Thanks to modern agricultural practices, our food contains less than 50% of the minerals it did before. Even our drinking water is devoid of minerals. Getting enough takes a little more effort than in the past, but it doesn't have to be difficult. This mineral tonic drink is a delicious way to get your daily minerals.
Mineral drink
Lately, I've been working on getting enough minerals for both myself and my children. We all need it for the proper functioning of our body and organs. And even if we eat organic superfoods, we probably aren't getting all the vitamins and minerals we need.
Decades ago, our food and water sources were rich in nutrients and minerals. Since the introduction of monocultures, pesticides and herbicides, the mineral content of foods has fallen. Some experts warn that we now literally cannot get enough nutrients from our food supply. Mineral supplements can help fill in the gaps.
Are you mineral deficient?
If you're reading this, there's a good chance you have a mineral deficiency. According to biochemist Barton Scott, 96% of us have an iodine deficiency and 99% of us have a potassium deficiency. Magnesium is another very common mineral deficiency. This means that even if we shop in the produce aisles and opt for organic produce, we are probably not getting enough nutrients.
This is one of the reasons I grow much of our family's produce in compost-rich soil in my garden. While this helps, I have also noticed a marked difference after mineral supplementation. Minerals like iodine are very difficult to obtain naturally unless you live in certain areas.
Even if your blood tests show normal levels, they may not be. It can take decades for a mineral deficiency to show up on a blood test. Our body will extract minerals from our organs and bone marrow to maintain blood mineral balance.
Health Benefits of Minerals
But what are minerals really and why are they so important? Minerals activate enzymes and perform thousands of necessary functions in the body. They help prevent cardiovascular and heart diseases. They also work like a switch to activate our body's ability to use vitamins. For example, we cannot use vitamin D without having boron.
Here are some of the macrominerals we need daily and what they do. Unlike trace elements, we need them in greater quantities. It would take too long to list all the functions of minerals (magnesium alone has thousands!). But this list is a good overview.
- Calcium – necessary for healthy teeth and bones, helps regulate blood pressure, muscle contraction, promotes nerve communication and blood clotting.
- Magnesium – necessary for the strength of bones and teeth. Regulates blood pressure and blood sugar, helps muscles, brain, nerves and mood, and much more.
- Potassium – helps us have a regular heart rate, necessary for muscle contraction, fluid balance and healthy blood pressure. Necessary to help regulate sodium metabolism.
- Sodium – helps regulate blood pressure and blood sugar, balances fluids needed for muscle contraction and brain health.
Trace elements for a healthier body
Although we don't need these minerals in large quantities, they are still important for overall health. It's all about finding the right balance. Massive amounts of trace minerals can cause as many problems as not enough.
Here are some trace minerals, what they do, and how to get them.
- Phosphorus – Found in our bones, teeth, DNA and RNA. Necessary for cell membranes and ATP energy production. Phosphorus and calcium together create hydroxyapatite which makes up the enamel of our teeth. The phosphorus found in seeds and bread is bound as phytic acid so our bodies cannot absorb it. Richest in dairy products, salmon, chicken and beef.
- Manganese – involved in the metabolism of amino acids, cholesterol, glucose and carbohydrates, bones, fertility, the immune system and the elimination of free radicals. Vitamin K contributes to blood clotting. It is found in breast milk and added to infant formula. However, it is up to 8 times more absorbable in breast milk than in formula. Blue mussels are by far the most important source, but hazelnuts, pecans and oysters are also good sources.
- Chromium – Supports healthy blood sugar and insulin levels. Can help us metabolize carbohydrates, fats and proteins. We absorb very little chromium from food. Vitamin C aids absorption, but oxalates (leafy vegetables, nuts, grains, etc.) inhibit it.
- Molybdenum – helps us process and eliminate waste and toxins. The main food sources are black-eyed peas, lima beans, and organ meats.
- Silica – The second most common element on Earth. Needed to help build collagen in our bones, ligaments, tendons and cartilage. I add a teaspoon of this nutrient to my mineral drink.
Why food is not enough
I mentioned earlier that due to soil depletion, it is difficult, if not impossible, to get enough minerals in our diet. Measured amounts of minerals like magnesium and chromium vary greatly depending on soil conditions. Foods grown in mineral-rich soils and animals that graze in these areas give us adequate levels.
Silica is found naturally in the hulls of whole grains. Modern agricultural machinery, however, removes the hull (even with whole grains), so it is no longer part of our diet.
The problem is that our soil has been significantly depleted of minerals over the past few decades. According to the NIH, national surveys no longer even collect data on trace minerals like molybdenum. So we don't even know how widespread the problem is. Healthcare organizations are still operating with outdated data from decades ago that showed adequate human nutrient levels.
How much do we need?
We need minerals every day because our body does not store them. Our organs are made up of cells and each cell depends on minerals to function. We all need minerals, but some of us need more.
Activities like intense workouts, heavy sweating, and saunas deplete minerals more quickly. Just like stress, caffeine, late nights and alcohol. We may not all be Olympic runners, but I bet most of us deal with some type of stress.
Mineral supplements
I don't do the same thing every day and I always change my supplement routine. That said, magnesium is something I take every day. I started making a mineral drink as an easy (and tasty!) way to get more minerals. It's the perfect solution for anyone who doesn't want to swallow a bunch of pills.
Even children can benefit from a mineral tonic drink. All my children participate in sports activities, so I make sure they do enough. Our house has become the gathering place for the neighborhood children, so they also get mineral water at my house!
When we think about electrolyte balance and the need to stay hydrated, sports drinks may come to mind. Although they contain some of the main minerals, they also contain food coloring and sugar. Plus, you probably won't get the necessary trace minerals.
Hydration is not enough
I learned the hard way that drinking lots of water without electrolytes is dangerous. After a hectic vacation and a trip to the emergency room for IV fluids. Distilled water, tap water, and many bottled waters do not contain essential electrolytes. Even many of our natural spring waters no longer contain the electrolytes they once did.
When we drink too much water without essential minerals like sodium and potassium, it dilutes the electrolyte levels in our body. Symptoms may include things like headaches and dizziness. In extreme cases this can lead to death. And in hospital and outpatient settings, it is the most common chemical abnormality.
Sometimes I will do this homemade electrolyte drink, but I found another way to get even more trace minerals. This mineral tonic drink is easily customizable and offers a complete range of minerals for health.
Ingredients of mineral drinks
I start with an Olipop base, juice, sparkling mineral water, or LMNT electrolytes. Use whatever you prefer or what you have on hand. A little citrus juice in the water is also a good option and adds many health benefits.
- Lime juice – contains potassium, calcium, antioxidants
- Lemon juice – contains vitamin C, small amounts of calcium, potassium and B vitamins
- Grapefruit juice – contains vitamin C, vitamin A and small amounts of minerals like magnesium
- LMNT – balanced amount of sodium, magnesium, potassium
- Olipop – High in fiber, no added sugar and full of prebiotics for a healthy gut
Mineral options
These are the liquid mineral supplements that I add to my mineral toner. You don't need to add them all at once. They are in a bioavailable form and are therefore easier to absorb.
Mineral drink tonic
This flavorful tonic is easily customizable with the base liquid and minerals you prefer. Ideal for children and those who don't want to swallow pills!
You do not need to use all 3 different mineral supplements at the same time. You can use any combination you prefer.
What are your favorite ways to get your daily minerals? Leave a comment and share below!
