Where have the minerals gone!!!

The body needs minerals to be replaced as they are used and depleted; they are a component of the human body’s composition. The two minerals found in our bodies are macro minerals (our bodies needs larger amounts of these) and trace minerals, which we need less of. Trace minerals include iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride, and selenium. The macro group includes calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, and sulfur. Lack of these minerals and imbalances can lead to some major health issues. Some of the most common health issues specially related to minerals deficiencies are listed as follows:

Cancer: Minerals help with the ph balance of blood, which is necessary to prevent cancer. They are naturally alkaline which keeps the blood from becoming acidic; an environment that cancer thrives in.

Osteoporosis: Minerals help with bone mass; therefore helping to prevent weak bones and weak posture

Depression/Mood Swings: Minerals can help stabilize blood sugar levels, which can help combat depression and mood swings. They tend to occur once the blood sugar levels drop.

Diabetes: Similar to helping with depression, the minerals can also help with diabetes. This disease is related to high blood glucose levels, minerals help with regulation of these levels.

100 years ago, we had more mineral content in our foods than we do now. This is due in part to modern farming methods and the product NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) being introduced to fertilization. It is estimated that around the time of the Second World War, NPK was used by most of the farmers because it was economically practical. The problem with that is that there are over 90 mineral elements in the periodic table, and NPK only contains a few. This means that for years, our crops and been produced with a large deficiency in minerals. Even one that is eating a healthy diet is going to be lacking in all of the essential vitamins and minerals that our bodies need.

So what do we do???? In my opinion, it starts with our soil depletion but from what I understand, most farmers deem it to rather expensive to go back to the days before NPK. This comes from our organic farms and farmers, but their needs to be more of them. I wish there were a way that being organic was mandatory!!!! Change will only come when we demand it, so it’s up to us to force change. I can only hope that it’s done in time for my son’s generation.