Water, Minerals, and the Methods to Assess Body Fatness (Essay Sample)

Water and Minerals: The Ocean Within
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Water and Minerals: The Ocean Within
Pick one mineral and share the functions, dietary recommendations, sources, and symptoms associated with deficiency and toxicity.
Calcium is important for development of healthy teeth and bones. Additionally, it aids relaxation and contraction of muscles, promotes functioning of the nerves, clotting of blood, regulation of blood pressure and promotes healthy immune system. Some of the foods that are important sources of calcium include; milk and products of milk, canned fish with bones especially salmon and sardines, tofu and soy milk which are fortified and greens such as legumes, mustard greens and broccoli. Deficiency of calcium, referred to as hypocalcemia manifests through symptoms such as muscle spasms, confusion and memory loss, depression, numbness, muscle cramps, hallucinations, weak and brittle nails and easy fracturing of bones (Olza, 2017). On the other hand, severe hypercalcemia which refers to elevated level of calcium in blood above normal manifests itself via symptoms such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, constipation, bone weakness and pain, muscle weakness, lethargy, fatigue, confusion, depression, palpitations, cardiac arrhythmia and fainting.
What is the intake recommendations for water? Explain how alcohol, caffeine, and common medications can affect fluid balance.
Studies have shown that individual needs of water depend on factors such as environment, individual health status and activity. A lot of water is lost through perspiration, breath, bowel movement and urination. Therefore, one is required to consume beverages and foods that contain water to replenish its supply in the body. According to the US National Academics of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, men requires a daily intake of 3.7 liters while women require 2.7 liters.
Caffeine is a brain stimulant derived from sources such as tea, coffee, kola nuts, cocoa, and carbonated