healthy

Minerals are essential to our overall health, playing a pivotal role in countless bodily functions. From maintaining strong bones and teeth to supporting the immune system and regulating heart rhythm, minerals are crucial for daily well-being! 

MINERALS AT A GLANCE

    Minerals are natural, inorganic substances that the body needs for bone formation, nerve transmission, fluid balance, and other things.

    Minerals help maintain a healthy metabolism, support nerve and muscle function, and aid in hormone regulation.

    Macrominerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, sulfur, and chloride are needed in larger amounts

    Trace minerals like iron, zinc, copper, manganese, iodine, selenium, chromium, molybdenum, fluoride are needed in smaller amounts.

    We get minerals from whole foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, dairy, animal protein, and mineral-rich waters.

    Signs of mineral deficiency can include fatigue, muscle cramps, brittle bones, irritability, and poor immunity.

 Minerals are a crucial part of the health puzzle, but many of us are unknowingly deficient, leading to a host of health concerns. Understanding minerals, their sources, and how to incorporate them into our daily lives is essential to achieving optimal health!

 

WHY MINERALS MATTER FOR YOUR HEALTH

Minerals are often the unsung heroes of a well-balanced diet. While vitamins tend to get more attention, minerals are equally essential for maintaining a healthy body. They are involved in a variety of physiological processes, from supporting enzyme function to regulating hydration levels. 

For example, calcium strengthens bones, magnesium helps muscles relax, and potassium balances fluids. Without the right balance of minerals, even the healthiest diet can fall short of meeting your nutritional needs.

Unfortunately, many people are unaware of how important it is to consume minerals in the proper amounts. Deficiency in minerals can contribute to a range of health issues, from low energy to weakened immunity and digestive issues. 

Traditionally, eating fresh, sprouted grains, fruits, and vegetables grown in nutrient-rich soil has been the primary supply for a full spectrum of ionic minerals. Unfortunately in today's world, naturally occurring, nutrient-rich soil is becoming increasingly rare. Decades and decades of vegetation growth and aggressive modern farming techniques have brought many of the earth's minerals to the surface where they have been washed away. Synthesized fertilizers are routinely applied to farms and fields where minerals have been depleted, but man-made fertilizers provide only enough mineral substance to support basic plant life.

And just like so many other areas of our health, we can achieve our goals with supplementation!

WHAT MINERALS DO FOR THE BODY AND HOW THEY ARE USED

Minerals are essential to nearly every function in the human body. They help with building bones, teeth, and tissues, conducting nerve impulses, maintaining fluid balance, and supporting the immune system. Each mineral plays a unique role, and they work together to ensure your body functions smoothly. Minerals are absorbed by the body through food and supplements and are then transported to various organs where they are utilized to perform specific tasks.

    Calcium: Needed for bone and teeth formation, muscle function, nerve transmission, and blood clotting.

    Magnesium: Needed for muscle and nerve function, energy production, protein synthesis, and bone health.

    Potassium: Needed for fluid balance, nerve function, muscle contraction, and blood pressure regulation.

    Iron: Needed for oxygen transport, energy production, and immune system function.

    Zinc: Needed for immune system function, wound healing, protein synthesis, and DNA synthesis.

    Sodium: Needed for fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction.

    Phosphorus: Needed for bone and teeth formation, energy metabolism, and cell membrane structure.

    Selenium: Needed for antioxidant activity, thyroid function, and hair growth.

    Copper: Needed for iron absorption, energy production, collagen formation, and antioxidant activity.

    Iodine: Needed for thyroid hormone production and metabolism regulation.

    Manganese: Needed for bone formation, collagen production, wound healing, and antioxidant activity.

NINGXIA RED: A POWERFUL MINERAL SOURCE

NingXia Red is a fan favorite supplement that stands out for its impressive mineral content. Made from the whole wolfberry (goji berry), NingXia Red offers a wealth of nutritional benefits, including essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron. These minerals are key to supporting energy levels, bone health, and proper muscle function.

Aside from its mineral-rich profile, NingXia Red is packed with antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins from the wolfberry, which help protect the body from oxidative stress. This powerful juice also contains other essential ingredients like sweetened wolfberry puree, citrus juices, and essential oils, all of which work synergistically to support overall vitality.

This one supplement is clinically proven to:

    Boost energy levels

    Decrease physical and emotional stress

    Support bone and muscle health

    Promote a healthy immune and respiratory system

    Improve sleep

NingXia Red is a delicious and easy way to infuse your daily routine with much-needed minerals while also enjoying the other health benefits this nutrient-dense drink has to offer.

MINERAL ESSENCE FOR EVERYDAY WELLNESS

Mineral Essence is a great option for promoting mineral balance. You know all those minerals we listed a minute ago that the body needs?? They are ALL in this one supplement!

