Minerals have a rather symbiotic relationship with the cells and organs of the human body, in the sense that their assimilation after ingestion depends a great deal on the several variables including the amount of other types of minerals. To put it simply, our organism necessitates a certain level of minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc and manganese in order to perform its natural functions.
When the minerals are not present in the daily diet or when they are not assimilated properly due to certain factors, the normal development of the body is hindered significantly. For example, a considerable deficiency of magnesium has been associated with depression, elevated anxiety and potential hallucinations, low calcium levels are related to bone/teeth weakening and iron – one of the primary components hemoglobin – is highly required for the proper transfer of oxygen between cells.
At the same time, zinc is invaluable for the reproductive system of both men and women as well as the wound healing process. In the light of these facts, you can easily understand why the growing numbers of mineral deficiency cases constitute a serious problem. Let’s analyze the factors that hinder the recommended mineral absorption.
1. Mineral depletion in the soils utilized for agriculture
The depletion of the cultivated soil represents the primary explanation for the mineral deficiency we are experiencing today, simply because we cannot ingest the recommended dosage when even the organic produce lacks it. In other words, constantly growing a type of vegetables and grains on the same soil will inevitably wear out its resources, which in turn means that the product will contain lower and lower levels of minerals. The two methods that can be utilized to avoid soil depletion comprise of a yearly crop rotation and man-made fertilization via compost. However, since the costs of these procedures are not exactly feasible, most fruit/vegetable producers prefer to sell their stock as it is. On a side note, in order for meat to contain minerals, the livestock also has to feed from plants growing in a mineral rich soil.
2. A vast array of pharmaceutical/OTC drugs
For examples, if you are regularly taking antacids, then you should be aware that most drugs in this category are based on aluminum hydroxide. This compound has a devastating effect on the calcium in your body, as one of its main side effects consists of blocking the assimilation of calcium in the intestinal tract. Cortisone is also responsible for calcium as well as potassium deficiencies. Magnesium and zinc levels will certainly go down if you take birth control pills and after a certain point the copper levels will exceed the safety zone.
3. Low levels of stomach acids
This is a no-brainer, since minerals come from the aliments we ingest, it is virtually impossible for the stomach to break down the molecules and absorb them if its acids are not working properly. However, as previously stated, the calcium and other minerals necessary for the body are in direct correlation with each other – mainly zinc – because the zinc is directly responsible for regulating the stomach acid.
4. Coffee, alcoholic beverages and sodas
Coffee and caffeinated beverages in general act as diuretics and, in the process, your body will rapidly deplete its supply of calcium, sodium, magnesium and potassium. In addition to that, regularly consuming alcoholic products exhausts the iron, manganese and potassium. Lastly, soda includes excessive amounts of phosphorous that obstruct the assimilation of calcium and consequentially, potassium.
5. Sugar and aliments with high levels of sugar
Sugars are very problematic mainly because processing these molecules requires an immense quantity of magnesium, wearing out our body’s supply very fast. Moreover, potassium, zinc and chromium deficiencies are also related to a sugar rich diet.
6. Excessive levels of hormones such as insulin and estrogen
High levels of insulin and/or estrogen represent the main factors in calcium deficiency cases. While the former facilitates the re-absorption of the molecules at kidney level, the latter simply reduces the excretion of calcium.
7. Conditions like hyperthyroidism
Much like in the excess insulin/estrogen levels, hyperthyroidism is grounds for a severe loss in calcium and the body’s attempt to “recycle” it from the bone structures. At the same time, the re-absorbed calcium determines the need for more and more magnesium to support its assimilation.
8. The diet of choice for U.S. residents (SAD)
It is no secret that nowadays an increasing number of people are cutting the fresh fruits and vegetables from their diet and replacing them with hyper-processed, refined aliments. Also, since most of the fruits and vegetables have been cultivated on mineral-depleted soils, their benefit is practically zero. The mentality of people regarding the diet is, of course, influenced by the latter consideration. Therefore, most people consider that there is practically no reason to bother eating fresh foods, since they bring no real advantages to the table and the ones that actually do are rather expensive.
9. Exposure to extremely toxic metals (mercury, aluminum, lead, etc.)
You can find mercury in everything nowadays, from the dental fillings to the inoculations and even fish. Mercury is not only very toxic, but it also binds with molecules of zinc and magnesium, rendering their benefits null. At the same time, aluminum is present in cosmetics, antacids and even antiperspirants, its main downside being the ability to penetrate the BBB and void the absorption/utilization of minerals like magnesium and calcium. Last but not least, lead will bind the calcium molecules and render them obsolete for the organism.
10. Electromagnetic radiation
Electromagnetic radiations are very difficult to avoid nowadays, considering that virtually all electronic devices from the omnipresent smartphones and tablets to power lines emits its very own field. In addition to the other negative effects proprietary to the exposure to EMF, a less known side effect is that it negates the body’s ability to assimilate several types of minerals. In fact, a study has revealed that people who are constantly exposed to EMF radiation will tend to absorb 15 percent less minerals on average, irrespective of other factors.
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