Save Your Cells: ‘Mineralize’ Your Tissues

Proper cellular hydration results in electrically charged and healthy cells. Poor cellular hydration and poor tissue mineralization will compromise the health of your cells and cause numerous hormonal, endocrine, electrolyte and systemic abnormalities.

Charging Your Cells: The Ionic Balance

Your cells are electrically charged. It is this charge that enables the cell to perform its vital function: to produce and utilize energy. There are a number of electrolyte ions that charge the cell. The 4 most prevalent are: Sodium, Potassium, Chloride and Phosphorous. Additionally, ionized Calcium is critically important for the interstitial cellular matrix, and largely regulates what minerals go into the cells and which stay outside of the cells.

Potassium and phosphorous are the primary intra-cellular ions and sodium and chloride are the primary extra-cellular ions. The various ratios between these ions is what determines the electrical charge. Calcium is largely responsible for cell membrane permeability; the balance between aerobic and anaerobic functions. If the cell membranes are too loose (aerobic), they will leak and become too permeable. This results in lipid peroxidation, high amounts of pro-inflammatory fatty acids and free radicals. If the cell membranes are too tight (anaerobic), this can result in poor utilization of oxygen, loss of minerals through the urine and poor electrolyte utilization.

Poor cellular hydration, diminished communication of cells and improper mineral levels are all primary causes of numerous diseases.

Electrolyte insufficiency can be due to the kidneys’ inability to retain certain mineral salts, or inadequate intake of mineral salts. Insufficient levels of electrolytes can result in low blood volume, dehydration as well as low blood pressure and weakness of the cardiovascular and endocrine systems.

Excesses of mineral salts like sodium can result in the loss of potassium through the urine, which can become a primary cause of hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Identifying & Improving Electrolyte Status

If interpreted correctly, a blood test can reveal insight into a person’s electrolyte status. There are a number of electrolyte formulas to use in order to determine electrolyte status on a blood test. One of these is:

• Na – (Cl + Co2)  Reference Range: 9-18

The following recommendations are NOT intended to be taken in place of medical advice, and should only be done under the supervision of a qualified individual of your choice.

An electrolyte score of 9 or less indicates an insufficient level of certain electrolytes. A score of 18 or greater indicates excess mineral salts saturating bodily fluids. With a low electrolyte score, a person may benefit by taking small amounts of celtic sea salt, Vitamin E and possibly calcium and phosphorous supplementation. A person with a low electrolyte score may also benefit from taking HCL supplementation. See THIS article before implementing.

A high electrolyte score would likely benefit by increasing water intake, decreasing or minimizing salt intake, and eating foods rich in potassium and magnesium or taking supplemental forms of these.

The above electrolyte formula is one of several methods for obtaining electrolyte status clinically. Please contact me to learn more about electrolyte status testing or to schedule a consultation.