Minerals and Trace Elements
Minerals are inorganic substances which, like vitamins, need to be a part of our daily nourishment. Minerals serve many functions in the body’s complex metabolic processes – including the fortification and preservation of our skeleton and teeth, facilitation of the nervous system and maintenance of the body’s water balance. Minerals are also important components of hormones and enzymes. To put it briefly, minerals are vital in order for the body and mind to function properly.
Sodium plays an important role in maintaining the water and acid-base balance in our body. Sodium is not only key in stabilising our acid-base balance, it is also an important component of our digestive juices. Furthermore, sodium is vital for the preservation of nerve cells.
Together with sodium, potassium plays an important role in the body’s water and acid-base balance. Potassium regulates the balance of fluids in our body, stabilises the acid-base balance and activates miscellaneous enzymes. Potassium is particularly important for the heart’s impulse generation and impulse conduction.
Calcium is the most important mineral in bone matter and tooth enamel. 99 percent of calcium is stored in our skeleton. The remaining calcium helps to stabilise and regulate our body’s blood clotting, muscle contractions and the activity of the heart.
Magnesium is largely found in our skeleton and muscles, but also in other somatic cells. Magnesium is involved in numerous metabolic processes, especially protein and carbohydrate metabolism.
Hydrogen carbonate regulates the pH-value of the blood and is important for muscle cells.
