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3 Minerals Your Body Needs (And How to Fix It With Food)

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


Magnesium-rich foods
Magnesium-rich foods

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

  1. Pumpkin seeds

  2. Almonds & cashews

  3. Dark chocolate (70%+)

  4. 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-rich foods
Zinc-rich foods

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

  1. Shellfish (especially oysters)

  2. Grass-fed beef & lamb

  3. 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-rich food
Iron-rich food

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

  1. Grass-fed liver & red meat

  2. Lentils & quinoa

  3. 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.

 
 
 

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​​1024 Iron Point Road

Folsom, CA 95630

 

(By Appointment Only)

Phone:  916-500-4942 

​​Fax:  916-270-1333

Email: 

nomadfunctionalmedicine@gmail.com

 Serving  the Greater Sacramento​ area.  

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FAQ

Do you take insurance? No, we are a cash-pay practice. However, we can provide a superbill that you may submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement.

Do you accept HSA/FSA? Yes, we do. HSA/FSA cards can be used for appointments, supplements and some labs.

Do you offer payment plans? There is a 3 month payment plan available for specialty labs.

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