The value of chlorine in the cell. "Green" element of health: what products contain chlorine

Approximately 4% of the mass of the human body is chlorine. It is an important biogenic element that is necessary for a living object and performs a variety of biochemical functions in tissues and organs. The highest concentration of chlorine is in the intercellular environment, in the blood, skin and bone tissue. Given the good solubility of the element in water, this distribution is natural.

Absorption of the element occurs in the small intestine. Chlorine is excreted from the body with sweat and through the kidneys.

The role of chlorine in the body

In the human body, chlorine performs the following functions:

• Actively involved in the maintenance and regulation of osmotic pressure inside the cell. Along with sodium and potassium, chlorine provides the necessary pressure in the blood, lymph, intracellular fluid. Chlorine is directly involved in osmoregulation, ensures the redistribution of salts and fluids in the tissues, removes their excess from the organs, and prevents the development of edema. Imbalance of chlorine, sodium and potassium provokes the development of heart disease, blood pressure disorders.
• Chlorine is one of the important components that maintain the acid-base balance of the body at a constant level. This is important for the normal functioning of all human systems and organs, the flow of numerous biochemical processes.
• Participation in the processes of digestion. Chlorine activates the digestive enzyme amylase, which breaks down complex carbohydrates in food. Stimulates appetite, participates in the production of gastric juice. The hydrochloric acid of the stomach contains chlorine atoms in its composition. Without acid, the activation of such a digestive enzyme as pepsin is impossible. This is one of the main enzymes that break down protein molecules in food. With its participation, the main digestion of protein foods in the stomach occurs.
• In addition to the proteolytic action, chlorine also has a bactericidal property. Many diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are accompanied by a deficiency of this element.
• Chlorine ions are involved in the regulation of the movement of fluid into and out of the cell, the transport of certain ions through the cell membrane, and optimize the membrane potential. Thanks to these properties, chlorine is actively involved in the transfer of many substances into the cell and removes carbon dioxide from the body.
• Chlorine actively helps the body get rid of toxins and toxins. The element activates the detoxification function of the liver.
• Chlorine is necessary for athletes under high load, as well as for joint health. The element also participates in the processes of splitting fats.

Excess and lack of chlorine

An adult requires 4 to 6 grams of chlorine per day. The need for this element increases during physical exertion, sports, with increased sweating in hot weather.

Rational and balanced nutrition fully satisfies the body's needs for chlorine.

Nevertheless, a person can experience a lack of chlorine with increased sweating, dehydration of the body. Therapeutic diets and some medications also provoke a deficiency of chlorine in the body.

The symptoms of chlorine deficiency are as follows:

• dry mouth, loss of taste and appetite;
• lethargy, drowsiness, muscle weakness;
• deterioration of thinking, memory lapses;
• loss of hair, teeth;
• violation of the processes of digestion;
• kidney pathology.

A sharp decrease in chlorine levels can lead to coma and even death.

A balanced diet, as a rule, prevents the development of chlorine deficiency in the body. The main amount of chlorine enters the body with table salt and chlorinated tap water. Rich in fish, dairy products. Chlorine is also found in plant foods.

Excess chlorine causes significant harm to the human body. An increased intake of the element is observed with excessive use of table salt, tap water.

Acute poisoning with chlorine is possible at enterprises. A person can get a high concentration of the element by frequently taking a hot shower with chlorinated water.

Excess chlorine is characterized by the following symptoms:

• mucosal irritation, dry mouth, dry cough;
• diarrhea;
• swelling;
• indigestion: heartburn, nausea, increased gas formation, heaviness in the stomach;
• pulmonary edema.

The human body most often experiences an excess of chlorine, which has rather negative health consequences. To prevent excessive intake of the element, it is recommended to reduce the amount of salt in the diet and use purified, non-chlorinated water.

With dehydration, intense physical activity, to prevent chlorine deficiency, it is recommended to consume foods rich in this element. In hospital treatment, in case of loss of chlorine as a result of dehydration for certain diseases, intravenous (through a dropper) administration of saline (0.9% sodium chloride solution) is often used.

The pharmacological industry does not produce any special mineral additives of chlorine.

The role of chlorine in the human body

Chlorine in the body accumulates in the skin, tissues, muscles and extracellular space. The human body contains about 100 g of chlorine, which is quite a lot. This element plays a very important role in the regulation of vital processes; it is excreted mainly with urine and sweat.

Functions of chlorine in the human body:

• Actively participates in osmoregulation - processes that maintain constant pressure in the body and regulate the content and redistribution of vital substances. Chlorine is considered the main osmotically active element.
• Normalizes water balance. Chlorine performs the function of an electrolyte - it maintains the normal volume of fluids, removes puffiness, and stabilizes pressure.
• In conjunction with potassium and sodium, it maintains the acid-base balance.
• Participates in the synthesis of hydrochloric acid - an important element of digestion. Improves the functioning of the digestive system, including the liver. The higher the acidity of the stomach, the higher the need for chlorine. Inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract (gastrointestinal tract) reduce the amount of this element in the body.
• Chlorine is an important component of cells. It is part of the intercellular fluid, removes excess salts and water, redistributes them in the body.
• Promotes the breakdown of fats.
• Participates in the removal of harmful substances, toxins, urea from the body.
• Supports the activity of red blood cells (erythrocytes).
• Beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system.
• Prevention of dehydration.
• Stimulates appetite, because chlorine activates the formation of gastric juice.

