3 Minerals Your Body Needs (And How to Fix It With Food)
- Dr. Namuun Bat, ND

- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
Feeling exhausted despite doing everything right? The culprit may not be your lifestyle — it could be your minerals. Depleted soils, chronic stress, and poor gut absorption have quietly drained many of us of the nutrients our bodies depend on most: Magnesium, Zinc, and Iron. Standard blood tests often miss these subtle deficiencies. If you're feeling "tired but wired," it's time to look at your mineral status.
Magnesium — the relaxer
Sleep · Stress · Muscle recovery

Involved in over 300 body functions, magnesium controls sleep, stress response, and muscle recovery. You may be low if you experience foot cramps, eyelid twitching, racing thoughts at night, or chocolate cravings — your body is literally asking for it.
TOP FOOD SOURCES
Pumpkin seeds
Almonds & cashews
Dark chocolate (70%+)
Spinach & avocado
BEST SUPPLEMENT FORM
Magnesium bisglycinate — most bioavailable and gentle form; ideal for sleep and stress without digestive side effects.
Zinc — the protector
Immunity · Skin health · Hormone balance

Zinc powers your immune system, skin repair, and hormone balance. Warning signs include white spots on your fingernails, slow-healing wounds, or catching every office cold. Vegetarians and those with gut inflammation are especially at risk.
TOP FOOD SOURCES
Shellfish (especially oysters)
Grass-fed beef & lamb
Pumpkin seeds & chickpeas
BEST SUPPLEMENT FORM
Zinc picolinate — well-absorbed form, particularly beneficial for gut health and immune support.
Iron --- the energizer
Energy · Metabolism · Mental clarity

Iron carries oxygen to every cell in your body. Low iron shows up as thinning hair, cold hands and feet, and a sluggish metabolism. It's commonly missed when only serum iron is tested without a full iron panel including ferritin.
TOP FOOD SOURCES
Grass-fed liver & red meat
Lentils & quinoa
Spinach (with lemon juice)
BEST SUPPLEMENT FORM
Always test before supplementing iron — too much can be harmful. Confirm levels with a full iron panel first.
Pro tip: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over your spinach. The vitamin C dramatically improves iron absorption — a simple kitchen habit with real clinical impact.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement protocol. © 2026 Nomad Functional Medicine. All rights reserved.




Comments