Is gold poisoning possible and what do we know about it? Gold is a yellow metal (from the Latin “aurum” - yellow). This element is number 79 in the periodic table D.I. Mendeleev. It is resistant to the destructive effects of acids and alkalis. Only selenic and nitric acid can harm gold. Gold-plated metals and other surfaces are protected from corrosion and have an expensive appearance.
History of the origin of Metal of kings and pharaohs
Archaeologists are confident that the history of the origin of gold
is closely related to the development of human civilization.
The first gold deposits were allegedly discovered in the 5th millennium BC, in the Middle East. The oldest jewelry made from “ solar metal
,” dating back to the 3rd millennium BC, was discovered during excavations of Egyptian and Sumerian tombs.
Latin name for gold: Aurum
(“yellow”) originates from the name of the ancient Roman goddess of the dawn, Aurora. European and Proto-Slavic transcriptions of this word have the same root and also denote the color of the noble metal.
With the rise of the Roman Empire, the geography of gold mining moved to Western Europe (the territory of modern Spain, Austria and Hungary). And after the discovery of the New World, the so-called “gold rush” swept the world.
which largely predetermined the paths of further development of most major powers.
In Russia, the development of its own gold deposits began only in the middle of the 18th century. The first deposits of the precious metal were discovered in the Arkhangelsk province, and large-scale mining began in the Urals, after the discovery of gold-bearing veins by Erofey Markov.
Gold was first discovered in living organisms by the French chemist Claude Louis Bertoglio. The scientist synthesized the smallest particles of this metal from plant ash.
Interesting fact.
According to one version, “
solar metal
”, in the literal sense, is a gift from heaven. Scientists believe that gold particles could have settled on Earth after the explosion of a neutron star.
Iron-deficiency anemia
Iron deficiency
Gastritis
Haemorrhoids
Worms
13331 December 10
IMPORTANT!
The information in this section cannot be used for self-diagnosis and self-treatment.
In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, diagnostic tests should be prescribed only by the attending physician. To make a diagnosis and properly prescribe treatment, you should contact your doctor. Iron deficiency in the body: causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment methods.
Definition
Iron deficiency in the body, or iron deficiency anemia, is a pathological condition characterized by a decrease in the level of iron in the body, leading to a decrease in the concentration of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood. According to WHO, more than 2 billion people in the world have iron deficiency in their bodies.
Causes of iron deficiency anemia
The most common cause of iron deficiency with subsequent development of anemia is an unhealthy or unbalanced diet.
The main risk group is vegetarians, people who adhere to strict diets with a limited range of foods in the diet, as well as older people - due to a decrease in the intestines' ability to absorb iron. In addition, impaired absorption of iron in the gastrointestinal tract can be observed after resection of the stomach or small intestine, as a result of atrophy of the gastric mucosa, decreased secretion of hydrochloric acid, as well as as a result of celiac disease (a congenital disease associated with gluten intolerance), obesity. Colonization of the stomach by Helicobacter pylori
leads to increased iron loss and reduces its absorption. Helminths have a negative impact on the digestive processes, making it difficult, among other things, to absorb iron.
Iron deficiency anemia is often diagnosed in children, adolescents and pregnant women because their daily iron requirements are higher than the average population.
In second place among the causes of iron deficiency anemia is blood loss, both acute and chronic. After severe injuries, heavy nasal and uterine bleeding, hemoptysis, iron deficiency develops due to the loss of a large number of red blood cells containing iron and some blood plasma proteins that bind iron in the blood.
Less obvious causes of iron loss due to blood loss include:
- violation of donation rules;
- frequent unnecessary blood draws for examination;
- heavy menstruation;
- blood loss due to gastric and duodenal ulcers, inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis);
- bleeding from dilated hemorrhoidal veins.
In children of the first year of life, a possible cause of chronic blood loss may be the use of whole milk (cow's, goat's, etc.) and unadapted milk formulas in the form of diluted milk and kefir for artificial feeding.
It has been proven that with long-term use of such nutrition, infants develop diapedetic intestinal bleeding (increased permeability of small vessels) with loss of iron.
Classification of iron deficiency anemia
Clinical classification
iron deficiency anemia:
- Posthemorrhagic anemia - develops against the background of regular (possibly small) blood loss (nosebleeds, bloody discharge from the bladder, etc.) or as a consequence of significant blood loss.
