Newsletter, Week 6: Minerals

 

The concern is not solely hydration, but rather the process of mineralization

Around 98% of the population experiences chronic dehydration, a condition that affects even professional athletes and those who consume ample water. Merely consuming water and having it present in the body doesn't guarantee its effective distribution to the tissues. Hence, the core concern is not solely hydration, but rather the process of mineralization.

Prior to delving into that topic, it's important to acknowledge that at present, a global phenomenon involves the spraying of barium, strontium, and aluminum into the atmosphere. This practice leads to the depletion of silica, a vital component constituting 25% of our composition. Without adequate silica, our capacity to absorb minerals is compromised, consequently impacting mineral absorption and our ability to retain water.

Dehydration isn't confined to a single layer or specific tissue; it pervades various layers of tissue and fascia, spanning across organs, neural pathways, the brain, the nervous system, and the lymphatic system. Each of these hydration points is intrinsically linked to the presence of specific minerals.

This explains the endorsement of Irish sea moss by experts. The reason behind this promotion lies in its remarkable content of 92 minerals out of the total 104.

Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic substances that are essential for various physiological functions in both plants and animals, including humans. Unlike organic compounds, minerals do not contain carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds. They are elements found in the Earth's crust and are vital for maintaining optimal health and proper functioning of the body.

Minerals serve a wide range of functions, from contributing to the structure of bones and teeth to participating in enzymatic reactions, nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and fluid balance. They play a crucial role in supporting various biochemical processes that are necessary for life.

 

There are two main categories of minerals: macrominerals and trace minerals.

 

1. Macrominerals: These are minerals that the body requires in relatively large amounts. They include:

 

Calcium: Essential for bone health, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and blood clotting.

Magnesium: Involved in hundreds of enzymatic reactions, including energy production, muscle function, and DNA synthesis.

Phosphorus: Crucial for bone and teeth formation, as well as energy metabolism.

Sodium: Maintains fluid balance, supports nerve and muscle function.

Potassium: Helps regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve impulses.

Chloride: Aids in maintaining proper fluid balance and the body's acid-base balance.

Sulfur: Found in various amino acids and vitamins, contributing to protein structure and other essential compounds.

 

2. Trace Minerals: These are minerals that the body requires in smaller amounts but are still critical for various physiological functions. Some examples include:

 

Iron: Essential for oxygen transport in the blood and energy production.

Zinc: Important for immune function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis.

Copper: Necessary for iron metabolism, connective tissue formation, and antioxidant defenses.

Selenium: Acts as an antioxidant, supporting the immune system and thyroid function.

Iodine: Crucial for thyroid hormone production, which regulates metabolism.

Manganese: Participates in bone formation, carbohydrate metabolism, and antioxidant processes.

Fluoride: Supports dental health by strengthening tooth enamel.

Chromium: Enhances the action of insulin, which is important for carbohydrate metabolism.

These minerals are obtained through the diet, primarily from various food sources such as fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products, meats, and seafood. A balanced and varied diet is essential to ensure adequate intake of all the necessary minerals for optimal health and well-being.

When there is a deficiency or inadequate intake and absorption of essential minerals in the body, it can lead to a range of health issues and disruptions in physiological functions. Here are some common consequences of mineral deficiencies:

 

Bone Health Issues: Calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium are critical for bone health. Insufficient intake of these minerals can lead to weakened bones, making them more prone to fractures and conditions like osteoporosis.

 

Muscle Weakness and Cramps: Minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium play a role in muscle function and contraction. A lack of these minerals can result in muscle weakness, spasms, and cramps.

 

Nervous System Problems: Minerals such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium are essential for nerve transmission and proper nerve function. Deficiencies can lead to nerve-related symptoms like tingling, numbness, and even impaired nerve signals.

 

Fatigue and Weakness: Many minerals, including iron and magnesium, are involved in energy production. Insufficient intake of these minerals can lead to fatigue, weakness, and reduced stamina.

 

Anemia: Iron deficiency is a common cause of anemia, a condition characterized by a decreased number of red blood cells and reduced oxygen-carrying capacity. This can result in fatigue, pale skin, and shortness of breath.

 

Impaired Immune Function: Minerals like zinc and selenium are essential for a healthy immune system. Deficiencies in these minerals can weaken immune responses, making the body more susceptible to infections.

 

Hormonal Imbalances: Iodine is crucial for thyroid hormone production, which regulates metabolism. A lack of iodine can lead to thyroid-related issues and disruptions in hormone balance.

 

Poor Wound Healing: Zinc is necessary for wound healing and tissue repair. A deficiency can slow down the healing process and lead to delayed wound closure.

 

Dental Problems: Fluoride is important for dental health as it strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. Insufficient fluoride intake can result in dental decay.

 

Electrolyte Imbalances: Sodium, potassium, and chloride are electrolytes that play a role in maintaining fluid balance and nerve function. An imbalance in these electrolytes can lead to dehydration, muscle cramps, and irregular heartbeat.

 

Cognitive and Mood Issues: Some minerals, like magnesium, are linked to cognitive function and mood regulation. Inadequate intake may contribute to mood disorders and cognitive disturbances.

 

Increasing mineral intake and absorption is crucial for maintaining optimal health. Here are some strategies to enhance mineral intake and absorption:

 

1. Balanced Diet: Consuming a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods is the foundation for meeting your mineral needs. Incorporate a wide range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy or dairy alternatives.

2. Include Mineral-Rich Foods:

 

Calcium: Dairy products, fortified plant-based milk, leafy greens (such as kale and broccoli), almonds, and sardines.

