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 will help quiet cravings by giving your physique precisely what it’s lacking.
Each every now and then, 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 snug after dinner.
And after I try 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 fashion. Like most dentists, I used to be skilled 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 one of the underrated instruments now we have for oral well being—and for whole-body well being, too.
Your tooth are breaking down proper now. Saliva is how they restore.
After each meal, your tooth 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 taking place day by day.
The one manner your tooth recuperate from that assault is thru remineralization.
And remineralization is dependent upon your saliva.
Saliva accommodates the identical minerals your tooth 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 typically say: saliva is principally blood—simply with out the purple blood cells.
The minerals in your saliva float in resolution, prepared to leap into motion. That potential is named ionic energy. When your saliva has the proper steadiness of ions, it might 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 correct.
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 once 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 muscle tissue contract. And within the case of saliva, how minerals keep in steadiness so your tooth can truly remineralize.
You don’t must be operating marathons. You is perhaps chasing youngsters, working lengthy shifts, consuming an excessive amount of espresso, or simply waking up mildly dehydrated. And all of that impacts your saliva.
For those who’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 a number of kilos:
I’ve refined my routine through the years, 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 numerous stable formulation on the market, however I’ve not too long ago switched to this one (commissionable hyperlink). 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 shade. It’s sweetened with monkfruit which, as you recognize, is my absolute favourite sweetener—that’s why it’s one of many substances in our Fygg toothpaste. We even measured the pH of those electrolytes—no acidity considerations 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. They usually’re nonetheless useful for muscle cramps or common wellness. However in the case of saliva? You want extra. You want the total suite—sodium, calcium, potassium, phosphate—in the proper 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, all the pieces 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 maintain coming again to.
Typically, once you really feel the urge to achieve for a snack—particularly processed carbs—it’s not that your physique needs sugar.
It is perhaps 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 worrying morning. It’s like my physique isn’t trying to fill a spot 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 notice. Even for those who 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, consuming from springs, consuming actual meals. That world’s gone.
This one wants a bit assist.
For those who’re in search of a spot to start out—whether or not it’s to lose a number of kilos, really feel higher in your physique, or help your tooth 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 manner 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 considered 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 to your tooth, 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 assume.