Mini-abstract
"Element Germanium"
Target:
Describe the element Ge
Describe the properties of the element Ge
Tell us about the application and use of this element
History of the element……….………………………………….…….
1
Element properties…..……………………………………..…… 2
Application……………….….…………………………………….. 3
Health hazard………..………………………....… 4
Sources………………………….……………………….……………5
From the history of the element..G germanium (lat. Germanium) - a chemical element of group IV, the main subgroup of the periodic table of D.I. Mendeleev, denoted by the symbol Ge, belongs to the family of metals, serial number 32, atomic mass
72.59. It is a gray-white solid with a metallic sheen.
The existence and properties of Germany were predicted in 1871 by Mendeleev and named this still unknown element “Ecasilicon” due to the similarity of its properties with silicon.
In 1886, the German chemist K. Winkler, while studying the mineral, found that it contained some unknown element that was not detectable by analysis. After hard work, he discovered the salts of the new element and isolated some of the element itself in its pure form. In the first report of the discovery, Winkler suggested that the new element was an analogue of antimony and arsenic. Winkler intended to name the element Neptunium, but this name had already been given to one falsely discovered element. Winkler renamed the element he discovered to germanium (Germanium) in honor of his fatherland. And even Mendeleev, in a letter to Winkler, strongly supported the name of the element.
But until the second half of the 20th century, the practical application of Germany remained very limited. Industrial production of this element arose in connection with the development of semiconductor electronics.Element properties
have a positive effect on the human body. The breakthrough came in 1967 when Dr. K. Asai discovered that organic germanium had a wide range of biological effects.
Carries oxygen in body tissues - germanium in the blood behaves similarly to hemoglobin. It is involved in the process of transporting oxygen to the tissues of the body, which guarantees the normal functioning of all body systems.
stimulates the immune system - germanium in the form of organic compounds promotes the production of gamma interferons, which suppress the proliferation processes of rapidly dividing microbial cells, and activates specific immune cells (T cells)
antitumor - germanium delays the development of malignant tumors and prevents the appearance of metastases, and also has protective properties against radiation exposure.
biocidal (antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial) - organic germanium compounds stimulate the production of interferon - a protective protein produced by the body in response to the introduction of foreign bodies.
Application and use of the element Germanium in life
In industrial practice, Germanium is obtained mainly from by-products of processing non-ferrous metal ores. Germanium concentrate (2-10% Germany) is obtained by various methods, depending on the composition of the raw materials. To isolate very pure germanium, used in semiconductor devices, zone melting of the metal is carried out. Monocrystalline Germanium, required for the semiconductor industry, is usually obtained by zone melting.
It is one of the most valuable materials in modern semiconductor technology. It is used to make diodes, triodes, crystal detectors and power rectifiers. Germanium is also used in dosimetric instruments and instruments that measure the strength of constant and alternating magnetic fields. An important area of application of the element is infrared technology, in particular the production of infrared radiation detectors. Many alloys containing germanium are promising for practical use. For example, glasses based on GeO 2 and other Ge compounds. At room temperature, Germanium is resistant to air, water, alkali solutions and dilute hydrochloric and sulfuric acids, but easily dissolves in aqua regia and an alkaline solution of hydrogen peroxide. A nitric acid oxidizes slowly.
Germanium alloys, which have high hardness and strength, are used in jewelry and dental technology for precision castings. Germanium is present in nature only in a bound state and never in a free state. The most common germanium-containing minerals are argyrodite and germanite. Large reserves of germanium minerals are rare, but the element itself is widely found in other minerals, especially in sulfides (most commonly zinc sulfides and silicates). Small amounts are also found in different types of coal.
World production in Germany is 65 kg per year.
Health Hazard
Occupational health problems may be caused by dust dispersal during the loading of germanium concentrate, grinding and charging of dioxide to separate germanium metal, and loading of powdered germanium for smelting into bars. Other sources of health hazards include thermal radiation from tube furnaces and the process of melting powdered germanium into bars, as well as the formation of carbon monoxide.