This liquid supplement is rich in naturally derived minerals, including magnesium, potassium, and calcium, which help the body perform its vital functions. Unlike synthetic mineral supplements, Mineral Essence uses trace minerals that are easily absorbed and utilized by the body.

One of the main benefits of Mineral Essence is its ability to support optimal hydration and electrolyte balance. Since minerals like potassium and magnesium play a key role in regulating fluid levels, taking Mineral Essence can help keep you hydrated throughout the day. This is especially beneficial for those who lead an active lifestyle or suffer from dehydration.

One incredible thing about Mineral Essence is that it includes ionic minerals. This means that the minerals are in their ion forms and therefore more easily absorbed by the body. This makes Mineral Essence different from any other mineral supplement on the market! 

    Promotes muscle health

    Supports skin health

    Supports heart health

    Enhances energy production

The following deficiencies have been linked to many health issues -- including those that affect our emotional health -- and all of these deficiencies can be improved with Mineral Essence!

    Iron: affects around 20% women and 50% of pregnant women. Pair with Master Formula for ideal results.

    Selenium: a key component of thyroid health. Pair with Master Formula for ideal results.

    Magnesium: some sources say up to half the population is deficient in magnesium! 1 serving of Mineral Essence provides 80% of our daily magnesium requirements.

    Zinc: this mineral is used by more enzymes than any other mineral our bodies need and is used for everything from gut health to DNA repair.

By incorporating Mineral Essence into your daily routine, you can ensure you are replenishing your body with the essential minerals it needs to thrive.

SUPER MAGNESIUM - A MUST FOR EVERYONE

Did you know that magnesium is a core building block for your health? It is involved in over 300 processes within the body! And almost all of us aren't getting enough of it. BUT a good quality, sustainably sourced magnesium supplement that is easily absorbed by the body is almost impossible to find… but we have it with Super Magnesium.

Super Magnesium:

    Supports a restful night's sleep and a calm nervous system

    Promotes healthy organ function

    Reduces oxidative stress on the body as a whole

    Contains melon juice concentrate to increase magnesium efficiency in the body (sends the magnesium where it needs to go!) and reduce oxidative stress and fatigue

    Decreases physical fatigue while supporting an active lifestyle and normal energy levels

    Promotes overall well-being when used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle

 This mighty supplement is sustainably sourced from seawater with a variety of trace minerals and formulated with melon juice concentrate, which reduces oxidative stress and increases magnesium efficiency in the body. Super Magnesium combines the power of bioavailable (read: easily absorbable) magnesium from the Irish Sea with the power of melon juice concentrate and Bergamot essential oil to maintain healthy magnesium levels in the body all day long. In short, this supplement helps your body win!

OTHER WAYS TO ADD MINERALS TO YOUR DIET

While supplements like NingXia Red and Mineral Essence are wonderful tools to boost your mineral intake, there are many other ways to incorporate minerals into your daily life:

    Eat a mineral-rich diet: Include a variety of whole foods, such as leafy greens, nuts, seeds, legumes, and dairy. Foods like spinach, almonds, avocado, and quinoa are excellent sources of key minerals.

    Drink mineral water: Opt for mineral waters, which contain naturally occurring minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium.

    Use sea salt: Switch out regular table salt for sea salt, which is rich in trace minerals like iodine and magnesium.

    Snack on seaweed: Seaweed is an excellent source of iodine and other trace minerals that support thyroid function and metabolism.

    Make bone broth: Bone broth is naturally rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, making it a great addition to your diet for optimal bone and joint health.

By making small, consistent changes to your lifestyle and diet, you can ensure that your body is getting the minerals it needs to stay balanced, energized, and healthy

Iron is a crucial mineral for maintaining energy, supporting the immune system, and promoting overall health. If you're looking for natural ways to help raise and maintain healthy iron levels, Young Living's essential oils and supplements offer fantastic options that are much better than the stuff at your local grocery store!

LOW IRON AT A GLANCE

Common symptoms of low iron include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and difficulty concentrating.

Iron-rich foods, supplements, and proper nutrient absorption can go a long way to raising iron levels.

Pairing iron with vitamin C improves absorption and supports gut health for optimal results.

THE POWER OF NINGXIA RED

NingXia Red is a nutrient-packed drink that plays a key role in so many areas of health, including supporting iron levels.

NingXia Red supports energy, immune function, and overall vitality.

NingXia Red is clinically proven to lower the effects of stress and improve sleep.

NingXia Red also includes citrus essential oils, which support health and immunity.

NingXia Red is rich in wolfberries (goji berries), which contain iron and vitamin C—a combination that provides the body with iron and also enhances iron absorption. Additionally, the robust antioxidant content of NingXia Red supports healthy blood cells and reduces oxidative stress.

