Words of Wisdom

It's all about the minerals.

I have been talking about vitamins in the last few posts. While there are a lot more I could discuss, I want to move on to the minerals.

In my opinion, minerals are the most important thing for our bodies to take in. Most people know about electrolytes. There are 7 essential electrolytes: Bicarbonate, Calcium, Chloride, Magnesium, Phosphate, Potassium, and Sodium. Our bodies are electrical, and they must be balanced in all systems or there will be problems and symptoms showing up. If the body is too depleted in these minerals, it can even be fatal.

Most people are familiar with the "main" minerals, like calcium and magnesium, but there are dozens of minerals that are in the human body. Youngevity supplements claim to have all 90 vitamins and minerals in some of their products. Other sources say there are 102 different minerals that the body needs. The point is, we need more than just calcium, magnesium, and potassium. We also need what is called Trace Minerals. I won't discuss all these minerals, but I would like to touch on a few of them in my next few posts.

Let's look at Copper. How many of you check your copper levels regularly? Those who are in the know might, but many people don't even realize we need copper.

Let me list a few things that may be a sign of low copper.

Bruising easily

Anemia

Fatigue

Weak immune function

Osteoporosis or osteopenia

Irregular heartbeat

Low thyroid function

Lack of muscle tone

Muscle soreness

Arthritis or joint pain

Pale skin and hair

Thinning hair

Graying hair

Weight loss

Lack of physical coordination

Numbness or tingling

Irritablility, depression, or mood changes

Cold hands and feet

Did you know that copper and zinc fight over reception sites? For example, if you take too much zinc, it will lower you copper. If you take too much copper, it will lower your zinc.

There are actually several minerals that do this. They counterbalance each other. Calcium and magnesium are another example. Calcium hardens and builds up. Magnesium softens and calms. If you take too much of one, it will hinder the other.

Now let's look at Manganese. How many of you make sure you get your manganese every day? Not many do, but manganese is very important to the body. Some of its functions are for bone health, metabolism, antioxident activity, enzymes, wound healing, and hormone production.

Here are a few signs associated with low manganese:

Nausea

Dizziness or unsteadiness

Anemia

Loss of hearing

High blood sugar

Weak hair or nails

Loss of hair color

Low Cholesterol

Muscle twitches

Convulsions

Growing pains

even sore knees!

Do you notice some similarities with the copper? These symptoms are a signal that the body is not getting what it needs to thrive. While you may need to take supplements, eating good, real, whole food can help tremendously.

Here are some foods that will help you get copper and manganese:

Whole grains

Legumes

Nuts and seeds

Dark leafy vegetables

Pineapple

Some teas

Organ meats

Oysters

Cocoa

Spices

Potatoes with skin

Mushrooms

Fruits

Avocado

My purpose in these posts is to show my readers how important it is to get real nutrition. When the body does not have what it needs to be balanced, that's when symptoms start showing up. If you have symptoms, you can be sure your body is telling you it does not have enough minerals and vitamins.

I don't want my posts to be too long, so I encourage you to be your own health advocate. Do your research to find out more. I always welcome your comments or questions.

Minerals make a strong body!

Until next time...

Enjoy God's providence!