Properties and functions of silver (Ag) in the child's body. Silver compounds: causes of poisoning, symptoms and treatment Excess silver in the body symptoms

People learned about the useful properties of silver in ancient times, and it was not so difficult: silver is a metal that is often found in its pure form, and melting furnaces and other devices that appeared much later were not needed to obtain it.

The inhabitants of Ancient Babylon and Assyria identified silver with the moon, and considered it sacred. In many burials, including royal ones, archaeologists discovered not only bowls and goblets made of silver, but also special jugs for storing and transporting water: people already knew then that silver could endow water with healing properties - about 7000 years have passed since then. years.

silver water

Herodotus wrote that the Persian kings took with them on military campaigns not only food, but also water from their capital: it was poured into silver vessels, sealed and transported on mules.

Interesting cases also occurred during the Macedonian campaigns: when the king and his army came to the banks of the Indus, most of his soldiers were struck by an unknown intestinal infection, but almost all the commanders remained healthy. And everything was explained simply: if the soldiers had simple dishes - earthenware, wooden or tin, then the king and his military leaders used dishes made of silver - it neutralized most of the pathogenic bacteria.

Ordinary water, if it was stored in silver vessels, became healing, so they began to drink it with the wounded and use it to wash wounds, so silver can be called one of the oldest antiseptics.

Silver properties

Already in the 19th century, German doctors, studying the properties of silver, discovered that the causative agents of many diseases that are deadly to humans - diphtheria, typhoid, pulmonary and intestinal infections, etc. - do not survive long if they are placed on silver plates: typhoid bacillus does not withstands even days, and other microbes die in 2-3 days.

Russian doctors began to use the healing properties of silver around the same time, and already at the beginning of the 20th century, during the Russo-Japanese War, it was successfully used by military surgeons. Later, they began to treat purulent infections, acute respiratory infections, rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatism - silver was administered intravenously; gastritis was treated with silver solutions, it was used during operations, but after the advent of antibiotics, the popularity of silver fell sharply. Today it is growing again - it turns out that most antibiotics are not as miraculous as they seemed - hundreds of drugs did not live up to the expectations of scientists, and silver destroys pathogenic microbes as before.

The effectiveness of silver against bacteria is amazing: it surpasses not only the "old" antiseptics - for example, carbolic alcohol, but in many cases is more effective than bleach, which is considered today a universal disinfectant.

If broad-spectrum antibiotics can destroy about 500 types of bacteria, then colloidal silver destroys more than 650 species, while all beneficial microorganisms remain alive - after all, silver is an integral part of our body tissues. Moreover, bacteria do not get used to the action of silver, as to drugs - it is known that the reason for the ineffectiveness of antibiotics is most often the resistance of bacteria and viruses to them.

What is silver and what physical properties does it have? Silver is one of those metals that are called noble, and it lends itself perfectly to processing; thanks to its characteristic brilliance, the concept of “silver” appeared - such brilliance is also referred to as “noble” shades. Silver does not corrode, and even many acids do not affect it, but it dissolves in hydrochloric acid - silver chloride is obtained, which is used in photography, the chemical and electronic industries, in the manufacture of coins, jewelry, mirrors, etc.

Official medicine again successfully uses silver: if since the 18th century it has been used to treat diseases of the digestive system and the nervous system, today many effective medicines are being created on its basis. Preparations with silver are used for diseases of the eyes, throat, genitourinary system, for ulcers, erosions and tissue cracks; silver is also used in the treatment of cancer.

Silver in products

Silver enters the human and animal body with water and food, but in small quantities. There is little of it in food: insignificant amounts are found in vegetables, fruits and meat; some experts call cranberries as a source of silver, but we hardly use it often. In the food industry, silver is used in food preservation - for example, it can get into milk and juices, but we get the bulk of it from silver-rich water - water is often specially treated for this. At home, it will be enough to keep water in silver containers or put silver objects into it - for example, silverware - there is no need to specially dissolve silver in water.

Excess and lack of silver

The daily norm of silver is considered to be about 80 mcg, but there is no exact data on this, as well as on the deficiency of this element. The role of silver in the human body is also poorly understood, but it is known that most of it is found in the bones, kidneys, liver, blood cells and brain, so scientists suggest that it takes part in the work of the central nervous system.

