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 properly, on the backside…
On this publication, 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 from time to time, 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 snug 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 think about saliva as a background character. A passive fluid that helped rinse your mouth and perhaps neutralize acids.
However through the years, I’ve come to see it as some of the underrated instruments we have now 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. However it’s occurring on daily basis.
The one manner your enamel get better from that assault is thru remainalization.
And remineralization is determined by your saliva.
Saliva incorporates the identical minerals your enamel are fabricated 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 mainly blood—simply with out the pink blood cells.
The minerals in your saliva float in answer, prepared to leap into motion. That means is known as ionic power. When your saliva has the suitable stability of ions, it may possibly launch minerals like hydroxyapatite—the very substance your enamel is fabricated from—proper the place the tooth wants it. Like a patch job after an acid assault.
That’s why stability 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 is determined by your electrolyte ranges.
Electrolytes aren’t only for athletes
Most individuals consider electrolytes as one thing you add after a exercise or once you’re sick. And sure, they’re nice for rehydrating.
However the fact is, electrolytes—sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphate—are important for everybody. They’re how your nerves fireplace. How your muscle tissue contract. And within the case of saliva, how minerals keep in stability so your enamel can truly remineralize.
You don’t must be working marathons. You may be chasing children, working lengthy shifts, consuming an excessive amount of espresso, or simply waking up mildly dehydrated. And all of that impacts your saliva.
In case you’re low on electrolytes—or just a bit dehydrated—your saliva modifications. It will get sticky. Or watery. Both manner, 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 wish to lose just a few kilos:
I’ve refined my routine through the years, and nowadays, 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 variety of strong formulation on the market, however I’ve lately switched to this one (commissionable hyperlink). It’s clear, tastes nice, and incorporates a well-rounded mineral profile that helps saliva: potassium, sodium from Himalayan salt, calcium, citrate, and spirulina which supplies it a startling blue coloration. It’s sweetened with monkfruit which, as , is my absolute favourite sweetener—that’s why it’s one of many elements 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 apart from my Italian heritage). I’ve been consuming 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 common wellness. However on the subject of saliva? You want extra. You want the complete suite—sodium, calcium, potassium, phosphate—in the suitable 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, the whole lot else appears to fall into place.
Much less snacking.
Fewer cravings.
Extra power.
And stronger saliva.
What in case your cravings aren’t about sugar in any respect?
That is only a principle of mine, however one I preserve coming again to.
Typically, once you really feel the urge to succeed in for a snack—particularly processed carbs—it’s not that your physique needs sugar.
It may be asking for minerals.
I’ve observed that after I’m according to electrolytes and mineral-rich water, I don’t crave junk. Not even after a protracted day or a worrying morning. It’s like my physique isn’t trying to fill a niche anymore. As a result of the hole is already stuffed.
I’ve additionally observed that after I’m consuming sufficient protein, my cravings drop. Protein helps regulate ghrelin and GLP-1—two hormones that inform your mind once 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 understand. Even in case you eat properly, 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, consuming from springs, consuming actual meals. That world’s gone.
This one wants a bit of assist.
In case you’re searching for a spot to start out—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.
- Replenish your minerals. (These are my favourite) Each single day.
- Hydrate in a manner that truly makes a distinction. Meaning mineral-rich water and a clear electrolyte powder that helps your saliva—not undermines it.
Your saliva isn’t simply spit.
It’s your mouth’s first line of protection.
And one in all your strongest instruments for therapeutic.
Give it what it wants—and your entire physique advantages.
Till subsequent time,
Mark
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P.S. I coined this time period “ionic integrity of saliva” throughout a podcast episode from 2023 the place I went deep on this actual matter—how electrolytes have an effect on your saliva, what meaning to your enamel, starvation, mind, and efficiency, and why all of it begins with minerals. If you wish to nerd out with me for half-hour, give it a pay attention right here. I’d love to listen to what you suppose.
