From the writings of Adele Davis, to our simple La Leche League suggestion to eat "a wide variety of food in close to its natural state," (I strive for mostly organic and locally grown!), my Virgo heart has loved exploring research and concepts for optimal nutrition. I strive for a balance of eatng the best I can and using high quality supplements.
Here is a peek at some of my favorite Minerals:
As a massage therapist, Magnesium, with its role in muscle relaxation, was on my list of "must have" nutrients early on. While "Maggie" is crucial for between 400 and 800 processes in our bodies, (including hormone balance, muscles, the nervous system and energy production), between 80 and 90% of the population is low in this essential mineral.
5 mg per pound of "ideal weight" is the suggested daily amount. Dark leafy greens, organically grown,are one of ought richest sources.
Dr Jonathan Wright and cardiologist William Davis frequently remind us of its importance, and of the widespread deficiency of this vital mineral. Modern farming methods and increasing consumption of grains reduce the availability of magnesium for many people. As a cardiologist, Dr Davis found that when his patients stopped eating wheat, which binds minerals including magnesium, their heart health improved dramatically. He has switched his focus from surgery to preventative medicine.
I've made Magnesium Bicarbonate water, using a few Tablespoons Milk of Magnesia in carbonated water for over a year. It's easy to make, palatable and well absorbed. This is the form Dr Davis (author of Wheat Belly and Undoctored) recommends, especially for those prone to migraines. I also take magnesium glycinate, and a dropper of liquid multi mineral supplement.
Bicarbonate and Boron are two co-factors involved in magnesium metabolism. I've written about the importance of boron before here and here. Over the two years been making and using Boron Water, I've noticed I'm rarely sore after activity or exercise, and less "creaky."
Arthritic joints are found to have less boron than "normal" joints, and Spas around the world known for Arthritis Cures have boron (and other trace minerals) in their waters. The US intake is 0-3 mg daily. It seems beneficial to get 3mg or more daily.
Dr Rex Newham, a soil scientist who later trained as a homeopath and osteopath realized that the use of phosphate fertilizer without other amendments resulted in soil deficient in boron, and a subsequent increase in arthritis. He found 6 -8 mg daily generally sufficient, while those with active disease benefited from 9-10 mg.
Dr Newman also observed native farmers in Fiji, who used traditional farming methods and ate abundant starchy vegetables and fruit had much less arthritis than farmers using phosphate fertilizer and eating more grains (rice). Our extension service recommends dissolving 1 Tablespoon borax in a gallon of water, and using 1 Cup of this solution per plant. They suggest soil testing after the first year.
Dr Axe wrote this piece on boron, which includes suggested amounts. Boron plays an important role in oral health, and in reducing the risk of gum disease. Dr Flechas video of his talk at an oral health conference offers a great overview of the benefits, and here's another article highlighting some of the research. It's available in 3mg doses, and in trace mineral formulas. A friend who's a naturopath suggests hair analysis is a good way to determine your levels.
Lithium Orotate is a mineral in a supplemental form which I've been intrigued with, and taken off and on for over a decade. The sauna at Breitenbush contains trace amounts of both boron and lithium. and is well known for promoting calm and relaxation.
I first read this article by Dr Wright, who also speaks about the values obtained by talking small doses of Lithium on his weekly radio show. I learned about the importance of iodine for hormonal function from Dr Wright's column in Prevention Mag in the mid 70s, and have have a fan of this nutritionally oriented MD ever since! Lithium is part of the same group of minerals that include sodium and potassium.
As Dr Wright remarks that If the only effect of talking small doses of lithium did was to increase grey matter in our brains (something we didn't think was possible in maturity!) it would be awesome! ...
It does so much more! Lithium reduces aggressive behavior (especially in men) promoting a reduction in homicide and domestic violence, and reduces depression in women. A client in her 80s confirmed this, saying when her verbally abusive husband took his lithium, he was kinder to her, and if she was taking hers, she could handle it better if he was mean!
Lithium is protective of the Brain, decreasing erosion, and shrinkage, increasing Neuro transmitters, and protecting against clots! Dr Wright takes 20mg daily, (and recommends 10-20 mg for optimal results) He has also found it very helpful for children whose parents are alcoholics, or have other addictions.
Iodine is another nutrient we may be low in. Dr Wright mentions iodine on several of his radio broadcasts, and Dr Axe gives an overview here. I've had relief from hormonal woes using Iodine in the 70s, and true to Folk Medicine hero, Dr Jarvis' comments, it "calmed (my) race horse type child!" within two hours whenever he took it! I include kelp in my daily fare, and take iodine periodically.
Selenium is important for iodine absorption, and both iodine and selenium are low in our Western Oregon soil.
Each of us needs to discover our own balance between choosing food sources and deciding whether to augment withsupplementats.
May you enjoy good health!
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