MINERALS
“Minerals are the basic spark-plugs in the chemistry of life, on which the exchanges of energy in the combustion of foods and the building of living tissues depend.” Dr. Henry Schroeder
The right balance of certain minerals will generate maximum energy, and the better your energy levels are the more you will enjoy your life. Just like the minerals that are needed in a battery must be in balance to carry a charge, the same is true in the human body.
Energy regulating macro-minerals: calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium
The 4 main minerals in the body which help regulate glands (such as thyroid, adrenal, etc.) and other systems are calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium. These are called macro-minerals because they appear in larger proportions than other minerals in the body, and are considered regulatory. When these 4 regulatory minerals are within normal ranges in the body the glands and other systems have the conditions they need to function at peak efficiency. When levels of any one of the macro-minerals deviates from normal is when problems arise.
Calcium
The following body systems are those where calcium is needed to function: circulatory, excretory, digestive, nervous, reproductive, endocrine, blood, muscular, skeletal, metabolic, detoxification and cellular.
As you can see, calcium is needed in practically every function of the body! Deficiencies in calcium can mean trouble for the bones, nerves, hormones, etc. HTMA: A high calcium level (in the hair), along with other indicators, show poor calcium utilization and a failing metabolism due to excessive stress. A low calcium level can tell whether the body is using calcium excessively, for example, due to glandular dysfunction.
Magnesium
About 60% of the magnesium in the body is located in the bones and is required for bone formation. Most of the remainder is within the cells and is required for enzymes to be able to activate biochemical reactions, which cannot use any other mineral!
Deficiencies in magnesium be responsible for kidney stones, poor muscle function (cramping), irregular heartbeat and high blood pressure. High and low levels of magnesium can manifest symptoms of fatigue and depression or anxiety and irritability. NOTE: Remember, levels of minerals must be looked at in relation to other minerals to determine trends, not diagnoses. For example, anxiety and irritability can have other causes, such as copper toxicity.
Potassium
Potassium’s big roles in the body are in muscle contraction, nerve conduction and cell permeability, referring to the integrity of the membrane which separates the inside of cells from the outside (these function best when in tact).
Potassium deficiencies often manifest as water retention, irregular heart beat and low blood pressure. HTMA: High hair potassium may indicate a trend for high sugar and cortisol levels. Low hair potassium indicates adrenal exhaustion.
Sodium
Sodium maintains blood pressure and heart rate, ph of kidneys and urinary tract, and the acid needed by the stomach to digest proteins and other substances. Like potassium sodium is also involved in regulation of cell permeability. HTMA: High hair sodium can be indicative of high adrenal activity or heavy metal toxicity, especially cadmium.
Conditions that may be the result of a mineral imbalance:
Allergies
Anemia
Arthritis
Cardiovascular Disease
Depression
Diabetes
Digestive Disturbance
Emotional Problems
Hair Loss
Headaches
Hyperactivity
Hypertension
Hypoglycemia
Musculo-Skeletal Disorders
Prostate Disorders
Skin Rashes
Thyroid Disturbance
Mineral imbalances may be caused by:
Congenital deficiencies
Emotions
Improper digestion
Improper drinking water
Medications, Birth Control Pills, Vaccinations
Nutritionally depleted & toxic food supply
Parasitic infections
Stress
Taking minerals and vitamins which are not compatible with your body chemistry
Toxic metals and chemicals
Unhealthy lifestyles and eating habits