Mineral salts and nutrition: a comprehensive guide

Mineral salts play a crucial role in keeping our bodies hydrated and performing during physical activity. But what exactly are they, and why are they so important to our health? In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about mineral salts, from their benefits to their dietary source and use in sports.
 
What are Mineral Salts?
 
Mineral salts are inorganic substances that are essential for the proper functioning of our bodies. These minerals include sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and many others.
They are substances that are essential for the proper development of tissues and organs, energy production and maintenance of water-salt balance.

Mineral salts are divided into two categories:

What varies is their absorption.

 
In fact, each element can be assimilated in our bodies differently, depending on various factors and the source that introduced it. An example? Iron, is better absorbed if it is found in meat, fish and certain vegetables. That contained in eggs and milk, on the other hand, tends to leave only a trace in our bodies.

This is precisely why it is essential to always check the intake of mineral salts, because a deficiency of them could cause disorders such as weakness, nausea, arrhythmias and anorexia, not to mention osteoporosis, anema and multiple sclerosis.

 
What Are Mineral Salts Good For?
 
Mineral salts perform a number of vital functions in our bodies, including maintaining water balance, transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction, and pH regulation.


Main Mineral Salts and Food Sources.

Sodium: Found in table salt.
Potassium: Found in bananas, citrus fruits, potatoes and green leafy vegetables.
Calcium: Abundant in dairy products, almonds and fish.
Magnesium: Found in nuts, seeds, whole grains and dark chocolate.

The main sources in food are precisely the foods commonly used in a healthy, balanced diet: magnesium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and iron are found in milk, eggs, cheese, legumes, fish, fruits and vegetables.

All foods contain minerals, but in different amounts, so a mixed diet is the winning choice to ensure adequate vitamin and mineral intake. In fact, a diet rich in all nutrients allows the body a lasting well-being by allowing the various mechanisms of the human body to function properly.

Want to make a calculation of the salts and vitamins you should be taking but are forgetful?

Very simple, colors can come to your rescue:

When to Take Mineral Salts?
During strenuous physical activity, it is important to replenish minerals lost through sweating. In addition, they can be useful for maintaining hydration during periods of extreme heat.
 
How to Replenish Mineral Salts?
 
You can supplement minerals through a balanced diet, consuming foods rich in these nutrients. In addition, sports drinks and supplements can be helpful during prolonged physical activity.
 
What Does Lack of Mineral Salts Involve?
 
Lack of mineral salts in the body can lead to a number of problems, including fatigue, muscle cramps, dehydration, and reduced ability to concentrate.

Mineral Salts and Sports

Mineral salts for athletes are critical because rapid salt replenishment can make all the difference during a performance. It is mistakenly believed that reducing sweating prevents the loss of hydration and minerals in the body, but, on the contrary, sweating is very important during sports because it keeps body temperature at physiological levels, thus improving performance.

Especially in summer, when resuming outdoor sports activities, in the sun and in hot weather, remember that mineral salts for athletes are of paramount importance because it is easier to become dehydrated and consequently lose the minerals present in the body at that time.

Those who play sports at a professional level know how much and when it is time to rehydrate in order not to have a drop in performance, but very often the 'amateur instead underestimates this physiological need. Water makes up more than half of our bodies, and proper hydration is essential for physical well-being, all the more so if we are under stress at the time.

Mineral salts for athletes, which are closely related to body hydration, must be supplemented in proportion to the time and intensity of training, always keeping in mind that these data are closely related to individual physical performance.

Our body always needs water, but remember that mineral salts for athletes are essential at the end of each workout, and during competitions try to take them regularly, without waiting to feel the need to drink and the feeling of thirst.

 
Mineral Salts Supplements
 
Mineral salt supplements can be useful for those who sweat a lot or cannot meet their needs through diet.