How to Avoid Mineral Deficiency 

Recent information about high levels of mineral depletion in agricultural soils worldwide has raised the question about the quality of the food we eat. Avoiding mineral deficiencies appears a difficult task, but fortunately there are ways around it.

First, it’s important to understand what minerals your body needs and in what amounts. Guidance is available from the National Academy of Sciences' Food and Nutrition Board, which determines Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) of various nutrients. This knowledge can help you to avoid mineral excesses, imbalances and deficiencies. Nutrition Fact Labels and other food label information also provide useful information about packaged products..

Next, you can get the minerals you need from a variety of sources:

• Take mineral supplements. When mineral intakes do not meet dietary recommendations, supplements can make an important contribution. Get advise about mineral supplements from a reputable source. You can ask any our Wellness team members about the different mineral options that we carry in our Down to Earth Wellness Centers. Some of the products available are Trace Mineral Research’s ConcenTrace Trace Mineral Drops and Trace Mineral Tablets, along with World Organic’s Liquid Collodial Mineral Energy.

• Select fortified foods. Many foods are now fortified with calcium, iron, and other minerals, as well as with vitamins and other essential nutrients.

• Grow your own. Soils can be analyzed and deficiencies corrected by adding missing elements to restore balance. Amend the soil and grow your own mineral-rich, healthy vegetables and fruits.

Although it may sometimes be overwhelming to remember the many nutrients that the body needs to function properly, like minerals, it is important to think of it as a growing process. The more aware we are of our needs and what healthy choices are available to us, the better armed we are, and the better prepared we can be to take care of ourselves as well as our friends and families.

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