If you’ve been hanging around here long enough you probably know by now how much I love magnesium, sodium, and minerals in general. I noticed a huge difference in my health and energy levels after I prioritized minerals. And I have heard from many of you how minerals have changed your life.
This post is a compilation of all the articles and podcast episodes I’ve done over the past 15 years on the benefits of minerals. They cover what they are, why we need them, the side effects of not getting enough, and how to increase mineral levels. This is your one stop resource guide and reference when it comes to all things Wellness Mama.
First, magnesium and sodium!
Benefits of Magnesium and Sodium
Magnesium is one of my favorite things to talk about, but salt is a close second. Many of us are deficient in magnesium due to common farming practices and modern lifestyles. Things like stress, especially chronic low-grade stress, deplete minerals like magnesium. Sugar is another major cause of magnesium depletion.
Sodium is another mineral that is really important for hydration, energy, brain health, and much more. Unfortunately it has been demonized for the past few decades. Real salt has been replaced by refined salt in highly processed foods.
Even people with certain health problems, such as high blood pressure, can still benefit from high salt intake. Be sure to check with a health practitioner before adding too much salt, but there is some really good information here and by the podcast guests below about the benefits of salt.
Fulvic and Humic Acids
Although these are not technically electrolytes I still include them in this article because they provide trace minerals. Many years ago these substances were naturally rich in our soil after plants decomposed and bacteria transformed them. Naturally they have trace minerals, amino acids, organic acids, carbon complexes, and unique compounds that we do not find in today’s food.
They are the conductors and transporters that help our system work better. I like to think of fulvic and humic acids as a translator between the food we eat and our cells. Like spark plugs to absorb elements. The following articles talk about their benefits, how I use them, and how to get them.
DIY Magnesium and Salt Recipes
We circle back to magnesium and sodium in this section. Although there is a lot of information about the health benefits of these electrolytes in these articles, it is mostly focused on performance. You’ll find recipes for bath salts, detox baths, topical magnesium, scrubs, and more.
Using sodium and magnesium on top is a great way to get some of their benefits! It’s also a relaxing way to pamper yourself a little. Sometimes I make these for myself and my girls. And I will usually make more to give to family and friends as gifts.
Rich Minerals Can Be Eaten
Technically any of the nutritious recipes on my site made from whole foods have some minerals in them. Since today’s food (even organic) is much lower in nutrients and minerals than it was a century ago, I like to take a more targeted approach.
Yes, I add as needed, but I also like to make recipes that are rich in minerals. They are delicious and the kids love them too!
Mineral Mastery Article Series
I love talking about minerals so much that I made a whole series on them. This series focuses specifically on how minerals support cellular health and energy. Magnesium, potassium, and sodium work together to supply every cell in the body. That’s why if we don’t have enough the negative consequences can be very wide.
Mineral Mastery Podcast Series
In addition to the above articles (above the Cliff Notes version), I have recorded an entire mineral podcast series. These go deeper and dig deeper into the science and practical applications of minerals.
It includes three major ones: sodium, magnesium, and potassium. Then I go into the benefits of fulvic and humic acid on cell health. And finally the series ends with an overview of how they all work together and why we need perfect standards for all of them.
Podcasts About Minerals
One of my favorite podcast recordings over the years was on the topic of minerals. I have had the privilege of interviewing top experts in these fields and learned a lot from them. These podcasts go into the benefits of various minerals, how they work in the body, and how to improve your levels.
I love listening to podcasts while I’m in the sauna or cleaning and they’re great during long car rides!
- 616: The One About Magnesium – Short Series
- 786: Minerals That Tell Tales – Understanding Minerals Begins in Cells with Caroline Alan
- 787: Plant-Based Minerals: What They Are & How They Work With Mineral Geek Caroline Alan
- 659: Silica, Salt, and Minerals for Collagen and Whole Health by Eidon Minerals
- 744: Discover Plant-Based Minerals with Caroline Alan
- 989: Stable Mineral Ions to Activate Healing Enzymes to Repair and Protect the Body Dr. Carolyn Dean
- 662: Why Most of Us Are Mineral Deficient, How to Know, and What to Do About It by Barton Scott
- 988: The Miracle of Magnesium: Why It’s an Overlooked Mineral in Women’s Health and Dr. Carolyn Dean
- 638: Dr. Chris Masterjohn on Understanding Essential Nutrients: Biotin, Sodium, Potassium, and Omega-3s
- 639: Morley Robbins A Deep Look at My Labs and My Life (What I’m Lacking)
- 983: The Surprising Truth About Salt, Inflammation and Longevity: What Many Doctors Get Wrong About Mara Labs
- 596: Morley Robbins on Magnesium, Stress, Mineral Balance and the Root Cause Protocol
- 034: All About Topical Magnesium | Wellness Mama Podcast
Are you prioritizing getting enough minerals in your life? How do you incorporate them into your routines? I’d love to hear about it below!
