Everything you need to know about sulfur to take care of your health
Without a doubt, sulfur is not one of the most popular minerals. However, it is important to know the role of sulfur in the human body, as well as the benefits of the foods that contain it. In this article you will find everything you need to know about sulfur to take care of your health.
What is sulfur
In principle, as you should know, sulfur is a mineral that is involved in many reactions in the human body , as well as being part of important substances. For this reason, it is necessary that you include it in your diet, so as not to affect the normal functioning of the organism.
Sulfur functions in the body
Although it lacks the popularity of other minerals, sulfur has vital functions that you should know. But what is the function of sulfur in the human body? I will tell you what sulfur is used in the human body.
- It is detoxifying , being one of its main functions to keep the body free of toxins.
- It is found in the composition of some important substances in the body , for example in vitamins such as thiamine and biotin, in amino acids such as methionine and cystine, and also in some hormones, such as insulin and glucagon.
- Participates in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates.
- Promotes the formation of keratin and collagen , fundamental elements for skin firmness and elasticity.
- It is antiseptic , as it eliminates germs such as fungi and bacteria.
- Improves allergic reactions and eczema.
- Strengthens nails and hair.
From knowing what are the functions of sulfur in the human body, you will be interested to know where to find it, to ensure its inclusion in your daily diet.
Sulfur in food
Indeed, now that you know where sulfur is in the human body, the best way to cover your sulfur needs is to be aware of the foods that contain it. Below you will find foods that contain sulfur.
- Vegetables such as garlic, onion, broccoli, cabbage, cucumber, spinach, asparagus, carrots, radishes, beets, turnips
- Fruits such as mango, grapefruit, apple, plum, peach, melon.
- Vegetables.
- Wheat Germ
- Mustard sprouts.
- Chestnuts
- Sunflower seeds.
Also keep in mind that there are sulfur amino acids that contain it such as cystine and methionine.
What is sulfur for?
In any case , sulfur serves many medicinal and cosmetic applications. Hence, it is applied to solve different health and beauty problems.
- Shampoos for dandruff. Sulfur shampoos are special to combat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, thereby preventing hair loss.
- Soaps for acne. In contrast, soaps with sulfur are indicated to treat acne, in excessively oily skin, preventing reinfection.
- Cleansing creams for the skin. On the other hand, if you need a skin cleansing, the creams and lotions with sulfur will work wonders for you, since this mineral helps eliminate impurities from your skin.
- Supplements for bones, muscles and joints. There are also supplements to improve the muscular and osteoarticular system that include sulfur among its components.
- Sulfur bars against contractures. Finally, if you’re contracted, don’t forget the classic sulfur sticks. Its application will give you almost immediate relief for your muscle contractures. Slide it into contracted areas until it breaks. If it breaks, do not worry, it indicates that it is working.
- Sulfurized hot springs for the skin. As for sulfur hot springs they are very good if you have different skin problems.
Who need sulfur supplements
In certain circumstances there may be a lack or lack of sulfur. In that case, it will be necessary to cover it. Especially, if you suffer from any of these disorders:
- Skin problems such as acne, ezcema, psoriasis and nail growth disorders.
- Scalp problems such as seborrhea, hair loss, alopecia.
- Digestive and liver problems
- Respiratory problems , such as rhinitis, bronchitis, etc.
- Rheumatic problems , such as arthritis and osteoarthritis.
- Nervous problems such as anxiety, stress and depression.
In any case, only your doctor can indicate the need to consume a supplement.
Excess sulfur in the human body
While the lack of sulfur is the cause of many disorders and diseases, you should know that sulfur is toxic. For this reason, its excess can also cause serious disorders. However, the sulfur that generates toxicity is not that which comes from food or organic sulfur, but inorganic sulfur that contains other products or that is found in the atmosphere of polluted cities.
Other minerals important to your body
In addition to sulfur there are other minerals necessary for the proper functioning of your body . Below, you will find more information about some of them.
- Calcium for healthy bones and teeth. As you know, calcium is essential for the growth and strengthening of your bones and teeth. However, its properties do not end there, since it also fulfills other important functions in the organism that you will be interested in knowing.
- Iron against anemia. On the other hand, iron is essential in the formation of red blood cells. When the diet does not meet the requirements of the body, anemia appears due to a decrease in circulating red blood cells. If you want to prevent anemia, you must ensure their contribution, choosing the foods richest in iron.
- Iodine for the thyroid. It is no mystery that an iodized diet favors the proper functioning of your thyroid gland. However, when there is a lack of this mineral, disorders occur. So much so, that in many places the waters are added with iodine to avoid problems in the population.