“MINERALS, THE OVERLOOKED SUPPLEMENT”

There is an incredible amount of literature written about vitamins these days. We are bombarded with testimonials about vitamin therapy and how we’ll all be better people, happier and more successful if we use vitamins. Yes, vitamins do play an important role in our health and should not be overlooked yet no one says anything about minerals. We could survive several days if not longer with a shortage of vitamins and not suffer any serious imbalances, but let our sodium, potassium or magnesium levels drop below certain levels and it could become life threatening within a few hours or even a few minutes.

The essence of cellular structure and function in every living plant and animal is derived totally from a mineral and mineral based compounds. Without minerals present in the correct amounts, vitamins are useless. Nothing can make your body feel more lifeless, flat and fatigued than a mineral imbalance.

Mineral deficiency has become the norm in this country due to poor diet, foods raised in mineral depleted soil, drug use and stress. Just how mineral deficient a person is will vary depending on genetics, age, sex, illness, general well being or the lack of it.

One of the best ways to supplement the diet with minerals naturally is the use of fresh vegetable juices. A glass of fresh carrot juice contains 2 1/2 times the amount of usable calcium than a glass of milk and contains as much potassium as a banana. Add a few sprigs of parsley and you will have as much potassium as three bananas and more usable iron than a 4 ounce serving of steak, plus several trace minerals including silica, selenium and boron all good for healthy bones, nails, hair and teeth. One ounce of beet juice will supply a very usable form of iron and supply more iron than a serving of red meat.

Fresh carrot and other vegetable juices are natures remedy for those wanting to prevent osteoporosis. These juices give the body a fresh source of calcium, magnesium and other minerals that are a readily absorbable source of these important minerals. If using a calcium supplement be sure it is balanced with magnesium. Vitamin D is important for calcium absorption but is easily over used and can cause muscle and bone pain.

Mineral supplements in general digest and assimilate slowly and sometimes poorly depending on the source and individual constitution. Plants and herbs are a more natural source and will absorb more readily.

Here are some herbals I like to use for mineral supplementation:

Dandelion, Comfrey and Horsetail best calcium sources

Red Clover and Nettle best magnesium source

Yellow Dock and Nettle best source of iron

Nettles, Dandelion and Malva best source of potassium

Dandelion and Sea vegetables best source of natural sodium

Sea vegetables best source of trace minerals

If you choose a mineral supplement use a balanced form that has been chelated. Minerals are used for restoration and repair and are best taken at night; they relieve feelings of restlessness and will help induce a restful natural sleep. Till next time, Rebecca