Iron: Lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, tofu, fortified cereals, and dark leafy greens.

Magnesium: Nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes, leafy greens, and dark chocolate.

Potassium: Bananas, oranges, potatoes, sweet potatoes, spinach, and beans.

Zinc: Meat, shellfish, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.

 

3. Cooking Techniques: Some cooking techniques can enhance mineral absorption. For example, soaking, sprouting, and fermenting legumes and grains can increase their mineral bioavailability.

4. Pairing Foods: Certain nutrients can enhance the absorption of minerals. For instance, vitamin C-rich foods (citrus fruits, bell peppers, broccoli) can boost the absorption of non-heme iron from plant sources.

5. Limit Certain Substances: Excessive intake of substances like caffeine and alcohol can interfere with the absorption of minerals, so consume them in moderation.

6. Cooking Utensils: Cooking in cast iron cookware can increase the iron content of certain foods, especially acidic ones.

7. Consider Supplementation: In cases of severe deficiency or if you have specific dietary restrictions, your healthcare provider might recommend mineral supplements. However, it's important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplements.

8. Adequate Hydration: Proper hydration supports mineral balance and absorption, particularly for electrolytes like sodium and potassium.

9. Maintain Gut Health: A healthy gut supports optimal nutrient absorption. Consume fiber-rich foods, fermented foods (like yogurt and sauerkraut), and consider probiotic-rich supplements.

10. Be Mindful of Medications: Some medications can interfere with mineral absorption. If you're on medication, consult your healthcare provider to understand their potential impact on mineral absorption.

11. Avoid Excessive Processing: Highly processed foods often lack essential minerals. Opt for whole, minimally processed foods whenever possible.

12. Variety is Key: Aim for a diverse diet to ensure you're getting a broad spectrum of minerals and nutrients.

Wildcrafted Irish sea moss refers to a type of sea moss (also known as Irish moss or Chondrus crispus) that is harvested directly from its natural habitat in the ocean, rather than being cultivated on farms. "Wildcrafted" indicates that the sea moss is collected from its native environment in a sustainable and ecologically responsible manner.

Irish sea moss is a type of red seaweed that grows along the rocky coasts of the North Atlantic Ocean, including regions like Ireland, Scotland, and Canada. It has been traditionally used for its potential health benefits and as a source of nutrition in various cultures.

The process of wildcrafting involves carefully harvesting the sea moss from its natural underwater surroundings. Harvesters take care not to damage the surrounding marine ecosystem while collecting the sea moss. This practice is important to ensure the continued health of marine environments and to preserve the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.

Wildcrafted Irish sea moss is often considered to be more nutrient-rich compared to commercially cultivated sea moss because it thrives in its natural environment, absorbing minerals and nutrients from the surrounding ocean water. As a result, proponents of wildcrafted Irish sea moss believe that it retains a higher concentration of essential minerals and nutrients, including iodine, magnesium, iron, and other trace minerals.

Due to its potential health benefits and nutrient content, wildcrafted Irish sea moss has gained popularity as a dietary supplement and ingredient in various foods and products, including smoothies, teas, gels, and skincare products.

 

Here are some of the commonly claimed benefits of Irish sea moss:

 

• Rich in Nutrients: Irish sea moss is touted as a source of various vitamins and minerals, including iodine, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamins A, C, E, and K. These nutrients are essential for overall health and well-being.
• Thyroid Health: Due to its iodine content, Irish sea moss is thought to support thyroid function. The thyroid gland requires iodine to produce hormones that regulate metabolism and other bodily functions.
• Digestive Health: Irish sea moss is believed to have a soothing effect on the digestive tract and may help alleviate issues such as gastritis, ulcers, and indigestion.
• Immune Support: The vitamins and minerals present in Irish sea moss, such as vitamin C and antioxidants, could potentially contribute to immune system health.
• Respiratory Health: Some traditional uses of Irish sea moss involve supporting respiratory health and addressing issues like coughs and congestion.
• Skin Health: Irish sea moss is used topically in skincare products due to its potential moisturizing and skin-nourishing properties. It may help soothe skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
• Joint Support: The mucilage in Irish sea moss is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that could potentially support joint health.
• Energy and Vitality: The nutrient content of Irish sea moss is thought to boost energy levels and promote vitality.
• Aiding Weight Management: Irish sea moss is sometimes included in weight management regimens due to its potential to promote feelings of fullness and support a balanced metabolism.
• Detoxification: The presence of minerals and fiber in Irish sea moss is believed to aid in detoxification by supporting the elimination of waste and toxins from the body.

 

What do I consume as a supplement ?

 

 

Ecklonia Cava Extract (90% Polyphenols): Ecklonia cava is a type of brown seaweed that grows in certain marine environments. The extract derived from Ecklonia cava is rich in polyphenols, which are compounds with antioxidant properties. Polyphenols have been studied for their potential to support cardiovascular health, reduce oxidative stress, and contribute to overall well-being. Ecklonia cava extract is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and may offer neuroprotective benefits.

 

Original Hawaiian Spirulina: Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that is considered a nutrient-dense superfood. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, protein, and antioxidants. Hawaiian spirulina is grown in pristine waters in Hawaii and is known for its potential health benefits, including providing essential nutrients, supporting immune function, and acting as an antioxidant. It's a source of plant-based protein, B vitamins, iron, and other minerals. Spirulina is also believed to have potential anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering effects. However, like with any supplement, it's important to consider quality, purity, and dosage.