Absorbed germanium is quickly excreted from the body, mainly in the urine. There is little information about the toxicity of inorganic germanium compounds to humans. Germanium tetrachloride is a skin irritant. Neurotoxic and nephrotoxic activity has been observed in clinical trials and other long-term cases of oral administration of cumulative doses up to 16 g of spirogermanium, an organic germanium antitumor drug, or other germanium compounds. Such doses are not usually exposed to industrial conditions. Animal experiments to determine the effects of germanium and its compounds on the body have shown that germanium metal dust and germanium dioxide, when inhaled in high concentrations, lead to general poor health (limited weight gain). In the lungs of the animals, morphological changes similar to proliferative reactions were found, such as thickening of the alveolar sections and hyperplasia of the lymphatic vessels around the bronchi and blood vessels. Germanium dioxide is not a skin irritant, but upon contact with the moist mucous membrane of the eye it forms germanic acid, which acts as an ocular irritant. Long-term intraperitoneal injections in doses of 10 mg/kg lead to changes in peripheral blood .
The most harmful germanium compounds are germanium hydride and germanium chloride. Hydride can cause acute poisoning. Morphological examinations of the organs of animals that died during the acute phase revealed disturbances in the circulatory system and degenerative cellular changes in parenchymal organs. Thus, the hydride is a multi-purpose poison that affects the nervous system and the peripheral circulatory system.
Germanium tetrachloride is a strong irritant to the respiratory system, skin and eyes. Threshold concentration – 13 mg/m3. At this concentration it suppresses the pulmonary response to cellular level. In high concentrations, it leads to irritation of the upper respiratory tract and conjunctivitis, as well as changes in the frequency and rhythm of breathing. Animals that survived acute poisoning developed catarrhal-desquamative bronchitis and interstitial pneumonia several days later. Germanium chloride also has a general toxic effect. Morphological changes were observed in the liver, kidneys and other organs of animals.
Sources of all information presented
GERMANIUM, Ge (from Latin Germania - Germany * a. germanium; n. Germanium; f. germanium; i. germanio), is a chemical element of group IV of the periodic system of Mendeleev, atomic number 32, atomic mass 72.59. Natural germanium consists of 4 stable isotopes 70 Ge (20.55%), 72 Ge (27.37%), 73 Ge (7.67%), 74 Ge (36.74%) and one radioactive 76 Ge (7. 67%) with a half-life of 2.10 6 years. Discovered in 1886 by the German chemist K. Winkler in the mineral argyrodite; was predicted in 1871 by D. N. Mendeleev (exasilicon).
Germanium in nature
Germanium belongs to. The abundance of germanium is (1-2).10 -4%. It is found as an impurity in silicon minerals, and to a lesser extent in minerals and. Germanium's own minerals are very rare: sulfosalts - argyrodite, germanite, renerite and some others; double hydrated oxide of germanium and iron - stottite; sulfates - itoite, fleischerite and some others. They have practically no industrial significance. Germanium accumulates in hydrothermal and sedimentary processes, where the possibility of separating it from silicon is realized. It is found in increased quantities (0.001-0.1%) in, and. Sources of germanium include polymetallic ores, fossil coals, and some types of volcanic-sedimentary deposits. The main amount of germanium is obtained as a by-product from tar waters during the coking of coals, from the ash of thermal coals, sphalerite and magnetite. Germanium is extracted by acid, sublimation in a reducing environment, fusion with caustic soda, etc. Germanium concentrates are treated with hydrochloric acid when heated, the condensate is purified and undergoes hydrolytic decomposition to form dioxide; the latter is reduced by hydrogen to metallic germanium, which is purified by fractional and directional crystallization methods and zone melting.
Application of germanium
Germanium is used in radio electronics and electrical engineering as a semiconductor material for the manufacture of diodes and transistors. Lenses for IR optics, photodiodes, photoresistors, nuclear radiation dosimeters, X-ray spectroscopy analyzers, radioactive decay energy converters into electrical energy, etc. are made from germanium. Alloys of germanium with certain metals, characterized by increased resistance to acidic aggressive environments, used in instrument making, mechanical engineering and metallurgy. Some alloys of germanium with other chemical elements are superconductors.
Suponenko A. N. Ph.D.,
General Director of Germatsentr LLC
Organic germanium. History of discovery.
The chemist Winkler, having discovered a new element of the periodic table, germanium, in silver ore in 1886, had no idea how much attention this element would attract from medical scientists in the 20th century.
Germany was the first to be used most widely for medical purposes in Japan. Tests of various organogermanium compounds in animal experiments and in clinical trials on humans have shown that they have a positive effect on the human body to varying degrees. The breakthrough came in 1967, when Dr. K. Asai discovered that organic germanium, the synthesis method of which had previously been developed in our country, has a wide range of biological effects.
