There are thought to be 21 minerals of vital importance in human nutrition. Many of the trace minerals are not well studied with regard to loss through sweat but several are. Deficiencies of calcium, iron and sodium are well established although magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium and zinc are all thought to become deficient if sweating is profuse or recurrent and there is no suitable dietetic or nutritional supplementation.
The mineral content in soil is undoubtedly declining and therefore the content in food diminishing. Supplementation should be considered through specific intake in anyone exercising regularly or in professions that enhance profuse sweating. Any regular use of sauna-induced sweating for detoxification processes should be allied to mineral and trace mineral supplementation.
Tired All The Time (TATT)
TATT is a common complaint and presentation in GP’s surgeries. The popular press somewhat overuses the terminology of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome which is in fact a medically recognised condition but frequently not an accurate diagnosis of the patient who is constantly tired.
More evidence is accumulating daily through worldwide research that being unreasonably tired for the amount of effort exerted is potentially due to mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondria are small organs found within cells (known as organelles) that convert a variety of nutrients into energy. Recognised requirements for proper mitochondrial function includes the minerals zinc, magnesium and selenium. These are recognised as potentially becoming deficient through sweating and therefore deficiencies are often associated with detoxification processes.
TATT and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are also associated with deficiencies in the amino acid L-carnitine and the vitamins B3, B12 and the co-enzyme Co-Q10. The sugar D-ribose is also required for proper mitochondrial function.
Intolerance Towards Supplementation
Many clients undergoing sauna detoxification therapies require mineral supplementation. However, some people find taking minerals difficult leading to nausea, tummy upsets or loose stool and diarrhoea. This is often due to the unpalatable nature of inorganic minerals which are often provided in mineral supplements or due to over-dosage. For example, a deficiency in magnesium can be rectified through magnesium supplementation but one needs to remember that Epsom Salts are predominantly magnesium and were given (and still are in some places) as a laxative.
For those who have found difficulty in tolerating mineral supplements they might consider Get-Fitt’s recommendation of Natural Food State supplementation. This specialised process combining minerals with co-factors found in natural foods, allows easier absorption thereby creating high blood levels without taking high dosages. In some cases doses as low as 12 times those found in most over-the-counter preparations can give equivalent blood levels.
Get Fitttm Mineral Evaluation
There are a lot of tests available but the accuracy of the laboratory techniques used are poorly scrutinised. Get-Fitt’s association with some of the top nutritional and Integrated Physicians here in the United Kingdom ensures accurate assessment. Testing can be done through several methods, the more extensive being the more accurate and extensive.
* Hair Mineral Analysis (including toxic metal analysis) cost
* Red Blood Cell Mineral Analysis
* Optimal Nutritional Evaluation (ONE). This is the most extensive of mineral and vitamin analyses which includes information on amino acid levels and some gastrointestinal function is a urine sample test.
Get Fitttm Supplementation
WE have found the following supplementation regimens can be extremely beneficial:
Standard Supplementation
* Natural Food State Multivitamin/Mineral one tablet twice a day
* Natural Food State Trace Mineral supplementation one twice a day
TATT Supplemental Protocol
* Natural Food State Multivitamin/Mineral one tablet twice a day
* Natural Food State Trace Mineral supplementation one twice a day
* Natural Food State Antioxidant with Co-Q10 (includes zinc, selenium and Co-Q10)
one twice a day
Chronic Fatigue Protocol
* Acetyl-L-Carnitine, 2 twice a day
* Antioxidant 2 twice a day
* Co Q 10, 2 twice a day
* D-Ribose 5g three times a day
* Magnesium 2 twice a day
* Selenium 100ug twice a day
* Vitamin B3 1 twice a day
