Minerals are essential for growth, healing, vitality and wellbeing. They provide strength for the bones and teeth, and they maintain PH balance, water balance, nerve conduction, muscle contractions, energy production and enzyme functions. Minerals participate in almost every metabolic process in the body – they are the true ‘spark-plugs’ of life.

Ideally we should get all the minerals we need from a balanced diet. Unfortunately this is rarely possible in today’s world. Modern farming techniques, fertilizers and depleted soils reduce the mineral content of foods. Environmental pollutants, chemical food additives and stressful lifestyles also have a detrimental effect on our nutritional status.

Many health conditions are aggravated by mineral imbalances and toxic metal excesses, including cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, migraines, learning difficulties and hyperactivity in children, to name just a few. Consequently, we need to test and monitor our nutritional status more than ever.

Improper eating habits: Fad diets and diets high in refined carbohydrates, sugar, salt, alcohol and saturated fats can lead to mineral deficiencies and excesses. Even the mineral content of a healthy diet can be deficient if foods are grown on nutrient-poor agricultural lands.

Stress: Both physical and emotional stress can lead to mineral imbalances. B-complex vitamins, zinc and magne­sium are lost in greater quantities when you are stressed; you also absorb less nutrients from your food..

Medications: Many deplete the body’s store of nutrient minerals and can increase levels of toxic minerals. Medications such as diuretics, the oral contraceptive pill, antacids and aspirin can all cause vitamin and mineral deficiencies. 

Pollution: Toxic minerals such as lead, mercury and cadmium can interfere with mineral absorption and increase mineral excretion. They build up in our bodies from sources such as: air pollution, car exhaust, cigarette smoke, unfiltered water, dental amalgams, copper and aluminium cookware, hair dyes and anti -perspirants. Toxins have also entered the food chain, contaminating some of our foods. It is almost impossible these days to avoid some exposure to toxic minerals.

Genetic and individual factors: A predisposition towards certain mineral imbalances, deficiencies and excesses can be inherited from parents. Certain individuals can also inherit a higher requirement than normal for particular nutrients to maintain good health.