Another great piece from Dr. Ruby’s blog:
Our environment is changing
Changes to our environment have stripped our soil and our bodies of the vital minerals we need for important biochemical processes. Our bodies need many essential minerals, but today I will focus on what I believe are the critical minerals that are lacking in our diets. The World Health Organization recognizes iron, zinc, iodine and selenium as several of the most important micronutrient deficiencies seen globally. In addition, magnesium deficiency has a major impact on multiple enzyme mediated reactions that regulate homeostasis and maintain optimal health.
Mineral deficiency
Magnesium deficiency is one of the key deficiencies associated with chronic symptoms. Because magnesium is so critical for our body’s chemistry, deficiency can be manifested in various ways. Magnesium loss can be exacerbated by diuretics, caffeine (coffee has a diuretic affect), diarrhea and excessive perspiration. The presence of adequate magnesuim is essential for calcium balance. Magnesium insufficiency is a common cause of fatigue and can cause muscle pain or cramping. Zinc is another essential micronutrient that wears various hats, one of which is related to immune function. Approximately 45% of adults are insufficient in zinc. Menstruating women are more likely to be iron deficient. Low iron can lead to anemia, whereas too much iron can lead to iron overload which is associated with a host of adverse affects, thus high dose iron supplementation should be used in documented iron deficiency states and be monitored by a health care provider. Selenium is an major antioxidant and has been shown to have anti-carcinogenic properties. Low selenium is directly related to the lack of nutrients in our soil, which is particularly low in my geographic region. Lastly, we are under the false impression that iodine deficiency is extinct in our culture. Low salt diets are making it challenging for the average American to get in the minimal RDA of iodine.
Mineral deficiency & thyroid function
Rather than bore you with mundane facts about mineral deficiency, I thought it might be more meaningful if I could share an example of how specific mineral deficiencies impact thyroid function. Current statistics show…for the rest of this story go to: http://drlauraruby.com/essential-nutrition/getting-the-dirt-on-mineral-deficiencies/
