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Chlorine - The Natural Disinfectant

Information on Deficiency, Benefits, Food Sources

Chlorine exists in the form of a salt (chloride) in the human body. It is present mostly in the extracellular fluid.

Chlorine is a greenish-yellow, poisonous, gaseous element with a suffocating odour. In the body it is mostly present as sodium chloride or common salt, which performs various essential functions.

Recommended Daily Allowance - Chlorine
Men	750 mg
Women	750 mg
Children	600 mg

Chlorine Benefits - Functions in the Body

Chloride is essential for the proper distribution of carbon dioxide and the maintenance of osmotic pressure in the tissues. It is necessary for the manufacture of glandular hormone secretions. It prevents the building of excessive fat and autointoxication. Chloride regulates the alkali-acid balance in the blood. It works, with potassium in a compound form. Potassium chloride is also essential for the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which is needed for proper protein digestion. It is involved in the maintenance of proper fluid and electrolyte balance in the system.

Chlorine Rich Food Sources

Chloride is found in barley, wheat, and other grains and pulses, green leafy vegetables, and fruits like melon, and pineapple.

The chloride that we take is mostly in the combined form of sodium chloride. Hence the foods that contain large quantities of sodium also contain chloride in the same proportion and vice versa.

Chlorine Deficiency Symptoms

Deficiency of chloride can occur when sodium chloride is restricted during the active phase of general oedema or hypertension. The symptoms produced are the same as those which occur with sodium chloride deficiency. Excessive loss of salt from the body due to perspiration can result in heat cramps. Deficiency may lead to loss of hair and teeth. It may also result in impaired digestion of foods and derangement of fluid levels in the body.

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