With a slight violation of the balance of chlorine in the body, the body lets a person know: the water-salt metabolism, the work of the cardiovascular, nervous, and digestive systems are disturbed. This element is often used to treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, circulatory system, dehydration and exhaustion.

Main sources of chlorine

The main source of chlorine in the body is table salt. It is not for nothing that many herbivores with a lack of chlorine are fed with it. Chlorine deficiency in humans is rarely diagnosed, because even chlorine is often used to purify tap water.

Animal sources of chlorine (Table 1):

• Kidneys and liver (pork, beef).
• Sea fish (hake, pollock, cod, capelin, flounder, etc.).
• Seafood.
• Butter, milk, fatty cottage cheese, kefir.
• Eggs.
• Hard cheese.

Plant sources (Table 1):

• White mushrooms.
• Wheat and rye flour.
• Rice, oats, buckwheat, barley.
• Small amounts of chlorine are found in vegetables and fruits: cabbage, carrots, potatoes, apples, pears, etc.
• Legumes.

Table 1. Chlorine content in food

Chlorine is a water-soluble element, so it is easily absorbed in the body. In food, it comes with water, food and table salt, and the daily rate is described in Table. 2. Babies get their daily allowance from breast milk.

Table 2. Daily norm of chlorine

An increased dosage of chlorine is necessary for diseases of the digestive tract, active work and increased physical exertion. Special food supplements should be taken only as directed by a specialist.

Interactions with other nutrients

Features of reactions with chlorine:

• Works well with sodium and potassium. These three elements maintain the water and electrolyte balance in the human body.
• Displaces iodine and bromine from the body, so it is undesirable to take such drugs at the same time.
• Destroys vitamin E, therefore, with its deficiency, it is undesirable to drink chlorinated water.
• Excess chlorine can disrupt the intestinal microflora, so chlorine-containing preparations must be combined with prebiotics.
• Corticosteroids, laxatives, diuretics remove chlorine from the body.

Chlorine deficiency

Scientists have long argued about the role of chlorine in the human body, but already at the beginning of the 20th century it was proved that this element is vital. Its deficiency can lead to undesirable consequences. Most often, the deficiency is diagnosed in the following cases:

• Abuse of salt-free diets.
• Violation of chlorine metabolism.
• Artificial feeding of babies.
• Taking medications without a doctor's prescription (corticosteroids, diuretics, etc.).

Chlorine deficiency symptoms:

• Sharp weight loss.
• Violation of fluid metabolism in the body: the appearance of edema.
• Constipation.
• Diseases of the teeth.
• Deterioration of hair and nails.
• Problems with blood pressure (increase or decrease).
• Violation of the acid-base balance.

As a rule, saline or calcium chloride is prescribed only in case of severe dehydration. Chlorine deficiency is corrected by the introduction of special products in the diet. Most of this macronutrient is found in animal products and cereals. It should be noted that people who do not consume table salt are at risk.

Excess chlorine

Chlorine itself is a toxic element that can adversely affect the body. Excess chlorine can be caused by:

• Work in a hazardous industry.
• Frequent bathing in chlorinated water and eating it.
• Salt abuse.

Scientists from Finland and the USA conducted a study according to which an excess of chlorine can cause the growth of some neoplasms, therefore, in a number of countries they abandoned the disinfection of water with chlorine, preferring ultraviolet and ozone

Excess chlorine can lead to the development of diseases of the kidneys, heart, liver, musculoskeletal system. For children, chlorine is dangerous because it slows down the growth and development of the body.

The first symptoms of poisoning:

• Sore throat.
• Headache.
• Feeling of heaviness in the chest.
• Lachrymation.
• Dry mouth.
• Heartburn, stool disorder.
• Frequent colds, decreased immunity.
• Nausea.
• Puffiness.
• Photophobia.

Excess chlorine kills the flora in the gut, so try to avoid chlorinated water. You can boil and defend or use special filters. It is worth remembering that concentrated vapors are especially dangerous - they burn the mucous membrane and cause pulmonary edema. At risk are workers in the chemical, pharmaceutical, pulp and paper industries.

Chlorine is an important and indispensable element for the human body, but it must be taken wisely so as not to harm health.

Preparations with chlorine

Chlorine at a dosage of 1000-1500 mg is part of most vitamin and mineral complexes. Purposefully drugs with pure chlorine in pharmacology are not produced. The most famous drug is saline (0.9% sodium chloride solution). It is administered for dehydration or as an intravenous therapy.

Another name - calcium chloride, is also probably familiar to many. It is administered intravenously or by electrophoresis. In some cases, oral administration is allowed. Do not administer it intramuscularly or subcutaneously, as it can cause tissue necrosis.

Are there daily allowances, and what a complete rejection of salt can threaten, see the video below.

Chlorine is a macronutrient discovered in Sweden in the 70s of the 18th century. It is delivered to the human body in the form of mineral salts.

Chlorine makes up 0.25% of a person's body weight and is found in bone tissue, skin (30-60%), blood and interstitial fluid in an amount of about 120 grams. Excreted from the body with decay products - sweat, urine.

Beneficial effect and action for the body:

1. Normalization of acid-base balance - exchange of sodium, chlorine and potassium.
2. Prevention of edema.
3. Improvement in water-salt balance.
4. Activation of important enzymes.
5. Removal of harmful substances.
6. Promotes the breakdown of fats.
7. Impact on the liver.
8. Prevention of dehydration.
9. Regulation of beneficial elements in the body.
10. Normalization of blood pressure.
11. Improving the function of the cardiovascular system.
12. Appetite support.

