Trace elements
Trace elements play a crucial role in the proper functioning of our organism.
Since sea water is enriched with trace elements, the use of a nasal solution based on sea water ) is recommended to preserve the filtering and air conditioning functions of the nose.
Trace elements in our organism
Our organism is made up of billions of cells , each of which acts like a microscopic laboratory, constantly carrying out chemical reactions to ensure that the organism functions properly .
All these reactions depend for their success on tiny workers known as enzymes which trigger biochemical reactions.
For these reactions to take place, the enzyme needs a “spark”: the trace elements .
Trace elements are essential triggers for many biological mechanisms in the digestive, muscular, circulatory and cerebral systems. Although present in only minute quantities * in the body, they are essential if the body is to function properly and maintain a healthy balance.
* (concentration < 100 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, i.e. < 7 g in an adult weighing 65 kg)
There are two types of trace elements :
Non-essential trace elements :
They are not usually found in the human organism :
- Aluminium, Silver, Bismuth, Lithium and Gold.
They have no natural physiological effect but they do have pharmacological properties.
Essential trace elements :
Over 80 elements have been identified in man, but a mere 15 of them appear to be indispensable to proper functioning of the human organism. They are classified as “essential” because they act as catalysts.
These trace elements are minerals which our body cannot produce for itself and which are thus only to be found in our diet.
A lack of any one can lead to problems.
All cells draw their nourishment from the extracellular fluid.
Water and the dissolved minerals it contains should therefore be thought of as the driving force behind all cellular mechanisms, and as such, it is vital for our organism.
The action of all these mineral ions naturally restores optimum performance to each cell.
Trace elements: roles and dietary sources
| Trace elements | Role | Dietary sources |
| Chromium | Acts on the metabolism of fats and helps lower cholesterol levels | Brewer’s yeast, liver, kidney, wheat germ, potatoes |
| Copper |
Anti-inflammatory - Anti-infectious Inflammatory rheumatic conditions |
Animal liver, shellfish, crustaceans, pulses |
| Iron | Transports oxygen in red blood cells | Blood sausages, giblets, cocoa, pulses, egg yolk, dried fruits |
| Fluorine | Helps fix calcium in bone and tooth enamel | Drinking water, fluoridated salt, sea fish |
| Iodine | Helps the thyroid gland to function correctly | Seaweed, sea food, garlic, onion, turnip |
| Manganese | Allergies | Cereals, vegetables, soya, eggs, coffee, tea |
| Selenium | Destroys free radicals. Helps reinforce the body’s anti-ageing defences | Whole cereals, meats, poultry, fish |
| Silicon | Contributes to the quality of skin and bone, and to the function of the joints | Onion, garlic, shallot, cauliflower, strawberries |
| Sulphur | Chronic skin conditions, rheumatology and ENT disorders | Certain mineral waters, garlic, broccoli, watercress, walnuts |
| Zinc | Co-factor for various functions, including growth, immunity and skin repair | Oysters, whole grain bread, liver, egg yolk, meats, shellfish |
Supplements may be used to restore the balance of the « terrain ».
How are trace elements administered ?
- Sublingually :
Tablets should be dissolved under the tongue and phials containing solution should be retained in the mouth for 1 or 2 minutes before being swallowed.
- Orally :
Diluted in water or administered in pure form.
- Percutaneously :
Copper and manganese are frequently used in the form of compresses to aid in the formation of scar tissue.
- Nasally :
Copper is used for its anti-infectious properties :
- It protects the nasal mucosa against infectious agents (bacteria, viruses);
- It participates in cell regeneration.
Manganese for its anti-allergic and anti-oxidant effect :
- It helps protect the nasal mucosa against allergens.
- It participates in cell respiration.
Sulphur for its trophic effect on the nasal mucosa :
- It helps regenerate nasal membranes atrophied by chronic or recurrent conditions.
