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Your body chemistry arises from the interaction between fluids at the cell level.  Fluids inside and outside each cell membrane contain the same basic essential elements.  However, the concentrations and ratios of these elements are very different.  As the fluids interact across the cell membrane, they create an electrical charge.  This is literally the charge that runs your "body battery," helping each cell perform its function.  The balance of essential elements and molecules in your body's fluids is the key to healthy cell function and overall health.

Key elements and molecules in both fluids (inside and outside cell membranes):

• Electrolytes:sodium, potassium, chloride, carbon dioxide, phosphate, and sulfate
• Each of these electrolytes, when dissolved in the body fluids carries a charge
• Minerals:calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, copper, chromium, manganese and trace minerals
• Calcium and magnesium are very important minerals in cell function.  Calcium is a "gatekeeper" that regolates what goes in and out of the cell.  Calcium must be free, i.e., unbound to be active.  Then it carries a charge and is active.  Magnesium is esssential for the generation of energy.  Other minerals primarily activate enzymes which catalyze all chemical reacting in the body.
• Organic Molecules:  proteins, carbohydrates and lipids
These large molecules all contain  carbon and varying proportions of hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen.  The so-called "organic" molecules, ("organic" because they contain carbon) singularly and in complex formations, make up all the structures of the body, from cell membranes and genes to organs and bones.  They provide storage and energy movement.  Some are burned for energy.  Others are hormones and messengers, receptors and catalysts.

What Determines the Body Chemistry?

The pattern of your body chemistry is determined by many factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and the environment.  Diet, including your diet history, is one of the immediate determinants of your body's chemical balance.  Other contributors are numerous and range from your mother's chemistry when you were a fetus, all the way to the soil and agricultural practices where your food is grown.  Climate, air and water quality, emotional and mental stress, physical trauma, genetics, exercise, rest, the moon and stars all play a role.