The macronutrient plays an important role for digestive activity, activating the formation of gastric juice and increasing appetite. Entry into the body contributes to the normalization of the content of red blood cells, the removal of toxins, toxins and carbon dioxide from cells and serves as a prevention of dehydration.

More than 80% of the daily norm is delivered to the human body with table salt, in other products its content is low. If you follow a salt-free diet, negative health effects are possible due to a lack of chlorine. A large amount enters the body with chlorinated water. Using tap water can cause an overabundance of chlorine.

What foods contain:

Daily rate

Normally, the daily dose of chlorine for adults is 4-6 grams contained in the water consumed by a person, cooked food, salt added to food. The maximum intake per day is 7 grams. With regular intake of excessive doses of chlorine, there is a risk of excess.

Daily requirement for boys and girls:

An increased intake of chlorine is necessary for diseases of the digestive tract and for active sports in hot weather, when a person sweats and the macronutrient is excreted.

There is a special calcium-chlorine food supplement, but its use is possible only on prescription.

Flaw

Causes of chlorine deficiency include:

• the effect of salt-free diets or eating food with a minimum addition of salt for more than a week;
  disorders of chlorine metabolism in the body;
• exposure to medications without consulting a specialist - diuretics, laxatives, corticosteroids;
• artificial feeding in children can cause chlorine deficiency;
• Lack has a particular negative impact on the body in violations of the kidneys and hypertension.

With insufficient chlorine content in the body and its rapid decline, human life is at risk.

The consequences of a deficiency are:

• deterioration of carbohydrate metabolism;
• prostration;
• exhaustion;
• violations of acid-base balance;
• malfunctions of the kidneys;
• tooth loss;
• deterioration or complete loss of appetite;
• dehydration with nausea, dry mouth and vomiting;
• urination disorders;
• premature aging of the skin;
• imbalance;
• constipation;
• increased blood pressure;
• memory impairment;
• deterioration of the gastrointestinal tract;
• hair loss.

Especially dangerous is the excessive effect of chlorine for people with epilepsy, which can adversely affect the course of the disease.

Excess

Excessive chlorine intake can be caused by excessive salt in food, drinking tap water, and even frequent showering and bathing, when higher doses are inhaled and through the skin. The procedure leads to the entry of toxins into the blood with water up to 20 times more.

Symptoms of acute poisoning occur when you receive 15 grams.

Signs of an excess of chlorine in the human body:

• dry cough;
• pain in the head;
• pain in the chest;
• dry mouth;
• heartburn;
• lacrimation;
• irritant effect on the mucous membrane of the throat;
• diarrhea;
• frequent colds accompanied by high fever;
• pain in the eyes;
• nausea;
• flatulence;
• pulmonary edema.

Water disinfected with chlorine has carcinogenic properties and contributes to the occurrence of acute respiratory viral infections, gastritis, pneumonia, kidney and liver cancer, and the appearance of gene mutations. Excess chlorine kills the intestinal flora, so it is recommended to consume sour-milk foods rich in bifidobacteria more often.

To purify water in order to prevent the entry of increased doses of chlorine into the body, it is recommended to add activated carbon to the water for 20 minutes or boil and defend the liquid for 24 hours, but mineral salts will be lost from the composition.

Dangerous inhalation of concentrated vapors, causing chemical burns and respiratory arrest. At risk are workers in the pharmaceutical, chemical, pulp and paper industries.

Interaction

Chlorine combines well with potassium and sodium. The interaction of these elements depends on the provision of water and electrolyte balance in the human body. The macronutrient is able to destroy vitamin E, therefore, when using it, it is undesirable to drink chlorinated water.

Chlorine is an indispensable element in the body and is needed for normal human well-being, but its dose should be controlled to eliminate the negative impact of an overabundance.

As a chemical element, chlorine was isolated in the 18th century, but its most famous chemical compound, table salt, was used by people in ancient times. About 6,000 years ago, salt was mined in the Mediterranean countries, and it was widely used in everyday life - having learned, first of all, to preserve food with its help - fish, meat, vegetables.

The use of rock salt is described by Herodotus; in the Middle Ages, alchemists, conducting their experiments, also received chlorine, although they did not know about its properties; in the 19th century, English and French chemists finally figured out what kind of substance is released when the pyrolusite mineral is heated with hydrochloric acid, and gave it a name - chlorin, for its yellow-greenish color. Later, this element began to be called chlorine for short, and it was also found out that it is also in our body - mainly in an ionized state. Most of all chlorine - from 30 to 60% - is contained in our skin, since it has the ability to accumulate this element, but it is also found in other tissues: it is part of the gastric juice, blood, bones, cerebrospinal and intercellular fluid, and therefore takes participation in the process of water-salt metabolism - it helps the body retain water in the tissues.

Today, scientists have realized that chlorine also belongs to the irreplaceable elements that are constantly present in plant and animal tissues, and interacts with other substances in the body, together with them maintaining many physico-chemical processes in the norm - for example, acid-base balance and osmotic pressure.

The need for the trace element chlorine

From 2 to 4 g of chlorine is enough per day for a person, and usually we get it with food, and even more than is necessary if we are used to eating a lot of salty foods.

Where is chlorine found

Products rich in chlorine are mainly table salt (if it can be considered a product) and bread. There is also a certain amount of chlorine in milk and meat, beets, olives, legumes, cereals; in other vegetables, as well as in fruits, it is less.