Among the biological properties organic germanium His abilities can be noted:
· ensure the transfer of oxygen in the tissues of the body;
· increase the immune status of the body;
exhibit antitumor activity
Thus, Japanese scientists created the first drug containing organic germanium, “Germanium-132,” which is used to correct the immune status in various human diseases.
In Russia, the biological effects of germanium have been studied for a long time, but the creation of the first Russian drug “Germavit” became possible only in 2000, when Russian businessmen began to invest in the development of science and, in particular, medicine, realizing that the health of the nation requires the closest attention, and its strengthening is the most important social task our time.
Where is germanium found?
It should be noted that during the geochemical evolution of the earth’s crust, a significant amount of germanium was washed out from most of the land surface into the oceans, so at present the amount of this microelement contained in the soil is extremely insignificant.
Among the few plants capable of absorbing germanium and its compounds from the soil, the leader is ginseng (up to 0.2%), widely used in Tibetan medicine. Germanium also contains garlic, camphor and aloe, traditionally used for the prevention and treatment of various human diseases. In plant materials, organic germanium is in the form of carboxyethyl semioxide. Currently, organic compounds of germanium – sesquioxanes with a pyrimidine fragment – have been synthesized. This compound is close in structure to the natural germanium compound contained in the biomass of ginseng root.
Germanium is a rare trace element and is present in many foods, but in microscopic doses. The recommended daily dose of germanium in organic form is 8 - 10 mg.
An assessment of the amount of germanium ingested from food, carried out by analyzing 125 types of food products, showed that 1.5 mg of germanium is consumed daily in food. 1 g of raw foods usually contains 0.1 - 1.0 mcg. This trace element is found in tomato juice, beans, milk, and salmon. However, to meet the body’s daily requirement for germanium, it is necessary to drink, for example, up to 10 liters of tomato juice per day or eat up to 5 kg of salmon, which is unrealistic given the physical capabilities of the human body. In addition, the prices for these products make regular consumption impossible for the majority of the population of our country.
The territory of our country is too vast and on 95% of its territory the deficiency of germanium is from 80 to 90% of the required norm, so the question arose about creating a germanium-containing drug.
Distribution of organic germanium in the body and the mechanisms of its effect on the human body.
In experiments determining the distribution of organic germanium in the body 1.5 hours after its oral administration, the following results were obtained: a large number of Organic germanium is found in the stomach, small intestine, bone marrow, spleen and blood. Moreover, its high content in the stomach and intestines shows that the process of its absorption into the blood has a prolonged effect.
The high content of organic germanium in the blood allowed Dr. Asai to put forward the following theory of the mechanism of its action in the human body. It is assumed that in the blood organic germanium behaves similarly to hemoglobin, which also carries a negative charge and, like hemoglobin, is involved in the process of oxygen transfer in the tissues of the body. This prevents the development of oxygen deficiency (hypoxia) at the tissue level. Organic germanium prevents the development of so-called blood hypoxia, which occurs when the amount of hemoglobin capable of attaching oxygen decreases (a decrease in the oxygen capacity of the blood), and develops during blood loss, carbon monoxide poisoning, and radiation exposure. The central nervous system, heart muscle, kidney tissue, and liver are most sensitive to oxygen deficiency.
As a result of experiments, it was also found that organic germanium promotes the induction of gamma interferons, which suppress the processes of reproduction of rapidly dividing cells and activate specific cells (T-killers). The main directions of action of interferons at the body level are antiviral and antitumor protection, immunomodulatory and radioprotective functions of the lymphatic system.
In the process of studying pathological tissues and tissues with primary signs of diseases, it was found that they are always characterized by a lack of oxygen and the presence of positively charged hydrogen radicals H+. H+ ions have an extremely negative effect on the cells of the human body, even to the point of their death. Oxygen ions, having the ability to combine with hydrogen ions, make it possible to selectively and locally compensate for the damage to cells and tissues caused by hydrogen ions. The effect of germanium on hydrogen ions is due to its organic form - the sesquioxide form.
Unbound hydrogen is very active, so it easily interacts with the oxygen atoms found in germanium sesquioxides. The normal functioning of all body systems must be guaranteed by the unhindered transport of oxygen in the tissues. Organic germanium has a pronounced ability to deliver oxygen to any point in the body and ensure its interaction with hydrogen ions. Thus, the action of organic germanium when it interacts with H+ ions is based on the dehydration reaction (the abstraction of hydrogen from organic compounds), and the oxygen taking part in this reaction can be compared to a “vacuum cleaner” that cleans the body of positively charged hydrogen ions, organic germanium - with a kind of “internal Chizhevsky chandelier”.
