What are the most common mineral deficiencies?
We all want to feel good by eating right, moving our bodies, and taking the right vitamins. Still, there are basic minerals to know about. We should all look out for them in case we do not have enough in our bodies. There are three important minerals that many people do not get enough of. These minerals are magnesium, iodine, and zinc.
Around the world, nearly a third of people do not have enough magnesium and iodine. And out of every five people, one does not get enough zinc. That is just wild. A big part of the world, maybe even more than we think, does not get the important nutrients they need to feel good and stay healthy. There are several reasons for this.
One way to find out if you have low levels is to use Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA). This test is different from a blood test. A blood test shows what is there now, but HTMA lets you see your levels over a long time. It also shows if you have metals in your body that you should know about. This helps you see if you should get help or take something extra.
Why Is Magnesium So Essential for the Human Body?
Magnesium is very important for the body. It helps with more than 300 processes in the body. This means it is good for almost every system, including the bones, muscles, and blood. About 60% of magnesium stays in the bones. There is around 20–25% in the muscles. The rest is in the body’s soft tissues and fluids, such as the blood.
Magnesium helps make energy in the body. It does this by helping to create ATP, which is the main energy molecule. If there is not enough magnesium, the cells cannot change food into energy the right way. The mineral also works in the nervous system. It helps control chemicals that send messages between the brain and the body. That is why magnesium is important for mood, feeling calm, and sleeping well.
Magnesium is important for your heart. It helps keep your heartbeat steady. It also supports strong bones and keeps your blood sugar level in check. If you do not get enough magnesium, you may have problems like high blood pressure, heart issues, type 2 diabetes, weak bones, and feel stress often.
Not getting enough magnesium can cause tiredness, mood changes, headaches, weak muscles, and uneven heartbeat.
Surveys say that up to half of adults in rich countries do not get enough magnesium each day. A big part of this is because people eat a lot of processed food. The soil that food grows in can also lose magnesium, so crops do not have as much of it. This is why taking a supplement is a good idea.
Why Is Iodine Crucial for Thyroid and Brain Health?
Iodine is a key mineral that the body needs in tiny amounts. Still, it is very important. The body uses it to make thyroid hormones. These are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). The hormones help control your metabolism. They also help the body make protein, create energy, and grow new cells. Almost every cell in our body needs these hormones to work right.
Getting enough iodine is very important during pregnancy and when a child is very young. The body needs it to help the brain and nerves grow the right way. Not having enough iodine at this time can cause lasting problems with how a child learns, grows, and develops.
For adults, not getting enough iodine can cause hypothyroidism. This means a person may feel tired. It can also make you gain weight. People can feel cold more often in this condition. Some individuals feel sad and have trouble thinking clearly. A serious lack of iodine in the body can lead to goiter. Goiter looks like a lump on the front of the neck because the thyroid gets bigger. The problem of not having enough iodine is still a big issue worldwide. About 2 billion people face this. Adding iodine to salt has helped reduce the problem, but many still get too little iodine.
What Role Does Zinc Play in Immunity and Growth?
Zinc is a mineral that the body needs in small amounts. But, it is still important because it helps with over 300 reactions in the body. It plays a big part in the immune system and helps the body fight off infections. It also helps wounds heal well. If you do not have enough zinc, you can get sick more often, your wounds may take longer to heal, and children may not grow as much as they should.
Zinc is very important for reproductive health. It helps men make testosterone and keep sperm healthy. In women, it helps eggs grow and supports ovulation. Zinc also helps a fetus grow during pregnancy. This mineral is good for how the brain works. It helps with learning and things like getting nerve signals. People even need zinc to taste and smell things. If you do not get enough zinc, you may lose your appetite or notice changes in how food tastes.
On a metabolic level, zinc helps the body make DNA and proteins. It also helps balance hormones like insulin and those from the thyroid. The body needs zinc to fix and heal tissues. Not getting enough zinc has been linked to trouble with blood sugar, skin problems, losing hair, and feeling sad or low. There are about 2 billion people in the world who do not get enough zinc. This is common in places where people eat a lot of grains and beans, because these foods stop the body from taking in enough zinc.
How Can You Protect Yourself From These Mineral Deficiencies?
But did you know that at Upgraded Formulas, we have all three minerals in supplement form? These nano mineral supplements are made to be easy for the body to take in. Your cells can get these minerals fast. They work well to help put the body back in balance.
Checking where you stand with a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) is the best way to find out if you have low magnesium, iodine, or zinc. It will also help you see if you have been around heavy metals that can block these minerals from getting into your body.
After you find out your base mineral levels, you can fix any lack of minerals. This will help you keep the right levels for your health over time.
Take a look at our Upgraded Magnesium, Upgraded Iodine, and Upgraded Zinc today if you do not want to be one of the many people who are low in these key elements!