There is also calcium-chlorine - a food supplement, but such supplements should be taken only on the recommendation of a doctor. You should also not add salt to food just to get chlorine, as other foods also contain it.

The role of chlorine in the body: why chlorine is needed

Let's talk a little more about the action of chlorine and its role in our body. The balance that chlorine maintains is the balance between red blood cells and plasma, blood and body tissues, as well as water balance. If this balance is disturbed, then edema appears.

Together with potassium and sodium, chlorine ensures normal water-salt metabolism, and can relieve edema of various origins, normalizing blood pressure. The ratio of these elements must always be balanced, as they maintain the normal osmotic pressure of the interstitial fluid. Acid-base imbalance, which may appear as a result of an imbalance between these elements, causes various diseases.

Chlorine is important for normal digestion, as it participates in the formation of hydrochloric acid, which is the main component of gastric juice, and also stimulates the activity of amylase, an enzyme that promotes the breakdown and absorption of carbohydrates. In some diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, accompanied by inflammatory processes, the amount of chlorine in the body decreases.

By improving the functioning of the liver, chlorine helps cells and tissues get rid of toxins, and also removes carbon dioxide from the body in a timely manner.

For athletes, it is important that their body always maintains a balance of chlorine, just like sodium and potassium: chlorine is necessary for the joints - it allows them to remain flexible for longer, and helps the muscles to remain strong.

Lack of chlorine in the body: causes and symptoms

Chlorine deficiency in the body can occur in case of dehydration - this happens quite often. It can be heavy sweating; vomiting and diarrhea in case of poisoning; nephropathy, in which a person loses salt; adrenocortical insufficiency - a condition in which the function of the adrenal cortex decreases; acid-base imbalance. Some drugs, even common laxatives or diuretics, also cause a decrease in the content of this element in the body.

If the lack of chlorine is moderate, then the person feels lethargic and drowsy, his memory deteriorates, muscles weaken, dry mouth appears, appetite decreases and the ability to distinguish the taste of products is lost. Chronic diseases caused by a lack of chlorine are usually accompanied by skin lesions, hair and teeth loss.

An acute deficiency of this element, the importance of which for many centuries scientists did not even suspect, can cause severe conditions, up to coma, and even end in death if its balance in the body is not restored in time.

Excess chlorine in the body: what is the danger of chlorine

However, an excess of chlorine in the body, especially a sharp one, is no less, and perhaps more dangerous, than its deficiency. This is possible if a person works in a certain area of ​​\u200b\u200bproduction: the chemical or pharmaceutical industry, at a pulp and paper mill, or in another place where he can inhale concentrated chlorine vapors. In this case, a person can die from a chemical burn, which causes inhibition of the respiratory center in the brain and stops breathing.

With poisoning that causes dehydration, and impaired kidney function, an excess of chlorine can also occur, as well as its deficiency. An increase in the amount of chlorine can be triggered by taking many drugs in the treatment of diseases, so you should always evaluate your condition and do not take any medication without a doctor's prescription.

Excess chlorine can lead to the accumulation of water in the tissues of the body, and then to a sharp increase in blood pressure. With a sharp increase in the amount of chlorine in the body, there is pain in the eyes and coughing, tears flow, headaches and chest pains, and digestive disorders; possible development of severe inflammation of the bronchi, high fever and toxic pulmonary edema.

The fact that chlorine is used to disinfect drinking water is known today to every person. And everyone also knows about its toxic effects on the body, but they began to think about it seriously not so long ago.

Chlorine, which at normal content in the human body becomes its protector, when interacting with other substances in the water, forms compounds that pose a serious danger to health and life. Not to mention gastritis and respiratory viral diseases, they can not only provoke the development of oncology, in particular, cancer of the liver and kidneys, but also cause gene mutations.

Of course, many people actively protect themselves from excess chlorine - they use filters, boil, settle and freeze drinking water, but not every person has a filter in the bathroom.

Meanwhile, when taking a hot shower or bath, you can get as much chlorine as is contained in 2 liters of unfiltered chlorinated water. When breathing while taking water procedures, chlorine enters our body more than it is absorbed with water through the skin.

Symptoms of chlorine poisoning can occur if more than 15 g of this substance enters the human body.

Chlorine can destroy vitamin E, so if you include foods with this vitamin in your diet, hoping to improve your health, and at the same time drink chlorinated water, you will not bring yourself any benefit.

Excess chlorine also kills the intestinal flora, so you should try to eat live yogurt more often and take preparations containing bifidumbacteria.

1. Prevents dehydration of the body by maintaining water-salt metabolism;
2. Reduces the risk of inflammation (muscular "rheumatism", arthrosis), since chlorine is a member of the acid-base balance;
3. From chlorine, special cells form hydrochloric acid, which is the most important component of gastric juice. Food is not absorbed in the intestines if hydrochloric acid is more or less than normal;
4. Promotes the removal of toxins and waste from cells. This function is important for people who want to lose weight.

The daily norm of chlorine for an adult is 2300 mg, and for children from 300 mg to 2300 mg, in accordance with the methodological recommendations of Onishchenko GG, 2008.

Sources of chlorine

The main source of chlorine is food salt, so by adding salt to foods, we increase the chlorine content in them.

Other products containing chlorine:

Chlorine values ​​are given in 100g of product.

The source of chlorine is water. Water is disinfected with chlorine. With the use of chlorinated water in children and adults, pneumonia, gastritis, and SARS occur. The cause of oncological diseases of the liver and kidneys is also chlorinated water.

