Chemicals-of-LIFE-DAY-1.pptx

CHEMICALS OF LIFE  SODIUM (Na) Sodium is important for many different functions of the human body. For example, it helps cells to transmit nerve signals and regulate water levels in tissues and blood. Sodium is the sixth most common element on Earth, and makes up 2.6% of the Earth's cru...

CHEMICALS OF LIFE  SODIUM (Na) Sodium is important for many different functions of the human body. For example, it helps cells to transmit nerve signals and regulate water levels in tissues and blood. Sodium is the sixth most common element on Earth, and makes up 2.6% of the Earth's crust. The most common compound is sodium chloride. NITROGEN (N) Nitrogen is a main body component and is required for both tissue protein synthesis and the production of several nitrogenous compounds involved in a variety of functions (hormones, immune mediators, neurotransmitters, antioxidant defenses, etc.) MAGNESIUM (Mg) Magnesium functions include helping with muscle and nerve function, regulating blood pressure, and supporting the immune system. PHOSPHORUS (P) Phosphorus is needed for the growth, maintenance, and repair of all tissues and cells, and for the production of the genetic building blocks, DNA and RNA. Phosphorus is also needed to help balance and use other vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, iodine, magnesium, and zinc. SULPHUR (S) Sulphur is third most abundant element after calcium and phosphorous in our body. Sulfur is an important part of several amino acids (the building blocks of protein), especially methionine and cysteine. It helps the body resist bacteria, cleanses the blood, and protects the protoplasm of cells. CHLORIDE (Cl) It helps to regulate the amount of fluid and types of nutrients going in and out of the cells. It also maintains proper pH levels, stimulates stomach acid needed for digestion, stimulates the action of nerve and muscle cells, and facilitates the flow of oxygen and carbon dioxide within cells. Potassium (K) Potassium has many important functions: It allows the nerves to respond to stimulation and muscles to contract (tighten), including those in the heart. It reduces the effect of sodium (present in table salt) on blood pressure. It helps move nutrients into cells, and waste products out of cells. Calcium (Ca) Calcium is a mineral your body needs to build and maintain strong bones and to carry out many important functions. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. Almost all calcium in the body is stored in bones and teeth, giving them structure and hardness. Iron (Fe) Iron is a mineral that the body needs for growth and development. Your body uses iron to make hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body, and myoglobin, a protein that provides oxygen to muscles. Your body also needs iron to make some hormones Zinc (Zn) Zinc, a nutrient found throughout your body, helps your immune system and metabolism function. Zinc is also important to wound healing and your sense of taste and smell. With a varied diet, your body usually gets enough zinc. Food sources of zinc include chicken, red meat and fortified breakfast cereals. Iodine (I) Iodine is a mineral found in some foods. The body needs iodine to make thyroid hormones. These hormones control the body's metabolism and many other important functions. The body also needs thyroid hormones for proper bone and brain development during pregnancy and infancy