Blog 03: Importance of Essential Trace Mineral Balance for Sickle Cell Anemia

Trace minerals are always necessary as cofactors for the production of enzymes. Enzymes are strings of amino acids or proteins that act to catalyze millions of chemical reactions in the body that produce health, strength, and regulation of all systems of the body. It is theorized that Sickle Cell Anemia is not simply a “genetic mutation”, but occurs because of the lack of efficient production of a single or multiple enzymes. Currently we are looking to conduct research on this theory. It is certain that trace minerals such as zinc, copper, manganese, iron, chromium, selenium, iodine, lithium, boron, molybdenum, and more are very necessary for enzyme production. Let’s take a closer look at some trace minerals, and their role in the life of a sickle cell warrior.

Zinc: It is not commonly taught that minerals act as neurotransmitters, and directly affect the brain, will, and emotions. But this is absolutely true. Zinc is a neurotransmitter in the body that helps to activate the neocortex of the brain. Adequate levels of zinc allows the sickle cell warrior to utilize the higher functioning parts of the brain, leading to better decision making, greater wisdom and intelligence. Unfortunately, most people, but especially those born with SCA have a deficiency of zinc, and a toxic amount of copper in their bodies. Zinc and copper are synergists, meaning that they work together in tandem to facilitate certain actions in the cells. But when they are not at healthy levels, or bio-unavailable (not in the correct form within the body to be properly absorbed and utilized), damages can be seen in the body. Zinc is very important for puberty, and sexual and reproductive development, especially in boys. Adequate levels of zinc in the cells act as antioxidants and help fight infection. Low levels of zinc is synonymous with higher risks of infection and copper toxicity. Some other functions of zinc are:

Helps Protein Synthesis: Needed for RNA transferase production and enzymes required to make hormones, proteins and tissues.

Helps with Eye Vision

Helps with Cardiovascular System: Helps maintain elasticity and strength within the arterial walls, stabilizing blood pressure. 

Helps Alkaline the Body

Needed for proper Oxygen/Carbon dioxide balance: Zinc is necessary for production of an enzyme that removes carbon dioxide from the body, helping regulate oxygen levels. 

Helps produce digestive enzymes

Helps regulate appetite

Helps Endocrine System: Zinc is needed in small amounts for most hormone production

Necessary for Blood Health: Low zinc can lead to anemias due to lead or copper toxicity.

Helps develop strong bone and muscle tissue

Needed for skin, hair, and nail health

Zinc is an anti-inflammatory mineral: Inflammatory symptoms such as pain, are combated by zinc

Helps detoxify the body of toxic metals and bio-unavailable copper

Copper: Copper is very important and necessary for healthy bones and connective tissues. All tissues in the body from tendons, and ligaments to veins and arteries require copper for production. When copper is bio-unavailable, and not in the proper balance, all kinds of skin problems, and conditions such as bone loss and fibromyalgia can occur. Energy is produced in our cells through a process called the Krebs cycle. The last stage of the Krebs cycle is called the electron transport system. Copper is needed for this last step to occur properly and produce the maximum amount of adaptive energy. If one has toxic high levels of copper or bio-unavailable copper, zinc levels are lowered by the copper, creating an environment where infections, yeast, bad bacteria, and fungus can grow.

The glandular system, in particular the thyroid and adrenal glands are sensitive to copper. Copper is needed for hormone production in these glands. Copper is strongly related to estrogen, and is necessary for women’s fertility and healthy bioavailable levels are necessary for maintaining a pregnancy. Imbalances in copper contribute to all female reproductive conditions, such as PMS, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, miscarriages, and endometriosis. 

Copper is needed to produce neurotransmitters necessary for healthy and happy thinking and feelings. Toxic forms of copper can dysregulate the nervous system, causing emotional and neurological complications such as memory loss, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. 

Zinc and copper balance is necessary for health and strength. In order to balance this tandem of trace minerals, one needs to be on a Nutritional Balancing Program. It is extremely important for all Sickle Cell Anemia clients to get a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis done so that we can properly assign the correct mineral and vitamins supplements that will help balance copper and zinc  levels. It is also imperative to eat high levels of cooked vegetables, and adequate amounts of animal protein. 

Iron: The elements; Iron, Manganese, Chromium, and Selenium are closely related to each other. When one of these element levels is measured on a hair analysis, it is easy to predict the condition of the other levels. When one mineral is shown as bio-unavailable, it is safe to assume that all the other trace minerals are also in the body in a bio-unavailable form, causing damage. Some of the functions of iron are as follows:

Helps Oxygen Transport: Iron is essential for healthy functioning Hemoglobin, which is extremely essential in the life of every Sickle Cell Warrior. Hemoglobin carries oxygen in the blood.