With a lack of chlorine, swelling of the hands, feet and face, disruption of the cardiovascular and nervous systems, as well as dry mouth, pressure drops, and indigestion occur.

Chlorine is important not only for the body of an adult, but also for children. Mineral deficiency can occur in children under one year old, the reason for this may be: vomiting, diuretic treatment, kidney disease.

A slight excess of chlorine in the human body leads to an increase in blood pressure.

Chlorine in the human body

water exchange: being in the human body in the form of salts (chlorides), the macroelement performs the function of an electrolyte - the normalization of water balance. By maintaining a constant volume of fluids, it removes edema, including around the heart, and normalizes blood pressure.

Acid-base balance: being one of the main elements of water-salt metabolism (besides sodium and potassium) and being in a certain balance laid down at the genetic level, chlorine maintains the acid-base balance.

Digestive system: activates the enzyme amylase, in combination with hydrogen synthesizes hydrochloric acid - the most important component of gastric juice. Improves liver function. The level of chlorine in the body is determined by the acidity of the digestive juice: higher acidity - more consumption of chlorine. Inflammatory processes (ulcers, peritonitis) lead to a decrease in the amount of chlorine in the body.

Cell membranes: chlorine is part of the intercellular fluid, regulates its osmotic pressure in tissues and cells. During osmoregulation, water and salts, mainly sodium chloride, are removed, and they are also retained and redistributed in the body, which ensures the constancy of osmotic pressure in the internal environment - in the intracellular fluid, in the lymph, in the blood. A normal level of chlorine maintains normal blood pressure.

Chlorine also helps to remove toxins from the body, urea.

Chlorine in food

Virtually all food products contain chlorine from 2 to 160 mg%. Meat products, dairy products, and bread are especially rich in macroelements.

Chlorine in food:

Chlorine is absorbed mainly in the large intestine.

The rate of chlorine in the diet has not been established, there are no developed recommendations, it is determined empirically - 1.5 - 2g, is satisfied by consuming an average amount of salt (up to 90%). The usual diet contains 7 - 10 g - an excess amount: about 4 g in bread, 1.5 - 4 - in table salt.

lack of chlorine

lack of chlorine has only been studied in clinical trials in laboratory animals.

The main reasons for the lack of chlorine in humans are a small amount of intake from food and impaired chlorine metabolism. Chlorine deficiency occurs in formula-fed children.

Chlorine deficiency symptoms:

• anorexia;
• constipation;
• loss of teeth and hair;
• edematous syndrome;
• alkalosis (one of the types of acid-base imbalance).

Excess chlorine

The use of more than 15 grams of chlorine can provoke negative toxic effects, the macronutrient and its compounds are very toxic. The main manifestation of excess chlorine is growth inhibition.

The value of chlorine in the human body

Chlorine is a macronutrient discovered in Sweden in the 70s of the 18th century. It is delivered to the human body in the form of mineral salts.

role for the body

Chlorine makes up 0.25% of a person's body weight and is found in bone tissue, skin (30-60%), blood and interstitial fluid in an amount of about 120 grams. Excreted from the body with decay products - sweat, urine.

Beneficial effect and action for the body:

1. Normalization of acid-base balance - exchange of sodium, chlorine and potassium.
2. Prevention of edema.
3. Improvement in water-salt balance.
4. Activation of important enzymes.
5. Removal of harmful substances.
6. Promotes the breakdown of fats.
7. Impact on the liver.
8. Prevention of dehydration.
9. Regulation of beneficial elements in the body.
10. Normalization of blood pressure.
11. Improving the function of the cardiovascular system.
12. Appetite support.

The macronutrient plays an important role for digestive activity, activating the formation of gastric juice and increasing appetite. Entry into the body contributes to the normalization of the content of red blood cells, the removal of toxins, toxins and carbon dioxide from cells and serves as a prevention of dehydration.

In products

More than 80% of the daily norm is delivered to the human body with table salt, in other products its content is low. If you follow a salt-free diet, negative health effects are possible due to a lack of chlorine. A large amount enters the body with chlorinated water. Using tap water can cause an overabundance of chlorine.

What foods contain:

Daily rate

Normally, the daily dose of chlorine for adults is 4-6 grams contained in the water consumed by a person, cooked food, salt added to food. The maximum intake per day is 7 grams. With regular intake of excessive doses of chlorine, there is a risk of excess.

Daily requirement for boys and girls:

An increased intake of chlorine is necessary for diseases of the digestive tract and for active sports in hot weather, when a person sweats and the macronutrient is excreted.

There is a special calcium-chlorine food supplement, but its use is possible only on prescription.

Flaw

Causes of chlorine deficiency include:

• the effect of salt-free diets or eating food with a minimum addition of salt for more than a week; disorders of chlorine metabolism in the body;
• exposure to medications without consulting a specialist - diuretics, laxatives, corticosteroids;
• artificial feeding in children can cause chlorine deficiency;
• Lack has a particular negative impact on the body in violations of the kidneys and hypertension.

With insufficient chlorine content in the body and its rapid decline, human life is at risk.

The consequences of a deficiency are:

• deterioration of carbohydrate metabolism;
• prostration;
• exhaustion;
• violations of acid-base balance;
• malfunctions of the kidneys;
• tooth loss;
• deterioration or complete loss of appetite;
• dehydration with nausea, dry mouth and vomiting;
• urination disorders;
• premature aging of the skin;
• imbalance;
• constipation;
• increased blood pressure;
• memory impairment;
• deterioration of the gastrointestinal tract;
• hair loss.

