The water–mineral balance – blog by Ineke Eebes
The water–mineral balance
Our body consists of 70% water. It is therefore logical that we need sufficient fluids on a daily basis. Drinking 2 to 3 litres of water would be optimal. This also includes the water we obtain from food.
Much less well known is the role minerals play in this story. In order to transport water and retain it, we need minerals. Minerals act as carriers of water and ensure that it reaches the right place: the cells.
In the past, before we started treating water and cultivating the land, water and minerals were automatically in balance. Minerals were naturally present in our soil and in groundwater. We didn’t have to give this any extra thought. Through food and water, we received exactly what we needed. Nowadays, our water is purified and, as far as minerals are concerned, mainly contains calcium. Due to intensive agriculture, our soil has also become severely depleted and no longer contains nearly enough of the nutrients we need. The same applies to a carrot: you are what you eat.
I don’t like water
When you do not have sufficient minerals available, your body will repel water. You may drink a lot, but your body cannot retain it. You notice this through excessive sweating, frequent urination and sometimes even a nauseous feeling when drinking water. Do you know people who say: “Water makes me nauseous” or “I don’t like water”? There is a good chance that this is due to a mineral deficiency. Dehydration is also frequently seen in elderly care. People who no longer want to drink often show signs of a mineral deficiency.
I often hear people think that urinating a lot means you are well hydrated. This is certainly not always the case and, with a standard Western diet, it is more often a sign of mineral deficiency.
Signs of a possible mineral and fluid deficiency
Signs include excessive sweating/urination, diarrhoea, nausea, paleness, brittle teeth and nails, tremors (muscle twitching), dry or flaky skin, dull hair and hair loss. You may also experience dry skin, dry eyes, joint complaints (and even osteoarthritis), muscle pain, constipation and fatigue. Do not rule out headaches, poor concentration, dark (strong-smelling) urine, dizziness (when standing up), heartburn and loss of taste and appetite. You read that correctly, it is a huge list!
Water tutorial
There are three guidelines that will help you from now on to absorb water optimally.
- Drink water with minerals. Minerals are present in the right quantities and proportions in unrefined (unprocessed) salt. The most well-known are Celtic sea salt and Himalayan salt. Salt from the North Sea is also fine, as long as it is unrefined. Refined salt (table salt) is only sodium chloride; do not add this to your water. It is not healthy and causes high blood pressure. Preparation of the correct salt mixture: mix a quarter of a teaspoon of minerals with one litre of water. This ensures that water and minerals are present in the right ratio for optimal absorption.
- Drink in bulk. This means drinking at least half a litre of water three to four times a day. This takes a bit of practice, but you will get used to it fairly quickly. When you drink in bulk, your brain registers that there is sufficient water in the system to distribute it to all processes. You could say the water gauge goes up. When you constantly take small sips, the water will only go to the most essential processes (for survival). In addition, with every bite of food and every sip of drink, your immune system briefly scans for the presence of pathogens (from the time before water purification systems). This costs energy. Drinking in bulk therefore saves energy.
- Do not drink bulk water half an hour before or after meals. Doing so dilutes your stomach acid and slows down digestion. You also need strong stomach acid to kill any pathogens in food. Stomach acid needs to be acidic, so you do not want to dilute it.
Supplementing?
Of course, it is preferable to obtain minerals from your diet. A balanced and varied diet forms the basis of a healthy body. Nevertheless, there are certain indications where it is advisable to temporarily take some extra minerals from supplements.
The minerals you add to your water are a maintenance dosage. They do not resolve deficiencies. If drinking water makes you feel nauseous, there is a chance that you have a significant mineral deficiency. In that case, it is wise to temporarily use a mineral supplement. If such a mineral complex does not feel good in your intestines, it is advisable to have a stool test done to check for parasites or other pathogens. In this case, it is better to use a mineral supplement without iron until the discomfort has been resolved.
There are also foods that reduce the absorption of minerals. Grains and dairy bind to certain minerals, preventing them from being absorbed or only minimally absorbed by the body. Regular alcohol consumption and smoking are also indications to take a little extra from time to time. Naturally, chronic stress is a major nutrient thief.
Water with minerals. Now you know why!
Ineke Eebes
