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by Gloria Gilbère, N.D., D.A.Hom., Ph.D. |
In this age of readily available global information
it is still confusing, for both patient and
doctor, when they read articles about vitamin,
mineral and electrolyte replacements. Many
argue that if you eat right, you shouldn’t need
supplements. This attitude exists because of
the confusion between diet and nutrition—
Our diet is the total sum of what we consume;
nutrition is the benefit of what we consume.
Equally important is not only what we eat
but also how our body utilizes and excretes it.
Only recently have minerals received the
importance they deserve. The following are
example of body system disorders (short circuits)
that are either caused by, or affected by,
mineral deficiencies and imbalances: cardiovascular,
gastrointestinal, muscular, skeletal,
neurological, immune and endocrine.
Out of Sync: The Consequences
Minerals do not work alone; they work in synchronicity
(in balance) with one another, as
well as with the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates,
fats and vitamins. When one mineral
is excessive, it steals from others, therefore
causing a chain reaction of deficiencies.
FYI: It’s important to note that the brain
stores trace minerals in various sectors. An
abnormal concentration or imbalance among
these minerals can affect psychological functions,
including emotions, memory, perception,
learning and behavior.
I personally experienced the effects of minerals
that were “out of sync.” After my lifethreatening
accident, the prescription drugs
that saved my life almost took it, and left me
with multiple chemical sensitivities, leaky gut
syndrome, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue.
As in most of these “invisible” disorders,
a condition of malabsorption existed.
Malabsorption meant my body was taking in
the needed supplement but was unable to
make use of it—supplementation was either
excreted and provided no benefit or it was
stored and could manifest as another set of
symptoms and disorders.
Whenever I consumed a mineral or calcium
replacement my right eye would “flutter”
or “twitch” to the point where it caused me
great concern—not to mention the annoyance.
I had developed malabsorption from a
damaged intestinal tract caused by leaky gut
syndrome, clinically known as intestinal permeability.
My body was not able to utilize the
supplements and was storing them in unsafe amounts—also contributing to excruciating
leg cramps and widespread muscle pain.
The Body’s Fiber Optic
Communication System
The body requires electrical transmitters,
“spark plugs,” in order to send “messages” as
electrical signals within the body. These brain
signals are transmitted mainly through body
fluids. Many cases of brain fog (inability to
concentrate or connect thoughts), ADD/ADHD,
muscle cramps/spasms and tingling/numbness
can be the symptom of a “low battery”—
lacking the electrical impulse stimulus necessary
to perform nerve and muscle functions.
Minerals are stored primarily in the body’s
bone and muscle tissue. The absorbed mineral
must then be carried through the blood to the
cells and then absorbed, in order for the cell
membrane to be utilized. A proper balance of
minerals and electrolytes make up the electrically
charged ions that help regulate the body’s
water and acid-alkaline balance, osmotic pressure,
nerve impulse conduction and muscle
contraction.
Digestion and absorption is especially a
challenge for those with symptoms of any disorder
that compromises the digestive system
including, but not limited to, fibromyalgia,
Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel, leaky gut,
environmental illness, gulf war syndrome and
conditions which cause chronic diarrhea.
Four Essential Minerals:
Their Job Description
Calcium: The Most Abundant Mineral in the Body
The average adult contains 2.5 pounds of calcium.
Calcium is not only vital for healthy bones and teeth, it is also thought to be
responsible for the high incidence of hypertension
(high blood pressure) in the U.S.
Functions: Evidence shows calcium can
help prevent colon cancer, regulate heart function,
activate enzymes involved in protein
digestion and energy production. Calcium
transmits nerve impulses and is involved in
blood clotting, regulates the relaxation and
contraction of muscles, especially the heart,
and assists in vitamin absorption.
FYI: It’s important to note that if your diet
consists of soft drinks, food additives and
meats, your phosphorus intake may be too
high to maintain a good calcium balance.
Phosphorus: Second Most Abundant Mineral
in the Body
The average sized adult carries around 1.25 to
1.5 pounds of phosphorus, or approximately
one percent of total body weight. As with calcium,
most is found in bones and teeth.
Phosphorus is also found in body cells and
blood, and plays a role in every chemical reaction
in the body—mostly in the utilization of
fats, proteins and carbohydrates.
Functions: Phosphorus combines with fats
in the blood to make phospholipids, which
become part of the cell that regulates the tissue
minerals in and out of the cell walls and transports
fats in the circulatory system.
Phosphorus plays an important role in energy
metabolism, storage and regulation, muscle
contraction, transfer of nerve impulses, hormone
and protein synthesis, enhancing effectiveness
of B vitamins and maintaining proper
acid-base balance (pH).
Symptoms of Phosphorus to Calcium
Imbalance: Calcium and phosphorus levels
influence each other. Researchers have suggested
that intake should be equal in ratio of
one to one—even though bone ratio is two to
one. When phosphorus consumption exceeds
calcium, along with long-term low calcium
and high protein intake, it is believed to be a
major factor in osteoporosis.
Carbonated beverages, high in phosphorus,
potentially expose consumers to a higher risk
for fractures from bone density depletion.
Potassium and Sodium: Essential for Smooth
Functioning Mind and Body
The functions of potassium are many, one of the most important is to neutralize acid wastes.
Sodium controls the acid-alkaline balance in
the muscles to avoid spasms and cramps.
Because of modern-day food refining and
processing, the potassium that was once
present in natural foods is removed as whole
grains are refined into white flour and fruit
is turned into juice or sauce. In order to
extend shelf life, foods are loaded with
sodium compounds. This causes a reverse
ratio, a serious compromise to our health, as
the body must consume 10 times more
potassium as sodium. Very few mineral
replacements contain anywhere near the
correct ratio.
