Most individuals suppose cravings are about willpower. However what in the event that they’re actually about lacking minerals? I’ll hyperlink my favourite minerals as nicely, on the backside…
On this e-newsletter, I’ll stroll you thru why saliva is extra than simply spit, why electrolytes are the unsung heroes of oral well being, and the way protein and minerals may help quiet cravings by giving your physique precisely what it’s lacking.
Each on occasion, I am going on a weight loss program. I positively don’t do something excessive. However I do begin paying nearer consideration—to how I really feel, how I sleep, and whether or not my favourite denims are nonetheless comfy after dinner.
And after I do this, I at all times come again to 2 issues:
protein and minerals.
Easy, proper?
However these two issues do extra than simply assist weight reduction. They assist me sleep higher. Assume extra clearly. And most of all, they preserve my saliva wholesome.
Sure—saliva.
I didn’t at all times suppose this fashion. Like most dentists, I used to be educated to consider saliva as a background character. A passive fluid that helped rinse your mouth and perhaps neutralize acids.
However over time, I’ve come to see it as probably the most underrated instruments we’ve got for oral well being—and for whole-body well being, too.
Your enamel are breaking down proper now. Saliva is how they restore.
After each meal, your enamel demineralize. That features “wholesome” meals—particularly in the event that they embody carbs like bread, crackers, or perhaps a few spoonfuls of rice.
Acid-producing micro organism break these meals down in your mouth and instantly begin releasing acid. That acid leaches minerals out of your enamel. You don’t really feel it. But it surely’s taking place on daily basis.
The one method your enamel recuperate from that assault is thru remineralization.
And remineralization will depend on your saliva.
Saliva accommodates the identical minerals your enamel are made from—calcium, phosphate, magnesium, and extra.
Why? As a result of it’s constituted of blood plasma. It’s filtered out of your bloodstream, and that’s why I usually say: saliva is principally blood—simply with out the crimson blood cells.
The minerals in your saliva float in answer, prepared to leap into motion. That capacity is named ionic power. When your saliva has the precise steadiness of ions, it could possibly launch minerals like hydroxyapatite—the very substance your enamel is made from—proper the place the tooth wants it. Like a patch job after an acid assault.
That’s why steadiness issues. Too thick? The minerals can’t transfer. Too skinny? They’re too diluted to work. Your saliva solely works if the mineral content material is correct.
And that will depend on your electrolyte ranges.
Electrolytes aren’t only for athletes
Most individuals consider electrolytes as one thing you add after a exercise or if you’re sick. And sure, they’re nice for rehydrating.
However the reality is, electrolytes—sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphate—are important for everybody. They’re how your nerves hearth. How your muscular tissues contract. And within the case of saliva, how minerals keep in steadiness so your enamel can truly remineralize.
You don’t must be operating marathons. You is likely to be chasing youngsters, working lengthy shifts, ingesting an excessive amount of espresso, or simply waking up mildly dehydrated. And all of that impacts your saliva.
If you happen to’re low on electrolytes—or just a bit dehydrated—your saliva modifications. It will get sticky. Or watery. Both method, it loses its ionic integrity. And when that occurs, your mouth can’t do what it’s constructed to do.
My three must-haves within the morning after I need to lose just a few kilos:
I’ve refined my routine over time, and lately, it’s easy:
- I begin with a protein smoothie—round 60g of protein, half collagen and half grass-fed whey. I mix it with wild blueberries, almond butter, and sea salt.
- I pair it with a full serving of electrolytes. There are a number of strong formulation on the market, however I’ve just lately switched to this one. It’s clear, tastes nice, and accommodates a well-rounded mineral profile that helps saliva: potassium, sodium from Himalayan salt, calcium, citrate, and spirulina which provides it a startling blue coloration. It’s sweetened with monkfruit which, as you realize, is my favourite sweetener—that’s why it’s one of many components in our Fygg toothpaste. We even measured the pH of those electrolytes—no acidity issues right here.
- And I drink Pellegrino all through the day (no affiliation except for my Italian heritage). I’ve been ingesting it for years as a result of it’s mineral-rich, alkalizing, and it truly makes me really feel higher.
For years, I really useful hint mineral drops. And so they’re nonetheless useful for muscle cramps or basic wellness. However on the subject of saliva? You want extra. You want the complete suite—sodium, calcium, potassium, phosphate—in the precise ratios. And it has to style good and have a impartial pH, or folks received’t keep it up.
If I get these two issues—protein and minerals—early within the day, every part else appears to fall into place. Much less snacking, fewer cravings, extra power, and, in fact, stronger saliva.
What in case your cravings aren’t about sugar in any respect?
That is only a concept of mine, however one I preserve coming again to.
Typically, if you really feel the urge to achieve for a snack—particularly processed carbs—it’s not that your physique needs sugar.
It is likely to be asking for minerals.
I’ve seen that after I’m in line with electrolytes and mineral-rich water, I don’t crave junk. Not even after a protracted day or a disturbing morning. It’s like my physique isn’t seeking to fill a spot anymore. As a result of the hole is already stuffed.
I’ve additionally seen that after I’m consuming sufficient protein, my cravings drop. Protein helps regulate ghrelin and GLP-1—two hormones that inform your mind if you’re full, or not. Pair that with minerals, and your physique lastly stops asking for one thing it’s lacking.
And the reality is, our diets are extra mineral-deficient than most individuals notice. Even should you eat nicely, our soil isn’t what it was. The minerals simply aren’t there. Our ancestors used to swallow and inhale them simply by enjoying outdoors, ingesting from springs, consuming actual meals. That world’s gone.
This one wants somewhat assist.
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a spot to begin—whether or not it’s to lose just a few kilos, really feel higher in your physique, or assist your enamel long-term—I’d preserve it easy:
- Prioritize protein. Particularly early within the day.
- Hydrate in a method that truly makes a distinction. For me, which means mineral-rich water and a clear electrolyte powder that helps your saliva—each single day.
Your saliva is your mouth’s first line of protection. And one in every of your strongest instruments for therapeutic. Give it what it wants—and your entire physique advantages.
Till subsequent week,
Mark
P.S. Since I get a number of replies asking for this, my each day stack is this magnesium, this toothpaste, this mouthwash different, this tongue scraper, this electrical flosser, this inexperienced tea, this throat spray, these enzymes with meals, this Vitamin D3/K2, this CoQ10, and—as you simply heard—these electrolytes.