Let’s talk about trace minerals versus heavy metals. We are exposed to minerals and heavy metals in our environment, food, and water sources all the time.
Our brains rely on trace minerals, or good metals. These trace minerals include zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, and iodine. Trace minerals are very important for preventing brain tissue atrophy (shrinkage), feeding the brain's immune cells, and to keep hormones balanced.
Heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, arsenic, nickel, aluminum, nickel, etc. are problematic. Sources that may expose us to unhealthy levels of heavy metal include: deodorants, pesticides, cosmetics, tap water, dental crowns, vegetable oils, wine, rice, bleached flour, and more.
It is natural to have exposure and low levels of some heavy metals, however irregular levels of harmful metals that bind to our body's tissue and disrupt metabolic processes, can attract pathogens and manifest as several symptoms that include:
Unexplained fatigue
Headaches
Depression and cause other negative thoughts or behaviors
Digestive issues
Poor blood sugar regulation & fat utilization
Impaired immune function
Making sure you are getting an adequate amount of trace minerals for hormone balancing, brain health and other physiological processes is important. It is also important to be aware of toxic heavy metal exposure to help us to have better control of our immune function, bodily systems, to help reduce risk of chronic illnesses down the line, and to improve overall health and longevity.
N.P. Lexi Johnson is the Nurse Practitioner at Physical Dimensions.