Of all the silver that enters our body, only 5% is absorbed - it is clear that under normal conditions, an excess of this element does not threaten us. Some experts consider silver to be a substance capable of showing its toxicity and even carcinogenicity, but 60 mg is considered a toxic dose for a person - this is a lot, and to get it you need to get into an extreme situation.

Of course, silver can accumulate in the body when working in factories, but there is another interesting point: leukocytes, if necessary, are able to absorb silver and transfer it to where the infection is located. Thus, inflammation is removed under the action of silver: it forms special compounds with proteins that neutralize the action of many pathogenic microbes. These same compounds have a regenerating effect on tissues, which is why silver has such a beneficial effect on any wounds and injuries.

Why is silver so detrimental to bacteria and viruses? The mechanism of its action differs from the effects of drugs: many foreign microorganisms need special enzymes to maintain oxygen metabolism - silver paralyzes the action of these substances, and leaves viruses and bacteria without oxygen, causing their death. This is an undoubted advantage of silver over many antibiotics and other drugs, but there are also microbes that are not subject to the biocidal action of silver, so in any case, you should not self-medicate.

The immune system under the influence of silver is strengthened, although it does not have such an effect as other minerals or vitamins, but works as an immunomodulator. In a healthy state, the cell emits waves at some frequencies, and in a diseased state, at others; silver ions tune cells to a healthy frequency range, so immunity becomes stronger.

And finally, silver has a tonic effect on the entire body, which is not surprising after all the “work” that it does in it: as a result, the energy status increases, the person feels a surge of strength and recovers faster.

The increased content of silver can be for several reasons: its toxic doses can enter the body in case of an accident at work; metallic silver accumulates with prolonged contact; sulfur and silver bromide can also accumulate, entering the body with air; preparations of silver nitrate, used topically for the treatment of inflammation and infectious diseases, with long-term treatment, can also cause its excess in the body.

As for water containing silver, even with prolonged use of it, no pathologies arise.

An excess of silver can be manifested by disorders in the central nervous system, visual disturbances - silver can be deposited in the retina of the eyes, lacrimation and coughing, low blood pressure, enlarged liver, acute gastritis, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

Copper is an antagonist of silver, so copper preparations can be prescribed to correct its excess in the body; cleansing agents are also used and symptomatic treatment is carried out.

Gataulina Galina
for women's magazine site

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Minerals in food

Minerals are essential components of nutrition, thanks to which vital activity and the full development of the body are ensured.

We have already discussed the benefits of macronutrients in detail in the article "Micronutrients in food", so in this article we will consider the effect of macronutrients and ultramicronutrients on the body.

But everything has its time, but for now let's say a few words about the class of minerals as a whole.

The Benefits of Minerals

• Promoting the formation and functioning of bone tissue.
• Ensuring and normalization of all metabolic processes.
• Maintaining acid-base balance.
• Ensuring the processes of hematopoiesis, as well as blood coagulation.
• Participation in the construction of body tissues.
• Strengthening immunity.
• Removal of cholesterol.
• Strengthening the activity of certain enzymes, hormones and biologically active substances.

It is very important that minerals enter our body with food every day, since their deficiency leads to disruption of the work of all organs and systems. At the same time, it is important that the diet is balanced and varied, which will eliminate the predominance of some minerals and the lack of others.

But we should not forget that some minerals have a toxic effect, so their excess can provoke an imbalance in the entire system.

What foods contain minerals?

For humans, the main sources of minerals are water and food.

At the same time, in different products (both animal and vegetable origin) there are different amounts of certain minerals. For this reason, it is more appropriate to consider the sources of minerals in the body in the context of a single element, which we will do next.

Important! Thermal processing of products leads to an increase in the loss of all minerals.

Macronutrients

Macroelements are a whole group of inorganic chemicals, the daily intake of which should exceed 200 mg, while the elements themselves can be present in the body in an amount of 20-50 g, or more than 1 kg. In the body, macroelements are present mainly in the blood, muscle, bone, and connective tissues.

