The foundation of all life is minerals. Minerals provide a rich substance for the life of plants, which then give humans, as well as animals, insects, and most life forms, life. When the body is "returned to the dust," what remains are different forms of calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, sodium and silica. But all minerals have intrinsic value in the health of our bodies and our minds.

Minerals help initiate many actions in the body, from nerve propagation to heart rhythm to tissue fluid balance. We need minerals, such as calcium for healthy connective tissue, skin and joints, as well as bones and teeth. That means if you are deficient, those tissues could be predisposed to untimely breakdown, slow healing, or inflammation.

Most people feel they get adequate calcium and other minerals in their diets. Many forms of calcium, either in the diet or in supplement form, are very difficult for the body to break down. If there is a digestive challenge, it is even more difficult. If it is an unusable form, you may be subject to calcium excess challenges, such as bone spurs, arthritis, kidney or gall stones and other problems. Quality calcium (and other minerals) is critical in order for the body to utilize it properly.

Potassium, as another example, is needed for healthy mucous membranes. Mucous membranes are involved with absorption and secretion. They include nostrils, lips, mouth, ears, eyelids, genital area and others. Potassium is also needed for healthy metabolism, nervous system functioning, and muscle contraction. Potassium and calcium are critical for healthy heart function.

Magnesium is important for the muscles, especially in relaxation, for bone, and for many metabolic functions. Iodine is needed for thyroid health and other metabolic hormones. Even sodium (in natural form) is needed for metabolism, purification, normal function of muscles and nerves, and healthy blood pressure.

Minerals are also critical to the functioning of every organ that secretes a hormone - all members of the endocrine system. For example, you need iodine for the thyroid, chromium for the pancreas, sodium and copper for the adrenals, manganese for the pituitary, and zinc for the ovaries and gonads. There are many more minerals needed by the body for hundreds of other functions.

The point of all this is that if you want your organs, tissues, and various functions to behave properly, you have to give them the fuel that they need - minerals! Of course, you also need good vitamins, good fats, good proteins, good carbs, water, etc. to help them along!

Your body only works as well as the foundational building blocks provided. Make sure your diet is rich in a variety of minerals by making sure you get them in a food supplement form that contains the whole gamut of minerals, and not just a few!

Learn more: attend our upcoming health class, "Understanding Vitamins and Minerals," Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. in Coeur d'Alene. Fee: $10. RSVP: (208) 765-1994.

Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with more than 32 years of experience. Carling is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health-care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d'Alene clinic. Visit Carling's website at www.vitalhealthandfitness.com to learn more about Carling, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. Carling can be reached at (208) 765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.