Bowenwork
FAQ
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Phosphorus
Atomic No.-15 Symbol-P Atomic
Weight-30.973761 Density-1.82 gm/cm3
Super Supplemental Bilberry
Fruit Conc. Ultimate Green Zone
This mineral is found in every cell in the body.
In the average size person, about 2 pounds can be identified as phosphorus.
Phosphorus works hand in hand with calcium to build strong bone. Factors within
the body, which control calcium absorption, also determine how much phosphorus
is absorbed. Some of the factors involved include Vitamin D (easiest way to
attain this vitamin is exposure to the sun), the calcium-phosphorus ratio, and
the amount of phosphorus the body actually needs.
The human body, if healthy, maintains a 2.5 to 1 ratio of calcium
and phosphorus, respectively. If there is an imbalance in this ration in the
body, there is an increased risk of calcium loss, which in turn (over time), can
lead to bone loss and/or osteoporosis.
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Functions in the Body |
It's role with calcium is far from all that phosphorus is
used for. Phospholipids are formed when combined with fat. Phospholipids
are functional structures of all cell membranes that aid in transporting
nutrients through cell walls. It is also critical for the nutrition of the
cell nucleus which forms part of the nucleic acid DNA (deoxyribonucleic
acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid). It is common belief among scientists
that the damage of DNA is what may set up aging and cancer. Other
functions of phosphorus include energy production and storage, buffers to
help control the acid-base of the body, utilization of B-complex vitamins,
brain function, overall metabolism, stimulates contraction of the heart
muscle, skeletal growth, proper kidney function, blood clotting, cell
growth, and normal heart rhythm. |
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Deficiency can cause |
Deficiency in humans is uncommon, but a vitamin D deficiency
could result in a phosphorus serum level below normal. An imbalance
between calcium and phosphorus could predispose one to osteoporosis.
Anorexia, anxiety, apprehension, bone pain, dypsnea, irritability,
numbness, paresthesias (any feeling others cannot sense such as numbness,
tingling, etc.), pica, skin sensitivity, tremulousness, weakness, and
weight loss can all be symptoms of weight loss. |
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Toxicity symptoms include |
For those who eat a typical American type diet, phosphorus
toxicity could happen very easily. Diets high in meat, fast foods, and
soft drinks could be supplying your body with an over-abundance of
phosphorus. The effects of this type diet could result in hampered calcium
absorption, could influence your metabolism, and also the utilization of
calcium. Loose teeth, osteoporosis/arthritis, secondary
hyperparathyroidism, tooth loss, and weight loss could also be symptoms of
phosphorus toxicity. |
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Food Sources |
Major sources would include meat, fish, poultry, eggs, milk,
and milk products. Soft drinks can contain up to 500 mg per serving and do
contribute to overly high phosphorus levels. Significant amounts can also
be found in asparagus, bran, brewer's yeast, corn, dried fruit, garlic,
legumes, nuts, sesame, sunflower, and pumpkin seeds, salmon, and whole
grains. |
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Herbal Sources
(in content order) |
Blue cohosh root, bilberry, pumpkin seed, yerba santa, dog
grass, peppermint leaf, yellow dock, horseradish root, milk thistle seed,
Siberian ginseng root, buchu leaf, ginkgo leaf, fennel seed, and barley
grass. |
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RDA
(Recommended Daily Allowance) |
Children 1 to 10 years
800 mg
11 to
18 years 1200 mg
Adults 19 to 24 years 1200 mg
25+
800 mg
Pregnant or Lactating 1200 mg |
Comments: Supplementing your diet with phosphorus, since it is so
prevalent in all of our food, is not recommended. Most Americans probably
consume too much, and may even need to cut their phosphorus intake. If you take
a multi-mineral supplement, make sure the calcium to phosphorus ratio is 2 to 1
respectively.
Note of Interest:
Researchers at Motala and University Hospitals in Linkoping, Sweden analyzed and
compared the dietary intakes during the preceding 15 years of 41 colorectal
cancer patients and 41 cancer-free controls. They found that increased risk of
developing colorectal cancer was associated with a diet low in phosphorus and
other dietary factors including fiber, vitamin B2, and calcium. In contrast, a
high intake of these nutrients reduced cancer risk.*
*Arbman G, Axelson O, Ericsson - Begdodzki, et al: Cereal
fiber, calcium, and colorectal cancer. Cancer 1992; 69: 2042-2048.
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