- Anemia associated with gastrointestinal pathologies develops after intestinal resection, gastrectomy and is associated with impaired iron absorption.
- Anemia in pregnant and lactating women develops as a result of insufficient intake of iron, necessary for the development of the embryo.
- Juvenile anemia – develops, as a rule, in female adolescents and is associated with hormonal changes in the body.
- Secondary anemia - develops against the background of inflammatory, infectious and oncological processes due to large loss of iron during the breakdown of tumor tissues or increased need for iron in areas of inflammation.
- Essential (idiopathic) anemia is diagnosed in cases where it is not possible to accurately determine the cause of iron deficiency.
- Nutritional anemia - nutritional factors include vegetarianism, diets with limited meat consumption, decreased absorption or transport of iron.
Any anemia is classified according to severity
depending on the level of decrease in blood hemoglobin. For children over 6 years of age and adults the following classification applies:
- mild anemia, when the hemoglobin level is from 90 to 120 g/l;
- moderate anemia, when the hemoglobin level is from 70 to 89 g/l;
- severe anemia, when the hemoglobin level drops below 70 g/l.
For children under 6 years of age, the normal hemoglobin level is above 110 g/L.
Iron deficiency anemia is classified according to its stages
:
1st stage. The loss of iron is greater than its intake, as a result of which its reserves in the body are reduced and absorption in the intestines is increased.
2nd stage. Iron reserves are depleted and the number of red blood cells begins to decline.
3rd stage. A mild degree of anemia develops.
4th stage. Severe anemia develops with a clear decrease in the saturation of red blood cells with hemoglobin.
5th stage. Severe anemia with circulatory disorders and tissue hypoxia.
Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia
Iron deficiency anemia is a blood disease and is manifested by numerous symptoms, which are combined into two main syndromes: anemic and sideropenic.
Anemic syndrome
characterized by a drop in hemoglobin levels and manifests itself as general weakness, increased fatigue, dizziness, increased sensitivity to cold, and tinnitus. With severe anemia, shortness of breath, a feeling of lack of air, rapid heartbeat, and “fly spots” appear before the eyes. In rare cases, fainting and impaired consciousness are possible.
With a long course and slow development of iron deficiency anemia, compensation and the absence of subjective unpleasant symptoms are possible.
Outwardly, a person suffering from iron deficiency anemia is pale, the lips and oral mucous membranes are pale pink, blood pressure may be reduced, and when examining the pulse, an increase in pulse rate is observed.
Sideropenic syndrome
consists of iron deficiency in many tissues of the body. This is manifested by dry skin, flaking of the skin and cracks in the corners of the mouth (jams, or angular stomatitis). Sometimes there are complaints of dry mouth, pain or burning of the tongue. Nails lose strength and begin to peel. The nail plate takes on a concave, spoon-shaped appearance (koilonychia).
Hair becomes brittle and falls out rapidly. A very characteristic sign is a change in taste preferences and a perverted sense of smell. People with iron deficiency anemia suddenly begin to eat unusual or unsuitable substances and objects (the most striking example is eating chalk or earth), they like the smells of paint, gasoline, and acetone. In severe cases, muscle weakness develops, including urinary incontinence and impaired swallowing function.
For children, iron deficiency anemia is dangerous because it slows down psychomotor development.
Babies often regurgitate food, older children experience unexplained vomiting, bowel disorders, and poor weight gain.
Diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia
To diagnose iron deficiency anemia, the following laboratory and instrumental examinations can be prescribed:
- clinical blood test (determination of hemoglobin level, number of red blood cells, their size, hemoglobin saturation, shape, hematocrit level, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, platelet count and leukocyte count);
Finding gold in nature
Like silver, gold is found in nature
mostly in a native state.
At the same time, “ solar metal
” is extremely rare in its pure form. The content of various impurities (copper, silver, iron, etc.) in gold nuggets ranges from 2 to 50 percent. The volume of precious metal contained in the earth's crust is only 4 mg per ton of rock.
Interesting fact.
The largest gold nugget, the “Holtermann plate,” was discovered in 1872 in Australia. This giant, made of gold and quartz, weighed almost 300 kg. After melting, about 100 kg of noble metal came out of it.
But in the waters of the World Ocean there are truly countless reserves of gold hidden (about 5 kilograms per cubic kilometer of water). In places of its highest concentration, the water has a characteristic greenish tint. The leader in the content of this metal is the Caribbean (15-18 mg per ton of sea water). However, it is extremely difficult to synthesize it in this way.
