Resource World Magazine

50 www.resourceworld.com f e b r u a r y / m a r c h 2 0 1 6 mINING WHEN ONE THINKS of metals and min- erals, elements such as copper, iron and nickel come to mind as they are used extensively. However, if one digs deeper, it is interesting to note that many metals and minerals are useful – even vital – for health. Below are summaries of a number of these important elements. BArium is used in radiography as X-ray radiocontrast agents for imaging the human gastrointestinal tract. BismutH has the ability to treat stom- ach maladies, including nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, and indigestion. Pepto-Bismol, invented in 1901, is a well known brand name with bismuth in the form of bismuth subsalicylate. BoroN is used to treat diseases. (www. anacor.com) cHromium augments the actions of insulin, which is consistent with studies showing that long-term use effectively controls blood sugar (glucose) levels in people with intolerance to carbohydrates – Dr. Jeff Volek R.D. clAy has been used to heal skin infec- tions for thousands of years. French green clay (rich in Fe-smectite) is used for heal- ing Buruli ulcer, a 'flesh-eating' infection. copper: The University of Maryland Medical Center states that copper is found throughout the body. It helps your body make red blood cells and keeps nerve cells and your immune system healthy. It also helps form collagen, a key part of bones and connective tissue. Copper may also act as an antioxidant, reducing free radicals that can damage cells and DNA. epsom sAlts are a naturally occurring compound of magnesium and sulfate that, when used in a bath, detoxifies the body while providing other health benefits. GAllium, a silvery metal that is a liq- uid at room temperatures, is used to detect cancer. GolD is commonly used as a replace- ment for broken teeth or teeth that need to be removed due to large cavities. It is also increasingly used in inexpensive test kits for malaria that can diagnose the disease in less than half an hour. ioDiNe is used as a disinfectant (germ killer) for wounds. Iodine is also a critical element that the human body needs for the production of thyroid hormone. Lack of iodine can also cause mental retardation. Iodine deficiency can lead to enlargement of the thyroid, known as goiter. iroN is an essential mineral that is required for human life. Iron is found in the body's red blood cells, which carry oxygen-rich blood to every cell in the body. litHium compounds, also known as lithium salts, are used to treat bipolar disorder. mAGNesium is necessary for proper bone development. Magnesium is found in green leafy vegetables, whole grains, nuts, dairy products and chocolate. mANGANese is important in the formation of bones, connective tissues, blood-clotting factors and sex hormones, and also is involved in fat and carbohy- drate metabolism, calcium absorption and blood sugar regulation. In addition, it is important for brain and nerve function. Manganese may be helpful in treating osteoporosis, arthritis, premenstrual syn- drome, diabetes and epilepsy. molyBDeNum does everything from protecting cells and creating energy to help- ing vital organs get rid of waste products. plAtiNum Group metAls are used in dental alloys used for making crowns and bridges. potAssium is necessary for proper heart function and plays a key role in skeletal and smooth muscle contraction, making it important for normal digestive and muscular function. seleNium protects us against many health problems which are associated with the aging process, such as certain types of cancer and osteoarthritis. Selenium is also vital to the normal functioning of the thy- roid gland. silVer is used as an anti-bacterial agent in bandages and promotes growth of new cells in wounds. tANtAlum is used to create body implants for hip, knee, and other ortho- pedic implants such as cranial plates as it does not irritate the flesh of the implantee. Tantalum is also used to make surgical sutures. titANium is used to replace bones and joints in the body. Since titanium resists corrosion, is biocompatible and has the ability to join with human bone, it plays an important role in the medical sec- tor. From surgical titanium instruments to orthopedic titanium rods, pins and plates, medical and dental titanium has become a fundamental material used in medicine. urANium is used in nuclear medicine. Radio-diagnosis detects disease. Radio- therapy uses ionizing radiation to kill cancer cells. ZiNc is crucial in preventing stunted growth in children. It helps heal wounds and plays an important role in the immune system, reproduction, growth, taste, vision, and smell, blood clotting, and proper insulin and thyroid function. n An inexpensive rapid test kit for quickly diagnosing malaria that uses gold. Photo by Ellsworth Dickson. MEdiCiNAl MiNErAlS: more common than you would expect by Ellsworth Dickson

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