The Benefits of Macronutrients

• Ensuring the stability of the colloidal systems of the body.
• Normalization of acid-base balance.
• Regulation of metabolism, which contributes to the synthesis of amino acids and the absorption of vitamins.
• Construction and nutrition of cells.
• Increased hematopoiesis.
• Stimulation of immunity.
• Removal of toxins.

Thus, it can be argued that macronutrients are one of the indestructible foundations of life, as well as human health.

It should be noted that macroelements enter the human body with enviable constancy, but this is not a guarantee that the systems and organs will work like a Swiss watch. So, a failure in the work of an established "clockwork" can provoke a lack of just one macronutrient, which will launch a whole chain of disorders and diseases, the most harmless of which can be breaking nails, dull hair and fatigue.

Therefore, it is extremely important to eat right and diversified, drink high-quality water, give up bad habits (and we are talking not only about smoking and drinking alcohol, but also about addiction to "empty", and sometimes unhealthy food).

What foods contain macronutrients?

Macronutrients are found in many foods that are present in our daily diet, while most often their set can provide the body with all the necessary elements. But for this you need to know which products contain certain macronutrients.

The main macronutrients that must be ingested daily with food include:

• sodium (or Na, according to the periodic table);
• potassium (or K);
• calcium (or Ca);
• magnesium (or Mg);
• chlorine (or Cl);
• phosphorus (or P);
• sulfur (or S);
• nitrogen (or N);
• carbon (or C);
• oxygen (or O);
• hydrogen (or H).

We talked about the last five elements in detail in the article "Protein and its components in food", so we will further consider the benefits and sources of intake of the remaining six macronutrients.

Sodium

This macroelement carries out the conduction of nerve impulses, regulates the water balance in the body, as well as the composition of the blood.

Benefits of Sodium

• Regulation of water-salt metabolism and acid-base balance (it is sodium that is entrusted with the mission of "holding" water in the body, which "saves" it from dehydration).
• Strengthening the cardiovascular system.
• Vasodilation.
• Improving digestion by enhancing the formation of gastric juice.
• Facilitate glucose transport.
• Normalization of blood pressure.
• Improvement of nervous and muscular activity.

Permanent sodium deficiency is extremely rare (it is common for people who follow vegetarian diets). Temporary deficiency of this element is caused by taking diuretics, increased sweating, large blood loss, or excessive drinking of water.

Sodium deficiency is manifested by such symptoms:

• weight loss;
• vomiting;
• flatulence;
• muscle cramps;
• dry skin;
• disturbances in the work of the nervous system.

Excess sodium provokes the following disorders:

• swelling of the legs and face;
• increased blood pressure;
• convulsions and impaired consciousness (in severe cases).

The main causes of excess sodium are dehydration and the intake of large amounts of table salt (more than 20 g).

Important! Excess sodium leads to potassium deficiency.

What foods contain sodium?

The daily norm of sodium is about 4 - 6 g, which corresponds to 10 - 15 g of table salt.

Important! Increasing sodium intake is necessary in hot climates, increased sweating and intense physical exertion. Reduce sodium in the diet should be with hypertension, diseases of the liver and kidneys, with allergies and fractures, with purulent processes occurring in the lungs, obesity, rheumatism, and stomach diseases.

Food sources of sodium:

• salt;
• celery;
• seafood;
• garlic;
• beet;
• hawthorn berries;
• meat;
• milk;
• eggs;
• olives;
• seasonings;
• seaweed;
• carrot;
• animal kidneys.

Potassium

Potassium is rightfully considered one of the most important intracellular elements necessary for the normal functioning of the endocrine glands and muscles, capillaries and blood vessels, nerve cells, brain, kidneys and liver.

Benefits of Potassium

• Promoting the accumulation of magnesium, which is responsible for the precise functioning of the heart.
• Normalization of the heart rhythm.
• Regulation of the acid-base balance of the blood.
• Prevention of the accumulation of sodium salts both in cells and in vessels, which prevents the development of sclerosis.
• Supplying the brain with oxygen, which increases mental activity.
• Lowering blood pressure.
• Removal of toxins and slags.
• Increasing endurance and physical strength.
• Contribute to the cure of allergic diseases.
• Increased excretion of excess fluid from the body, which helps eliminate swelling.