Interesting fact.
During the Second World War, the Nazis tried to engage in similar fishing, but very soon they realized that the game was not worth the candle: to extract 100 grams of gold, it is necessary to process about 100 tons of sea water.
It is water that is the main conductor of the noble metal, making its extraction possible. Transported by groundwater, particles of this substance settle in river beds and rocks, forming quartz gold-bearing veins.
The gold content on the surface of the sun is many times higher than its reserves on our planet, so the metaphorical name of this element fully justifies itself.
Gold shortage and its consequences
Gold deficiency is an extremely rare occurrence, since the human body needs about 2-4 mcg of the microelement per day. Our body can get this amount even from ordinary gold jewelry that is worn every day. But microelement deficiency can develop due to various metabolic disorders and diseases.
Gold deficiency leads to diseases such as:
- polyarthritis;
- atherosclerosis;
- hypertonic disease;
- liver diseases.
The risk of developing tumor diseases (oncology) also increases and the psychological state is depressed, which can lead to chronic depression and other abnormalities (epileptic syndrome, disorders of the central nervous system).
At the moment, the effect of gold on the human body has not been fully studied, and the list of negative consequences of deficiency is replenished annually with new symptoms, ranging from disorders of the musculoskeletal system to damage to internal organs.
Scope of gold
Scope of gold
is quite wide and is not limited to the jewelry industry alone.
Let's see what other purposes “ solar metal
” is used for.
• Gold is one of the main means of investment. It is a stronghold of financial stability in most countries.
• In dentistry, for the manufacture of dentures and crowns.
• Due to its high degree of electrical conductivity, it is used in microelectronics, for the manufacture of contacts and electroplated coatings.
• In the nuclear field, including for the production of neutron bombs.
• Possessing good corrosion resistance, it is used for amalgamation (coating with a protective film) of metal surfaces.
•Registered as a food additive E175, but is used quite rarely due to its high cost.
Is it true that...
...gold rings lead to incorrect functioning of the nervous system? In particular, the nerve endings in the fingers are affected.
In fact
– Nerve endings have nothing to do with it. Blood circulation may be impaired. And then only on condition that the person wears a tight ring. Nevertheless, the body is able to get used to such disturbances by turning on adaptive reactions. Then the disturbance of blood circulation in the finger does not interfere with the general blood circulation.
Another thing is the so-called “ingrown” ring, which a person wears for years without taking it off and not paying attention to the fact that the jewelry has long become tight. Such a ring can cause the development of inflammatory diseases. Sometimes a disruption of the blood supply can even lead to amputation of a finger. Therefore, you should not “be related” to a ring, even if it is very dear and close. The solution is to give it to a jeweler and expand it.
Biological role of gold
As with any trace element, the biological role of gold
not fully studied.
In ancient times it was used as a panacea for almost all diseases. In the Ancient East, “ solar metal
” was used as a seasoning for food and drinks, and the Egyptian pharaohs consumed gold powder, being confident that it would not only prolong their life, but also bring them closer to the gods after death.
Among the South American Indians, eating on golden utensils was considered a symbol of reconciliation. In addition, they were convinced that the precious metal was capable of neutralizing any poison that an insidious enemy could use.
With the development of science, most of these myths have been dispelled. This is largely due to the fact that metallic gold reacts very poorly with biochemical reactions. The content of this mineral in the adult human body is approximately 10 mg. Almost half of it is contained in bone tissue. In addition, it is concentrated in the brain, liver and kidneys.
It has been proven that in the body this precious metal performs the following biological functions:
• Has antibacterial properties
, enhancing the effect of silver.
• Helps strengthen the immune system.
• Due to its high degree of electrical conductivity, it participates in the process of transmitting nerve impulses.
• Has an antisclerotic effect.
• Binds hormones in tissues.
Scientists have found that the daily requirement of gold
ranges from 2 to 4 mcg.
You can maintain this balance by wearing jewelry made from this noble metal or taking special vitamin and mineral complexes
. We can recommend the Leveton Forte dietary supplement, which is made only from natural ingredients. These are Leuzea roots, bee pollen and drone brood. Thanks to this, the preparation contains all the microelements and amino acids necessary for humans.
Some researchers believe that even drinking 2 liters of pure water per day will lead to a deficiency of gold in the body.
you don't have to worry.
