Mineral salts: function and how to obtain them naturally

It is inevitable to lose mineral salts when we exercise or simply sweat because it is hot. That’s why it’s so important to stay hydrated, and sometimes it’s necessary to boost your body with supplements that include mineral salts.

In this article we explain why mineral salts are important, their function and how to obtain them – read on!

What are mineral salts and why are they important?

Indispensable for our body, mineral salts are inorganic biomolecules present in very small quantities in the body.

Their presence is vital for the optimal functioning of the body and they can be found in the body in three different ways:

• Precipitated, as they are part of structures such as bones or teeth.
• Dissolved in ions to maintain optimal salinity, control pH changes and participate in muscle contraction.
• Associated with other molecules.

Some of the most important salts for the human body are: sodium, iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Inevitably, when we sweat, we eliminate mineral salts, so hydration is essential.

This is why sometimes, depending on our activity or pace of life, we need to supplement our diet with mineral salts to ensure the correct functioning of the organism.

Mineral salts: functions of the most important ones

Mineral salts play many vital roles in the body. Generally speaking, they focus on the growth and overall health of the body through their involvement in certain chemical processes and as part of vital structures in the body.

In particular, mineral salts are involved in the formation of human tissue, in the creation of hormones and as regulators of certain organ functions. Thanks to mineral salts, the body can retain water and regulate pH. They are also involved in very important processes, such as cardiac function and osmosis. The latter is the ability of water to reach the interior of cells through their semi-permeable membranes.

However, each of the mineral salts has specific functions. These are the best known of them:

• Sodium. It helps us to keep our body fluids balanced, both inside and outside the cells. It is a great ally for your muscles, as it is involved in the transmission and generation of nerve impulses and in the response to muscular stimuli.
• Did you know that calcium is the most abundant mineral in your body? It forms part of the structures of bones and teeth, and keeps them healthy. This salt is also necessary for proper blood clotting. An adequate calcium intake can prevent osteoporosis.
• Iron. Necessary for the formation of haemoglobin and myoglobin, both proteins responsible for carrying oxygen to the muscles and storing it. In addition, iron inhibits the formation of free radicals, those molecules involved in the ageing process.
• Magnesium. If you are deficient in magnesium, you may feel fatigue and experience muscle cramps. This is because magnesium regulates the function of the nervous system and muscles, blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
• Potassium. It is involved in the regulation of water, both inside and outside the cells. If we lack potassium, we will have a continuous feeling of thirst, dry skin and even muscular imbalance.
• Phosphorus. It is mainly responsible for the formation of teeth and bones. It is also able to determine how the body makes use of carbohydrates and fats. If you lack phosphorus, you may experience fatigue, irritability and insomnia.
• Zinc. This mineral is very important for children, as it stimulates growth, strengthens the immune system and is involved in neuronal activity and memory. It is essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid and is involved in the process of enzyme and protein formation.

How to obtain the mineral salts necessary for good health?

In general, a balanced and healthy diet provides us with the necessary amount of mineral salts that our body needs. Take a look at the foods rich in each of these salts:

• Sodium: dairy products and derivatives, smoked fish…
• Calcium: dairy products and derivatives, nuts such as almonds, sardines in oil, pulses such as chickpeas, tofu, prunes, broccoli, beetroot, etc.
• Iron: meats, liver, egg yolks, nuts, legumes such as beans, sultanas, pumpkin seeds, pistachios…
• Magnesium: seeds and nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pistachios; whole grains, green leafy vegetables (such as spinach and chard), avocado, milk and milk products.
• Potassium: yoghurt, seafood, pistachios, prunes, bananas, papaya, lentils…
• Phosphorus: sunflower seeds, eggs, canned fish, peas, artichokes, tofu, milk and dairy products.
• Zinc: foods of animal origin, such as meat, seafood and fish; also, plant sources such as nuts, especially cashew nuts.

In addition, you can supplement your diet to ensure an optimal supply of mineral salts. For example:

• G7 Activ+, Silica with magnesium in capsules formulated to nourish and strengthen bone and joint tissue. In addition, as it contains vitamin C, it promotes collagen production.
• Orgono articomplex, silica, magnesium, zinc… this multivitamin complex is specially formulated to compensate for the loss of essential mineral salts. It can be your great ally after training, as it also prevents injuries.
• G Beauty, silica and selenium, as well as vitamin E. Specially designed to maintain the beauty of skin, hair and nails, it provides two powerful antioxidants that play an important role in cell protection.

As you can see, it is important to have a good understanding of mineral salts, their function and how to obtain them to ensure your body maintains optimal levels. Supplement your diet with mineral salts and experience the wellness that allows you to take care of everything else.