Fluids and Minerals Required for Oral Soft Tissues and Salivary Glands

Water; Physiological Roles:

• Hydration

• Saliva Production

• Nutrient Transport

Water; Sources:

Drinking water is the most direct & effective source of hydration; fruits & vegetables

Water; Hypo States (Dehydration):

• Fluid volume deficit (FVD) dry mouth, reduced saliva, increased risk of caries & gum disease

• Thirst, dark urine, fatigue

Water; Hyper States (Overhydration):

• Fluid volume excess (FVE) imbalance in electrolytes, hyponatremia

• Nausea, headaches, confusion

Coffee and Tea; Physiological Roles:

• Antioxidants

• Hydration*

Coffee and Tea; Sources:

Brewed coffee & various types of tea

Coffee and Tea; Hyper States:

• Excessive Caffeine Intake → jitteriness, insomnia, increased heart rate

• FDA has issued warnings for teas containing senna, aloe, buckthorn → laxative effect

Sugar-Sweetened Beverages; Physiological Role

energy source

Sugar-Sweetened Beverages; Sources:

Sodas, sweetened juices

Sugar-Sweetened Beverages; Excessive Consumption:

dental caries, weight gain, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, other chronic conditions

Energy Drinks; Physiological Roles:

• Quick Energy Boost

• Caffeine

• Guarana (4X caffeine of coffee)

• Taurine (aa w/antioxidant properties)

• Marketed as ergogenic (enhance physical performance, stamina, or recovery)

Energy Drinks; Sources:

Widely available: Monster, Red Bull, Rockstar

Energy Drinks; Excessive Consumption:

increased heart rate, HBP, dental caries, & enamel erosion

Sports Drinks; Physiological Roles:

• Electrolyte Balance

• Hydration During Intense Exercise

Sports Drinks; Sources:

Widely available: Gatorade, Powerade, BodyArmor

Sports Drinks; Appropriate Use:

hydration and electrolyte balance

Sports Drinks; Overuse:

dental caries and weight gain

Sodium; Physiological Roles:

• fluid balance

• nerve function (including muscle contraction and relaxation

Sodium; Sources:

table salt. processed foods

Sodium; Hyponatremia :

• low sodium levels in the blood

• Headaches, confusion, seizures, fatigue

Sodium; Hypernatremia :

• high sodium levels in the blood

• Thirst, restlessness, muscle twitching

Himalayan Salt and Table Salt are both mostly ____ _____

sodium chloride

Himalayan salt contains…

trace minerals (e.g., magnesium, potassium) that give it a pink hue, but the amounts are too small to impact health.

Table salt is often fortified with ____, supporting thyroid health.

iodine

True or False; Health effects depend on how much salt you consume, not the type

true

Chloride; Physiological Roles

• Fluid balance→works w/sodium

• Acid-base balance→keeps pH levels in blood normal

Chloride; Sources:

Table salt (sodium chloride), tomatoes, lettuce, celery

Chloride; Hypochloremia:

• low levels of chloride in the blood

• Persistent heavy sweating, chronic diarrhea, vomiting

Chloride; Hyperchloremia:

• high levels of chloride in the blood

• Excessive intakes of salt, Cushing’s syndrome, diarrhea

Potassium; Physiological Roles:

• Muscle function (especially cardiac)

• Nerve function

Potassium; Sources:

Bananas, leafy greens, potatoes (white & sweet(

Potassium; Hypokalemia:

• low levels of potassium in the blood

• Muscle weakness, cramps, irregular heartbeats

Potassium; Hyperkalemia:

• high levels of potassium in the blood

• Fatigue, numbness, heart palpatations

Iron; Physiological Roles:

• Oxygen transport (hemoglobin)

• Energy Production

Iron; Sources:

• Red meat (heme iron=found in animal products)

• Spinach (nonheme iron=found in plant products)

Iron; Hypo States:

Iron deficiency anemia → fatigue, weakness, pale skin

Iron; Hyper States:

Hemochromatosis →joint pain, fatigue, organ damage

Zinc; Physiological Roles:

• Immune function→development & activation of T-cells

• Wound healing→ DNA synthesis & cell division

Zinc; Sources:

Red meat, oysters, nuts, poultry

Zinc; Deficiency:

• impaired immune function & delayed healing

• Hair loss, diarrhea, skin lesions

Zinc; Toxicity:

• interferes w/absorption of other minerals, like copper

• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain

Iodine; Physiological Roles:

• Thyroid function

• Metabolism regulation

Iodine; Sources

Iodized salt (most common source), fish, seaweed

Iodine; Hypo States:

• Hypothyroidism→fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance

• Goiter: abnormal enlargement of thyroid gland

• Goitrogens: substances that interfere with the normal function of the thyroid gland by inhibiting iodine uptake, which can lead to goiter

• Cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts)

• Myxedema: severe form of hypothyroidism (life-threatening)

• Cretinism: severe deficiency during pregnancy impaired physical & mental development of child

Iodine; Hyper States:

• Hyperthyroidism→ excessive thyroid hormone production

• Weight loss, rapid heartbeat, nervousness