Minerals

Just wanted to share with everyone some wonderful words I found in this book by Paul Bergner:

'Traditional peoples all over the globe consider Earth to be our mother... we literally must nurse from the earth and nature to obtain the minerals our bodies need.'

The book describes how all the different minerals and trace elements are formed in the earth's core, magma and crust and are drawn up through the root systems of plants into sea vegetables and the plants that we eat as food. It goes on to talk about the way in which intensive farming has de-mineralised the food we eat and the impact the use of NPK fertiliser has on the balance of minerals in our food. He then explains the effects of mineral deficiencies on the body, causing dysfunction and disease, and how western medical practice does not consider the issue in relation to ill health. All the various minerals and trace elements are considered in turn, with their individual characteristics and foods which are rich in them. However, it is also shown how the minerals all act with each other, so if you become deficient in or supplement one it will put out the delicate balance with all the others. It is also stressed that too much of many of these minerals can be dangerous. And much more besides (issues of absorption, effects of sugar and refined white flour, the work of ground-breaking early 20th century travellers and researchers into the diets of indiginous peoples).. It is a fantastic book in which the science and technical issues involved are discussed clearly and without losing the reader, but which also has a clear spiritual component running through it.

For me it was extremely helpful, as I am constantly seeking ways to ensure adequate magnesium in the face of my own health issues. This book gave me a lot of useful information, suggested ways forward but also helped to explain some of the things I'd worked out for myself along the way via trial and error.

I was really struck, though, with how the description of how the elements are all formed within the earth and then rise up to the surface .. how the Earth actually does sustain us. With how the cycle is broken when we exhaust the supply and don't return the waste to the ground to renew it. As a historian and archaeologist it was fascinating to realise the different ways our ancestors used the land for a short spell then moved on, allowing nature to take over and restore the nutrients. It shows that we have much to learn from our ancestors .. much knowledge has been lost and our relationship with our planet along with it.

I ordered my copy from the inter-library loans service (its expensive on Amazon) but, if your interested in this sort of thing, Paul Bergner has done some You Tube videos on the subject of mineral depletion which contain enough information to whet your appetite and give you the outline of his research.