What are trace elements?
They intervene in the regulation and balance of respiratory, digestive, neurovegetative and muscular functions, and in the functions metabolic, among other. Human beings cannot produce them, so it is necessary that our diet provides us with the small but important doses that we need, since its deficit can be the cause of diseases.
Trace elements are presented in elemental form, that is to say without combining, as chemical elements. Many of the chemical elements that make up trace elements can be found in greater quantities in the form of mineral salts. But their role is very different.
- When they show up as mineral salts they have a role structural and are found in the body by forming structures, either dissolved in the body's fluids or as part of the proteins, which are the most important structural constituents of the body. protoplasm, bones, teeth (Ca and P), of the body fluids (Cl, K and Na), from the blood (Faith), etc.
- When they are presented in elemental form, they intervene in a highly specific way so that a certain biochemical reaction can be carried out, thus acting in the complex system of human metabolism.
Essential trace elements
Fluorine, Iodine, Selenium and Silicon (metalloids), Chromium, Cobalt, Iron, lithium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Copper, Tin, Vanadium and Zinc (metals).
When for various reasons there is a lack trace elements, symptoms or diseases. If the diet is supplemented with the deficient trace element (s) before the disease causes irreversible damage, the metabolism is rebalanced and, therefore, health is restored (or the evolution of the disease stops), as happens with vitamins when they are administered in deficiency states.
How do each of the trace elements help us?
- Fluoride: bones and teeth: helps to fix calcium in the bones, which is why it is essential in periods of growth and bone formation but also helps to prevent or delay the appearance of. Maintains the good condition of the enamel of the teeth so it helps to prevent cavities.
- Iodine: thyroid and energy: iodine is essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid glands since it is essential for the formation of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). These hormones regulate the basal metabolism and therefore the growth and functions of other body systems. They are essential for Energy production in the body and are necessary for the synthesis of many proteins. They also influence carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.
- Selenium: antioxidant and chemopreventive: although its mechanism of action is not fully known, it is known that it is a very powerful antioxidant and that it is necessary for the proper functioning of the muscles, protects the cardiovascular system And, although there are conflicting opinions, it seems that it can slow the appearance of and help prevent certain types of cancer.
- Silicon: bones, skin, hair and nails: it is essential for the skeletal formation and growth by intervening in the process of calcification of the bones. It intervenes in the processes of cicatrization. The lack of silicon causes loss of elasticity of the skin and other tissues, as well as brittle hair and nails.
- Chromium: sugar metabolism: intervenes in the sugar metabolism, reinforces the action of insulin and favors the entry of glucose into the cells. It should be borne in mind that with age, its content in the body decreases.
- Cobalt: circulatory system: it is an essential component of the b12 vitamin. Regulates the neurovegetative system, helps to regulate blood pressure and dilate blood vessels, and favors the fixation of glucose in the tissues.
- Iron: blood, tissues and vitality. It is involved in the synthesis and function of hemoglobin, acts on enzymes in the production of energy, collagen, elastin and neurotransmitters.
- lithium: nervous system. It acts on the nervous system and is useful in some types of heart conditions. In principle, it is difficult for a lithium deficit to occur, but it seems that treatment with lithium can be useful in certain cases of (in this case always with dosed drugs and under medical prescription)
- Manganese: allergies. Its mechanism is not clearly determined, however its supplementation improves in many cases the allergic symptoms. In addition, it is necessary for the bones and for reproductive functions.
- Molybdenum: detoxification and other functions. It is involved in the metabolism and intestinal absorption of iron. It is involved in the good state of male functions and also in the detoxification process of nitrosated compounds.
- Nickel: growth and defense. It intervenes in the processes of growth, blood cell formation and in the defense processes of the body.
- Copper: multifunction and defense. It is involved in the synthesis and function of hemoglobin, in the production of collagen, elastin and neurotransmitters and in the formation of melanin. Stimulates the immune system.
- Tin: Caution. It is important for many bioelectrical functions of the body and for hair growth. Improves the functioning of the immune system and reflexes. Is difficult for a deficit to occurOn the contrary, an excess of tin is possible by exposure through foods packaged in tin cans and this can be toxic.
- Vanadium: trace element present in the human body in minute quantities. Its mechanism of action is not clear but it increases and improves the mechanisms controlled by insulin, increasing the level of muscle glycogen.
- Zinc - immunity and many more functions. It is involved in the functioning of certain hormones and in growth processes. It is also involved in the production of insulin, the formation of sperm and the defense of the immune system.
Oligotherapy
The is based on the use of trace elements to promote health and cure diseases. Based on the fact that when there is a deficit of trace elements, a series of alterations are produced in the metabolism, oligotherapy, once this situation is detected, is to administer to the patient the trace element (s) necessary for the processes that are failing in the body to return. to occur normally. Oligotherapy is one of the so-called regulatory therapies, because what it does is provide the body with those elements it needs in the right amount, so that it is able to continue its normal functioning.
It can be used in many different diseases. The oligotherapy specialistOnce the problem has been determined, individually and depending on the terrain, that is, its constitution and physical and mental characteristics, it lists which or which are the trace elements that may be failing and prescribes the most appropriate treatment.
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What you should know:
- An unbalanced diet, stress, illness ... can cause deficiencies of trace elements that can cause symptoms and disorders.
- As the body cannot produce them, we have to provide them through the diet.
- Oligotherapy
Maria Jose Alonso Osorio Member of medicinal plants and homeopathy of the College of Pharmacists of Barcelona
(Updated at Apr 13 / 2024)