Why Minerals Are Essential For Health

Most of us think of minerals as being necessary for strong bones and teeth, but they do much more. In addition to providing us with shape and support for our skeleton, minerals are the “spark of life.” Minerals are essential in the diet, and each plays unique and often multifactorial roles as they act at all levels of the body - cells, tissues, organs, and the whole organism. All our bodily processes depend upon the action of minerals to activate the enzymes that perform the bodily functions we take for granted. Without proper mineral ratios, we could not set into motion the properties and functions of enzymes, vitamins, or amino acids. 

What Are Minerals?

Minerals are elemental components that are responsible for every activity in every cell of our bodies. Cellular functions require a proper chain of events that starts with minerals. Without the proper minerals, we could not twitch an eyelid or form a thought.

The Key Ingredients of Life

Each and every mineral that exists on the earth also exists in us and in all living things. Quantum physics shares the philosophy that we are really one with all things. Just as the earth must maintain its balance to function optimally, our bodies need balance, too. When given the right materials in the right form (from nature), the body can do amazing things to promote its own health. The earth naturally gives us minerals via water and food.

Today, with current farming practices that deplete the soil of necessary minerals and water supplies that have been polluted and poisoned, our population has become mineral malnourished.

What Do Minerals Do In The Body?

The only thing that will catalyze or activate an enzyme is a mineral. While very difficult to measure within each cell (in fact, this capability still eludes our present scientific measurement technology), it can be assumed that most cells require a full complement of all minerals to function correctly. We do know that some organs require higher concentrations of certain minerals.

Mineral Deficiencies

The lack of specific minerals can precipitate both acute and chronic health problems. Sudden heart attacks occurring during physical activity are often the result of mineral depletion of immediate cellular supplies of potassium and magnesium. Always remember that your physical health is dependent on your cellular health. Everything begins and ends on a cellular level

Some chronic and acute health problems associated with the lack of a certain mineral or minerals are:

1. Osteoporosis
2. Heart disease
3. Cancer
4. Arthritis
5. Goiter
6. Gastrointestinal disorders
7. Periodontal disease
8. Anemia

I believe that most human ailments can be described as chronic nutrient deficiency symptoms. Some diseases are contracted via direct exposure to bacteria, viruses, amoebas, or other pathogens, but an optimally functioning immune system can defend us from these pathogenic invaders. It requires a proper mineral balance to keep our immune system strong and healthy. Deficiencies of zinc, selenium, silica, and sulfur, which occur as a result of poor diet or excess stress, can put our immune health at risk.

Top 3 Minerals For Your Body

The top three minerals essential for the body are calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

Calcium

Calcium is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and bones, muscle function, normal blood clotting, and facilitating nerve impulse transmission. Good sources of calcium include raw, organic dairy products like goat or sheep’s milk, yogurt, and cheese, as well as dark leafy greens such as spinach and kale.

Potassium

Potassium plays a crucial role in maintaining proper pH balance, supporting a healthy nervous system, and muscle contractions. It can be found in fruits like bananas, oranges, and avocados, as well as in vegetables such as potatoes and spinach.

Magnesium

Magnesium is important for energy production, muscle relaxation, and cardiovascular health. Foods rich in magnesium include raw and organic nuts, seeds, whole grains, and dark leafy green vegetables like spinach.

These minerals play vital roles in maintaining overall health and are best obtained through a balanced diet rich in a variety of nutrient-dense foods.

The Bottom Line

In a nutshell, you can have all the air, water, protein, carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins you want, but you won’t be a fully functioning organism without a complete balance of minerals. Without minerals, all the other components of the body will be unable to function properly.

References:

1. Lukaski, H. C. (2004). Vitamin and mineral status: Effects on physical performance. Nutrition, 20(7–8), 632–644. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2004.04.001
2. Razzaque, M. S., & Wimalawansa, S. J. (2024). Minerals and human health: From deficiency to toxicity. Nutrients, 17(3), 454. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17030454 
3. Weyh, C., Krüger, K., Peeling, P., & Castell, L. (2022). The role of minerals in the optimal functioning of the immune system. Nutrients, 14(3), 644. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14030644