Mineral and Water Function

There are over 20 minerals you need to maintain a healthy diet. Some you may only need in small quantities, but major minerals require higher amounts such as sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and sulfur (Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006, Chapter 9). Minerals have many functions and are essential to the body structure and the regulatory process that maintain life. We consume minerals from animals and plants. The iron content of meat is predictable because the iron is part of a protein in muscle that gives the meat its red color. In other foods, minerals are present as contaminants; where a food is grown and how it is processed can affect its mineral content. ” (Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006, Chapter 9). Major sources of minerals are milk, eggs, meats, peas, fruits, cereals, whole grains, fish, and poultry.

Water has numerous functions it performs in the body some of which include: moistening tissues, lubricating joints, regulating body temperature, protecting organs and tissues, helping prevent constipation, helping dissolve minerals and other nutrients to make them accessible to the human body, lessening the burden on the kidneys and liver by flushing out waste products, and carrying nutrients and oxygen to cells ("Mayo Clinic", 2013). The depletion of water, dehydration, will have more rapid symptoms than any other nutrient deficiency in your body (Grosvenor & Smolin, Chapter 9, 2006).

Body weight is about 60% water for the average adult. Water bathes the cells of the body and lubricates and cleanses internal and external body surfaces. “Watery tears lubricate the eyes and wash away dirt, synovial fluid lubricates the joints, and saliva lubricates the mouth, making it easier to chew and swallow food. Water resists compression so it cushions body compartments such as the joints and eyeballs against shock. The cushioning effect of water in the amniotic sac protects the fetus as it grows inside a pregnant woman. (Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006, Chapter 9). Water is an excellent solvent; glucose, amino acids, minerals, and many other substances needed by body cells dissolve in water. The chemical reactions of metabolism that support life take place in water. (Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006, Chapter 9). The general effects of dehydration are fatigue, muscle weakness, poor concentration, headaches, dizziness or lightheadedness, and decreased metabolism ("Functional Fitness Facts", 2013).

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Mild to moderate dehydration can be treated easily and generally doesn’t cause permanent damage with preventable intake of water consumption. The consumption of water and minerals has great effects on everyday body functions. I have learn how cereal can be extremely beneficial for receiving nutrients we don’t normally get, especially me with my diet. If I implement cereal I will receive a lot of important nutrients. Secondly the many functions of water are important to our everyday expenditures. Sneezing, coughing, crying and cannot be done without water.

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