If you’ve been here very long, you probably know by now how much I love magnesium, sodium, and minerals. After prioritizing minerals, I noticed a huge difference in my health and energy levels. And I’ve heard from many people what a difference minerals have made to their health.
This round-up post is a compilation of all the articles and podcast episodes I’ve done on mineral benefits over the past 15 years. They cover what minerals are, why you need them, the side effects of insufficient intake of minerals, and how to optimize your mineral levels. This is Wellness Mama’s one-stop resource guide and reference for all things minerals.
First, magnesium and sodium!
Benefits of Magnesium and Sodium
Magnesium is one of my favorite things to talk about, but salt is probably a close second. Most of us are magnesium deficient due to traditional agricultural practices and modern life. Stress, especially chronic low-level stress, depletes minerals such as magnesium. Sugar is another big cause of magnesium depletion.
Sodium is another important mineral for hydration, energy, brain health, and more. Unfortunately, it has been demonized over the past few decades. Real salt has been replaced by refined salt in highly processed foods.
Even people with certain health problems, such as high blood pressure, may benefit from consuming more salt. Be sure to check with your natural health care professional before adding more salt. But the podcast guests here and below provide some really good information about the benefits of salt.
Fulvic acid and humic acid
Although they are not technically electrolytes, we have grouped them together in this article because they provide trace minerals. These substances naturally became abundant in the soil after plants decomposed and were modified by microorganisms many years ago. They naturally contain trace minerals, amino acids, organic acids, carbon complexes and unique compounds not found in modern foods.
They are the conductors and carriers who help our systems work better. I like to think of fulvic and humic acids as translators between the food we eat and our cells. It’s like a spark plug for nutrient absorption. The following article explains the benefits, how to use it, and how to get it.
DIY Magnesium and Salt Recipe
In this section we return to magnesium and sodium. This article has a lot of information about the health benefits of these electrolytes, but focuses more on the practical. You’ll find recipes for bath salts, detox baths, topical magnesium, scrubs, and more.
Using sodium and magnesium topically is a great way to reap even more benefits! Plus it’s a relaxing way to pamper yourself a little. Sometimes I will make this for myself and my daughters. And I will often earn extra money to give as gifts to my family and friends.
Mineral Rich Recipes
Strictly speaking, the nutrient-dense recipes on my site that are made from whole foods do contain some minerals. Since modern foods (even organic) have much lower nutrient and mineral content than they did 100 years ago, I prefer a targeted approach.
Yes, I supplement as needed, but I also like to make recipes that are rich in minerals. It’s delicious and kids love it too!
Mineral Mastery Article Series
I love talking about minerals so much that I created a series dedicated to them. In particular, this series focuses on how minerals support cellular health and energy. Magnesium, potassium, and sodium work together to fuel every cell in your body. This is why when we don’t get enough, the side effects can be so widespread.
Mineral Mastery Podcast Series
In addition to the article above (which is more of a Cliff Notes version), I’ve recorded an entire Minerals podcast series. These go deeper and dive deeper into the science and practical uses of minerals.
I’m dealing with three main elements: sodium, magnesium, and potassium. We’ll then look at the benefits of fulvic and humic acids for cellular health. Finally, the series concludes with an overview of how they all work together and why you need optimal levels of them all.
Podcast about minerals
Some of my favorite podcast recordings over the past few years have been on the topic of minerals. I’ve had the honor of interviewing some of the top experts in the field and learned a lot from them. In this podcast, we learn more about the benefits of different minerals, how they work in the body, and how to optimize your levels.
I love listening to podcasts while I’m in the sauna, cleaning, or on long car trips!
- 616: About Magnesium – Short Series
- 786: Myth Busting Minerals – Understanding minerals starts in your cells with Caroline Alan
- 787: Plant-Based Minerals: What They Are and How They Work with Mineral Geek Caroline Alan
- 659: Silica, salts and minerals for collagen and overall health with Eidon Minerals.
- 744: Discovering Plant-Based Minerals with Caroline Allen
- 989: Stabilized mineral ions that trigger healing enzymes to repair and protect the body with Dr. Carolyn Dean.
- 662: Why Most of Us Are Mineral Deficient, How to Know and What to Do with Barton Scott
- 988: The Miracle of Magnesium: Why Magnesium Is the Most Overlooked Mineral in Women’s Health with Dr. Carolyn Dean
- 638: Dr. Chris Masterjohn on Understanding Key Nutrients: Biotin, Sodium, Potassium, and Omega-3
- 639: Morley Robbins takes an in-depth look at my lab and my life (what I lack)
- 983: The Surprising Truth About Salt, Inflammation, and Longevity: What Most Doctors Misunderstand About Mara Labs
- 596: Morley Robbins on Magnesium, Stress, Mineral Balance, and the Root Cause Protocol
- 034: All About Topical Magnesium | Wellness Mama Podcast
Is getting enough minerals a priority in your life? How do you incorporate them into your daily routine? I’d love to hear about it below!
