INSPO Fitness Journal November 2017

TRACE
ELEMENTS
In this month’s column,
Monica van der Weerd
takes a closer look at trace
elements - namely what they
are and why we need them?
BY MONICA VAN DE WEERD
Trace elements are minerals the body
requires every day. You receive them
through your diet, specifically a whole
food diet of greens, fruits, grains, fish, meat
and nuts/seeds.
The daily amounts of these trace minerals
needed can be very small. For example the
daily dose needed of iodine is one tenth of
a milligram. Small as these amounts are – a
lack of trace elements can seriously impair
your health and wellbeing.
Here are a few examples:
CHROMIUM
Chromium exists in many natural foods
including brewer’s yeast, meats, potatoes (especially
the skins), cheese, molasses, spices,
whole-grain breads and cereals, and fresh
fruit and vegetables.
It helps the body burn sugar, and to turn
fats, carbohydrates and proteins into energy.
Chromium supports blood sugar levels and is
therefore recommended for type 2 diabetes
and weight management.
IODINE
New Zealand soils are low in iodine but this
can be derived from seaweed, seafood and fish.
Iodine is used by the thyroid gland for
the production of hormones essential for
growth, reproduction, nerve and bone
formation. Studies have shown mild to moderate
iodine deficiency can affect hearing,
intelligence and mental capability.
Cases of severe iodine deficiency can
result in goitre (swelling of the thyroid gland)
and hypothyroidism (caused by insufficient
production of the thyroid hormone by the
thyroid gland). It is also associated with
lethargy.
IRON
Iron is found in foods like beetroot, spinach,
broccoli and meat. When you lack iron the
body cannot produce enough red blood
cells. Iron deficiency may also result in skin
problems.
Lack of iron may be caused by a dietary
deficiency; blood loss or mal absorption and
can lead to tiredness, dizziness, pale skin,
breathlessness and brittle nails.
ZINC
A lack of zinc can lead to symptoms of loss
of appetite, taste changes, impotence, mental
slowness and wound healing.
Zinc is needed in every function and
structure of every cell membrane and in the
production of enzymes.
Zinc is found in beef and lamb, pumpkin
seeds, spinach, chickpeas and yoghurt.
A zinc test is easy to do. When you cannot
taste the zinc – your body needs more.
These are just a few of the trace elements
the body requires every day.They show how
important a balanced daily diet is.
Due to your health, during pregnancy,
due to mal absorption or medication. you
may need more trace minerals than are
being supplied through your diet.
For results and safety, it is important to
take the right combination that can be absorbed.
I personally like to recommend trace
minerals in a liquid form or a whole food
supplement in liquid or tablet, as these are
easy to absorb and have the correct ratios.
Please get specialised advice and if symptoms
persist – talk to your health professional.
Natural health works – with the right
advice.
MONICA VAN DE WEERD is a well respected Waikato based beauty therapist and
aromatherapist, with an impressive knowledge of natural health and wellbeing. She
and husband Frans (a qualified physiotherapist, homoeopath, craniosacral therapist
and bowen therapist) are committed to living a naturally healthy lifestyle. www.
naturallyhealthy.co.nz
INSPO – FITNESS JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2017
43