Potassium deficiency (or hypokalemia) is manifested by the following symptoms:

• disorders in the work of the heart and skeletal muscles;
• decrease in mental and physical activity;
• memory impairment;
• sleep disorders;
• nervous disorders;
• increased sensitivity;
• decreased immunity;
• loss of appetite;
• frequent constipation;
• skin rashes.

Most often, the leaching of potassium from the body is provoked by such phenomena:

• excessive consumption of diuretics;
• taking glucocorticosteroids, which reduce potassium reserves;
• prolonged vomiting or diarrhea;
• drinking large doses of caffeine or alcohol.

Excess potassium (or hyperkalemia) leads to weakness (both physical and mental), impaired speech, ulcers of the small intestine. In severe cases, hyperkalemia can cause cardiac arrest.

Important! Excess potassium leads to calcium deficiency.

What foods contain potassium?

The daily requirement of potassium for an adult is about 2-5 g.

Food sources of potassium:

• dried fruits;
• gourds (melon, watermelon);
• legumes;
• kiwi;
• chocolate;
• potato;
• avocado;
• bananas;
• a fish;
• broccoli;
• liver;
• dairy products;
• mushrooms;
• nuts and offal;
• citrus;
• grape;
• cabbage;
• beet;
• seeds;
• mint;
• Jerusalem artichoke;
• a pineapple;
• blackberry;
• Red pepper;
• leafy greens;
• radish;
• radish;
• garlic;
• tomatoes;
• black currant;
• cucumbers;
• Apple vinegar;
• eggplant;
• cereals;
• meat and offal;
• corn;
• Brewer's yeast;
• horseradish;
• apricot;
• pumpkin;
• cocoa;
• Cherry;
• plum;
• cottage cheese;
• pumpkin;
• blueberry;
• white mulberry;
• rose hip.

Important! Vitamin B6 enhances the absorption of potassium, while alcohol makes it difficult.

Calcium

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body, found in the cells of the heart, nerves, and muscles.

Benefits of Calcium

• Ensuring the correct formation of the skeleton, as well as the growth of the body.
• Transmission of a nerve impulse.
• Lowering cholesterol in the blood.
• Strengthening immunity.
• Prevention of caries development.
• Regulation of the heart rate.
• Elimination of muscle pain.

The following manifestations signal calcium deficiency in the body:

• tachycardia;
• arrhythmia;
• muscle pain;
• renal or hepatic colic;
• excessive irritability;
• memory impairment;
• hair loss;
• fragility of nails;
• coarsening of the skin;
• the appearance of grooves and pits on the tooth enamel.

Excess calcium leads to bone deformities, muscle weakness, impaired coordination of movements, spontaneous fractures, lameness, and increased heart rate.

Important! An excess of calcium provokes a deficiency of zinc and phosphorus.

What foods contain calcium?

The daily rate of calcium varies between 600 - 2000 mg (it all depends on the age and health of the person). So, children are recommended to consume 600 - 800 mg of calcium per day; adolescents - 1000 - 1200 mg;

adults - 800 - 1200 mg; pregnant and lactating - at least 1500 mg.

Food sources of calcium:

• dairy products;
• cabbage;
• dairy products;
• cheeses;
• white grapes;
• rose hip;
• nuts;
• garlic;
• carrot;
• asparagus;
• eggs;
• sea ​​fish;
• seafood;
• meat and offal;
• beet;
• legumes;
• seeds;
• cereals;
• cereals;
• olives;
• leafy greens;
• radish;
• cucumbers;
• tomatoes;
• potato;
• dried fruits;
• citrus;
• raspberries;
• currant;
• grape;
• pineapples;
• melons;
• pears;
• bananas;
• chocolate;
• peaches;
• apples.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a cofactor involved in a number of important enzymatic processes (this macronutrient is a structural component of the enzyme order).

