Colloidal and ionic minerals vs pill vitamins
What is a Mineral?
First, let us define what a mineral is. A mineral is a naturally occurring (not man-made), inorganic (does not contain hydrogen or carbon bonds), has a fixed chemical structure, and has an orderly crystalline structure.
Trying to make sense of all the vitamin and mineral supplements on the grocery store shelves can make your head spin in circles. Before you buy into the hype that both ionic minerals and colloidal mineral companies use for marketing and advertising. Manufacturers of colloidal and ionic supplements may make a variety of claims about their products — many of which are not confirmed by scientific research. Keep in mind that fewer than 20 have been judged to be essential to your health.
Colloidal vs Ionic Minerals
First, let's clearly define what colloidal minerals are. A colloid is a mixture in which particles are suspended in a liquid or a gas. Colloidal minerals come from humic shale deposits, primarily from Emery County, Utah. After collection, the shale is crushed and placed in water so that the minerals can enter the solution. Colloidal mineral distributors stress the “naturalness” of their product and have made claims about improving conditions associated with certain diseases, a practice judged to be illegal by the FDA. In addition, some advertisements state that colloidal supplements contain 75 minerals, many of which have not been proven to be beneficial to health (such as platinum, gold, and silver).
As we become more and more health-conscious, we become more educated about our health. We have come a long way since the days of simply taking a multivitamin and we believed all our daily nutrients were achieved. Since that era, we have seen many case studies and reports about the huge difference between how our bodies are able to absorb and use these vitamins. For instance, ionic minerals are the smallest form of any substance and this kind of mineral is more bioavailable for our bodies to absorb and use compared to colloidal minerals. A name you might be more familiar with is the word electrolytes which is any compound that yields ions when dissolved. It is important to know that these ions carry a charge and are classified as strong electrolytes, weak electrolytes, or non-electrolytes and is based on their ability to conduct electricity. The more ions that are electrolytes and, in the solution, the better the solution can conduct electricity. We know from the mountain of studies out there that our bodies not only need electrolytes without them we have serious health issues. This is just one aspect of why ionic minerals are better for us than colloidal.
Logic would tell you that finding natural sources of these minerals in their natural ionic form is critical to maintaining our health. Taking pills and synthetically made vitamins is not something that our bodies use efficiently because it is not as bioavailable as ionic forms of minerals. Meaning that it enters our circulatory system efficiently and is a subcategory of absorption, which takes place in your GI tract.
Pill form vs ionic and Colloidal Minerals
When you take a pill, only roughly 10 to 20% of the vitamins and minerals it contains to end up in your bloodstream. Meanwhile, the body will take in approximately 98% of an ionic liquid vitamin. This difference comes from how the body processes, each type of vitamin. The pills must pass through your digestive tract before their nutrients are absorbed. Ionic vitamins come in liquid form and when placed under your tongue, the tissue found there immediately processes the vitamins into your bloodstream, bypassing all digestive processes. The Physician’s Desk Reference even states that 85 to 90% of the nutrients in liquid supplements are absorbed within 22 to 30 seconds, meaning faster results. Based on absorption alone colloidal and ionic form of minerals are superior to any pill form.
So where are good sources of ionic minerals? You do not have to look much further than your kitchen sink. Hard water is a fantastic resource for ionic calcium and magnesium. Unfortunately, people don’t realize when they use a water softener, they are removing this healthy source of calcium and magnesium and replacing them with sodium.
It is not 1970 anymore, it is time to ditch that water softener! Stop turning your healthy water into saltwater. Electronic water conditioners like the proven HydroFLOW water conditioner allows you to keep the calcium and magnesium without the harmful effects of hard water. Get with the times and throw out that nasty water softener. There is a fantastic alternative to a water softener, it’s called HydroFLOW!
Below are the essential minerals and how they benefit humans
Sodium
An important component for proper fluid balance, hearing, equilibrium, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction
Chloride
Needed for proper fluid balance, plays an important role in maintaining the pH levels of the fluid in your body
Potassium
One of the most important minerals for our bodies. It is critical for proper fluid balance, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction
Calcium
Critically important for healthy bones and teeth; important in nerve functioning, blood clotting, blood pressure regulation, immune system health.
Phosphorus
Helps manage how your body stores and uses energy, key role in filtering out waste in your kidneys. Helps grow, maintain, and repair tissue and cells. Every cell in your body contains phosphorus.
Magnesium
Found in bones; needed for making protein, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and immune system health.
Sulfur
Found in protein molecules and is important for skin health.
Trace minerals (microminerals)
Iron
Part of a molecule (hemoglobin) and is found in red blood cells that carry oxygen to organs in the body.
Zinc
An important component for making protein and genetic material; and is key for immune system health.
Iodine
Found in thyroid hormone, which helps regulate our metabolism.
Selenium
An Antioxidant that protects us from free radicals.
Copper
Helps our bodies metabolize iron.
Manganese
Helps regulate blood sugar, improves bone health, and is an antioxidant.
Fluoride
Prevent tooth decay and promotes bone growth.
Chromium
Helps regulate blood sugar levels. Enhances our ability to metabolize protein, carbohydrates, and lipids.
Molybdenum
Helps enzymes breakdown toxins in our bodies.
Cobalt
Part of the B12 vitamin and is essential for healthy red blood cell formation and neurological health.
Silicon
Is essential for making our bones strong.
Nickel
Is listed as an essential element but the precise functions in the body are not known.