Trace Minerals: My Contribution to Running

Few feelings are better than knowing your work in a given area has made a contribution to others.

I wanted to make a difference in the world of running and knew it would not happen via my legs. Fortunately, my career choice was an ideal vehicle.

Twenty five years ago, I started incorporating nutrition into my practice -- vitamins, minerals, herbs and also trace minerals. The latter was rarely mentioned in the field of nutrition, mostly a side note. "Oh by the way. . .trace minerals should be used to. . . whenever you get around it to" was the pervading idea of the day.

During my time in private practice, I used Hair Analysis extensively, analyzing about 400-500 patient results. (Hair Analysis is a simple procedure which measures minerals, toxic metals, trace minerals, protein processing and much more. Very valuable tool.)As a student of patterns, there were quite a number that stood out and were well-known. One pattern that I noted over the years was this. . . ."When signs or symptoms of dehydration is showing AND a patients reports drinking adequately, this is an indication of Trace Mineral Deficiency." It was an original thought, one that I would frequently discuss with colleagues who started noting the same trend.

Trace minerals are usually found at extremely small amounts in our system, in the parts per 1,000,000 range. Despite the low concentrations of these substances, scientists are discovering that they play a major and vital role in our health, including the health of our bones and joints.

About 10 years ago, I started running long distances and participating in marathons. As someone who is a life-long student of Natural Medicine and Sports Nutrition, I started voraciously reading about training programs, nutrition and the like. No where did I even see the words, "trace minerals" mentioned, yet alone featured.

I started lecturing and writing about the significant benefits of these micro-minerals and over time, more people are following my lead. Yes, they are that important.

If you experience "feelings of thirst" and you cannot account for (such as ones due to specific medicines [side-effects] diabetes, lack of fluid intake, excess caffeine intake or any other factor), it is most likely due to Trace Mineral Deficiency.

Now for the unpleasant part. The most effective form of Trace Minerals is liquid. It also may be the most foul-tasting substance around. As such, add drops to cranberry juice or some other strong flavored drink, hold your nose, say a prayer and drink away.

Thanks to the hundreds of patients who trusted me with their health (via Hair Analysis), I was able to see this pattern and pass it along.

Hopefully, you too can benefit from this information.