Health – Missing minerals in our soil

It is a lovely idea that we can get all the nutrition we need from the food we eat. However, to achieve this we have to be very well informed and very purposeful in what we do with respect to the food we grow, buy and prepare.

Furthermore, if we have a mineral deficiency then we may be a long way short of supplying what we actually need.

One of the reasons for these complexities is the state of our soil. New Zealand soil is generally very low in zinc, selenium and iodine to name a few critical minerals. All three of these minerals are very important for our health.

Selenium deficiency can be involved in heart disease, joint disease, red-blood cell disorders, premature aging, cancer, immunity, cystic fibrosis, prostate enlargement and cataracts. While it is good advice to use brazil nuts as a source of selenium – about six a day should help maintain levels – it is questionable if that would correct a significant deficiency. And there are, of course, many other factors to consider, such as what trace elements are needed to help absorb selenium and what minerals and heavy metals may be inhibiting the absorption. It should also be noted that selenium toxicity is also a problem if your levels are too high.

Zinc deficiency is associated with skin issues such as psoriasis, scleroderma, and lupus erythematosus. Stretch marks are a tell-tail sign of low zinc. Zinc deficiency can also cause diabetes, anorexia nervosa, sickle cell anemia and prostate enlargement.  Zinc is well known for its effect on the immune system and, as a side note, many medical facilities around the world are currently advising to increase intake, along with vitamin D, as a preventative for Covid-19. Low zinc (especially if lower than copper) can cause severe menstrual imbalances and is the leading problem that I see in clinic as a result of high copper and low zinc. It usually responds well to careful supplementation.

Iodine deficiency is a huge problem in New Zealand. Iodine is the main component of your thyroid gland, so obviously getting the balance of this correct is essential for the functioning of your thyroid. Iodine is an anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic, anti-cancer and anti-viral, so like zinc is critical for your immune system. There are also strong links to cyst formation and breast tumours with iodine deficiency, as well as mental retardation, ADHD and multiple sclerosis. Unfortunately, New Zealand soils are very low in iodine and our only significant dietary source is seafood.

While supplementation may be necessary for correcting deficiencies, it is best to understand what your levels are to begin with. This can be complex and often requires various testing methods, such as undertaking blood, urine and saliva tests for iodine. It often also pays to have the full spectrum of thyroid tests done when testing for iodine. To test for selenium or zinc deficiency, I use hair tissue mineral analysis and blood testing. For zinc, I also use taste testing.

Eugene Sims, Warkworth Natural Therapies
www.wnt.co.nz