Are You Without a Trace? Why Trace Minerals Matter

Why Are We Missing Trace Minerals?

Obtaining the necessary nutrients and minerals from the typical modern diet is nearly impossible. Over the past generation, the quality of our food and its production methods has dramatically reduced the once ideal and complete balance of nutrition we need to thrive. One of the important, yet small components to that healthy balance is the spectrum of trace minerals our cells need to function and flourish.

Perhaps you recall an elementary science lesson where your teacher explained how the universe contained all the matter it ever would—no more and no less matter exists today than at the beginning of time. In the natural order of our planet, resources are transferred in many ways. Like the typical water cycle transfers water from sky, to ground, and up to the sky again, the trace minerals that once enriched the soils around the planet have also moved. But trace minerals do not have the unique properties of water. Once they leave the soil, there is no natural mechanism for returning them back to their native location.

Over many years weather, natural disasters, and human farming techniques have brought the majority of deeply embedded trace nutrients to the soil’s surface. The result is that rain, floods and other transfer methods have washed away the nutrients. Since we know they did not disappear, it is simply a matter of knowing where to look to retrieve them once again. Select regions containing the run off of washed away surface soil are now collective storehouses of trace minerals that all creatures require for maximum health and longevity.

Because the soil where our food is grown no longer contains these minerals, the extraction and formulation of trace mineral supplements has become crucial.

Benefits of Trace Minerals

Yet another school lesson involved memorizing the Periodic Table—the complete list of known elements—includes the trace and ionic minerals necessary for life to exist. Since our bodies use these elements daily, it is vital that we regularly replenish the supply in order for all our body systems and responses to function properly. The regular intake of trace minerals supports the body in proper physiological function and can ward off health problems. Trace minerals are required for numerous body functions and processes including enzyme function, thyroid regulation, glucose absorption, blood clotting, tissue formation, the transportation of oxygen in red blood cells, detoxification and much more. A deficiency in any single trace mineral can result in an imbalance of other minerals and halt the benefits, making the body vulnerable.

An example of imbalance is an overly acidic environment – the conditions where harmful organisms thrive and duplicate and can cause a variety of health issues from fatigue to chronic health conditions. However, the proper amount and balance of trace minerals encourages a healthy pH balance or alkaline environment, where only healthy cells and bodily functions can thrive.

The Essential Trace Elements¹

There are over seventy known trace minerals, yet the scientific community has just begun learning about the importance of trace minerals—and how they interact with human systems. Researchers are learning more every day about which trace elements are needed to establish and keep a healthy balance, and what health issues could result from a mineral imbalance. We know that a huge percentage of Americans have some level of mineral deficiency and that this imbalance can manifest itself in symptoms as simple as food cravings or as debilitating as ongoing fatigue.

Here is a glimpse at the important roles played by just a few of the trace minerals we require to function and maintain a healthy and long life.

Boron — helps to reduce inflammation and degeneration, improves bone growth and maintenance, assists with central nervous system function, promotes healthy cell growth, contributes to hormone facilitation, and supports immune response and oxidative stress modulation.²

Chromium — enhances the cells’ ability to absorb glucose, stimulates fatty acids, and synthesizes cholesterol³

Cobalt — promotes the formulation of red blood cells and serves as part of B-12

Copper — supports red blood cell and connective tissue formation, stores and releases iron to form hemoglobin, and contributes to central nervous system functions

Iodine — assists with thyroid function, controls how quickly the body uses energy and makes proteins

Iron — transports oxygen in red blood cells

Manganese — key to enzyme systems; supports brain function

Molybdenum — part of enzyme systems; detoxification processes

Selenium — an antioxidant that combines with Vitamin E and protects cells from free radicals

Zinc — provides enzyme functions such as nucleic acid synthesis, helps immune function, and promotes insulin storage

The Importance of Ionic Minerals

Every second of every day your body relies on ionic minerals, minerals with a positive or negative electric charge which allows them to bond with water and be absorbed by the body. Ionic minerals conduct and generate billions of tiny electrical impulses that are a vital part of muscle function—including that of the heart. These minerals help your brain to function and the cells to use osmosis to balance your water pressure and absorb nutrients. To ensure you are getting the ionic minerals and electrolytes your body needs, only choose ionic mineral supplements or supplements that contain ionic minerals. Due to the previously discussed depletion of many of these nutrients in the soils used for farming, we can no longer rely on a healthy diet to ensure consumption of each of these trace minerals. This is where adding a quality supplement comes into play.

Suggested Trace Minerals Products

For over 40 years, the Trace Minerals Research brand has been dedicated to combating the growing problem of mineral deficiency and imbalance in modern society. They harvest their minerals from the Great Salt Lake with 99% sodium removed and are committed to being the immutable source for the minerals necessary to maintain proper health.

Want to Learn More? Check out this Video by Trace Minerals Research on Ionic Trace Minerals

References

1. Nielsen, Forrest H. Trace Elements. Encyclopedia of Food and Culture. 2003. Retrieved July 07, 2015 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3403400578.html
2. Nielsen, Forrest H., Growing Evidence for Human Health Benefits of Boron – ResearchGate. Retrieved July 7, 2015. http://www.researchgate.net/publication/254082639_Growing_Evidence_for_Human_Health_Benefits_of_Boron
3. http://www.livestrong.com/article/88976-benefits-trace-minerals/