By Louise Richardson, Certified Reflexologist
Do you have trouble focusing? Feel tired all the time? Have constipation or diarrhea? Have numbness in your extremities? All of these are common symptoms of mineral deficiencies. So, what do people do when they think they have a deficiency of a mineral? \Hopefully, it would be to change their diet, but it is so much easier to take a supplement. We pop Vitamin D for our immune system, magnesium to relax our muscles, calcium for our bones, Vitamin B12 for plantar fasciitis, etc. Sometimes it is difficult to get enough nutrients from our food alone, and there is nothing wrong with taking supplements.
What we often fail to do is look at the interaction between various minerals and vitamins. In our effort to improve our health by increasing specific nutrients we may inadvertently interfere with the absorption of other nutrients. Especially when we add large doses of a specific vitamin or mineral.
Vitamin D works better with balanced amounts of calcium and magnesium. Balance being key as an excess of calcium or magnesium can be counterproductive to each other.
High levels of Vitamin A can decrease absorption of Vitamin D by up to 30%. High levels of Vitamin E can also affect the absorption of Vitamin D.
High levels of calcium can decrease zinc absorption. Some people have increased their intake of zinc as a preventive measure against colds, flus, etc. But if you are taking high levels of calcium to improve your bone health, you may be reducing the effectiveness of both minerals.
It is ideal to eat a balanced diet that covers all the colors of the rainbow so you can get as many nutrients as you can directly from food. When you need to take supplements, do your own research. More is not always better. Even supplements are better in moderation.
Work with a doctor to have blood tests done to check your level of vitamins and minerals.
Then, work with a nutritionist to learn about interactions. Are some better taken in the am or pm? With or without food? Most people are not getting all the nutrients they need through food. Dealing with stress and illness requires higher levels of nutrients. Educate yourself to get the most out of the supplements you take and to be sure you are not spending money unnecessarily.
And remember, regular reflexology sessions can also help you get your body functions back into balance. Ask about my money-saving package deal to get the most for your money. Stay safe, and I wish you blessings galore!
Yours in Health,
Louise Richardson, Certified Reflexologist