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Conventional medicine often does not recognize the early stages and symptoms of a mineral or vitamin deficiency. Neither does it understand the havoc created in our bodies by these deficiencies and the many ways they contribute to the destruction of our health and the part deficiencies play in both our common and most serious disease states. Scientists and physicians alike may wait until a state is fully developed before they take action. If we are to understand the importance of proper nutrition and how devastating deficiencies can be, we must first understand the differences between functional mineral deficiency disease and organic deficiency diseases. A functional disease is a condition whereby one or several organs, or groups of organs, begin to suffer an impairment of function. For instance, the legs might not function well, the heart may malfunction, vision may be reduced, or one's balance may be less stable than it used to be. On the other hand, an organic disease refers to a definite, specific breakdown of some kind. For example, a heart arrhythmia would be considered an impairment of function, or functional disease. A heart attack would be a tissue or organ breakdown, thus an organic disease. Arthritis, which is a tissue breakdown, and diabetes, which is an organ failure, are both organic diseases. The symptoms between the two disease types are different. If a person has learned to be aware of his or her body, an evident reduction of energy would be the body's signal that a mineral deficiency is making it impossible to operate at peak levels. The normal sequence of a mineral deficiency is: the less than adequate intake of minerals, followed by depression and/or loss of energy, insomnia and/or anxiety, followed by muscle cramps. Any of these symptoms could indicate a calcium deficiency. Next, there will be a measurable lowering of minerals in the blood and extra- cellular fluid. In order to maintain steady levels of minerals in the fluids, and thus preserve life, the body robs the bones and tissues of minerals. Since the cells can no longer perform at peak levels, the above symptoms increase. At this point, tissues themselves become inflamed, deformed or deranged, and organic disease is the result. At first, a calcium deficiency might appear as a functional disease; though depression may be present, the bones have not yet deteriorated to the point of osteoporosis. Depression or insomnia, since they inhibit the person's usual functions to a certain degree, are classified as functional diseases. If the deficiency is not halted, osteoporosis will develop and would be considered an organic disease. Similar progressions may develop with other mineral deficiencies. Adrian Joele became interested in nutrition and weight management while he was an associate with a nutritional supplement company. Since 2008 he wrote several articles about nutrition and weight loss and achieved expert status with Ezine Articles.com. He has been involved in nutrition and weight management for more than 12 years and he likes to share his knowledge with anyone who could benefit from it. Get his free report on nutrition and tips for healthy living, by visiting: http://www.nutrobalance2.net
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functional disease, minerals, loss of energy. insomnia,
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