Especially dangerous is the excessive effect of chlorine for people with epilepsy, which can adversely affect the course of the disease.

Excess

Excessive chlorine intake can be caused by excessive salt in food, drinking tap water, and even frequent showering and bathing, when higher doses are inhaled and through the skin. The procedure leads to the entry of toxins into the blood with water up to 20 times more.

Symptoms of acute poisoning occur when you receive 15 grams.

Signs of an excess of chlorine in the human body:

• dry cough;
• pain in the head;
• pain in the chest;
• dry mouth;
• heartburn;
• lacrimation;
• irritant effect on the mucous membrane of the throat;
• diarrhea;
• frequent colds accompanied by high fever;
• pain in the eyes;
• nausea;
• flatulence;
• pulmonary edema.

Water disinfected with chlorine has carcinogenic properties and contributes to the occurrence of acute respiratory viral infections, gastritis, pneumonia, kidney and liver cancer, and the appearance of gene mutations. Excess chlorine kills the intestinal flora, so it is recommended to consume sour-milk foods rich in bifidobacteria more often.

To purify water in order to prevent the entry of increased doses of chlorine into the body, it is recommended to add activated carbon to the water for 20 minutes or boil and defend the liquid for 24 hours, but mineral salts will be lost from the composition.

Dangerous inhalation of concentrated vapors, causing chemical burns and respiratory arrest. At risk are workers in the pharmaceutical, chemical, pulp and paper industries.

Interaction

Chlorine combines well with potassium and sodium. The interaction of these elements depends on the provision of water and electrolyte balance in the human body. The macronutrient is able to destroy vitamin E, therefore, when using it, it is undesirable to drink chlorinated water.

Chlorine is an indispensable element in the body and is needed for normal human well-being, but its dose should be controlled to eliminate the negative impact of an overabundance.

The value of chlorine in human life

As a chemical element, chlorine was isolated in the 18th century, but its most famous chemical compound, table salt, was used by people in ancient times. About 6,000 years ago, salt was mined in the Mediterranean countries and widely used in everyday life - having learned, first of all, to preserve food with it - fish, meat, vegetables, - writes Galina Gataulina.

The use of rock salt is described by Herodotus; in the Middle Ages, alchemists, conducting their experiments, also received chlorine, although they did not know about its properties; in the 19th century, English and French chemists finally figured out what kind of substance is released when the mineral pyrolusite is heated with hydrochloric acid, and they gave it the name - chlorin, for its yellow-greenish color. Later, this element began to be called chlorine for short, and it was also found out that it is also in our body - mainly in an ionized state. Most of all chlorine - from 30 to 60% - is contained in our skin, since it has the ability to accumulate this element, but it is also found in other tissues: it is part of the gastric juice, blood, bones, cerebrospinal and intercellular fluid, and therefore takes participation in the process of water-salt metabolism - it helps the body retain water in the tissues.

Today, scientists have realized that chlorine also belongs to the irreplaceable elements that are constantly present in plant and animal tissues, and interacts with other substances in the body, together with them maintaining many physico-chemical processes in the norm - for example, acid-base balance and osmotic pressure.

The need for the trace element chlorine

From 2 to 4 g of chlorine is enough per day for a person, and usually we get it with food, and even more than is necessary if we are used to eating a lot of salty foods.

Where is chlorine found

Products rich in chlorine are mainly table salt (if it can be considered a product) and bread. There is also a certain amount of chlorine in milk and meat, beets, olives, legumes, cereals; in other vegetables, as well as in fruits, it is less.

There is also calcium-chlorine - a food supplement, but such supplements should be taken only on the recommendation of a doctor. You should also not add salt to food just to get chlorine, as other foods also contain it.

The role of chlorine in the body: why chlorine is needed

Let's talk a little more about the action of chlorine and its role in our body. The balance that chlorine maintains is the balance between red blood cells and plasma, blood and body tissues, as well as water balance. If this balance is disturbed, then edema appears.

Together with potassium and sodium, chlorine ensures normal water-salt metabolism, and can relieve edema of various origins, normalizing blood pressure. The ratio of these elements must always be balanced, as they maintain the normal osmotic pressure of the interstitial fluid. Acid-base imbalance, which may appear as a result of an imbalance between these elements, causes various diseases.

Chlorine is important for normal digestion, as it participates in the formation of hydrochloric acid, which is the main component of gastric juice, and also stimulates the activity of amylase, an enzyme that promotes the breakdown and absorption of carbohydrates. In some diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, accompanied by inflammatory processes, the amount of chlorine in the body decreases.

By improving the functioning of the liver, chlorine helps cells and tissues get rid of toxins, and also removes carbon dioxide from the body in a timely manner.

For athletes, it is important that their body always maintains a balance of chlorine, just like sodium and potassium: chlorine is necessary for the joints - it allows them to remain flexible longer, and helps the muscles to remain strong.

Lack of chlorine in the body: causes and symptoms

Chlorine deficiency in the body can occur in case of dehydration - this happens quite often. It can be heavy sweating; vomiting and diarrhea in case of poisoning; nephropathy, in which a person loses salt; adrenocortical insufficiency - a condition in which the function of the adrenal cortex decreases; acid-base imbalance. Some drugs, even common laxatives or diuretics, also cause a decrease in the content of this element in the body.

If the lack of chlorine is moderate, then the person feels lethargic and drowsy, his memory deteriorates, muscles weaken, dry mouth appears, appetite decreases and the ability to distinguish the taste of products is lost. Chronic diseases caused by a lack of chlorine are usually accompanied by skin lesions, hair and teeth loss.