Benefits of Magnesium

• Facilitate the absorption of glucose.
• Participation in the synthesis of proteins and the construction of bone tissue.
• Regulation of relaxation and tension of both blood vessels and muscles.
• Calming the nervous system.
• Elimination of inflammatory processes.
• Reducing the manifestation of allergies.
• Stimulation of the immune system.
• Promoting blood clotting.
• Normalization of the functions of the intestines, bladder, and prostate gland.
• Acceleration of cholesterol excretion.
• Improvement of myocardial oxygen supply.
• Vasodilation.
• Decreased blood pressure.
• Promoting the expansion of the bronchi, which helps relieve bronchospasm.
• Normalization of the reproductive system.
• Strengthening the skeleton.
• Prevention of the formation of kidney stones.

Magnesium deficiency has the following manifestations:

• increase in neuromuscular excitability;
• loss of appetite;
• fatigue and dizziness;
• feeling of fear;
• muscle pain;
• increased sensitivity to weather changes;
• acute stomach pain, which may be accompanied by diarrhea.

If all of these symptoms are provoked by a lack of magnesium in the body, then when the diet is enriched with this element, health is normalized.

An excess of magnesium is manifested mainly by a laxative effect.

Important! An excess of magnesium can lead to a decrease in the concentration of calcium and phosphorus in the body.

What foods contain magnesium?

The daily intake of magnesium is 0.4 g.

Food sources of magnesium:

• cereals;
• cereals;
• legumes;
• nuts;
• seeds;
• dairy products;
• mushrooms;
• cocoa;
• olives;
• halva;
• eggs;
• watermelon;
• melon;
• Brussels sprouts;
• leafy greens;
• carrot;
• bananas;
• persimmon;
• dried fruits;
• pears;
• apples;
• Brewer's yeast;
• a fish;
• seafood;
• beet;
• pumpkin;
• apricot;
• chocolate;
• meat and offal;
• dog-rose fruit;
• black currant;
• grape;
• lemon;
• grapefruit;
• garlic.

Hard water is recommended as an additional source of magnesium.

Chlorine

This macronutrient regulates the water balance in the body, while performing a number of important functions, which we will discuss below.

The benefits of chlorine

• Removal of waste and toxins.
• Improving digestion by producing hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
• Improved liver function.
• Regulation of metabolism and acid-base balance.
• Elimination of edema.
• Increased appetite.
• Promoting the breakdown of fats.

Chlorine deficiency is manifested by a decrease in appetite, lethargy, memory impairment, dry mouth and loss of taste sensations. In severe cases, which are extremely rare, lack of chlorine leads to loss of hair and teeth.

In case of an overdose of chlorine, pain in the eyes, accompanied by lacrimation, a dry cough appears, the temperature rises (in severe cases, excess chlorine can provoke pulmonary edema).

What foods contain chlorine?

The need for chlorine is fully satisfied through the use of ordinary food, which contains an excess of table salt, which is the main source of chlorine in the body.

Important! The toxicity of chlorine is manifested in a dose exceeding 15 g per day.

The main food sources of chlorine are:

• salt;
• olives;
• eggs;
• seaweed;
• milk;
• cereals;
• bakery products;
• meat;
• condensed milk;
• mineral water.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is necessary for the normal functioning of the brain, as well as the cardiovascular system, in addition, this element is involved in the formation of bones.

The benefits of phosphorus

• Normalization of kidney function.
• Stimulation of growth.
• Normalization of metabolism.
• Providing the body with energy.
• Regulation of acid-base balance.
• Activating an action.
• Reducing pain in arthritis.
• Strengthening teeth, gums and bone tissue.
• Regulation of the functions of the nervous system.

Lack of phosphorus can provoke the development of osteoporosis of bone tissues, lead to a decrease in intellectual abilities, destruction of tooth enamel, memory impairment, headaches and unreasonable irritability, not to mention the loss of overall performance.

No less dangerous is the excess of phosphorus that occurs when meat and / or fish products predominate in the diet. The fact is that the absorption of phosphorus depends on the amount of calcium present in the body. The optimal ratio of these two elements is 1:1.5 (where 1 is calcium and 1.5 is phosphorus). Only with this ratio, these substances form insoluble compounds that contribute to the normal functioning of the body. If the proportion is violated, phosphorus simply accumulates in the tissues and bones, which threatens to malfunction the kidneys, nervous system, and bone tissues. In turn, calcium absorption is also inhibited, which leads to a slowdown in the formation of vitamin D and disruption of the parathyroid glands.