Excess and shortage
Exceeding the norm of gold compounds in the human body leads to negative consequences. Gold poisoning occurs. A person may experience corresponding symptoms: nausea, vomiting, impotence, lack of appetite, lethargy.
In case of chronic poisoning, the following disorders may appear:
- sweating;
- spots;
- depression of the nervous system;
- exhaustion, a person is losing weight;
- there may be pain in bones and muscles;
- swelling;
- colic in the intestines;
- metallic taste in the mouth;
- excessive salivation;
- stomatitis;
- dermatitis.
If allergic reactions occur on your skin, wearing gold is contraindicated for you.
In order to get rid of excess, doctors use D-penicillamine, in some cases additional agents: androgens, globulin, costosteroids.
Poisoning occurs in rare cases, mainly when taking drugs with gold. Such medications are prescribed for arthritis, diseases of bones, joints, and to maintain the immune system. Prolonged or uncontrolled use of such products can be harmful to health.
A person should receive about four micrograms of gold compounds per day. In this case, it is enough to wear a gold wedding ring. A deficiency can lead to accelerated aging and the occurrence of age-related diseases.
Use of gold in medicine
Perhaps many people do not know that the use of gold in medicine
very wide. Preparations containing it are used to treat the following diseases.
• Joint diseases: osteochondrosis, deforming, rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, Felty's syndrome.
• Dental diseases (periodontal disease).
• Vascular diseases (hypertension).
• Liver diseases.
• Autoimmune (systemic lupus erythematosus).
• For depressive disorders.
• For the treatment of malignant lung tumors and a number of other oncological diseases.
• Gold iodide is widely used to treat atherosclerosis, and such drugs have virtually no side effects.
• In plastic surgery and cosmetology.
Is it true that...
…is gold good for people with cardiovascular diseases? That, having a pronounced tonic effect, it is especially useful, for example, for women after forty-five?
In fact
– Gold belongs to the so-called “solar metals” and has a certain stimulating effect. Another question is who benefits from gold jewelry. And how many of them should a person have?
For example, gold, as a rule, is not suitable for residents of large cities. The reason is the excessive activity of the central nervous system of city residents. As a result, any additional process of excitation leads to the opposite result - inhibition and a state of depression.
Active women (for example, entrepreneurs, managers) are increasingly faced with the problem of seasonal spring-autumn depression. And the connection with gold here can be direct. On the one hand, gold jewelry for many is an element of status and even a dress code.
Article on the topic
Gold in facts and figures: this metal is used in the treatment of cancer, depression and tuberculosis
On the other hand, these decorations in large quantities become a pronounced additional cause of excitement. The process of overexcitation leads to developed inhibition in the central nervous system. Which, in turn, leads to a decrease in the level of metabolic processes in the body. And the result is depression.
Silver is suitable for residents of large cities: it improves the functioning of the central nervous system and makes a person more balanced.
Gold mining methods
There are several different ways to mine gold. Which method will be used depends on the type of deposit. Nuggets are obtained very simply - by washing. Using this method, a nugget was found that is considered one of the largest. His weight was 72 kilograms. And they found it only at a depth of five centimeters. Scattered gold is mined by dissolving in mercury. The regeneration method is used when the ore that contains gold contains a huge amount of other impurities. But this is a very difficult method that requires the introduction of high technology.
Golden water
Since ancient times, healers have used “golden water” to treat patients. It’s easy to prepare even at home. You should place gold jewelry without precious stones (preferably wedding rings) in half a liter of water and boil until the volume of the liquid is reduced by half. You should take “golden water” 1 teaspoon 3 times a day, regardless of meals.
Modern research confirms the assertion of ancient healers that the noble metal has disinfecting properties. Despite this, the “golden cure” will not benefit everyone.
Gold poisoning. Consequences of overdose
It must be said that gold poisoning
– a rather rare phenomenon.
You can get a dangerous dose to your health in jewelry production by inhaling tiny particles of this metal. Also, such poisoning
is possible with an overdose
of gold-containing
drugs.
The famous favorite of King Henry II, Diana de Poitiers, famous for her extraordinary beauty, took a certain “elixir of youth” every morning, purchased for fabulous money from a healer. The mysterious substance supposedly included gold chloride. Having examined a strand of the maid of honor's hair, scientists found that the content of precious metal in it exceeded the norm by 500 times! Thus, it was proven that Diana was brought to the grave by her favorite elixir.
