Have you ever given much thought to your mineral status? Do you know what a mineral is? According to a quick Google search, a mineral is "a naturally occurring inorganic element or compound having an orderly internal structure and characteristic chemical composition, crystal form, and physical properties". Now, that's a little wordy!
In respect to our bodies, minerals are needed to perform essential cellular functions. Basically, we need minerals to keep the basic systems of our body running! And if we aren't getting enough minerals, our cells are going to feel it. Think things like sodium, potassium, magnesium, copper, calcium, iodine, iron, and zinc.
Iron is a popular one to supplement for. Popular electrolyte drinks now include sodium, potassium, and magnesium. I frequently recommend clients supplement with magnesium to help with sleep, bowel movements, and Vit D absorption.
If you are struggling with energy, low iron can be a cause. If you take an iron supplement, also ensure that you are getting in sources of copper at the same time, because the two have a relationship in how they function in the body. Sources include oysters, liver, spirulina, shiitake mushrooms, almonds and sesame seeds, and leafy greens like Swiss chard and spinach.
If you are struggling with feeling hydrated, adding a pinch of sea salt (sodium), lemon (flavor), and cream of tartar (potassium) to your water can be helpful. You can also buy electrolyte powders, such as LMNT, Redmond Relyte, Pique, and Ultima. I personally use LMNT but have clients and friends who use the other brands and love them. Your body isn't made up of 100% pure water, but instead is more of a saline solution, and so utilizing the power of salt makes your liquids that you are drinking more easily absorbed.
One step better than guessing what minerals to supplement with would be to test. Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) is one way, blood draws are another way. One step better than this would be to do both! You get a look at what is bioavailable in the body; what is being stored in the tissues and what is mobile in your blood. Work with a naturopath, functional medicine practitioner, or a holistic health care practitioner who can run these tests for you.
Our soil is depleted of a number of these minerals, and even those with the cleanest of diets may need to supplement in some way. There is no shame in supplementing! The biggest key here is that is a supplement though, to be used in addition to what you are already eating. It should not replace any necessary food groups.
If you want to do more digging into the power of minerals, I highly recommend looking into the Root Cause Protocol by Morley Robbins. He has extensively covered the power of minerals in our health and has written many articles, in addition to creating his own protocol. If you have looked into his work, or have completed the protocol, please let me know! I would love to hear your thoughts!
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