The Ripple Effect: How Minerals Influence Everything!
Nov 30, 2023
Minerals help support the function of 100's of enzymatic processes in the body. They have a major role in hormonal health, thyroid function, digestive function (enzymes, gut lining, healing ulcers, stomach acid), skin, neurological health and more.
If you haven’t read the last blog on minerals and how they affect your well-being, start there.
In today’s blog, we’ll briefly explore how mineral deficiencies may impact other areas of your body.
Connecting the Dots: How Mineral Deficiencies Affect Your Body
Upper GI: When key players like zinc or chloride are missing your stomach acid is likely low, meaning breaking down food is impaired. And if you've read my Upper GI blog you know the ripple effect from there.
Adrenals: Your adrenal glands, which help manage hydration, stress and regulate hormones, rely on adequate minerals, like sodium and potassium, for optimal function.
Thyroid: Minerals, like Zinc, copper, iodine, iron and selenium, are crucial for supporting thyroid function, which influences metabolism, energy levels, and overall well-being.
Female hormones: Mineral imbalances can disrupt hormone production and balance, affecting menstrual health and hormonal harmony.
Kidneys and bladder: A healthy urinary system and adequate hydration means not just water, but minerals too!
Immune system: Minerals, like copper and zinc, help your body fend off infections and stay resilient.
The truth is, every single cell needs adequate mineral content to function properly – like I said before, it’s kind of a big deal. Often, if your energy is tanked and your gut is off, minerals are one of the first places I look to. And with minerals becoming more and more depleted in our soils and foods, we need to put extra attention into making sure we are getting enough!
Unveiling the Culprits Behind Mineral Deficiencies
Ever wondered why mineral deficiencies are so prevalent these days? Well, let's dig deeper into the reasons behind this alarming trend.
In today's fast-paced world, stress has become an unavoidable companion, taking its toll on our precious mineral reserves. Mental, emotional, and physical stressors burn through minerals at an accelerated pace, making it more crucial than ever to replenish these essential nutrients on a daily basis.
As if that weren't enough, the state of our soil further exacerbates the problem. Nutrient-rich foods have become increasingly scarce as minerals have depleted by 50% in the last century. Even animal products are affected, as animals graze on nutrient-deficient grass. Combined with our high sugar consumption and poor digestive ability, nutrient absorption becomes compromised.
Our modern diet, often filled with processed and calorie-rich but nutrient-poor foods, only adds to the epidemic of chronic diseases linked to dietary and lifestyle choices. The Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA/RDI) may prevent severe deficiencies, but they fail to optimize our nutritional well-being.
Medications like metformin and birth control can further deplete minerals, while stress and environmental factors increase our nutrient needs. If you're not actively seeking out nutrient-dense foods like organ meats or shellfish, it's highly likely that you have at least one nutrient deficiency.
Your Path to Lasting Relief: Taking the Next Steps
Imagine your mineral levels on point –– your energy levels are consistently high, keeping fatigue and sluggishness at bay. Your joints are strong and flexible, allowing you to move with ease and enjoy an active lifestyle. Mentally, you experience enhanced cognitive function, enabling you to tackle tasks with precision and mental clarity. Restful sleep rejuvenates your body, ensuring optimal repair and regeneration. Life feels vibrant and balanced as your body operates at its best! Sign me up!
When it comes to mineral needs, there are practical steps you can take to replenish and optimize your levels. Let's dive into some relatable solutions that can make a real difference:
Clean Hydration:
Drinking water is a key player, but true hydration is more than that. The quality of water matters— the minerals it carries and the toxins it lacks contribute to the overall picture of true hydration. Begin with a reliable water filtration system like this one (enjoy 10% off with code: thehealthybellyfix). Next, and add a pinch of salt or a quality electrolyte for a comprehensive approach.
Embrace the Salt Life:
Did you know that adding high-quality salt can improve nutrient absorption, reduce bloating, and promote a healthy digestive system? Salt (NaCl) is an essential micronutrient that supports stomach acid production (HCl). If you're experiencing symptoms like undigested food, excess fullness, acid reflux, or fatigue and frequent thirst and/or urination, try incorporating "sole water" or salt shots into your routine. Sprinkle a pinch of mineral-rich unrefined sea salt or Himalayan pink salt in your water and meals for a delightful taste experience. Your body knows when it's had enough, so don't be afraid to savor the benefits of this vital nutrient.
Mineral Soaks:
A relaxing soak in and epsom salt bath or a hot spring is a wonderful addition to your mineral and detox support routine and offer a unique advantage for some individuals, as they can absorb minerals better through the skin than the gut. Supports magnesium absorption, aids in detoxification, and promotes deep relaxation, leaving you refreshed and revitalized. Recommended 2-4 times a week. Enjoy the soothing benefits of these baths :)
Prioritize Animal-Based Foods
To ensure you're getting the most out of your nutrition, prioritize animal-based foods that are rich in essential nutrients. Foods like organs, mollusks, fatty fish, eggs, meats (beef, chicken, lamb, pork, etc). Aim to include 30-50g grams of protein from these animal sources in each meal. These proteins are highly digestible and provide the necessary building blocks for your gut's repair and maintenance. I walk you through how to optimize your nutrition and mineral status and more in my step-by-step 30 Day Gut Reset Course.
These ^^ are some simple, yet very effective, things you can do right now to start improving your minerals status.
Want to Dive Deeper? Test, Don't Guess Your Mineral Status.
Ready to see exactly what's going on under the hood of your body. Enter the Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA). It's like a health detective that reveals the whole story – your energy balance, stress levels, immune system, hormone function and more. This isn't just data; it's the foundation for your body to bounce back.
It's simple, cost-effective, and can be done from the comfort of your home – just a snip of hair, and you're on your way to valuable insights.
