Minerals (minerals)

Minerals, Mineral salts and Minerals are salty substances in the earth's crust. They always consist of a connection between a metal and a non-metal. The typical characteristics of minerals arise in the tension field of this contrast: All minerals are crystals and dissolve in water as so-called ions, which have electrical properties.

What are minerals (minerals)?

The single ones Minerals and Minerals However, they dissolve in water to different degrees. Table salt is a mineral that is very soluble, while lime dissolves less and some rocks only in traces in water. Minerals are of vital importance to all organisms. The human body consists of 5% minerals, most of which are dissolved in the body fluids.

Significance for body and health

Minerals are dissolved in the body as electrolytes in the blood, lymph, tissue fluid and in the cells. In solid form, minerals are part of the bones and teeth. The kidneys ensure the correct concentration of dissolved minerals, the content of which may only fluctuate within narrow limits. If there are significant deviations in the mineral balance, there is a risk of serious health problems.

Table salt is the mineral that plays the most important role in the body in terms of quantity. Sodium is part of the mineral. It is essential for the development of nerve impulses, muscle activity and the water balance. Together with chloride, which is the second component of table salt, it helps the body regulate the acid balance. A lack of sodium can indicate kidney disease. Excessive sodium chloride loss is also dangerous if the mineral is excreted excessively in the event of diarrhea or other circumstances (water tablets). In such cases, the doctor instructs the patient to increase the intake of minerals.

Calcium is a mineral that is essential for the formation of bones and teeth. The main source of minerals is through the consumption of milk, yoghurt and cheese. Calcium is of particular medical importance in internal medicine. The mineral is involved in blood clotting and sometimes requires medication to lower it to prevent heart attacks.

Magnesium and potassium are also important minerals. The need for these minerals is increased in various diseases. Patients with high blood pressure should avoid table salt and instead consume potassium salts. Magnesium is a mineral that doctors recommend for muscle spasms.

Many other minerals have important biological and therefore also medicinal importance. Minerals not only contain the bulk elements, the trace elements contained in the minerals are also vital components of food.

Significance for training & sport

A higher need for Minerals exists not only in various diseases. Athletes have to make sure that no critical electrolyte loss occurs. Because when you sweat during intense physical activity, you lose minerals through your skin. Table salt is the mineral that is found in the highest concentration in sweat. Drinks with a high percentage of minerals are therefore essential for any physical training.

Mineral waters with a low sodium content are often recommended. This does not apply to athletes, the mineral sodium can be a little higher in their drinks.

Athletes should not only be concerned about the sodium balance. A heavily stressed body also loses other important minerals. Magnesium, potassium and calcium have a positive effect on the optimal function of muscles and heart. Too much of a good thing cannot be done in this regard. Because an excess is not dangerous. Healthy kidneys excrete the minerals that the body doesn't need.