Written by: Gloria Gilbère, N.D., D.A.Hom., Ph.D.
Okay, I can already hear you asking, “If the body has sparkplugs, what are they, and what do they do?”
Yes, the body requires electrical transmitters “sparkplugs” in order to send “messages” as electrical signals to every cell within the body. These brain signals are transmitted mainly though body fluids. Many cases of “brain-fog”, ADD/ADHD, muscle cramps/spasms and tingling/numbness can be the symptom of a “low battery” – lack of 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 by 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 balance, acid-alkaline balance, osmotic pressure, nerve impulse conduction, and muscle contraction.
As in most mineral/electrolyte replacements, the body’s digestive system must be operating at it’s full rpm’s in order to be able to absorb and utilize the supplement.
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 Syndrome, Environmental Illness, Gulf War Syndrome, and conditions which cause chronic diarrhea.
A product I use and recommend to maintain and repair health is a mineral whey powder called Capra Mineral Whey™. This tasty, naturally sweet powder is essentially pre-digested and, therefore, is absorbed for maximum effectiveness, regardless of the condition of the digestive system. It is 100% bio-available, meaning it is completely used by the body. These minerals/electrolytes are harvested from fresh goat’s milk whey, where 90 percent of the minerals in goat’s milk are found. It comes in capsules or powder, however, my preference is powder taken in warm water as a “jump start”.
The powder is derived from 23 ounces of fresh goat’s milk to render each one-ounce of rich mineral whey. The most plentiful nutrients are electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, chloride and phosphorus). These electrically charged ions, positive and negative, are actually capable of conducting electricity in a liquid – a great natural alternative energy source. Rich minerals found in this tasty powder are naturally occurring (nothing added) in ratios recognized and utilized by the body with ease.
The Top Four of 24 Minerals in Capra Mineral Whey™—Their Importance
Potassium and Sodium: Essential for a smooth running body and mind.
Two tablespoons contain 884 mg. of Potassium and 189 mg. of Sodium. The functions of potassium are many, but some of the most important include neutralizing acid wastes and, with help from sodium, control the acid/alkaline balance in the muscles to avoid spasms and cramps.
Because of food refining and processing, the potassium that was once present in natural foods is removed. For example, whole grains are refined into white flour, and fruit is turned into juice or sauce. In order to extend shelf life and taste, they are loaded with sodium compounds. This causes a reverse ratio, and a serious compromise to our health. A healthy body must consume ten times more potassium as sodium. Very few mineral replacements contain anywhere near that ratio.
Symptoms of Potassium to Sodium Imbalance:
Heart Irregularity, chronic fatigue, muscle pain, immune deficiencies, bloating, calcium excretion, cancer, hypertension.
Phosphorus: Second Most Abundant Mineral in the Body
Two tablespoons of Capra Mineral Whey™ contain 249 mg. The average sized adult carries around 1.25 to 1.5 pounds of phosphorus, or approximately 1 percent of total body weight – as with calcium, most is found in bones and teeth. Phosphorus is also found in body cells, blood and fluids. It plays a role in every chemical reaction in the body, but mostly with the utilization of fats, protein, and carbohydrates.
Functions:
Combines with fats in the blood to make phospholipids, which become part of the cell that regulates the transport of materials in and out of the cell walls and transport of fats in the circulatory system. Phosphorus plays an important role in; energy metabolism, storage and regulation, muscle contraction, transfer of nerve impulses, hormone secretion, protein synthesis, enhances effectiveness of B vitamins, and maintains 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 a ratio of 1 to 1 – even though bone ratio is 2 to 1. 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 are high in phosphorus, therefore, consumers of these are at a higher risk for fractures and bone density depletion.
Calcium: The Most Abundant Mineral in The Body
Two Tablespoons of Capra Mineral Whey™ contain 313 mg. The average adult carries 2.5 pounds of calcium. Calcium is not only vital for healthy bones and teeth, its lack is thought to be responsible for the high incidence of hypertension (high blood pressure) in the U.S.
Functions:
Evidence that it can help prevent colon cancer, regulates heart function, activates the enzymes involved in fat and protein digestion and energy production. It transmits nerve impulses and is involved in blood clotting. Calcium regulates the relaxation and contraction of muscles, especially the heart. It assists in the absorption of Vitamin B12.
Note: Keep in mind 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 (see phosphorus above).
We oftentimes pay more attention to “fine tuning” our automobile than our body. We do so to extend life and performance – shouldn’t that apply to your body as well? Let Capra Mineral Whey™ “fine-tune” your body’s electrical system. It’s much more effective and economical to stay healthy than to get well, Naturally.