General information and methods of obtaining
Germanium (Ge) is a grayish-white element when compacted and gray when dispersed. The existence and properties of this element were predicted in 1871 by D. I. Mendeleev, who named it eca-silicon. A new element was discovered by A. Winkles in 1886 in Freiberg (Germany) in the mineral argyrodite 4 Ag 2 S - GeS 2 and named germanium in honor of the scientist’s relatives. Practical interest in this element arose during the Second World War in connection with the development of semiconductor electronics. The beginning of industrial production of germanium dates back to 1945-1950.
The germanium content in the earth's crust is 7*10 -4% (by mass). The main amount of the element is in a dispersed state in silicates, sulfides and minerals, which are sulfosalts. Several minerals of the sulfosalt type with a high germanium content are known, which are not of industrial importance: argonrodite-Ag 8 GeS 6 (5-7%), germanite Cu 3 (Fe, Ge, Ca, Zn) (As, S) 4 (6- 10%), reniernt (Cu, Fe) 3 (Fc, Ge, Zn, Sn) (S, As) 4 (6.37-7.8%). The sources of germanium are sulfide ores, as well as poorly metamorphosed coals and some iron ores(up to 0.01% Ge).
Depending on the composition of the feedstock, various methods of its primary processing are used:
Leaching with sulfuric acid followed by separation of germanium from solutions;
Sulfatizing firing of materials;
Sublimation of GeS sulfide or GcO monoxide in a reducing environment;
Sulfatizing firing of the material;
Reduction smelting in the presence of copper or iron;
Extraction;
Ion exchange sorption.
Germanium concentrates can be isolated from solutions in the following ways:
Precipitation in the form of poorly soluble compounds;
Co-precipitation with hydrates of iron, zinc, sulfides of zinc, copper, etc.;
Precipitation from sulfuric acid solutions on zinc dust (cementation).
In order to obtain germanium tetrachloride, germanium concentrates are treated with concentrated hydrochloric acid in a stream of chlorine. The resulting germanium tetrachloride (GeCI 4) is distilled off from metal chlorides having higher boiling points. As a result of the hydrolysis of purified germanium tetrachloride, germanium dioxide is obtained, Qe 0 2. Elementary germanium is obtained by reducing the purified and dried dioxide with pure hydrogen. Reduced germanium is further purified from impurities by fractional crystallization. From high-purity germanium, single crystals with specified electrical properties are grown using the zone melting method or the Czochralski method. The industry produces poly- and monocrystalline germanium.
Germanium of the GPZ-1 brand is intended for the production of single-crystalline alloyed and alloyed germanium, as well as for special purposes, the GPZ-2 brand is intended for the production of single-crystal alloyed germanium and other purposes, the GPZ-3 brand is for the production of alloys and blanks for optical parts. Germanium is supplied in the form of segment-shaped ingots, each of which is packaged in a plastic bag. The ingot in plastic packaging is placed in a cardboard or plastic container and sealed with a soft gasket, ensuring its safety during transportation and storage. Delivery is carried out by any type of covered transport.
Physical properties
Atomic characteristics Atomic number 32, atomic mass 72.59 aem, atomic volume 13.64-10^6 m 3 /mol, atomic radius 0.139 nm, ionic radius Qe 2 + 0.065 nm, Ge 4 + 0.044 nm. Electronic structure free germanium atom 4s 2 p 2. Ionization potentials / (eV): 7.88; 15.93; 34.21. Electronegativity 2.0. The crystal lattice of germanium is cubic like diamond with a period of a = 0.5657 nm. The energy of the crystal lattice is 328.5 μJ/kmol. Coordination number 4. Each germanium atom is surrounded by four neighboring ones, located at equal distances at the vertices of the tetrahedron. Bonds between atoms are carried out by paired valence electrons.
Chemical properties
In compounds, germanium exhibits oxidation states +2 and +4, less often +1 and +3. The normal electrode potential of the Ge reaction is -2е«=* *± Ge 2 + f 0 = - 0.45 V.
In an atmosphere of dry air, germanium is covered with a thin layer of oxides about 2 nm thick, but does not change its color. In humid air, germanium, especially polycrystalline germanium, gradually fades. Noticeable oxidation begins at 500 °C.
