4 The function of phosphorus for the body, in addition to healthy bones and teeth

You may have often heard of the mineral phosphorus for healthy bones and teeth, in addition to the mineral calcium. Yes, about 85% of the phosphorus in your body is stored in bones and teeth. A small amount of phosphorus is also present in cells and tissues in the body.

This mineral has many functions in your body. Phosphorus can help the body reduce muscle soreness after exercise. Phosphorus also plays an important role in how the body stores and uses energy. And, there are many other functions of phosphorus which are certainly needed by the body.

What are the functions of phosphorus?

So far, what you have often heard about the function of phosphorus is probably only for healthy bones and teeth. But, actually the function of phosphorus for your body is very much, not only that. Some of the functions of phosphorus are:

1. Helping the kidneys

Phosphorus minerals can help the kidneys filter out waste substances that are no longer needed by the body. However, too much phosphorus in the body can also interfere with the work of the kidneys. So, the kidneys have to get rid of this excess phosphorus out of the body so that the phosphorus levels in the body are always balanced. For those of you who have kidney disease, it is recommended that you limit your consumption of phosphorus so as not to overload your kidneys.

2. DNA formation

Phosphorus is also needed in the formation of DNA and RNA. Your body cannot form DNA to store genetic information if your body is deficient in phosphorus. So, you really need phosphorus because DNA is in almost all of your cells. This is needed to form new cells and repair damaged tissue.

3. Muscle and nerve function

Together with calcium, phosphorus can help work muscles, including the heart muscle. Thus, phosphorus is also needed in keeping the heart beating regularly. Its function on these muscles also explains why phosphorus can reduce muscle soreness after exercise. Phosphorus also plays a role in neural communication, helps nerves send signals to the brain and also helps the brain react to various external stimuli.

4. Maintain the body's acid-base balance

Another function of phosphorus is to maintain acid-base (ph) balance in the body. Ph balance in the body is important to support all parts of the body to work according to their function. In addition, phosphorus is also needed to help the body use vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D, iodine, magnesium, and zinc. Also, play a role in regulating energy storage and use.

Phosphorus-containing foods and drinks

Phosphorus requirements vary among individuals, ranging from 500 mg / day for children, 1200 mg / day for adolescents, and 700 mg / day for adults. You can meet this need for phosphorus through a variety of foods, such as:

Meat, chicken and fish
Milk and dairy products
Egg
Nuts
Potato
Garlic
Dried fruit, such as raisins

Danger of excess phosphorus

Excess phosphorus can be toxic in the body. This can cause diarrhea, burdens the work of organs, as well as tissues.

Phosphorus levels that are too high in the body can also interfere with the function of iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc. Too high levels of phosphorus together with calcium can build up in muscles and interfere with muscle work. Several studies have also linked high phosphorus intake to an increased risk of heart disease.

For those of you who have kidney disease, you shouldn't eat too much food that contains high phosphorus because it can be burdensome for the kidneys.

Danger of phosphorus deficiency

Phosphorus deficiency usually occurs due to health conditions or because of drugs. Health conditions, such as diabetes, and medications, such as antacids, diuretics, corticosteroids, and others, can cause low levels of phosphorus in the body. This results in you becoming less appetite, anxious, bone and joint pain, fatigue, weakness, irregular breathing, and poor bone growth in children.