Most individuals assume 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 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 can assist quiet cravings by giving your physique precisely what it’s lacking.
Each from time to time, I am going on a eating regimen. 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 help weight reduction. They assist me sleep higher. Suppose extra clearly. And most of all, they maintain my saliva wholesome.
Sure—saliva.
I didn’t at all times assume this manner. Like most dentists, I used to be skilled to consider 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 probably the most underrated instruments we’ve 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 embrace 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 occurring daily.
The one method your enamel recuperate from that assault is thru remineralization.
And remineralization is dependent upon your saliva.
Saliva incorporates the identical minerals your enamel are product of—calcium, phosphate, magnesium, and extra.
Why? As a result of it’s produced from 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 potential is known as ionic power. When your saliva has the precise steadiness of ions, it will possibly launch minerals like hydroxyapatite—the very substance your enamel is product of—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 true.
And that is dependent upon 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 fireplace. How your muscle tissue 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 may be chasing youngsters, 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 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 wish to lose a couple of 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 whole lot of stable formulation on the market, however I’ve not too long ago 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 colour. It’s sweetened with monkfruit which, as you already know, is my absolute 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 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 beneficial hint mineral drops. And so they’re nonetheless useful for muscle cramps or normal 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, the whole lot else appears to fall into place.
Much less snacking.
Fewer cravings.
Extra vitality.
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 maintain coming again to.
Typically, if you really feel the urge to succeed in for a snack—particularly processed carbs—it’s not that your physique desires sugar.
It may be asking for minerals.
I’ve observed 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 aggravating morning. It’s like my physique isn’t trying to fill a spot anymore. As a result of the hole is already crammed.
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 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 understand. Even should you eat nicely, our soil isn’t what it was once. The minerals simply aren’t there. Our ancestors used to swallow and inhale them simply by taking part in outdoors, consuming from springs, consuming actual meals. That world’s gone.
This one wants somewhat assist.
In case you’re searching for a spot to begin—whether or not it’s to lose a couple of kilos, really feel higher in your physique, or help your enamel long-term—I’d maintain it easy:
- Prioritize protein. Particularly early within the day.
- Replenish your minerals. (These are my favourite) Each single day.
- Hydrate in a method that really makes a distinction. Which means 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 certainly one of 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 which means in 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 hear right here. I’d love to listen to what you assume.