In the voltage series, germanium is located after hydrogen - between copper and silver. Germanium does not interact with water and does not dissolve in dilute and concentrated hydrochloric acid. It dissolves in hot concentrated sulfuric acid with the formation of Ge (S 04) u and the release of SO 2. When interacting with nitric acid, it forms a precipitate of germanium dioxide xGe 02-(/H 2 0. It dissolves well in aqua regia and a mixture of HF + HNC 4. The best The solvent for germanium is an alkaline solution of hydrogen peroxide. Germanium is quickly dissolved by molten caustic alkalis, and alkali metal germates are formed, which are hydrolyzed by water.
Ge0 2 dioxide can be obtained by calcining germanium in air, calcining sulfides, dissolving elemental germanium in 3% hydrogen peroxide in a platinum crucible, followed by evaporation of the solution and calcination of the residue. Ge 0 2 exists in two polymorphic modifications: low-temperature a with a tetragonal lattice (1123°C) and high-temperature d with a hexagonal lattice (above 1123°C). The melting point of Ge 0 2 is 1725°C. When melted, a transparent melt is formed. Germanium dioxide dissolves in water to form germanic acid HgreO3, and is easily transferred into solution with alkalis to form germanic acid salts - gsrmanates. When hydrogen peroxide acts on concentrated solutions of ermanates, salts of pergermanic acids are obtained, forming crystalline hydrates, for example Na 2 Ge 0 5 -4 H 2 0.
There are several compounds of germanium with hydrogen. The existence of GeH, a dark, easily explosive powder, has been established. Compounds of the germane type GenH 2 „+ 2 (for example, Ge 2 H 4, Ge 2 He) are also known, which are volatile at low values of n. Monogerman GeH 4 -colorless gas with a boiling point of 88.9 °C. Dgerman and trn-german exist in the liquid phase at room temperature and normal pressure. The solubility of hydrogen in germanium at 800 °C does not exceed 1.5-10 -7% (eth.).
Carbon is practically insoluble in germanium. In liquid germanium near the melting point, the solubility of carbon is estimated at 0.23% (at.). According to various authors, the carbon concentration in single-crystalline germanium has been determined to be from 7*10 -4 to 5.2*10 -3%.
When germanium is heated to 700-750 °C in nitrogen or NH 3, Ge 3 N 4 and Ge 3 N 2 are formed. Germanium nitride Ge 3 N 2 is a dark brown crystal that is easily hydrolyzed. Thermal decomposition into elements begins at 500 °C. The more stable nitride is Ge 2 N 4, which decomposes above 1000 °C.
The direct interaction of germanium with halogens begins at about 250 °C. Greatest practical significance has GeCl 4 tetrachloride - the main intermediate product in the production of semiconductor germanium. With iodine, germanium forms iodide Gel 4 - substance yellow color with a melting point of 146 °C and a boiling point of 375 °C. Gel 4 is used to obtain high-purity germanium by transport reactions. Halides are unstable to water.
Of the compounds with sulfur, the disulfide GeS 2 is known, which is released from strongly acidic solutions of tetravalent germanium salts when passing an intense current of hydrogen sulfide. Crystalline GcS 2 is white flakes with a pearlescent sheen; the melt solidifies into an amber-yellow transparent mass and exhibits semiconductor properties. The melting point of GeS 2 is -825 ° C. Germanium monosulfide GeS exists in amorphous and single-crystalline states. Crystalline GeS is dark gray in color, melts at 615 °C. All germanium chalcogens (sulfides, selenides and tellurides) exhibit semiconductor properties. With phosphorus, germanium gives the compound GeP.
Technological properties
Germanium is characterized by relatively high hardness and great fragility and therefore cannot be subjected to cold working. Deformation is possible at temperatures close to the melting point and under conditions of all-round uneven compression.
Using a diamond saw, a germanium ingot can be sawed into thin slices. The surface of the plates is ground with fine corundum powder on glass and polished on cloth with an aluminum oxide suspension.
Areas of use
Germanium plays an exceptional role in radio electronics. It is used for the manufacture of crystalline rectifiers (diodes) and crystalline amplifiers (triodes), which are used in computer technology, telemechanics, radar installations, etc.
Powerful rectifiers with high efficiency for rectification have also been created on the basis of germanium alternating current normal frequency, designed for current up to 10,000 A n above.
Germanium triodes are widely used to amplify, generate, or convert electrical oscillations.
