Germanium is a trace mineral considered by many to have a variety of health benefits. It is lustrous, white and brittle ultra-trace mineral and metal. Germanium was discovered in 1886 by Clemens Alexander Winkler. Germanium is found in two forms, which are inorganic and organic. The inorganic form of germanium is often used in various manufacturing processes and can pose some health risks to people while the organic form is considered healthy for humans and even animals.  

Sources of Germanium

Germanium is found in various foods, soil as well as healing herbs like garlic, Aloe Vera and ginseng.  The mineral can initiate a healthy flow of oxygen in your body tissues and enhances the routine functioning of your immune cells. Germanium is a water-soluble dietary supplement with the ability to maintain a healthy and stable balance between various bodily functions.

Ginseng, Japanese shitake mushrooms and garlic, which have all endured the test of time, contain germanium. 

Of course, the mineral is not the sole active ingredient in all of these plants; however, the truth is that these plants have healing properties and germanium is a very successful adjunct when it comes to cancer treatment.

A number of studies have been conducted to accurately measure the amount of ultra-trace elements in our diet. In case of germanium, the usual dietary intake is between 0.4 and 3.4mcg a day.

In addition, germanium is often found in relatively lower doses in specific minerals such as argyrodite, garlic, germanite, onions, bran, comfrey and whole wheat flour. The mineral is a byproduct of zinc ore processing and coal combustion.

How Germanium Works in your Body?

Germanium is useful because of the specific way it works in your body. It is important to keep in mind that germanium atoms are structured in a manner that makes them easier to accept and transmit electrons. This makes the element a very valuable semiconductor.

Although in its metallic or inorganic form germanium does not have any therapeutic properties whatsoever, it is extensively utilized in the mainstream electronics industry for fiber-optics, transistors, and various other diverse applications. Organic germanium, on the other hand, has the capability to effectively stimulate the body’s electrical impulses, especially on a cellular level. This is why it plays a very vital role as an important "oxygen catalyst" within your body.

Uses of Germanium

Due to the health benefits associated with germanium, the mineral is recommended in the form of germanium supplement by many health specialists.

In several animal studies, it has been shown that germanium sesquioxide has anti-cancer effects. It can destroy cancer cells, increase immune cells which can kill cancerous cells and also reduce tumor size.  Although extensive human research is yet to be conducted, preliminary research results are very promising.

Germanium has potential use in the treatment of a variety of cancers such as leukemia, breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer. In addition, germanium sesquioxide can enhance immunity as shown by a variety of animal studies; it also has antiviral, antibacterial and antiparasitic properties. Germanium can boost immunity, especially in individual suffering from AIDS and can also alleviate symptoms triggered by the harmful and extremely common Epstein - Barr virus. 

Moreover, germanium is often used to reduce cholesterol and high blood pressure, relieve the pain and discomfort associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis and treat a variety of eye diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma. It can also treat heavy metal poisoning caused by cadmium and mercury and can increase the circulation of oxygen to your brain.

Health Benefits of Germanium

Germanium is an essential element to your health and overall well-being. This is why many health specialists are recommending germanium supplements to patients. The various health benefits of germanium are discussed below.

Fights Cancer

Nutritionally, the mineral germanium is known to help in the prevention and cure of both AIDS and cancer. This is because a few germanium compounds tend to have a toxic effect on specific bacteria. Germanium, in the organic form, is often hailed as the most effective development in the treatment of cancer.

Organic germanium is known as a biological-response modifier. It means that the mineral allows your body to adapt its response to cancer tumors; this can have several therapeutic benefits. Germanium supplements do not attack cancer cells directly; rather, they stimulate your body's immune system and make it more effective and resilient, helping in cancer treatment and the treatment of various other degenerative diseases.

Several cancer trials have been performed on humans using organic germanium. The medical summaries of both phase one and phase two clinical trials have revealed that when organic germanium is administered orally it can restore impaired immune response and induce interferon production; the trials have shown that it is low in toxicity. Germanium supplements can also facilitate the circulation of oxygen across your cellular membranes in order to provide sufficient oxygen to the cells.

A Nobel Prize winner and cancer expert, Dr. Otto Warburg, learned that cancerous cells cannot metabolize oxygen adequately. This is why flooding these cancer cells using oxygen, can slow down their growth or even restore them to their normal state.

In one groundbreaking study, a forty seven year old woman who had pulmonary cancer made a decision to decline further medical treatment. However, after about seven to eight months of cancer treatment using germanium sesquioxide (7.3 gm/day with dose reduction in the final month), the woman became cancer-free.

Protection against Amyloidosis

Germanium supplements can also protect you against amyloidosis. It is a rare disease characterized by the accumulation of a substance called amyloids in human organs. These are abnormal proteins that cannot be broken down or used by your body and can adversely affect the healthy functioning of your affected tissues and organs.

A research study featuring two groups of mice established this. The first group of mice received about 300 mg/kg of germanium for about 22 months and the second group received only 30 mg/kg. Results of the study revealed that the group with the lower dose of germanium developed senile amyloidosis.

Strengthens your Immune System

A number of research studies have demonstrated that the administration of germanium (Ge -132) can induce interferon-gamma levels. This in turn increases the activity level of both macrophages and NK cells. Glycoproteins and interferons help inhibit the proliferation and growth of viruses, thereby boosting your immune system. Similarly, natural killer cells such as macrophages, leucocytes and neutrophils are an integral part of your body's natural defense system.

Prevents Osteoarthritis

In another research study, researchers used rats that were on a low-calcium diet. The results of the study revealed that administrating germanium to the first group of rats generated higher levels of femur cortical bone indices when compared to the second group of rats. This indicates that germanium can inhibit the loss of bone mass, impairment of your bone strength as well as cortical index making it excellent supplement to help battle osteoarthritis.

Slows the Aging Process

Regular and stable intake of germanium can also alleviate many other health issues such as inflammation and chronic pain and retard the aging process. In Russia and Japan, organic forms of germanium are used heavily in alternative cancer therapies. This is because the element has the capability to alter your body's natural biological response to cancer tumors.

Other Health Benefits of Adding Germanium To Your Supplements

Organic germanium has a number of other health benefits. Some of these benefits are listed below:

• Fights free radicals
• Chelates various heavy metals
• Detoxifies human body
• Rejuvenates your blood vessels
• Provides protection against radiation
• Improves vision
• Enhances the circulation of blood
• Alleviates skin conditions when applied topically
• Relieves inflammation and chronic pain
• Normalizes a variety of physiological imbalances such as high blood pressure