An acute deficiency of this element, the importance of which for many centuries scientists did not even suspect, can cause severe conditions, up to coma, and even end in death if its balance in the body is not restored in time.

Excess chlorine in the body: what is the danger of chlorine

However, an excess of chlorine in the body, especially a sharp one, is no less, and perhaps more dangerous, than its deficiency. This is possible if a person works in a certain area of ​​\u200b\u200bproduction: the chemical or pharmaceutical industry, at a pulp and paper mill, or in another place where he can inhale concentrated chlorine vapors. In this case, a person can die from a chemical burn, which causes inhibition of the respiratory center in the brain and stops breathing.

With poisoning that causes dehydration, and impaired kidney function, an excess of chlorine can also occur, as well as its deficiency. An increase in the amount of chlorine can be triggered by taking many drugs in the treatment of diseases, so you should always evaluate your condition and do not take any medication without a doctor's prescription.

Excess chlorine can lead to the accumulation of water in the tissues of the body, and then to a sharp increase in blood pressure. With a sharp increase in the amount of chlorine in the body, there is pain in the eyes and coughing, tears flow, headaches and chest pains, and digestive disorders; possible development of severe inflammation of the bronchi, high fever and toxic pulmonary edema.

The fact that chlorine is used to disinfect drinking water is known today to every person. And everyone also knows about its toxic effects on the body, but they began to think about it seriously not so long ago.

Chlorine, which at normal content in the human body becomes its protector, when interacting with other substances in the water, forms compounds that pose a serious danger to health and life. Not to mention gastritis and respiratory viral diseases, they can not only provoke the development of oncology - in particular, cancer of the liver and kidneys, but also cause gene mutations.

Of course, many people actively protect themselves from excess chlorine - they use filters, boil, defend and freeze drinking water, but not every person has a filter in the bathroom.

Meanwhile, when taking a hot shower or bath, you can get as much chlorine as is contained in 2 liters of unfiltered chlorinated water. When breathing while taking water procedures, chlorine enters our body more than it is absorbed with water through the skin.

Symptoms of chlorine poisoning can occur if more than 15 g of this substance enters the human body.

Chlorine can destroy vitamin E, so if you include foods with this vitamin in your diet, hoping to improve your health, and at the same time drink chlorinated water, you will not bring yourself any benefit.

Excess chlorine also kills the intestinal flora, so you should try to eat live yogurt more often and take preparations containing bifidumbacteria.

The biological role of chlorine

Chlorine is very important and beneficial for the human body, since it is it that ensures its normal water balance throughout life.

The role of chlorine in the human body

In addition to the fact that chlorine in the body is responsible for the ratio of water to the amount of other macro- and microelements, its duties also include:

• regulation of blood pressure;
• normalization of acid-base balance;
• activation of many enzymes;
• stimulation of appetite;
• removal of carbon dioxide, toxins and toxic compounds.

Source of chlorine for the body

Chlorine is found in some foods that form the basis of a balanced daily human diet, so in most cases its deficiency is very rare. Important sources of this macronutrient are:

• meat and legumes;
• eggs;
• seafood: oysters, shrimp, mussels;
• Iorian and freshwater fish: mackerel, carp, capelin, anchovies, pink salmon, crucian carp, tuna, hake, flounder, catfish.

The norm of chlorine in the body

The normal sufficient amount of chlorine for a healthy adult body is 2-5 g. A dose of 7 g is still harmless and is not capable of harming a person. A properly balanced diet can easily provide the right amount of it. It is worth remembering only that the daily need for chlorine becomes greater in hot climates, constant sweating and regular physical activity. An important fact is that the body of newborn children cannot yet absorb chlorine, so he receives this macronutrient from his mother's milk.

Lack of chlorine in the body

Lack of chlorine in the body provokes a number of health problems. So, a person becomes lethargic, drowsy and weak. In addition, he constantly suffers from convulsions and reduced osmotic pressure. Acute chlorine deficiency is accompanied by anorexia and tachycardia, confusion and nervous exhaustion.

Excess chlorine in the body

Both deficiency and too much chlorine in the human body provokes disturbances in the functioning of all its organs and vital systems. With an excess of this macroelement, pain in the eyes and lacrimation, dry cough and pain in the heart area are observed. In this state, a person constantly has a headache, the temperature rises for no reason, and even pulmonary edema is possible. In addition, with too much chlorine in the cells of the whole body, fluid begins to linger, which disrupts their normal functioning.

Absorption of chlorine by the body

Since we are talking about a macronutrient, the body receives it under the guise of consumed mineral salts, which also consist of magnesium, calcium, potassium and sodium. The process of assimilation of chlorine occurs in the small intestine when it enters there in the form of table salt.

Indications for the use of chlorine

Chlorine dosages

The amount of chlorine to be absorbed daily should be from 2 to 5 g. A dose that will exceed 7 g is toxic to the human body and can provoke a number of deviations from the healthy state of a person.

Interaction of chlorine with other compounds

This macronutrient is perfectly combined with sodium and potassium, with which it interacts in order to maintain the necessary water and electrolyte balance for the body.

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Chlorine - a description of its action and characteristics of functions in the human body; element rate; list of products that contain

Products containing the element chlorine

Food grade iodized salt

Description

Chlorine is a green-yellow substance (see photo), which gave it the name "chlorin" (from Greek "green-yellow"). It was isolated by the Swedish scientist Karl Scheele. In the USA and Great Britain, this name is still used, but we are used to using the abbreviated version.