In radio engineering, film resistances from 1000 ohms to several megaohms have become widespread.
Due to the significant change in conductivity under the influence of radiation, germanium is used in various photodiodes and photoresistors.
Germanium is used for the manufacture of thermisters (the strong temperature dependence of the electrical resistance of germanium is used).
In nuclear technology, germanium radiation detectors are used.
Germanium lenses doped with gold are an integral part of infrared technology devices. Special optical glasses with a high refractive index are made from germanium dioxide. Germanium is also introduced into alloys for highly sensitive thermocouples.
The consumption of germanium as a catalyst in the production of artificial fibers is increasing significantly.
A number of germanium compounds with transition metals have a high transition temperature to the superconducting state, in particular materials based on the Nb 3 Ge compound (T „> 22 K).
It is believed that some organic compounds of germanium are biologically active: they delay the development of malignant tumors, lower blood pressure, and have an analgesic effect.
Worth like gold - fragile like glass. Germanium is a trace element that takes part in many processes in the human body. The lack of this element affects the work gastrointestinal tract, fat metabolism and other processes, in particular, the development of atherosclerosis. The benefits of germanium for human health were first discussed in Japan. In 1967, Dr. Katsuhiho Asai discovered that germanium has a wide range of biological effects.
USEFUL PROPERTIES OF GERMANY
Transporting oxygen to body tissues. Germanium, when entering the blood, behaves similarly to hemoglobin. The oxygen that it delivers to the tissues of the body guarantees the normal functioning of all vital systems and prevents the development of oxygen deficiency in the organs that are most sensitive to hypoxia.
. Stimulation of immunity. Germanium in the form of organic compounds promotes the production of gamma interferons, which suppress the proliferation of rapidly dividing microbial cells, activate macrophages and specific immune cells.
. Antitumor effect. Germanium delays the development of malignant tumors and prevents the appearance of metastases, and has protective properties against radiation exposure. The mechanism of action is associated with the interaction of the germanium atom with negatively charged particles of tumor formations. Germanium frees the tumor cell from “extra” electrons and increases its electric charge, which leads to the death of the tumor.
. Biocidal action (antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial). Organic germanium compounds stimulate the production of interferon, a protective protein produced in response to the introduction of foreign microorganisms.
. Analgesic effect. This trace element is present in such natural foods as garlic, ginseng, chlorella and a variety of mushrooms. It attracted keen interest from the medical community in the 1960s when Dr. Katsuhiho Asai discovered germanium in living organisms and showed that it increased oxygen supply to tissues and also helped treat:
. cancer;
. arthritis, osteoporosis;
. candidiasis (overgrowth of the yeast microorganism Candida albicans);
. AIDS and other viral infections. In addition, germanium can accelerate wound healing and reduce pain.
ORGANIC GERMANIUM. OPENING HISTORY
The chemist Winkler, having discovered a new element of the periodic table, germanium, in silver ore in 1886, had no idea how much attention this element would attract from medical scientists in the 20th century.
Germany was the first to be used most widely for medical purposes in Japan. Tests of various organogermanium compounds in animal experiments and in clinical trials on humans have shown that they have a positive effect on the human body to varying degrees. Among the biological properties of organic germanium, one can note its abilities:
. ensure the transfer of oxygen in body tissues;
. improve the conductivity of nerve impulses;
. increase the immune status of the body;
. exhibit antitumor activity
As a result of experiments, it was also found that organic germanium promotes the induction of gamma interferons, which suppress the processes of reproduction of rapidly dividing cells and activate specific cells (T-killers). The main directions of action of interferons at the body level are antiviral and antitumor protection, immunomodulatory and radioprotective functions of the lymphatic system.
In the process of studying pathological tissues and tissues with primary signs of diseases, it was found that they are always characterized by a lack of oxygen and the presence of positively charged hydrogen radicals H+. H+ ions have an extremely negative effect on the cells of the human body, even to the point of their death. Oxygen ions, having the ability to combine with hydrogen ions, make it possible to selectively and locally compensate for the damage to cells and tissues caused by hydrogen ions. The effect of germanium on hydrogen ions is due to its organic form - the sesquioxide form.
WHERE IS GERMANIUM CONTAINED?
It should be noted that during the geochemical evolution of the earth's crust, a significant amount of germanium was washed out from most of the land surface into the oceans, so at present the amount of this microelement contained in the soil is extremely insignificant.