LOW IRON AND MINERAL BALANCE

Balancing minerals is essential for maintaining healthy iron levels because several key minerals play supportive roles in iron absorption, storage, and utilization. In fact, many individuals who have low iron on a blood test focus on mineral balance and whole-food supplements to get iron levels back where they need to be.

Improves Iron Absorption: Minerals like zinc and copper are crucial for the enzymes that help absorb iron in the intestines. A deficiency in these minerals can lead to inefficient iron uptake.

Enhances Iron Metabolism: Magnesium and selenium help with overall nutrient metabolism, including the processes that involve iron utilization in the body.

Supports Hemoglobin Production: Copper plays a direct role in forming hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen and requires iron.

Promotes Cellular Health: A balanced mineral profile ensures that cells responsible for producing blood and maintaining oxygen transport functions operate optimally.

Prevents Imbalances: Excess or deficiencies in one mineral can interfere with others. For example, too much calcium can inhibit iron absorption, while a lack of magnesium can affect energy production and overall metabolism, indirectly impacting iron.

MINERAL ESSENCE

Mineral Essence is a liquid ionic mineral supplement packed with essential minerals that help create a balanced environment for optimal nutrient absorption.

Packed with minerals like magnesium, zinc, and selenium that play a role in iron metabolism and absorption. 

Has a balanced mineral profile that ensures your body can utilize the iron you consume effectively.

Contains ionic minerals that are easy to absorb

Supports overall wellness, including energy production, bone health, and immune function

To use, simply add 5 droppersful to water or juice and drink daily. Its spicy, tangy flavor pairs well with citrus juices.

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR IRON SUPPORT

While essential oils don't often directly increase iron levels, they can complement your wellness routine by supporting related systems.

Lemon: Add a drop to water to support gentle detoxification and enhance vitamin C intake.

Peppermint: Promotes healthy digestion, ensuring your body absorbs nutrients effectively.

Copaiba: Helps soothe inflammation, creating an optimal environment for nutrient absorption.

TIPS FOR MAINTAINING HEALTHY IRON LEVELS

Pair iron with vitamin C: Combining iron-rich foods and NingXia Red with vitamin C improves absorption. Add Super C Chewable to your daily lineup when you take your NingXia!

Prioritize gut health: A healthy gut microbiome is key to efficient nutrient absorption. Probiotics like Life 9 can help.

Stay consistent: Regular use of supplements like NingXia Red and Mineral Essence ensures your body receives consistent support. 

One more tip to help maintain healthy iron levels - cook using cast iron pans!

Note: while we are here with suggestions for help and support, we are not here to diagnose or treat and suggest finding a medical provider you love and trust.

Ohhh stomach issues. We have all been there, and we all know that this area is one where we need tools that work well and work quickly! Thankfully we have a whole toolbox of natural options when it comes to all things stomach! 

QUICK TIPS FOR ALL THINGS STOMACH

* Stock your wellness cabinet before hand so you're prepared when the issues arise - DiGize, TummyGize, AlkaLime and Peppermint

* Think proactively! Add Life 9 or MightyPro to your daily routine for a healthy gut.

* Consider DiGize Vitality in a capsule and/or AlkaLime when traveling, eating rich foods or foods that you normally don't consume. 

* Add enzymes to your daily routine with Essentialzymes -4. Enzymes are a huge boost to health as they help us digest our food and extract nutrients. (Try the chewable MightyZymes for kids or those needing a chewable form!)

* To keep things healthy and moving, add ICP Daily to your daily wellness routine.

A lot of stomach health relies on effective daily habits like a good probiotic (Life 9 or MightyPro), eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables, providing your body with good nutrients, and moving your body daily. 

SUPPLEMENTS FOR HEALTHY STOMACHS

High quality digestive supplements can go a long way when it comes to having healthy stomachs. Probiotics are the foundation of digestive health, and we can build from there. Healthy daily bowel movements are a good indicator of digestive health. If things aren't moving, they get backed up and cause a whole host of problems. There are a lot of great digestive supplements to target specific needs (see below!), but here are the foundational ones:

Life 9 or MightyPro

A high quality probiotic is a cornerstone of health! Life 9 is a diverse, high potency capsule that should really be on everyone's daily routine. For the little ones, we love the MightyPro packets -a pre and probiotic in one that tastes great with no added sugar! (I like them, too!)

Essentialzymes-4 or MightyZymes

Enzymes are crucial to our health and digestion, and in an ideal world our foods would be rich in natural enzymes. Unfortunately the average diet and even the soil quality of our produce lead us to be sorely depleted in enzymes at an early age. Enzymes are involved in every cell in the body, and are especially important in digestion! 

