When we put together our comprehensive Minerals Guide, we wanted to clear up the confusion around these essential nutrients because your body can’t make them on its own—meaning every single cell relies on what you put on your plate.
Think of minerals in two buckets: major minerals like calcium, magnesium, and your key electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and chloride) that your body needs in larger amounts to run everything from your heartbeat and fluid balance to muscle relaxation; and trace minerals like zinc, iron, copper, and iodine that work behind the scenes in tiny doses to fire up your thyroid, oxygenate your blood, and shield your immune system. When you are running low on these building blocks, your body starts sending distress signals like chronic fatigue, brain fog, painful muscle cramps, or stubborn skin issues.
The best way to get your fill is to load your diet with mineral-dense whole foods like leafy greens, wild-caught seafood, pumpkin seeds, and unprocessed sea salt. If you do choose to supplement to fill in the gaps, please remember that minerals work in delicate pairs—like zinc and copper, which can cancel each other out if unbalanced—so always double-check your physical labels and check in with your healthcare provider to find what works safely for your unique body.