Among the few plants capable of absorbing germanium and its compounds from the soil, the leader is ginseng (up to 0.2%), widely used in Tibetan medicine. Germanium also contains garlic, camphor and aloe, traditionally used for the prevention and treatment of various human diseases.
Germanium is a rare trace element and is present in many foods, but in microscopic doses. The recommended daily dose of germanium in organic form is 8 - 10 mg.
GERMANIUM IN THE HUMAN BODY
Germanium was discovered by scientists in the late 19th century, who separated it during the purification of copper and zinc. In its pure form, germanium contains the mineral germanite, which is found during the mining of fossil coal; its color can be dark gray or light with silver glitter. Germanium has a fragile structure and can be broken like glass with a strong blow, but it does not change its properties under the influence of water, air and most alkalis and acids. Until the mid-20th century, germanium was used for industrial purposes - in factories, making optical lenses, semiconductors and ion detectors.
The discovery of organic germanium in the body of animals and humans gave rise to a more detailed study of this microelement by medical scientists. During numerous tests, it was proven that the microelement germanium has a beneficial effect on the human body, acting as an oxygen carrier along with hemoglobin and does not accumulate in bone tissue like lead.
ROLE OF GERMANIUM IN THE HUMAN BODY
The trace element germanium plays several roles in the human body: a defender of the immune system (participates in the fight against microbes), a hemoglobin assistant (improves the movement of oxygen in the circulatory system) and has an inhibitory effect on the growth of cancer cells (the development of metastases). Germanium in the body stimulates the production of interferons to combat harmful microbes, bacteria and viral infections that penetrate the body.
A large percentage of germanium is retained by the stomach and spleen, partially absorbed by the walls of the small intestine, after which it enters the blood and is delivered to the bone marrow. Germanium in the body is actively involved in the processes of fluid movement - in the stomach and intestines, and also improves the movement of blood through the venous system. Germanium, moving in the intercellular space, is almost completely absorbed by the cells of the body, but after some time, about 90% of this microelement is excreted from the body by the kidneys along with urine. This explains why the human body constantly requires a supply of organic germanium along with food.
Hypoxia is a painful condition when the amount of hemoglobin in the blood sharply decreases (blood loss, radiation exposure) and oxygen does not spread throughout the body, which causes oxygen starvation. First of all, lack of oxygen injures the brain and nervous system, as well as the main internal organs - the heart muscle, liver and kidneys. Germanium (of organic origin) in the human body is able to interact with oxygen and distribute it throughout the body, temporarily taking over the functions of hemoglobin.
Another advantage that germanium has is its ability to influence the extinction of pain (not related to injuries) due to electronic impulses arising in the fibers nervous system at a time of great stress. Their chaotic movement causes this painful tension.
PRODUCTS CONTAINING GERMANIUM
Organic germanium is found in well-known products, such as: garlic, edible mushrooms, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, vegetables - carrots, potatoes and beets, wheat bran, beans (soybeans, beans), tomatoes, fish.
DEFICIENCY OF GERMANIUM IN THE BODY
Every day a person needs from 0.5 mg to 1.5 mg of germanium. The microelement germanium is recognized throughout the world as safe and non-toxic for humans. There is currently no information about germanium overdose, but germanium deficiency increases the risk of the occurrence and development of cancer cells into malignant tumors. Osteoporosis is also associated with germanium deficiency in the body.
HEALTHY PROPERTIES OF GARLIC
Garlic- This is one of the few products that contain the microelement germanium. In the seventies of the 20th century, Japanese scientists conducted research on the importance of this trace element for the human body. It turned out that germanium is actively involved in the transport of oxygen to the tissues of the body, like hemoglobin. This is especially important for the heart muscle, the entire nervous system, liver and kidneys. By stimulating the immune system, germanium activates macrophages and T-killers (special immune cells). This microelement also has antitumor, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and analgesic effects.
Germanium is not a medicine, so it cannot cure diseases. But according to Japanese scientists (it was there that they first became interested in the positive effect of germanium on human body), germanium can improve the general condition of the body, namely:
- normalize blood circulation in the body;
- relieve fatigue and muscle tension;
- accelerate wound healing;
- relieve pain;
- prevent cooling of the body;
- improve sleep;
- promote better motor activity;
- normalize the emotional background;
- prevent stretching of muscles and joints during sports.
It should also be noted that germanium necklaces and bracelets have no side effects and are not addictive.