Why Are Minerals So Critical To Your Health?

Minerals lie at the foundation of our health.  Humans do not produce minerals, so we must obtain them through food.  In order for the minerals to be in our food, they have to be abundant in the soil, which is not the case as our soil has become so depleted.  Minerals are what remain as ash when plant or animal tissues are burned - they come from the earth and will eventually return to the earth.  Even though minerals only make up about 4% of our body, they are essential for a wide variety of processes.  Out of the 103 known minerals, at least 18 are necessary for optimal health.  Minerals are sometimes called the ‘spark plugs’ of the body.  Minerals are the catalysts that keep our “battery” going and enable it to hold its “charge.”  

Minerals play numerous important roles in the body.  They are needed for millions of enzymes as co-factors, facilitators, inhibitors and as part of the enzymes themselves. Enzymes don’t work without minerals. All cells require enzymes to work & function. They give us our vitality.  They maintain the pH balance in the body.  Minerals facilitate the transfer of nutrients across cell membranes.  They maintain proper nerve conduction.  Minerals help to contract and relax muscles.  They help to regulate tissue growth in the body.  Minerals provide structural and functional support for the body.

As a result, minerals have a great deal to do with our health, or the presence of illness.  By analyzing mineral imbalances in the body, one can learn a lot about the causes and correction of hundreds of common physical and mental health conditions.      

There are two categories of minerals essential within the body, macro-minerals & micro-minerals.  There is no one mineral deficiency, they all must be maintained in balance within the body.  So, you can't just take a multi-mineral and expect to 'replace' them.  Unfortunately, mineral imbalances and deficiencies are epidemic these days.  Additionally, when we are under stress, we use up our minerals at a faster rate.  Which is why, in our modern, fast-paced world, it’s more important than ever that we consciously consume mineral-rich foods. These include leafy greens, nuts and seeds, apricots, figs, eggs, and organ meats such as liver.  A simple way of increasing your daily mineral intake is to add a pinch of unprocessed sea salt or pink Himalayan salt to your first glass of water for the day.

Mineral balance is so important.  If you are ready to learn more about your mineral balance, as well as a whole lot of other information about your biochemistry, you can find details on this functional testing HERE.  If you want that 'spark' in your health and life, digging into your own mineral balance will be key.

Want some practical tips for keeping your body healthy from the inside out? Check out this podcast, The Problem With Perfect, where I was honored to be a guest expert for their episode on immune health.

If you are interested in receiving my health and nutrition resources delivered directly to your inbox, I invite you to sign up HERE.

Yours in Health & Happiness,

Karri, FNTP