What foods contain phosphorus?

The daily intake of phosphorus is 800 mg.

Important! With intense physical exertion, the daily norm of phosphorus increases by 1.5 - 2 times.

Food sources of phosphorus:

• legumes;
• cereals;
• cereals;
• eggs;
• nuts;
• pumpkin;
• leafy greens;
• cabbage;
• carrot;
• garlic;
• dairy products;
• bread;
• potato;
• seeds;
• cherries;
• rose hip;
• white dried mushrooms;
• a fish;
• meat and offal;
• figs;
• corn;
• yeast;
• dried fruits;
• poultry meat.

Important! Fatty foods increase phosphorus absorption while decreasing calcium absorption.

Ultramicroelements

Ultramicroelements are elements that are present in the body in very small quantities, but at the same time have high biological activity.

Important! Some of these elements are highly toxic, so they should be consumed in strictly limited quantities.

The main representatives of ultramicroelements are:

• gold;
• silver;
• Mercury;
• lead;
• rubidium.

Gold

Gold is not only a valuable noble metal, but also one of the components of our body.

• Neutralization of many pathogenic microbes.
• Warming effect on the body.
• Improvement of cardiovascular activity.
• Strengthening the heart muscle.
• Normalization of immune processes (as an immunosuppressant, preparations containing gold are prescribed to patients with chronic infections or oncological diseases).
• Strengthening the bactericidal action of silver.

In medicine, preparations with gold are used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, as well as polyarthritis. So, aurotherapy (from the Latin "aurum", which translates as "gold") and today is considered one of the most effective methods of treating these diseases, along with the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. And the whole secret is that gold compounds introduced into the body have a depressing effect on macrophages, which helps to inhibit the development of pathological immune reactions.

I must say that the opinions of experts regarding medicines containing gold are ambiguous. On the one hand, their effectiveness is beyond doubt, on the other hand, they have side effects.

Important! Some gold compounds can accumulate in the kidneys, liver, as well as in the spleen and hypothalamus, and this can lead to the development of organic diseases, dermatitis, stomatitis and thrombocytopenia.

Signs of increased sensitivity to gold:

• tooth decay;
• deterioration in mood;
• disruption of the kidneys and liver;
• deterioration in the condition and growth of hair.

What foods contain gold?

Gold is contained in only one product - corn, and even then in microportions, however, they are enough to replenish this element in the body.

Silver

Silver is a natural bactericidal metal capable of destroying about 650 species of bacteria, which subsequently do not acquire resistance to this element (which cannot be said about modern antibiotics).

It is also important that antibiotics "kill" not only the pathogenic microflora, but also the beneficial one, while silver preparations act exclusively on bacteria and viruses. Silver absorbed by leukocytes is transferred to the site of infection, where it not only neutralizes the site of infection, but also relieves inflammation. Such compounds also regenerate tissues, accelerating the healing of wounds and injuries.

But that's not all: silver tones the body and strengthens the immune system.

Silver deficiency is quite rare.

An excess of this element can be observed in people who have been in contact with silver for a long time. In addition, an excess of silver can cause long-term treatment with silver nitrate preparations.

Symptoms of excess silver in the body:

• disturbances in the work of the central nervous system;
• visual disturbances;
• cough;
• pressure reduction;
• liver enlargement;
• diarrhea;
• nausea;
• vomit.

What foods contain silver?

The daily intake of silver is about 80 micrograms. The toxic dose of silver is 60 mg.

Sources of silver in the body - food (vegetables, fruits, meat). But most of all this element is found in enriched water that has undergone special treatment, which can also be done at home. To do this, water must be kept in a silver container (in the absence of such, you can put silver objects in containers with water - these can be coins or cutlery).

Mercury

Mercury (this element is also called the "metal of death") is an integral part of water, soil and air, and, therefore, it is also present in the human body, although in extremely small quantities.

But everything is as scary as it seems at first glance, because mercury also has useful properties, including:

• change and repair of tissues;
• stimulation of the intellect;
• awakening of consciousness.

Important! As a therapeutic agent, mercury is taken exclusively on prescription and under the supervision of a doctor, while it is important to remember that this metal is not used in its pure form, but only in combination with sulfur.

