1. Toxin Overload
Your body uses up a lot of minerals (like magnesium and zinc) just to detoxify environmental toxins, pesticides, plastics, and heavy metals. If you’re overloaded, you may be depleting your stores faster than you can replenish them.
2. MTHFR or Methylation Issues
If you have the MTHFR gene variant, your ability to process and absorb certain nutrients—including B vitamins and minerals—can be compromised. This can lead to deeper imbalances over time.
3. SIBO/SIFO or Gut Imbalances
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) or Fungal Overgrowth (SIFO) interferes with the absorption of nutrients—especially minerals like iron, magnesium, and calcium. These bugs may also damage the gut lining where absorption happens.
4. Damaged Microvilli (aka Malabsorption)
The microvilli are worm hair-like structures in your small intestine that absorb nutrients from food. If these are inflamed or damaged (due to gluten, SIBO, medications, stress), your mineral absorption can be significantly reduced—even if your diet is clean.
5. Mineral-Depleted Diet
Modern farming practices and over-processed foods mean even whole foods today have fewer minerals than they used to. Plus, restrictive diets or avoiding salt and fats can make things worse.
Signs You May Be Low in Minerals:
- Constant hunger or cravings (especially for salt, chocolate, sugar, or crunchy snacks)
- Brain fog or fatigue
- Mood swings or anxiety
- Headaches or muscle cramps
- Trouble sleeping
- Low blood pressure or dizziness
What You Can Do:
- Remineralize: Add high-quality mineral supplements or powders (like Redmond’s Re-Lyte, Concentrace, Hydrazorb, or Quinton), mineral-rich foods (seaweed, organic bone broth, dark leafy greens), or mineral drops to your water.
- Test, don’t guess: Get assessed for mineral status, gut health, MTHFR, and detox markers.
- Support the gut: Heal the gut lining and address overgrowths like SIBO or candida to support better absorption.
- Filter your water: Many tap and RO waters are mineral-depleted. Re-mineralize filtered water before drinking.
- Eat real, whole foods: Especially ones rich in trace minerals—like Himalayan salt, kelp, pumpkin seeds, and avocados.
From My Health Coach Heart to Yours:
Sometimes hunger and cravings aren’t about needing more food—they’re your body asking for better nourishment. If your tank is low, no amount of snacking will fix the deeper issue. When we restore mineral balance, everything from mood to metabolism gets better.