Helps with muscle formation and function

Necessary for Energy Production: Like copper, bioavailable form of iron is necessary in the electron transport system within the Krebs cycle. If toxic forms of iron are in the body, reduced energy levels occur, something often seen in Sickle cell anemia.

Helps break down proteins and amino acids in the body

Helps prevent oxidant damage, and is necessary to build enzymes that detoxify the liver

Helps with sense of direction: Iron in the brain acts as a compass, and helps give natural instinct and sense of direction.

Great sources of iron are meats, poultry, and sardines. Green vegetables contain some iron. Vegan or vegetarian diets can reduce the amount of bioavailable iron in the body, causing inflammation, infections, emotional problems, diabetes, and different cancers. A properly followed Nutritional Balancing Program helps to safely and effectively build balanced levels of iron, while simultaneously removing toxic forms of the mineral. When toxic forms of iron are removed from the body with the proper diet, detoxification procedures such as coffee enemas, and proper supplements based on a hair tissue mineral analysis, the following may be seen: Improved liver function, less inflammation symptoms, reduces levels of anger and arrogance, and reduction of infections.

Manganese: Manganese is also needed for energy production in the mitochondria of the cell. Like the minerals above, manganese is necessary for healthy skeletal bones, tissues such as skin, hair, tendons, ligaments and muscles. Manganese is a necessary component to build compounds that regulate fluid between cells. Manganese is required for healthy cell membranes, in particular for the heart, pancreas, liver, and kidneys. 

Bioavailable forms of manganese help build an enzyme that catalyzes a chemical reaction that helps remove waste products from the cells. Vision and hearing health also requires proper levels of manganese. The metabolism of cholesterol within the liver also depends on manganese. People with diabetes often have manganese deficiency, or most usually toxic levels of bio-unavailable manganese in their cells. 

Manganese is needed for multiple neurotransmitter synthesis, along with the adequate production of thyroid hormone T4. Kelp is a nutritional supplement high in manganese, which is usually assigned as a supplement for sickle cell clients. Other foods such as corn are good sources of manganese. A diet rich in cooked vegetables, good animal protein and complex carbohydrates such as African yam are wonderful for balancing manganese. When a full Nutritional Balancing Program is followed, toxic forms of manganese begin to be released from the body and replaced with bioavailable forms. 

Chromium: Chromium is essential for glucose regulation. It helps to move sugar through the cell membranes. This of course is essential for blood sugar. Chromium also plays a hand in protein synthesis, by participating in DNA and RNA replication. Chromium also is needed to regulate cholesterol levels. Kelp and others good seafood such as sardines are good sources of chromium, in addition to egg yolks, and peanuts. Eating a Nutritional Balancing diet, and taking the recommended supplements after a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis will help remove any bio-unavailable chromium, and help supply the body with usable bioavailable chromium.

Selenium: Selenium helps to alkalinize the body, reducing unhealthy acidity. Dr. Larry Wilson considers selenium a mineral that contributes to higher level thinking, wisdom, and intelligence. Some of the functions of selenium are:

Helps Mental Health: Selenium’s effect on the brain causes a person to have a smooth and healthy mental state.

Necessary for Protein Synthesis: Selenium is involved in the making of Transfer RNA. Therefore very important adequate protein synthesis

Helps Produce anti-inflammatory Substances

Plays an important role in Metabolism

Included in production of enzyme that removes lactic acid from the body, causing a more alkaline environment

Helps Improve Immune System

Helps Cardiovascular Health: Selenium is needed to produce Coenzyme Q-10. When selenium is at healthy levels, Coenzyme Q-10 is produced naturally in the body. It boosts energy and is beneficial for the heart and cardiovascular system.

Helps Remove Free Radicals from the body

Helps produce an enzyme that facilitates production of Glutathione, a compound necessary for liver detoxification.

Helps maintain healthy bones and teeth

Helps form thyroid hormones

Healthy for the reproductive system

Essential is the transport of oxygen within red blood cells, which is important for our Sickle Cell Anemia clients

Helps Remove toxic heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, and nickel

Selenium is said to make people have higher emotions such as joy, compassion, and peacefulness. Some sources are cooked corn, blue corn chips, and astragalus.

In order to help facilitate the balancing of these minerals that are critical for our life, health, and strength, consider following a Nutritional Balancing Program. Starting with a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis, we will suggest the proper nutritional supplements, diet, and detoxification procedures that may help you begin to flourish, and grow in health and peace of mind. Thank you for reading. May the Lord richly bless you to Prosper with Sickle Cell Anemia.