Abundant living with John Arts Abundant Health

If you take a multi type supplement you should carefully read the mineral contents on the label. Minerals are essential for the health and development of every cell in our body.

Insufficient trace minerals can weaken immune response and leave people feeling tired and run down.

This is my go to for those who are tired with no medical reasons.

The major minerals are calcium, magnesium and potassium. Of these, it is usually magnesium that is insufficient in many diets.

Low magnesium can cause many health problems including cramp, restless legs and heart rhythm problems. This should be included in meaningful amounts.

Our focus here though is on the trace minerals especially zinc, copper, boron, selenium and manganese. These minerals are absolutely critical. If they are missing or deficient in our diet then our health will suffer.

We use these to make a group of antioxidant enzymes. The two most important are superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx).

We make SOD from zinc, copper, iron and manganese. We make GPx from selenium. While these may sound like obscure chemicals they are the front line of our cell defences against free radical damage and are important for immune defences among others.

Farmers know that NZ soils are deficient in selenium and other trace minerals and are aware of the benefits of adding these for animal health and productivity.

It is a pity that the human health system essentially ignores trace elements leading to many health problems. While people often respond quickly to antioxidants and vitamins, the benefits of these minerals can be significant over time.

This is why any good multi-nutritional will have these minerals at the right levels and in a form our body can absorb. Over the years I have seen profound health improvements by adding a multi that is a true multi-mineral.

John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For questions or advice contact John on 0800 423559 or email john@abundant.co.nz.  Join his all new newsletter at www.abundant.co.nz.