---

---

Now all this being said it goes without saying that too much of anything is not good for your body. Your body is only able to absorb so much of a certain vitamin at one time. For some vitamins if you take in too much your body will just absorb what it can and then it will get rid of the rest through waste. There are vitamins that will cause harm if too much is taken however, symptoms of this can range from nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting to in very rare occasions vitamin poisoning and death.

MINERALS

Minerals are naturally occurring elements in nature that our bodies use in order to put into motion the properties and functions of enzymes, vitamins, and amino acids. Without proper amounts of these minerals are body is unable to do this. Think of minerals as a cars battery. The battery is needed in order to start off the chain of events that is required to start your car.

Below is a list of the minerals that our body is in need of, as well as a description of what each is known to do in the body.

• Calcium - used by teeth, bones
• Chlorine – promotes a healthy nervous/ digestive system
• Chromium –promotes the action of insulin
• Copper –helps the body use iron, helps with bone growth, nerve function
• Fluoride - strengthens teeth
• Iodine - combines with tryosine to create the hormone thyroxine
• Iron - transports oxygen in red blood cells
• Magnesium –aids with the numerous actions of the cells in your body
• Manganese – triggers the activity of enzymes, boosts immune system
• Molybdenum –waste processing in kidneys, energy production in cells
• Phosphorus - change protein, fat and carbohydrate into energy, develop connective tissues and organs, create hormones.
• Potassium - important ion in nerve cells
• Selenium – promotes cellular functions
• Sodium - Helps maintain water balance, Regulates blood pressure, Helps muscle and nerve function
• Zinc – immune system function, assists in cell division/growth, promotes good skin.

Since minerals are naturally occurring in the earth we receive them both from food and water that we drink. However because of the pollution and the different farming methods that dramatically reduce the amount of minerals in the soil we are unable to get the amount of minerals that is suggested. It is because of this reason that there are supplements available to us so that we can make up the shortfall.

Because you’re physical health depends upon the health of your cells, a mineral deficiency can leave us with some pretty serious health problems. Studies have shown that when the body becomes deficient in certain minerals, health problems such as Osteoporosis, Heart disease, Cancer, Arthritis, and Gastrointestinal disorders, becomes an issue.

WATER

As I mentioned earlier in this article your body is made up of about 60% water, so it makes perfect sense to say that water is a very important necessity of your body. Your body uses water for many different things like: carrying nutrients to your muscles, carrying waste in your body, lubrication of joints, aids your digestive tract and hydrates your body tissues. Water is also used by your body to cool you off through sweat during physical activities.

Water is so essential to our bodies that we can only go a few days without it. It is estimated that the average adult can lose between 6-8 cups of water a day through sweat, breathing, and bodily waste, and even more if you’re an active individual in hot temperatures. If your body is unable to get enough water you will become dehydrated, and can also cause constipation, dizziness, reduced endurance, reduced alertness, and heat stroke.

So how much water are we suppose to take in, during any given day? Studies show that the average person needs to consume 6-8 glasses of water every day in order to make up what is lost throughout the day. During times of illness, extreme heat and exercise you will need to consume more water than normal because your body will be losing it faster. Contrary to popular belief thirst is not always the best indicator of your body needing liquid, it is better that you look for signs such as a dry mouth, deep yellow/less urine, and or dizziness/light headedness. These are all good indications that you need to re-hydrate yourself.
*It is important to note that certain medications, caffeine, alcohol etc are considered diuretics, which means that they draw water out of your body. That being said you will need more water.*

Drinking water and other forms of drinks is not the only way to provide your body with water. Vegetables such as celery, lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, as well as fruits such as apples, oranges, and any kind of melon contain a surprising amount of water.

FIBER

Fiber is basically a general term used for things that our body cannot digest or cannot digest easily. The 3 common kinds of fiber that we consume through food are:
-Cellulose: The structural component of plant life. It is this component that gives them their shape. In scientific terms it is a linear chain of several hundred to over ten thousand linked glucose units.

-Hemicellulose: another type of fiber that is found in almost all cell walls along with cellulose. The difference is that the strength and shape of it is different. -Pectin: Comes from fruits and vegetables and is mainly prepared from the wastes(peels, pulp). Pectin is mostly used as a jelling agent and is a thickener and water binding agent.

There are two main categories of fiber, soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber such as those found in vegetables and fruits can be digested and used by the body. Some studies show that it may play a role in lowering cholesterol levels. Insoluble fiber such as those found in whole grain products are unable to be digested by the body and therefore is used by our bodies in the formation of stool, and the hastening of getting rid of stool from our bodies. It also helps to satisfy our appetite by giving our bodies “full” feeling after eating.