The Impact of Stress, Diet and Lifestyle on Body Mineral Levels

It is not stress that kills us. It is our reaction to it.

Stress is an ever-present and inevitable companion in this fast-paced modern world. According to a survey titled Game-Changing Health and Wellbeing Revolution, which is a part of the India Fit Report 22-23, about 24% of Indians struggle with stress. (Source) Also, 4 out of every 10 Indian adults (18 to 69 years) are physically inactive, and women are more inactive than men. (Source)

All this sums up to an alarming down surge of essential minerals in the human body. This blog focuses on unveiling stress, diet, and lifestyle's significant impact on mineral levels. So let's begin with the basics.

How does stress affect mineral levels?

There are 3 types of stress that one can experience. They are acute stress (caused during a heated argument), acute episodic stress (several acute events like work deadlines) and chronic stress ( unemployment due to job loss or physical or mental abuse).

Chronic stress is a prolonged and overwhelming feeling of stress that harms the body. When your body experiences stress, it sets off a physiological response. The body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, instigating body functions like pumping blood to the heart, quickening the heart rate and increasing mental alertness. Chronic stress affects the mineral levels in the body. It raises metabolic needs and increases the absorption and excretion of many nutrients. 

Which minerals are altered due to stress?

The following minerals are diluted due to excessive stress.

The above table clearly explains how stress can have a negative impact on mineral levels and consequently affect the body. Therefore, diagnosing the deficiencies or excess of these minerals is essential to cure their adverse health effects. First, try a hair mineral analysis test, which monitors mineral imbalances and reports which mineral deficiencies are related to stress symptoms. Then, you can balance the mineral deficiencies by taking supplements and making dietary changes, enhancing your overall health.

Diet and body minerals

Diet plays a crucial role in maintaining mineral levels in the body. The food we eat can either provide essential minerals or deplete them from the body. We must strive to eat healthy food like fruits and vegetables; this provides the body with the required nutrients. The World Health Organisation states that 80% of all heart diseases, type 2 diabetes & stroke and 40% of cancer could be prevented if people ate healthier and quit using tobacco. (Source) Following a healthy diet plan is crucial in balancing minerals. Here's how diet can affect mineral levels:

●  Diets low in calcium: This causes weakened bones and increases the risk of osteoporosis. Calcium-rich foods include oranges, spinach, almonds and broccoli. 

●  Low magnesium diets can lead to muscle weakness, fatigue and heart problems. Foods like nuts, seeds, legumes and green leafy vegetables are good sources of magnesium.

● Foods high in iron: Iron is essential for healthy red blood cell production. Although, excessive intake of iron could be harmful to the liver. Iron-rich foods include red meat, poultry, fish and beans.   

●   Diets low in zinc: Zinc is crucial in immune function and wound healing. A zinc deficiency could cause weakened immune function and delayed wound healing. Sources of zinc include seafood, meat, nuts and legumes.

●   Low Potassium diets: Potassium helps regulate blood pressure and heart function. A diet low in potassium could lead to high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases. Potassium-rich foods are bananas, leafy greens, potatoes and beans.

A healthy and balanced diet is crucial in maintaining mineral levels in the body. Hair mineral analysis helps reveal mineral deficiencies and excess, which causes many ailments. By taking the supplements suggested by the HMA report, you can balance the mineral levels in your body.

The impact of lifestyle on body minerals

The lifestyle we follow significantly affects the mineral levels in our bodies. We must cultivate good habits like exercising regularly. This has a significant impact on the body's minerals and overall health. Regular exercise helps increase bone density, which is essential for maintaining calcium levels and other minerals. 

According to a survey conducted in 2021 in India, lifestyle diseases like cholesterol, diabetes and blood pressure were prevalent among older people. Among seniors aged 60 and above, about 57% of them had high blood pressure. (Source)  

It would help to avoid alcohol consumption for a healthier balance of minerals, as it interferes with the body's mineral levels. For example, excessive alcohol consumption can affect the absorption of calcium and magnesium. 

Our hair mineral analysis report at Ginerva contains many tips on developing good lifestyle habits. By following these wellness tips, you can see a significant change in your lifestyle, which will help you maintain healthy mineral levels.

Conclusion

A healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management can help to maintain optimal levels of essential minerals in the body. Therefore, making conscious choices to maintain a healthy lifestyle can go a long way in ensuring the body's minerals remain balanced and support overall health and well-being.

Hair mineral analysis can provide the necessary assistance needed to monitor mineral imbalances and determine how stress, diet and lifestyle affect the mineral levels in the body. The results from a hair mineral analysis test will guide you on reducing the impact of stress and making dietary changes and healthy lifestyle practices for overall health and well-being