses electrolytes through sweat, urine and feces - the greatest output is the result of kidney function in producing urine.  

Sodium, the main component of most table salts, is needed for conduction of nerve impulses, proper stomach function, heart contractions, beating of the heart, maintaining proper water balance and blood pH, controlling fluid volume in the circulatory system. However, as little as one gram of sodium is all that is needed and that amounts to about ¼ teaspoon. Many of us consume many more times than needed because sodium is so prevalent that it is found in nearly all food items. The excessive intake of sodium can cause edema, high blood pressure, liver and kidney disease, potassium deficiency and heart disease when not balanced with K+. Sodium deficiency is very rare because of the great accessibility of the element, but it can cause confusion, low blood sugar, dehydration, heart palpitations, fatigue and weakness.

Potassium benefits the nervous system and is required by the heart for maintaining regular heart rhythm. It can help prevent stroke, maintains blood pressure homeostasis, helps transmit electrochemical impulses, aids in proper muscle contraction, and helps keep water balance within the body. (K+ can be found mainly in fish, fruit, apricot, avocados, bananas, dates, figs, dried fruit, brown rice, dates, garlic, nuts, potatoes, raisin, legumes, wheat bran, yams, vegetables and whole grains.)

Calcium is important in the formation of strong bones and teeth. It helps maintain regular heart rhythm, prevents blood clotting, and aids in the transmission of nerve impulses. It is needed for muscle growth and contraction. Ca++ deficiencies can cause cavities and tooth decay, muscle cramps, nervousness, hypertension, high cholesterol, heart palpitation, insomnia, brittle nails, aching joints, and numbness in arms and legs. Calcium is found in seafood, soy products, almonds, asparagus, blackstrap molasses, broccoli, cabbage, carob, mustard greens, parsley, oats, prunes, sesame seeds, turnip greens, whey and green leafy vegetables.

Magnesium is crucial for enzyme function and assists in Ca++ and K+ uptake. A deficiency can cause irritability, nervousness, depression, dizziness, muscle weakness, twitching, heart disease, hypertension, abnormal pH balance and interference with the transmission of nerve and muscle impulses. Mg++ is found in most food, especially fish, salmon, seafood, soy products, lima beans, kelp, apricots, apples, avocados, bananas, peaches, millet nuts, sesame seed, green leafy vegetables, wheat and whole grains.

How harmful are salts? Anything taken in large and overwhelming amounts can harm the body, not just salts. But because salts are found in almost everything we eat, there is a greater chance to overuse. These electrolytes are extremely important and without them the body would die, but when the body gets too much salt, it is also harmed. The key is to maintain a strict balance of electrolytes and use salts in moderation.

Salt is not the criminal, yet it stands accused of causing or worsening high blood pressure, stroke, congestive heart failure, fluid retention, edema and bloating, kidney disease, and headaches. Even the Bible speaks well of salt in Matthew 5:13, “You are the salt of the earth”. The excessive intake or using the wrong form of salt is detrimental to good health. In the right form and in the right amounts, salt is essential for life. For our patients, we recommend natural sea salt, which is the right form of magnesium, potassium, calcium and sodium in combination. It still should be used in moderation because salts are abundant and both an over and under dosage can do great harm.

            In summary, we recommend all-natural sea salt in minute amounts, as it contains magnesium, potassium, calcium and sodium combined to take the place of table salt, which consists of only sodium chloride. However, all salt intake should be in moderation because the abundant quantities and easy access of salts can be harmful.