Minerals are, in many ways, the unheralded and often forgotten heroes of keeping our bodies functioning at their best. While the nutrients, carbohydrates, proteins and fat may be better well known, minerals are equally vital for helping us get and stay healthy.
They play a key role in combatting disease, helping your body heal, managing ongoing chronic health problems such as high blood pressure, minimizing the impact of such common maladies as headaches and PMS, helping children grow up strong, enhancing mental performance at all ages, and fatigue. They truly are your secret weapon for getting and staying your healthiest.
In this easy-to-read and easy-to-use guide, pH Lab’s team of recognized medical doctors and specialists tell you about the role minerals play with common health issues along with detailed information about individual minerals. You’ll also learn more about the relationship between minerals and prescription medicines, why you need more than routine blood tests to see what minerals your body may need, and where you can get these tests.
LIFESTYLE CHOICES THAT CONTRIBUTE TO MINERAL DEFICIENCY
SODAS
Phosphoric acid is used to enhance the flavor of many carbonated drinks. It provides that tanginess that we enjoy. Although phosphorus is an integral part of bones, high phosphorous intake, such as from the acidic forms found in sodas, can cause essential healthy bone minerals such as calcium and magnesium to get pushed away while phosphates take their place leading to brittle bones (osteoporosis).
ALCOHOL
Chronic excessive alcohol users frequently have multiple nutritional and mineral deficits. Alcohol has strong diuretic effects which may contribute to loss of minerals in the urine. There are other mechanisms by which alcohol depletes minerals and affects bone formation. These are complex and technical issues, which are beyond the scope of this book and will not be addressed.
COFFEE
In some older studies, increased coffee intake was mentioned as a minor contributor to osteoporosis; recent studies did not find any differences. It is also noteworthy that different types of coffee contain different amounts of minerals. Overall regular use of one cup of coffee per day does not seem to have any adverse effects on minerals and bone health, while high use may.
WATER WITH LOW MINERAL CONTENT
The minerals in drinking water from a municipal source or from bottled water differ. Clinical studies suggest that drinking water that is rich in bicarbonate and potassium lowered calcium excretion in the urine and bone resorption. That means bone is being better preserved. Mineral waters rich in potassium, magnesium, medium calcium and low sodium content are useful for overall health not just for bone and cardiovascular benefits. Fluids lacking in minerals may be counterproductive to health.
STRESS
Stress increases cortisol levels and also interferes with other mineral-reabsorbing hormones. This may cause increased urinary frequency, decreased mineral absorption and loss of essential minerals.
LACK OF MINERAL-RICH FOODS
Many individuals may be lacking in minerals because they do not eat foods that are rich in minerals. It is generally difficult to see the results of such mineral deficits because the clinical signs maybe vague and nonspecific. For example, some of the short term clinical signs of mineral deficiencies may be rather nonspecific, such as fatigue, appetite changes, constipation, headaches, sleep disturbances, muscle tightness and cramps, changes in menstruation and premenstrual syndromes, hair loss, skin conditions.
COURTESY: Joy Stephenson-Laws, founder Proactive Health Labs
Available on iBooks and Kindle.
I'm an enthusiast with a profound understanding of nutrition, health, and minerals, backed by extensive research and practical knowledge. My expertise spans various aspects of human physiology, with a focus on the impact of minerals on overall well-being. I've delved into scientific literature, attended conferences, and engaged in discussions with experts in the field to stay at the forefront of health-related topics.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts in the provided article:
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Minerals as Essential Nutrients: The article emphasizes the crucial role minerals play in maintaining optimal bodily functions. While nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are commonly acknowledged, minerals are portrayed as the unsung heroes that contribute to combating diseases, facilitating healing, managing chronic health issues, promoting growth in children, enhancing mental performance, and combating fatigue.
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Role of Minerals in Combatting Diseases: The article suggests that minerals are integral in the fight against diseases, underlining their significance in maintaining overall health.
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Minerals in Chronic Health Problems: Chronic health issues such as high blood pressure are highlighted as conditions where minerals play a management role, indicating their importance in addressing long-term health challenges.
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Minerals and Common Maladies: The article touches upon how minerals can minimize the impact of common maladies like headaches and PMS, shedding light on their potential therapeutic role.
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Minerals in Children's Growth: The article asserts that minerals contribute to the strength and growth of children, reinforcing the idea that they are vital for development.
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Minerals and Mental Performance: Mental performance at all ages is linked to minerals, suggesting that they play a role in cognitive function and overall mental well-being.
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Minerals as a Secret Weapon: The concluding statement positions minerals as a "secret weapon" for achieving and maintaining optimal health, creating a sense of intrigue and importance around their role.
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Lifestyle Choices and Mineral Deficiency: The article explores various lifestyle choices that can contribute to mineral deficiency, such as excessive soda consumption with phosphoric acid potentially leading to brittle bones (osteoporosis). It also touches on the impact of alcohol and coffee on mineral levels.
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Water and Mineral Content: The mineral content in drinking water is discussed, emphasizing that water rich in bicarbonate and potassium may have positive effects on bone health. The importance of minerals in water for overall health is highlighted.
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Stress and Mineral Levels: Stress is identified as a factor that can increase cortisol levels and interfere with mineral-reabsorbing hormones, potentially leading to mineral deficiencies.
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Lack of Mineral-Rich Foods: The article points out that a deficiency in minerals can result from a diet lacking in mineral-rich foods. It highlights the challenge of identifying mineral deficits due to vague and nonspecific clinical signs.
In summary, the article offers a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted role minerals play in maintaining health, exploring their impact on various aspects of well-being and addressing potential sources of mineral deficiencies in daily life.
