Due to modern farming practices, the minerals in our food have decreased by more than 50%. Even our drinking water lacks essential minerals. While it may require more effort to get enough minerals nowadays, it doesn’t have to be complicated. This mineral drink tonic offers a delicious way to ensure you meet your daily mineral requirements.
Mineral Drink
Lately, I’ve been focusing on ensuring that both my children and I get enough minerals. Minerals are crucial for the proper functioning of our bodies and organs. Even if we consume organic superfoods, we may still not be getting all the necessary vitamins and minerals.
Decades ago, our food and water sources were abundant in essential nutrients and minerals. However, with the introduction of mono-crops, pesticides, and herbicides, the mineral content in our food has significantly decreased. Some experts even suggest that it’s nearly impossible to obtain adequate nutrition from our current food supply. This is where mineral supplements can help bridge the gap.
Are You Mineral Deficient?
If you are reading this, there is a high likelihood that you are deficient in minerals. According to biochemist Barton Scott, 96% of the population is deficient in iodine, and 99% lack potassium. Magnesium deficiency is also common. This means that even if we shop for organic produce, we may still not be meeting our nutritional needs.
That’s why I grow a significant portion of our family’s produce in compost-rich soil in my garden. While this helps, I have noticed a marked improvement after incorporating mineral supplements into our routine. Minerals like iodine are particularly challenging to obtain naturally unless you reside in specific regions.
Even if your blood tests indicate normal levels, you may still be deficient. It can take years for a mineral deficiency to manifest in blood tests, as our bodies will draw minerals from our organs and bone marrow to maintain blood mineral balance.
Health Benefits of Minerals
Minerals play a crucial role in activating enzymes and facilitating numerous essential functions in the body. They help prevent cardiovascular diseases, support heart health, and act as a catalyst for our bodies to utilize vitamins effectively. For instance, we cannot utilize vitamin D without sufficient boron.
Here are some of the macro minerals we require daily and their functions. Unlike trace minerals, these are needed in larger quantities. Listing every single function of minerals would be exhaustive (magnesium alone serves thousands of functions!), but this overview provides a good understanding.
- Calcium – essential for healthy teeth and bones, regulates blood pressure, aids in muscle contraction, nerve communication, and blood clotting.
- Magnesium – important for strong bones and teeth, regulates blood pressure and blood sugar, supports muscle, brain, nerve, and mood function, among other roles.
- Potassium – crucial for maintaining a steady heartbeat, muscle contraction, fluid balance, and healthy blood pressure. It is also necessary for regulating sodium metabolism.
- Sodium – regulates blood pressure and blood sugar, balances fluids, supports muscle contraction, and brain health.
Trace Minerals For Healthier Bodies
Although we do not require large quantities of trace minerals, they are still vital for overall health. It’s all about achieving the right balance, as excessive amounts of trace minerals can be as harmful as deficiencies.
Below are some trace minerals, their functions, and sources:
- Phosphorus – present in bones, teeth, DNA, and RNA. Essential for cell membranes and ATP energy production. When combined with calcium, it forms the hydroxyapatite that comprises tooth enamel. Phosphorus in seeds and bread is bound as phytic acid, making it less absorbable. Dairy, salmon, chicken, and beef are rich sources.
- Manganese – involved in various metabolic processes, bone health, fertility, immune function, and antioxidant defense. It aids in blood clotting when combined with vitamin K. Blue mussels are a significant source, with hazelnuts, pecans, and oysters also providing manganese.
- Chromium – supports healthy blood sugar and insulin levels, aids in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. Chromium absorption from food is limited, with vitamin C enhancing absorption, while oxalates inhibit it (found in leafy greens, nuts, and grains).
- Molybdenum – assists in waste and toxin processing and elimination. Black-eyed peas, lima beans, and organ meats are the top food sources of molybdenum.
- Silica – the second most abundant element on Earth. Essential for collagen formation in bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. Adding a teaspoon of silica to your mineral drink can be beneficial.
Why Food Isn’t Enough
As mentioned earlier, due to soil depletion, obtaining sufficient minerals solely through diet has become challenging. The mineral content, such as magnesium and chromium, varies significantly based on soil conditions. Foods grown in mineral-rich soils and animals grazing on such lands offer adequate mineral levels.
While silica naturally occurs in whole-grain husks, modern farming practices, including the removal of husks during processing, have led to its exclusion from our diets.
Over the last few decades, soil depletion has resulted in a significant decline in mineral content. According to NIH, national surveys no longer collect data on trace minerals like molybdenum, indicating a lack of understanding of the extent of the issue. Health organizations still rely on outdated data from decades ago, which suggested adequate human nutrient levels.
How Much Do We Need?
Since our bodies do not store minerals, we require them daily. Our organs consist of cells that rely on minerals to function effectively. While everyone needs minerals, some individuals may require more.
Activities such as intense workouts, excessive sweating, sauna sessions, stress, caffeine intake, late nights, and alcohol consumption can deplete minerals rapidly. Most of us experience some form of stress, even if we are not Olympic athletes.
Mineral Supplements
My supplement routine varies daily, but I make sure to incorporate magnesium into my daily regimen. I have found that preparing a mineral drink is an enjoyable (and tasty!) way to increase mineral intake. It is a convenient solution for those who prefer not to swallow multiple pills.
Even children can benefit from a mineral drink tonic. Given that all of my kids are involved in athletic activities, I am mindful of ensuring they receive adequate minerals. Our home has become a popular spot for neighborhood kids, who also enjoy mineral water when they visit!
When we think of electrolyte balance and hydration, commercial sports drinks may come to mind. While these drinks contain major minerals, they also contain artificial colors and sugars. Moreover, they may lack essential trace minerals.
Hydration Isn’t Enough
I learned the importance of electrolytes the hard way after a vacation incident that led to a visit to the ER for IV fluids. Water sources like distilled water, tap water, and many bottled waters do not provide essential electrolytes. Even natural spring waters may not contain the electrolytes they once did.
Consuming excessive water without essential minerals like sodium and potassium can dilute electrolyte levels in the body. Symptoms such as headaches and dizziness may arise. In severe cases, it can be life-threatening and is the most common chemical imbalance seen in medical settings.
While I occasionally prepare a homemade electrolyte drink, I have discovered another method to obtain a wider range of trace minerals. This mineral drink tonic is customizable and offers a comprehensive array of minerals for overall health.
Mineral Drink Ingredients
You can start with a base of Olipop, juice, sparkling mineral water, or LMNT electrolytes. Choose based on your preference and availability. Adding a splash of citrus juice not only enhances the flavor but also provides numerous health benefits.
- Lime juice – rich in potassium, calcium, and antioxidants
- Lemon juice – a good source of vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and B vitamins
- Grapefruit juice – contains vitamin C, vitamin A, and minerals like magnesium
- LMNT – provides a balanced blend of sodium, magnesium, and potassium
- Olipop – high in fiber, no added sugar, and packed with prebiotics for gut health
Mineral Options
These liquid mineral supplements can be added to your mineral tonic. You can choose to include all or select a few based on your preferences. These supplements are in a bioavailable form, making them easier for the body to absorb.
Mineral Drink Tonic
This tasty tonic is easily customizable with whatever base liquid and minerals you prefer. Great for kids and those who don’t want to swallow pills!
You don’t need to use all 3 of the different mineral supplements at once. You can use any combination you prefer.
What are your favorite ways to get your daily minerals in? Leave a comment and share below!
