Macro Minerals

"Out of 2.1 million deaths a year in the United States,
1.6 million are related to poor nutrition."
-- C. Everett Koop, Former Surgeon General

Mineral Wheel of Balance Between Macro and Micro Minerals

Macro Minerals are essential minerals that are found in the body in abundance and that are critical ingredients to health. The mineral wheel (image shown at right) shows the complex interactions between different minerals (macro and trace). Some minerals require other minerals to be present in order to do their job (single arrows on the lines of the mineral wheel.). Other minerals interfere with another’s bioavailability (double, opposing arrows on the lines of the mineral wheel). This simplified mineral wheel illustrates the interactions of only 23 minerals. Imagine the complexity if all 73 naturally occurring minerals and elements were included.

The primary objective of mineral intake should be to obtain the proper mineral balance.

Calcium (Ca)

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and the fifth most abundant substance. About 99% is deposited in the bones and teeth. The remaining 1% is involved in the soft tissues, intracellular fluids and blood. The major function of Calcium is to act in cooperation with phosphorus to build and maintain bones and teeth. Another important function is the storage of the mineral in the bones for use by the body. The Calcium state of the bones is constantly fluctuating according to the diet and to the body’s needs. The 1% of ionized Calcium that circulates in the fluids of the body is small, but vital, to life. It is essential for healthy blood and eases insomnia and its delicate messenger ions help regulate the heartbeat. Along with Calcium, magnesium is needed to properly maintain the cardiovascular system. In addition, Calcium assists in the process of blood clotting and helps prevent the accumulation of too much acid or too much alkali in the blood. It also plays a part in secretion of hormones. It affects neurotransmitters (serotonin, acetylcholine and norepinephrine), nerve transmission, muscle growth and muscle contraction. The mineral acts as a messenger from the cell surface to the inside of the cell and helps regulate the passage of nutrients in and out of the cell walls.

Calcium rich foods include almonds, baked beans, blackstrap molasses, bok choy, broccoli, brussel sprouts, buttermilk, cheddar cheese, collard greens, cottage cheese, dandelion greens, edam cheese, kale, milk, mustard greens, okra, parmesan cheese, peas, ratabagas, rhubarb, salmon, sardines, sesame seeds, spinach, swiss cheese, tofu, turnip greens, white beans and yogurt.

Calcium may be beneficial for the following ailments: Anemia, Diabetes, Hemophilia, Pernicious anemia, Backache, Fracture, Osteomalacia, Osteoporosis, Rickets, Colitis, Diarrhea, Dizziness, Epilepsy, Finger tremors, Insomnia, Irritability, Mental illness, Nervousness, Parkinson’s Disease, Meniere’s Syndrome, Cataracts, Headache, Arteriosclerosis, Atherosclerosis, Hypertension, High LDL levels, Cancer of the large intestine, Celiac Disease, Constipation, Hemorrhoids, Worms, Arthritis, Rheumatism, Nephritis, Muscle cramps, Allergies, Common cold, Tuberculosis, Tetany, Nail problems, Acne, Bee and Spider bites, Sunburn, Stomach ulcers, Brittle teeth, Cavities, Pyorrhea, Tooth and Gum disorders, Aging Fever, Overweight, Obesity, and Toxicity.

Magnesium (Mg)

Magnesium is an essential mineral that accounts for about 0.05% of the body’s total weight. Magnesium is involved in many essential metabolic processes. Most is found inside the cell, where it activates enzymes necessary for the metabolism of carbohydrates and amino acids. By countering the stimulative effect of calcium, magnesium plays an important role in neuromuscular contractions. It also helps regulate the acid-alkaline balance in the body. Magnesium helps promote absorption and metabolism of other minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium. It also helps utilize the B Complex and Vitamins C and E in the body. It aids during bone growth and is necessary for proper functioning of the muscles including those of the heart.

The foods with the highest amount of magnesium include white beans, red beans, black-eyed beans, soybeans, lima beans, tofu, lentils, buckwheat, cornmeal, wheat, beet greens, swiss chard, collards, spinach and turnip greens. Next highest include millet, oatmeal, brown rice, rye, almonds, cashews, brussels sprouts, dandelion greens, kale, mustard greens, peas, potato, sweet potatoes, avocado, banana, black berries, dates, mango, and milk. Most of the other vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds and fruits contain small amounts of magnesium.