Symptoms of Potassium to Sodium
Imbalance: Heart irregularity, chronic fatigue,
muscle pain, immune deficiencies, bloating,
calcium excretion, cancer and hypertension.
During my own illness, I experimented
with dozens of mineral supplements,
all without any significant relief. As a
doctor who consults with thousands of clients
worldwide, I know from both personal and
professional experience, only too well, the
wide range of symptoms from mineral imbalances
including brain fog, muscle cramps,
multiple chemical sensitivities and involuntary
movements.
Finally, I was reintroduced to a mineral/
electrolyte replacement made from organic
goat milk whey and much to my delight, I was
symptom-free—as were my clients with many
of the same complaints. This tasty brown
powder is essentially predigested; my body
didn’t have to do the work to break down pills
and capsules—it was readily absorbed and
utilized.
Benefits of Mineral Whey
- Acid neutralizer—Takes care of chronic acid in the stomach.
- Replenishes depleted reserves—Most valuable in replenishing reserves that are nutritionally depleted through everyday stresses and poor food choices.
- Establishes homeostasis—Minerals are necessary for all systemic functions.
- Supports weak and painful joints—Provides the minerals necessary for healthy bones.
- Supports athletes—By replacing minerals lost due to sweating and exertion, thus preventing muscle spasms and weakness and promoting endurance.
- Supports intestinal tract—By assisting to create an alkaline environment that is not friendly to bacteria and viruses.
- Supplies more than 20 naturally occurring minerals. Is a complex whole food.
- 100 percent bioavailable—Since whey is predigested, it is not dependent on the body’s ability to break it down, therefore it is readily absorbed
- Minerals are naturally occurring (nothing added) and in proper ratios as a whole food matrix.
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The nutritional analysis of mineral whey
confirms it to be high in natural amino acids
and minerals. It also contains some vitamins,
probiotics and digestive enzymes—a perfect
blend to restore and maintain health naturally.
The soluble protein lactoglobulins in whey are
identical to serum globulin in human blood
and contain antibodies that strengthen the
immune system. The amino acids in whey are
rated higher in bioavailability than those in
eggs, soy, rice, wheat and beef, according to the
World Health Organization.
Overview of Mineral Function
Calcium—Builds bones, teeth, muscle contraction,
heart action, nerve impulses, blood
clotting
Magnesium—Bones, liver, muscles, transfer
of intercellular water, alkaline balance, neuromuscular
activity
Sodium—Electrolyte balance, body fluid
volume, nerve impulse condition
Potassium—Cell membrane potential, nerve
impulse conduction, heart rhythm, acid base
balance
Copper—Hemoglobin formation, production
of RNA (ribonucleic acid is a chemical similar
to a single strand of DNA), elastic tissue
formation, cholesterol utilization, oxidase
enzyme activator
Zinc—Protein synthesis, carbon dioxide
transport, sexual function, insulin storage, carbohydrate
metabolism, wound healing
Iron—Hemoglobin formation, electron transport,
oxygen transport, enzyme activator
Manganese—Carbohydrate and protein
metabolism, connective tissue, joint fluid production,
nerve tissue, vitamin B1 utilization
Chromium—Glucose utilization, insulin
activity, heart muscle, cholesterol utilization
Phosphorus—Builds bones, teeth, energy
production, acid-base balance, all metabolism,
cell membranes
Molybdenum—Enzyme activator, uric acid
formation, oxidative enzymes
Selenium—Peroxidase scavenger, glutathione
peroxidase, anti-carcinogenic, vitamin E synergist
Silicon—Bone formation, collagen formation,
cartilage formation, elastic tissue
Boron—Reduces calcium loss
Vanadium—Strengthens bones and teeth,
lowers blood lipids, inhibits cholesterol synthesis
Tin—Growth, protein synthesis
Nickel—Activates some liver enzymes
According to Dr. David Watts, an authority in
mineral analysis, “minerals are the spark plugs
of life because they are required to activate
hundreds of enzyme reactions within the body.
Minerals are more important than vitamins
since plants manufacture vitamins, but minerals
must be obtained from the soil,” or from
a source such as mineral whey which allows the
body to utilize the minerals through greater
absorption.
Minerals: Their Role in Detoxification
When an individual undergoes any type of
detoxification program, it is essential to replenish
mineral reserves. Cleansing/detoxification therapies
are life saving and health building, however,
in the process they not only eliminate toxins but
also minerals and electrolytes.
Minerals and Fiber Supplements
Everywhere we look, from magazines and
newspapers to radio and television, fiber and
fiber products are widely talked about and
highly advertised. We are literally being bombarded
with commercials and advertisements
telling us that eating more fiber is not only the
“right” thing to do but will solve practically all
of life’s problems. Yes, fiber is essential and
without it any detoxification therapy would
not be successful. However, it is important to
understand that fiber supplements should not
be taken at the same time as mineral/
electrolyte replacements—fiber can draw out
the minerals you have just replaced.
Therefore, if you take a fiber supplement in
the evening, take your mineral replacement
early in the day or during the day as a natural
“pick-me-up.”
To locate a retailer of Capra Mineral Whey, the product used and recommended by Dr. Gilbère, contact Mt. Capra Products toll-free at 1-866-682-2772 Ext. 1.
Dr. Gloria Gilbère is internationally respected as an authoritative influence in the discovery of the causes, effects and drug-free solutions for leaky gut syndrome, fibromyalgia,
chronic fatigue and chemically-induced immune system disorders. She is author of “I Was Poisoned by My Body”, “Invisible Illnesses,” and “Nature’s Prescription Milk.” She consults via telephone with clients around the world. To contact her for a consultation call (208) 267-5417 (9:00 to 4:00 Pacific Time) or visit www.drgloriagilbere.com
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