ICP Daily

Taking daily steps to build, support, detoxify and balance gut bacteria and intestinal lining is crucial, and one of our favorite, simple ways to do this is with ICP Daily! ICP Daily is a daily prebiotic and fiber drink that is both delicious and easy on the stomach. ICP Daily supports gut health, aids in the body's natural detoxification process, and helps maintain a healthy gut microbiome - all things that are crucial to overall health! This gentle daily formula contains 6 grams of plant-based prebiotics, 5 grams of soluble fiber, and a belly-supporting blend of essential oils - Fennel, Anise, Tarragon, Ginger, Lemongrass, and Rosemary.

HANDLING BUMPS IN THE ROAD

DiGize

The DiGize essential oil blend is formulated specifically to provide a calming, soothing digestive experience. Well known digestive-supporting oils like Tarragon and Ginger help soothe and settle while Juniper and Patchouli calm. DiGize is our go-to when we need to get things moving! Dilute and apply to the belly with a gentle massage.

* Dilute and rub over the abdomen for helping things get moving, if you're not feeling great after eating or during travel or anytime you need things to be soothed.

* Pair with Lemon and Peppermint in a 10mL roller - 20 drops of each - and roll around the belly button as needed.

* Add 1-2 drops of DiGize Vitality and a bit of olive oil to an empty vegetable capsule and take as needed for digestive discomfort. You can do this before or after eating/needs arise. 

* Add 1 drop of DiGize Vitality to a large glass of water (you can add Lemon or Peppermint as well if you don't' love the taste) - this is a great way to get the effects quickly!

“One of the ways I used to feel the most powerless when taking care of our health prior to oils was with any type of stomach discomfort. Then we found DiGize. Now every member of my family knows to grab that red bottle at the first signs of rumblings.” - customer testimony

TummyGize

TummyGize is a pre-diluted, kid-specific version of DiGize! This blend is perfect for your little ones age 2 and older, and they can grab it themselves and apply to the belly as needed. We love to keep one in our wellness kit and one at home where the kids can always find it when they need it!

* Roll over the belly before big events or school days

* Some moms of younger children have chosen to use TummyGize either as is or further diluted for common infant digestive needs. Use to your own comfort level!

Peppermint

If you take a walk down the digestive aisle at a store, you'll find that almost all the products are mint-flavored. There is a good reason for that! The mint family, peppermint especially, has long been known for its ability to soothe digestive needs. This is definitely one oil you want in your wellness arsenal! Peppermint is great for travel needs, for nerves that bring digestive discomfort, for first trimester struggles or anytime you need the crisp, soothing scent of Peppermint. 

* Dilute and apply Peppermint topically on its own or in the roller blend listed above

* Inhale Peppermint directly from the bottle (great to do if traveling is a trigger for you!)

* Drop or roll Peppermint on the back of the neck to help soothe queasiness and bring alertness/center yourself when feeling bad

* Take an epsom salt bath with 1 cup of epsom salt + 5 drops Peppermint

* Add 1 drop Peppermint Vitality to a very large glass of water to soothe

AlkaLime

So many modern foods are loaded with (often hidden!) sugars and stimulants, impeding the body's ability to foster a healthy pH balance. AlkaLime works to combat this with its array of high-alkaline salts and other yeast-fighting elements such as citric acid and lemon and lime essential oils! AlkaLime also helps soothe digestion and occasional upset stomach. This is also a wonderful supplement for those who have dietary sensitivities and experience exposure to a food that is pro-inflammatory for their body! 

WHEN THE DREADED ‘YOU KNOW WHAT' HITS

When the stomach bug is going around we want to do all we can to avoid it and all we can to support ourselves if the worst happens! We focus on bolstering immunity as much as we can, then if we go down, we reach for all our digestive tools. Here are a few things we reach for during these times:

* Thieves Essential Oil Blend - topically, diffused, ingested as Thieves Vitality - get this oil in, on and around you for immune support

* Oregano, ImmuPower - great immune support oils to diffuse or apply

* Inner Defense - these capsules helps reinforce your immune defenses

* Peppermint, DiGize, Lemon - for all the digestive things we mentioned above when you go down. Peppermint diffused or inhaled is great for feeling queasy!!

* NingXia Red with AminoWise and/or Lavender Lemonade Vitality drops for nutrients and rehydrating after you can keep things down.

OTHER DIGESTIVE SUPPLEMENTS

* Allerzyme, Essentialzymes, DetoxZyme - enzyme supplements with targeted support

* Comfortone - fiber and gentle cleansing agents for daily use, great for colon support

* Digest & Cleanse - essential oils for cleansing and digestive health

* Cleansing Trio (ICP, Comfortone, Essentialzyme) - great for doing an intestinal cleanse and eliminating waste by specifically supporting normal liver function.