Magnesium may be beneficial for the following ailments: Arteriosclerosis, Atherosclerois, High cholesterol level, Diabetes, Hypertension. High LDL cholesterol, Fracture, Osteoporosis, Rickets, Colitis, Diarrhea, Depression, Epilepsy, Mental illness, Multiple Sclerosis, Nervousness, Neuritis, Neuromuscular Disorders, Noise Sensitivity, Parkinson’s Disease, Tantrums, Hand Tremors, Coronary thrombosis, Ischemic heart disease, Celiac Disease, Arthritis, Kidney Stones, Oxalate stones, Leg cramps, Muscle weakness, Muscular excitability, Neuromuscular disorders, Weakness, Psoriasis, Decay, Vomiting, Alcoholism, Backache, Convulsions, Delirium, Epilepsy, Kwashiorkor, Overweight, Obesity, PMS and Polio.

Phosphorus (P)

Phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral in the body and is found in every cell. The balance of calcium and phosphorus is needed for them to be effectively used by the body. Phosphorus plays a part in almost every chemical reaction within the body because it is present in every cell. It is important in the utilization of carbohydrates, fats and protein for growth, maintenance and repair and mediation, both within and without the cells, and for the production of energy. It stimulates muscle contractions, including the regular contractions of the heart muscle. Niacin and riboflavin cannot be digested unless phosphorus is present. Phosphorus is an essential part of nucleoproteins, which are responsible for cell division and reproduction. Phosphorus helps prevent the accumulation of too much acid or too much alkali in the blood, assist in the passage of substances through the cell walls and promote the secretion of glandular hormones. It’s also needed for healthy nerves and efficient mental activity. B-Complex Vitamins and many enzymes require phosphorus to function.

Phosphorus rich foods include all bran cereal, almonds, beef, brazil nuts, cashew nuts, cheese, chicken, dried fruit, egg
garlic, halibut fish, hard potatoes, herring, kidneys, legumes, lentils, liver, meat, milk, peanuts, poultry, roe, salmon, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, turkey, wheat bran, wheat germ, whole wheat bread and yogurt.

Phosphorus may be beneficial for the following ailments: Fractures, Osteomalacia, Osteoporosis, Rickets, Stunted growth, Colitis, Mental illness, Mental stress, Arteriosclerosis, Atherosclerosis, Arthritis, Stone arthritic conditions, Leg cramps, Tooth and gum disorders, Alcoholism, Backache, Cancer prevention, Pregnancy and Stress.

Potassium (K)

Potassium is an essential mineral found mainly in the intracellular fluid (98%), where it is the primary positive ion force. Potassium constitutes 5% of the total mineral content of the body. Potassium and sodium help regulate water balance within the body, that is, they help regulate the distribution of fluids on either side of the cell walls and preserve proper alkalinity of the body fluids. Potassium also regulates the transfer of nutrients to the cells. Potassium unites with phosphorus to send oxygen to the brain and also functions with calcium in the regulation of neuromuscular activity. The synthesis of muscle protein and protein from the amino acids in the blood requires potassium. Protein and carbohydrate metabolism are dependent upon potassium. It stimulates the kidneys to eliminate poisonous body wastes. Potassium works with sodium to help normalize the heartbeat.

Potassium rich foods include bananas, oranges, apricots, avocado, strawberries, cantaloupe, potatoes, tomatoes, cucumber, cabbage, cauliflower, chard, bell pepper, eggplant, squash, crimini mushrooms, brussels sprouts, turmeric, parsley, spinach, broccoli, tuna and halibut.

Potassium may be beneficial for the following ailments: Angina, Pectoris, Diabetes, Hypertension, Hypoglycemia, Mononucleosis, Stroke, Fracture, Colitis, Diarrhea, Alcoholism, Insomnia, Poor reflexes, Polio, Mononucleosis, Fever, Headache, Congestive heart failure, Myocardial infarction, Constipation, Worms, Arthritis, Gout, Allergies, Impaired muscle activity, Muscular Dystrophy, Rheumatism, Sterility, Acne, Burns, Dermatitis, Colic, Gastroenteritis, Tooth and Gum disorders, Cancer, Impaired growth and Stress.

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