If you’ve been here for a long time you probably already know how much I love magnesium, sodium, and minerals in general. I noticed a huge difference in my health and energy levels after prioritizing minerals. And many of you have told me how minerals have changed your health too.
This summary post is a collection of all the articles and podcast episodes I have 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 optimize mineral levels. This is your one-stop resource and reference guide when it comes to all things minerals at Wellness Mama.
First, magnesium and sodium!
Benefits of magnesium and sodium
Magnesium is one of my favorite topics to talk about, but salt is probably a close second. Most of us are deficient in magnesium due to conventional farming practices and modern living. Things like stress, especially chronic low-grade stress, deplete minerals like magnesium. Sugar is another big culprit for magnesium depletion.
Sodium is another really important mineral for hydration, energy, brain health, and so much more. Unfortunately, it has been demonized in recent decades. Real salt has largely been replaced by refined salt in highly processed foods.
Even people with certain health problems, such as high blood pressure, can benefit from consuming more salt. Be sure to consult with a natural health professional before adding more salt, but there is some really good information here and from the podcast guests below about the benefits of salt.
Fulvic and humic acids
While they are not technically electrolytes, I have still grouped them together in this article because they provide trace minerals. Many years ago, these substances were naturally rich in our soil after plants decomposed and microbes transformed them. Naturally, they contain trace elements, amino acids, organic acids, carbon complexes and unique compounds that we do not find in modern foods.
They are the drivers and transporters that help our system work better. I like to think of fulvic and humic acids as translators between the foods we eat and our cells. Like spark plugs for nutrient absorption. The following articles talk about their benefits, how I use them, and how to get them.
Homemade magnesium and salt recipes
In this section we return to magnesium and sodium. While there is a lot of information about the health benefits of these electrolytes in these articles, it focuses more on the practical. You’ll find recipes for bath salts, detoxifying baths, topical magnesium, scrubs, and more.
Using sodium and magnesium topically is a great way to get more of their benefits! It’s also a relaxing way to pamper yourself a little. Sometimes I make them for myself and my daughters. And I often make more to give as gifts to family and friends.
Recipes rich in minerals to eat
Technically, any of the nutrient-dense recipes on my site made with whole foods contain some minerals. Since modern foods (even organic ones) have far fewer nutrients and minerals than they did a hundred years ago, I like to take a targeted approach.
Yes, I take supplements as needed, but I also like to prepare mineral-rich recipes. They are delicious and kids love them too!
Mineral Mastery Article Series
I love talking about minerals so much that I made an entire series dedicated to them. This particular series focuses on how minerals support cellular health and energy. Magnesium, potassium and sodium work together to nourish all the cells in the body. That’s why when we don’t have enough, the side effects can be so varied.
Mineral Mastery Podcast Series
In addition to the articles above (which are more of the Cliff Notes version), I recorded an entire podcast series on minerals. These go deeper and deeper into the science and practical uses of minerals.
I cover the big three: sodium, magnesium, and potassium. Then I go into the benefits of fulvic and humic acids for cellular health. And finally, the series concludes with an overview of how they all work together and why we need optimal levels of all of them.
Podcasts about minerals
Some of my favorite podcast recordings over the years have covered the topic of minerals. I have had the privilege of interviewing some of the best experts in these fields and have learned a lot from them. These podcasts delve into the benefits of different minerals, how they work in the body, and how to optimize their levels.
I love listening to podcasts while I’m in the sauna or cleaning and they’re also great during long car rides!
- 616: The one with magnesium – Short series
- 786: Myth-Busting Minerals: Understanding Minerals Starts in the Cell with Caroline Alan
- 787: Plant-Based Minerals: What They Are and How They Work with Mineral Expert Caroline Alan
- 659: Silica, Salt and Minerals for Collagen and Overall Health with Eidon Minerals
- 744: Discover Plant-Based Minerals with Caroline Alan
- 989: Stabilized Mineral Ions to Activate Healing Enzymes to Repair and Protect the Body with Dr. Carolyn Dean
- 662: Why Most of Us Are Deficient in Minerals, How to Tell and What to Do About It with Barton Scott
- 988: The Magnesium Miracle: Why It’s the Most Overlooked Mineral in Women’s Health with Dr. Carolyn Dean
- 638: Dr. Chris Masterjohn on Understanding Key Nutrients: Biotin, Sodium, Potassium, and Omega-3s
- 639: Morley Robbins on an in-depth look at my labs and my life (where I’m lacking)
- 983: The Surprising Truth About Salt, Inflammation, and Longevity: What Most 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 Mom Podcast
Do you prioritize getting enough minerals in your life? How have you incorporated them into your routines? I’d love to hear about it next!
