Thanks to contemporary agricultural methods, the mineral content in our food has dropped to less than half of what it once was. Our drinking water, too, lacks the minerals it previously contained. While obtaining sufficient minerals now requires more effort, it doesn’t have to be challenging. This delightful mineral drink tonic offers a tasty solution to ensure you receive your daily minerals.
Mineral Drink
Recently, I’ve been concentrating on ensuring adequate mineral intake for myself and my children. Minerals are essential for the proper functioning of our bodies and organs. Despite consuming organic superfoods, we might still be missing out on vital vitamins and minerals.
In the past, our food and water were abundant in nutrients and minerals. However, with the rise of monocultures, pesticides, and herbicides, the mineral content in our food has drastically declined. Some experts suggest that our food supply alone no longer provides the necessary nutrition, making mineral supplements a valuable option.
Are You Mineral Deficient?
If you’re reading this, you might be experiencing a mineral deficiency. According to biochemist Barton Scott, 96% of people lack adequate iodine, and 99% have insufficient potassium. Magnesium deficiency is also widespread. This implies that even if we’re buying organic produce, we may not be getting enough nutrients.
To mitigate this, I grow much of our family’s produce in nutrient-rich compost soil in our garden. This helps, but I’ve also noticed a significant improvement after supplementing with minerals. Certain minerals, like iodine, are naturally hard to come by unless you reside in specific regions.
Even if blood tests show normal mineral levels, a deficiency might still exist. Mineral deficits can take years to appear in blood tests as our body draws minerals from organs and bone marrow to maintain balance.
Health Benefits of Minerals
So, what exactly are minerals, and why are they crucial? Minerals activate enzymes and perform numerous required functions within the body. They help prevent cardiovascular diseases and act as switches to enable the body’s vitamin usage. For instance, vitamin D cannot be utilized without the presence of boron.
Here are some macro minerals we need daily and their functions. These are needed in larger amounts compared to trace minerals. Listing all their functions would be exhaustive (magnesium alone has thousands!), but this overview covers the essentials.
- Calcium – Essential for healthy teeth and bones, helps regulate blood pressure, muscle contraction, nerve communication, and blood clotting.
- Magnesium – Necessary for strong bones and teeth, regulates blood pressure and sugar, supports muscles, brain, nerve, mood functions, and more.
- Potassium – Maintains a steady heartbeat, necessary for muscle contraction, fluid balance, and healthy blood pressure, aids in regulating sodium metabolism.
- Sodium – Regulates blood pressure and sugar, balances fluids, supports muscle contraction, and brain health.
Trace Minerals For Healthier Bodies
Even though we don’t need these minerals in large quantities, they are still critical for overall health. It’s all about balance—excessive amounts can be just as harmful as deficiencies.
Here’s a look at some trace minerals, their roles, and how to obtain them.
- Phosphorus – Found in bones, teeth, DNA, RNA, necessary for cell membranes and ATP energy production. Key in hydroxyapatite for tooth enamel. Highest in dairy, salmon, chicken, and beef.
- Manganese – Part of amino acid, cholesterol, glucose, carbohydrate metabolism, contributes to bones, fertility, immune function, and neutralizing free radicals. Present in breast milk and added to infant formula. Thrives in blue mussels, hazelnuts, pecans, and oysters.
- Chromium – Supports healthy blood sugar and insulin levels, may aid in metabolizing carbs, fats, and proteins. Little chromium is absorbed from food. Vitamin C enhances, while oxalates hinder absorption.
- Molybdenum – Assists in waste and toxin processing and elimination. Found in black-eyed peas, lima beans, and organ meats.
- Silica – Second most abundant element on Earth, crucial for building collagen in bones, ligaments, tendons, cartilage. I add a teaspoon to my mineral drink.
Why Food Isn’t Enough
Earlier, I noted that due to soil depletion, obtaining sufficient minerals through diet alone is challenging, if not impossible. The mineral levels in foods like magnesium and chromium vary with soil conditions. Foods derived from mineral-rich soils and animals grazing there provide adequate levels of nutrients.
Silica naturally occurs in whole-grain husks, but modern farming techniques strip the husks (even in whole grains) from our diets.
Over the past few decades, soil mineral content has significantly decreased. According to NIH, national surveys no longer gather data on trace minerals like molybdenum, leaving us uncertain about the issue’s extent. Health organizations still rely on outdated data indicating adequate human nutrient levels.
How Much Do We Need?
Daily mineral intake is essential because our body doesn’t store them. Our organs comprise cells, and each cell relies on minerals to function. While everyone needs minerals, some might require more.
Intensive activities like heavy workouts, sweating, and saunas deplete minerals faster. Stress, caffeine, late nights, and alcohol also contribute. Although most of us aren’t Olympic athletes, we all encounter stress.
Mineral Supplements
I don’t adhere to a static routine, frequently changing my supplements. However, magnesium remains a daily staple. I crafted a mineral drink as a convenient and flavorful method to boost mineral intake. It’s ideal for those disinclined to swallowing numerous pills.
Children can also benefit from a mineral drink tonic. Since all my kids participate in sports, I ensure their adequate intake. Our home has become a hub for neighborhood kids, and they enjoy mineral water here, too!
When thinking of electrolyte balance and hydration, sports drinks might come to mind. Although they contain significant minerals, they also have dyes and sugars and typically lack essential trace minerals.
Hydration Isn’t Enough
Once, I learned firsthand that drinking ample water without electrolytes can be hazardous. During an eventful trip and a subsequent ER visit for IV fluids, I discovered that distilled, tap, and many bottled waters lack necessary electrolytes. Even many natural spring waters no longer have the electrolytes they used to.
Excessive water intake without essential minerals like sodium and potassium dilutes our body’s electrolytes. Symptoms include headaches and dizziness and can be fatal in extreme cases. It’s a prevalent chemical issue in medical settings.
Sometimes, I prepare a homemade electrolyte drink, but I’ve found an alternative method to boost trace mineral intake. This mineral drink tonic offers easy customization and provides a comprehensive range of healthful minerals.
Mineral Drink Ingredients
I start with a base like Olipop, juice, sparkling mineral water, or LMNT electrolytes—use your preferred liquid or whatever is available. Adding citrus juice to water also works well and provides numerous health benefits.
- Lime juice – Contains potassium, calcium, antioxidants.
- Lemon juice – Rich in vitamin C, with small amounts of calcium, potassium, and B vitamins.
- Grapefruit juice – Contains vitamin C, vitamin A, and trace minerals like magnesium.
- LMNT – Offers balanced sodium, magnesium, potassium.
- Olipop – High in fiber, no added sugar, and filled with prebiotics for gut health.
Mineral Options
I incorporate liquid mineral supplements into my mineral tonic. It’s not necessary to add all at once, as they are bioavailable and easier to absorb.
This flavorful tonic is easily adaptable with your choice of base liquid and minerals. Suitable for kids and those averse to taking pills!
Note: Using all three different mineral supplements at once isn’t required. You can mix and match as desired.
What are your favorite ways to ensure your daily mineral intake? Share your thoughts below!
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