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 may help quiet cravings by giving your physique precisely what it’s lacking.
Each infrequently, I am going on a weight loss plan. 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 once 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 think about saliva as a background character. A passive fluid that helped rinse your mouth and possibly neutralize acids.
However over time, I’ve come to see it as probably the most underrated instruments we’ve got 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 each day.
The one method your enamel get better from that assault is thru remineralization.
And remineralization is dependent upon your saliva.
Saliva comprises the identical minerals your enamel are manufactured from—calcium, phosphate, magnesium, and extra.
Why? As a result of it’s made out of 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 resolution, prepared to leap into motion. That skill is named ionic power. When your saliva has the suitable stability of ions, it could possibly launch minerals like hydroxyapatite—the very substance your enamel is manufactured 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 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 groups contract. And within the case of saliva, how minerals keep in stability so your enamel can really remineralize.
You don’t must be working marathons. You is likely to 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 the event 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 once I need to lose just a few kilos:
I’ve refined my routine over time, 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 just lately switched to this one (commissionable hyperlink). It’s clear, tastes nice, and comprises 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 recognize, 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 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 really 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 in relation to 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, every thing 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 achieve for a snack—particularly processed carbs—it’s not that your physique needs sugar.
It is likely to be asking for minerals.
I’ve observed that once I’m according to electrolytes and mineral-rich water, I don’t crave junk. Not even after an extended day or a irritating 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 once 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 notice. Even in case you 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 exterior, consuming from springs, consuming actual meals. That world’s gone.
This one wants a little bit assist.
In the event you’re on the lookout for a spot to start out—whether or not it’s to lose just a few 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 truly 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 one in every of your strongest instruments for therapeutic.
Give it what it wants—and your complete physique advantages.
Till subsequent time,
Mark
Know somebody who would admire this data?
Ahead it to them & inform them to join future emails right here.
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 subject—how electrolytes have an effect on your saliva, what which means 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 hear right here. I’d love to listen to what you assume.