by: Joel Thuna

Trace minerals are the classification of minerals which our bodies require in small amounts; less than 100mg daily. Although we need only minute amounts, many of us are unable to intake the required quantities of trace minerals through our diet. These elusive minerals are vital for many bodily functions including iron absorption, maintaining healthy immune and reproductive systems, enzyme function, as well as hemoglobin synthesis.

Most dieters experience over eating episodes which they feel powerless to control. Is this simply a lack of self control? Research indicates that binge eating is common among people who have experienced periods of starvation. In the developed world this is rare, unless they are a habitual dieter.

Although dieters rarely reduce their weight or food intake to levels seen in the Third World, dieting can trigger defense mechanisms in the body's ability to restrain itself. Binging may be the body's way of attempting to normalize thyroid function.

Similar mechanisms could be at work in food cravings. Doctors have observed that deficiencies in certain trace minerals may trigger carbohydrate and sugar cravings.
Four of the trace minerals (zinc, chromium, manganese, and vanadium), along with the mineral magnesium, are vital for proper blood sugar control.

Chromium is the trace mineral required for the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. Our bodies also use it in the production of insulin. Insufficient chromium intake can produce symptoms similar to those observed with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Chromium stimulates the activity of insulin (critical for glucose metabolism) and helps metabolize fat thereby aiding in weight loss.

Manganese is concentrated in the pituitary gland, liver, pancreas, kidney, and bones. Needed for proper utilization of several vitamins, including vitamin C, manganese is also involved in many enzyme systems, including those for blood sugar regulation, energy metabolism, and thyroid hormone function. This trace mineral is a vital component in the enzymes responsible for the breaking down of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Evidence suggests that patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases have an increased need for manganese.

Magnesium helps maintain tissue sensitivity to insulin, control glucose metabolism, and is involved in insulin regulation. Magnesium deficiency leads to sugar and chocolate cravings that will disappear when normal levels are restored. Since significant levels of magnesium are found in the hippocampus, which is the emotional and memory center of the brain, deficiencies are believed to form the emotional environment that encourages cravings.

Vanadium mimics the activity of insulin. It is biologically active, even in the absence of insulin, significantly increasing liver glycogen and improving muscle tissue glucose uptake. By stabilizing the body's production of insulin, vanadium inhibits the body from storing the excess calories from carbohydrates as unwanted fat.

Zinc is essential to blood sugar regulation. It improves glucose tolerance, influences carbohydrate metabolism, and increases insulin response. The majority of North Americans consume far less zinc than necessary for normal sugar metabolism and other bodily functions.

Our average diet is lacking in all of these vital minerals, with dieters being severely deficient. Correcting mineral deficiencies can go a long way toward helping frustrated dieters control their cravings for sweets, fats and carbohydrates.When choosing a trace mineral supplement, look for one that is naturally sourced. The body can more readily utilize natural forms of these essential minerals.