Important! Small doses of mercury coming from food do not accumulate in the human body, but are mainly excreted from it through the kidneys, colon, bile, sweat and saliva. Although daily consumption of foods containing mercury (especially fish) may have some toxic effects.

Particularly dangerous are mercury vapors, as well as organic derivatives of this metal, which are formed in the aquatic environment under the influence of microorganisms. Particularly dangerous are areas with operating heavy industry enterprises that are not equipped with modern treatment facilities. In such areas, the environment in general and people in particular are slowly but surely poisoned by mercury vapor.

At the same time, mercury poisoning (we are not talking about cases of acute intoxication provoked by a massive intake of mercury into the body) does not manifest itself for a long time, that is, it is asymptomatic.

Over time, the following symptoms of intoxication begin to appear:

• headache;
• dizziness;
• deterioration of memory and attention;
• inflammation of the gums;
• mild nausea;
• insomnia;
• hair loss.

A little more time passes, and the state of health worsens, which manifests itself:

• speech disorder;
• the appearance of causeless fear and nervousness;
• drowsiness;
• a decrease in the content of white blood cells.

If these symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor (especially if you live in an industrial area).

What foods contain mercury?

The average allowable norm for the presence of mercury in food is about 0.5 - 1 mg of this element per kilogram of food.

Mercury in minimal amounts that are not capable of causing poisoning is present in many food products - this is bread, flour, and canned food. But most of all mercury is in fish (especially in mackerel, tuna, swordfish). Therefore, fish is not recommended to eat daily.

Lead

Lead is considered one of the main pollutants of nature, but this does not prevent it from bringing certain benefits to the human body. Thus, lead, which accumulates mainly in bone tissue, is present in the body of an adult in the amount of 2 mg.

The benefits of lead

• Contribute to improved growth as well as development.
• Ensuring metabolic processes occurring in bone tissue.
• Increase in hemoglobin content.
• Participation in iron metabolism.

In addition, lead is used in the treatment of skin diseases, tumor dermatitis and gonorrhea. But it should be remembered that lead is a poisonous metal that can cause poisoning.

Excess lead in the body can lead to such serious disorders:

• dystrophy of the muscles of the hands and pain in the limbs;
• general weakness and fatigue;
• decrease in potency;
• deterioration of memory and mental activity;
• headaches;
• constipation
• caries;
• increase in blood pressure;
• weight loss;
• atherosclerosis;
• anemia;
• decrease in immunity;
• depression.

Deficiency of this element is extremely rare, so research data on its symptoms are not available.

What foods contain lead?

The daily requirement for lead is about 10-15 micrograms.

Important! The use of doses exceeding 10 mg, most often leads to death.

Plant foods contain more lead than animal foods.

Lead actively accumulates in cabbage, root crops (including potatoes), wheat bran, mushrooms (especially those growing near roads and industrial enterprises), seafood, fish (both fresh and frozen), gelatin, and canned food.

Rubidium

This is a rather little-studied element, often acting in the body as a potassium synergist (in other words, this element activates the same elements as potassium).

The benefits of rubidium

• Replacing an equivalent amount of potassium in different processes.
• Elimination of manifestations of allergies.
• Removal of inflammation.
• Calming the nervous system.
• Participation in the work of the respiratory tract, cardiovascular system, skin, smooth muscles and gastrointestinal tract.

Rubidium deficiency has the following consequences:

• the development of mental illness;
• premature birth;
• decrease in appetite;
• intrauterine growth retardation;
• significant reduction in life expectancy.

Despite the benefits of this element, one should not forget about the high toxicity of rubidium.

Signs of an excess of rubidium:

• the development of allergies;
• headaches;
• excretion of protein in the urine;
• arrhythmia;
• sleep disturbance;
• the appearance of skin irritations;
• inflammation of the respiratory tract of a chronic nature.

What foods contain rubidium?

The daily rate of consumption of rubidium is 1-2 mg, which is much higher than the rate of consumption of other ultramicroelements.

Rubidium enters the human body when drinking coffee, tea, drinking and mineral water. Also, a small amount of rubidium is present in the liver and muscles of marine fish.