bodies, including: aluminum, arsenic, barium, bismuth, beryllium, bromine,
cadmium, chromium, copper, folic acid, fluorine, gallium, germanium, gold,
iodine, iron, lead, lithium, manganese, mercury, molybdenum, quinine,
selenium, silicon, silver, strontium, tin, titanium, tungsten, vanadium and
zinc. They play a major role in health and are essential in the assimilation and
utilization of vitamins and other nutrients. They aid in digestion and provide
the catalyst for many hormones, enzymes and essential body functions and
reactions. They also aid in replacing electrolytes lost through heavy
perspiration or extended diarrhea and protect against toxic reactions and
heavy metal poisoning. Current research now proves that human beings
should get the required trace elements from their food in a balanced diet,
especially fresh fruits and vegetables.
The late Dr. Henry Schroeder stated that trace elements (minerals) “are
more important than are the vitamins, in that they cannot be synthesized by
living matter. Thus they are the 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.”
There are many factors that can contribute to mineral imbalances. This
means that the minerals we think we are consuming do not necessarily wind
up doing their work in our bodies. What are some of the barriers to mineral
absorption?
Diet
A major factor contributing to a mineral imbalance is improper eating habits,
including excessive intake of refined carbohydrates, alcohol, and fad diets.
Even the mineral content of a “healthy” diet can be inadequate, depending
upon the soil in which the food was grown or the method in which it was
prepared.
Stress
Both physical and emotional stress can lead to mineral imbalances. Certain
nutrients such as the mineral zinc and the B-complex vitamins are lost in
greater quantities due to increased stress. Nutrient absorption can also
decrease when the body is under stress.
Medications