The structure of cell membranes
Since ions travel through cell membranes, the very structure and health of the membranes are crucial for both ion balance and the body's energy production. Mitochondria have their very own membranes inside the cell, actually they have double membranes that surround them. There, in and around the organelle membrane, a feverish activity takes place second by second.
Cell and organelle membranes are made up of phospholipids and cholesterol. Enzymes and ion pumps that sit in the membranes consist of proteins. These components are built up from the nutrition we take in, can digest, absorb and use.
Function of the membrane
Through the membranes, nutrients must pass into the cell to be used, and residues must be released. The membrane must maintain the integrity of the cell so that it does not dissolve, swell or shrink. All the burning of the food then takes place inside the mitochondria. Inside the mitochondria and in the space between their double membranes, our food is burned into energy.
Here, in addition to the raw materials carbohydrates and fat, several different minerals are needed
Magnesium, copper and iron are all essential for the process to occur. And - if the minerals haven't even gotten through the cell membrane, they don't do much good here. They also need to have all their co-factors present. No mineral works well alone!
The fact that nutrients can travel through cell membranes means that the membrane's very structure is crucial for optimal ion balances, hormone balance and for our nervous system.
Nutrients for the membranes
For tissues especially in the stomach and intestines , broth or collagen is very valuable. Other important nutrients are the fatty acids found, for example, in animal fat, eggs, fish, shellfish and in fatty dairy products.
Animal fats contain a large amount of saturated fats, but what many people do not know is that animal fats - mainly if they come from wild or grass-fed animals - also contain polyunsaturated fatty acids. So you don't have to eat fish if you can't stand it, or for other reasons want to opt out.
The yolk in eggs contains plenty of choline. Choline builds up cell membranes and is also found in offal such as liver, kidney and heart . Industrially extracted choline is found in lecithin products extracted from vegetables. If you buy them, make sure they are at least GMO-free.
Fatty acids such as DHA and many others are found in fatty fish and in cod liver oil .
Fish liver, like any other liver, is also a fantastic source of bioavailable vitamin A: retinol.
Retinol is essential to keep the oxidative substances that are formed during the burning of our food under control.
Colorful substances in vegetables such as fruit and vegetables help the cells in various ways to extinguish free radicals and keep the level of inflammation down. It can be plums, rose hips, various berries, herbs, teas , fruits and root vegetables. When the level of inflammation decreases, the membranes become healthier, and we can make more energy. Think of a rainbow on the plate.