The action of chlorine and its functions in the human body

The action of a macroelement on our body is irreplaceable, and it is contained in all tissues of plant and animal origin and takes part in many physical and chemical processes, such as water-salt and acid-base balances or osmotic pressure.

We have all heard about the famous acid-base balance, advertising made it popular. So - this is the interaction of chlorine with trace elements potassium and sodium. The largest accumulation of the element is in the skin, where it is in the state of ions. It also accumulates in gastric juice, blood, cell fluids, and bones. Due to its active presence in the water-salt metabolism, chlorine helps to retain fluid in the tissues to maintain balance and avoid edema. In this process, potassium and sodium act as his assistants, they maintain a normal acid-base balance, in the event of a failure of which multiple diseases develop.

Functions of chlorine in the human body:

• normalization of digestion, due to the synthesis of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, as well as the formation of amylase, an enzyme that optimizes the breakdown and absorption of incoming carbohydrates;
• maintaining joint flexibility and muscle mass elasticity, which is especially important for professional athletes;
• stable liver function, breakdown and removal of toxins at the cellular level;
• maintaining the circulatory system.

How does everything happen? Chlorine enters the body in combination with calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium and mineral salts and is concentrated in the skin, blood, bone tissue and intercellular fluid. Its absorption mainly occurs in the intestines and is excreted with the release of sweat and waste products of the body.

There is one point that should not be forgotten. The fact is that chlorine can not only benefit, but also harm. In our country, this chemical element is very actively used for cleaning tap water, as well as for cleaning it in pools. Installing filters on the kitchen faucet in this case does not save the situation at all. The skin is able to absorb a huge amount of chlorine, especially when taking a hot shower or bath, in addition, we additionally inhale its vapors, which is much more dangerous. In addition, chlorine in water can form compounds that can be life-threatening, and can trigger the development of cancer and the occurrence of gene mutations. After all, during bathing we get as much chlorine as if we had drunk 2 liters of untreated water. In this case, it destroys useful elements and vitamins available in the body, and in addition, it destroys the intestinal microflora.

The daily norm of the element

The daily intake of chlorine is 5-7 grams, this dosage is quite harmless and easily replenished with food and mainly with salt. Therefore, it is important not to oversaturate your body with this substance. But people who do not use salt, depending on various indications, should think about an additional source of chlorine.

In a hot climate, with profuse sweating and active physical exertion, it is also worth taking care of the additional intake of this microelement.

What food sources are included?

As it is already becoming clear, the main source of chlorine in our diet is simple table salt. In addition, there is a lot of it in bread and seafood. A certain amount is also found in meat, milk and dairy products, chicken eggs, cereals, beets and legumes.

Very little, but chlorine is still present in foods such as carrots, cabbage, potatoes, pears and apples.

Lack of chlorine in the body

A trace element deficiency often occurs with dehydration, profuse sweating, vomiting or diarrhea in case of poisoning, and also when taking laxatives and diuretics.

A short-term shortage causes a feeling of lethargy and drowsiness, loss of appetite and the appearance of dryness in the mouth, which leads to a loss of taste sensations. There may be weakness in the muscles.

In chronic shortages, the skin is already affected, hair falls out and teeth are damaged.

An acute lack of chlorine causes severe conditions that can lead to coma and death. Fortunately, the process can be reversible, provided that the balance of chlorine in the body is restored in a timely manner.

Excess chlorine and symptoms of poisoning with it

An excess of chlorine in the body can cause consequences no less dangerous than its lack. The risk of overdose is especially high for a person working at the corresponding enterprise of the chemical, pharmaceutical industry - by inhalation of concentrated vapors, chemical burns. Such lesions can lead to respiratory arrest.

Also, the cause is taking medications for certain diseases, which leads to the accumulation of fluid in all tissues of the body and the appearance of pain in the eyes, headaches and chest pains, inflammatory processes in the bronchi and toxic pulmonary edema. Such accumulation is especially dangerous for people suffering from attacks of hypertension.

Chlorine in the so-called "drinking" water can create compounds that cause gastritis and acute respiratory viral diseases, not to mention very dangerous oncological diseases.

In total, when 15 grams of chlorine enters the body, the first symptoms of poisoning will already occur.

Chlorine in large quantities can destroy the intestinal microflora, so do not forget about healthy yogurt and bifidobacteria.

There is an opinion of scientists that chlorine is the main killer of the 20th century, because with its discovery widespread chlorination of water began and an “epidemic” of cancer, dementia and problems with the cardiovascular system immediately arose. It was found that tap water causes about 80% of all diseases in the world, and it also causes the aging of the body accelerated by a third. The most common and probable diseases are called pneumonia and bronchitis.

To date, it has been proven that chlorine destroys only a small part of the toxins, while the rest continue their harmful effect, which can cause problems for all organs, even at the genetic level. "Hot" water treatments increase the amount of toxins consumed by the skin at once.

Indications for appointment

Indications for the appointment of a microelement for medicinal purposes are given on the example of a preparation of sodium chloride (saline solution):

• Dehydration of various categories.
• Washing of wounds and mucous membranes.
• Hypertensive diseases.
• Violation of water and electrolyte balance.
• As an osmotic diuretic.
• Treatment of purulent wounds.
• Silver nitrate poisoning.
• Washing the nasal cavity with rhinitis, sinusitis, to cleanse the mucous membrane.