We read about the importance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, water, and vitamins all the time. But what about minerals? They are known to be helpful in combatting disease as well as healing your body and managing ongoing chronic health problems, yet when was the last time you were told to get your mineral levels checked?
According to Joy Stephenson-Laws, co-author (along with Dr. Pauline Jose, Dr. Franz Gliederer, and Dr. Monya De) of “Minerals–The Forgotten Nutrient: Your Secret Weapon for Getting and Staying Healthy,” it’s time for minerals to make their way onto your plate.
Top 5 Most Surprising Facts About Minerals
1. The important role minerals play in keeping our bodies functioning was first discovered in the early 17th century in Epsom, Surrey, England. Fittingly, the discovery was Epsom salts, which have since touted multiple benefits, including calming the nervous system, curing skin problems, soothing back pain, easing muscle strain, healing cuts, and treating colds and congestion.
2. Minerals have important functions in every single cell in our body. There are very few medical conditions—from headaches and PMS to depression and hypertension—that cannot be traced to some form of mineral deficiency or excess.
3. Many physicians do not test, or test adequately, for most minerals.
4. Our body’s ability to absorb minerals generally decreases as we age.
5. Stress and many prescription/OTC drugs may deplete our bodies of certain minerals.
How You Can Fit Minerals into Your Daily Diet
- Minerals are usually found in the foods we eat—yogurt (calcium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc); bananas (potassium, sulfur); nuts (magnesium, manganese, chromium, copper, iron); green leafy vegetables (magnesium, manganese, calcium); kidney beans (iron); and salmon (calcium, phosphorus). Fitting them into your daily diet is possible if you have a proper eating plan.
- The challenge is making sure we are getting the right minerals in the right amounts, based on our individual body’s needs.
- The best way to do this is to have our mineral levels tested and then change your diet accordingly. Check first to see if your doctor offers full-spectrum mineral testing; if not, you can get in touch with a company like pH Labs, which can arrange testing nationwide; call 855-745-2271, or visit pHLabs.org.