Mineral deficiency and soil depletion: the hidden threat to our health

At a time when technology seems to be driving society forward, we are facing a silent crisis that is threatening our well-being: the depletion of minerals in our farmland. This crisis, caused by soil depletion, threatens not only the nutritional value of our food, but also the health and survival of humanity. This article delves deeper into this urgent issue and explores the causes, consequences, and possible solutions.

“Every disease, condition and disease is due to a lack of minerals.” -Dr. Linus Pauling, two-time Nobel Prize winner”

The essential role of minerals in our nutrition

Minerals are essential building blocks for life. They play a crucial role in many biological processes, including enzymatic reactions, bone formation, nerve function, and maintaining a strong immune system. Without an adequate intake of these minerals, these processes cannot run optimally, leading to a wide range of health problems.

The Earth, and more specifically the soil, is the most important source of these minerals. Plants absorb minerals from the soil, and these minerals eventually reach humans via the food chain. However, the intensive farming practices of the past century have drastically reduced the mineral content of our farmlands. Studies show that soils worldwide have lost between 72% and 85% of their mineral content, depending on the region.

The consequences of this are alarming. Fruits and vegetables today contain far fewer nutrients than a few decades ago. This means that even when we eat healthy, we are not getting the necessary amounts of minerals that are essential to our health. The impact of these mineral deficiencies is widespread and is reflected in a variety of health problems, from a weakened immune system to chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer.

“The lack of minerals is the root of all diseases.” - Dr. Gary Price Todd

The causes of soil depletion

The depletion of minerals in our soil is a process that began decades ago and has only worsened since then. The roots of this problem lie in how we farm. The rise of large-scale farming practices and the growth of agribusiness have led to intensive cultivation of the land without sufficient attention to maintaining the natural balance of the soil.

The introduction of chemical fertilizers in the early 20th century marked a turning point in agriculture. These fertilizers, consisting of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK), are designed to increase crop yields. Although these fertilizers encourage plants to grow rapidly, they contain only a fraction of the minerals that are naturally present in the soil. This means that while crops look healthy and grow fast, they don't have the full nutritional value they should have.

In addition, the large-scale use of pesticides and herbicides has had a devastating effect on soil ecology. These chemicals not only kill pests, but also the vital microorganisms in the soil that are essential for converting minerals into forms that can be absorbed by plants. Without these microorganisms, the soil cannot provide the plants with the nutrients they need, leading to further soil depletion.

Erosion is another major factor contributing to the depletion of minerals in the soil. Due to deforestation, intensive agriculture and improper cultivation of the land, the soil is losing its fertile upper layer, which is rich in minerals. This problem is worsened by climate change, which causes extreme weather events such as heavy rains and drought, which further accelerates soil erosion.

‍“With a lack of minerals, vitamins have no function. With a lack of vitamins, the system can make use of the minerals, but if they lack them, vitamins are useless.” - Dr. Charles North

The consequences for our health

The consequences of soil depletion are far-reaching and have a direct impact on human health. One of the most worrying aspects of this crisis is the increase in chronic diseases linked to mineral deficiencies.

Magnesium, for example, is a mineral that is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the human body, including the regulation of blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and muscle and nerve function. Magnesium deficiency is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and stroke. Unfortunately, magnesium is one of the most depleted minerals in our farmland, which means that many people around the world are not getting enough of this crucial mineral through their diet.

Another example is selenium, a mineral known for its powerful antioxidant properties and its role in supporting the immune system. Selenium helps the body combat oxidative stress, an important factor in the development of chronic diseases such as cancer. Selenium deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including prostate cancer and lung cancer.

Obesity is another major issue related to mineral deficiencies. While obesity is often seen as a result of excessive calorie intake and lack of exercise, diet quality also plays a crucial role. When the body does not get the necessary nutrients, it remains hungry even after consuming large amounts of food. This can lead to overeating and weight gain. The body craves the minerals it lacks, but instead of consuming foods rich in these nutrients, many people are turning to high-calorie but nutrient-poor foods, further exacerbating the problem.

“Disease certainly and cruelly preys on malnourished and unsuitable plants, animals and people. It's a shame for science. “-
U.S. Senate, 1936, Senate Document 264

The economic drivers behind soil depletion

Soil depletion is not only a problem of agricultural practices; it is also a result of economic priorities that focus on maximizing profits rather than sustainable development. The modern agricultural sector is dominated by large agribusinesses that focus on producing as much food as possible at the lowest possible cost. These companies have little incentive to invest in sustainable farming practices that could enrich and protect the soil. Instead, they opt for methods that produce quick results, such as the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

These economic drivers are often supported by government policies and subsidies aimed at promoting high production rates rather than quality and sustainability. Farmers are rewarded for producing large amounts of food, regardless of its nutritional value or impact on the soil. This has led to a system where soil depletion has become the norm, with devastating consequences for public health and the environment.

In addition, globalization plays a role in the crisis. The demand for cheap agricultural products on the global market has forced farmers to increase production without regard to the sustainability of their practices. This has led to a vicious cycle in which soil depletion leads to lower crop yields, which in turn forces farmers to use even more intensive methods of subsistence.

“It's easier to cure diseased soils than sick people—which should we choose?” - U.S. Senate, 1936, Senate Document 264

Ignoring historical warnings

The dangers of soil depletion and the resulting mineral deficiency have been known for a long time. In 1936, U.S. Senate Document 264 warned of the serious consequences of the declining fertility of U.S. farmlands. The document stated that the soil was so severely depleted that the food grown on it no longer contained sufficient minerals to keep the population healthy.

Although this warning was issued nearly a century ago, the lessons that should have been learned have been largely ignored. Instead of taking action to restore and enrich the soil, policy makers and agribusinesses have focused on increasing food production to feed a growing global population. This has led to a situation where the world's soil is even further depleted, with disastrous consequences for human health and the environment.

The 1992 Earth Summit Report reiterated the seriousness of the situation. The report showed that the mineral content of farmland had declined dramatically worldwide, with North America being one of the most affected regions. Nevertheless, little has been done to reverse the trend, and the situation has only worsened since then.

“Our immunity closely parallels the Earth's immunity” - Dr. Bernard Jensen

The role of technology and science

While technology and science have enabled us to produce more food than ever before, they have also contributed to the current crisis. The introduction of chemical fertilizers and pesticides was originally seen as a breakthrough that would revolutionize food production. While these technologies have indeed led to higher yields, they have also led to severe soil depletion and a decrease in the nutritional value of crops.

In addition, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have further transformed agriculture. While GMOs offer certain benefits, such as increased resistance to pests and diseases, they have also led to monocultures—vast fields with just one crop. These monocultures deplete the soil more quickly because they extract the same minerals from the soil year after year without giving them back. In addition, the dependence on chemical pesticides and fertilizers in GMO crops is often higher, which further weakens the soil.

The question arises: can science and technology also help us out of this crisis? The answer is yes, but only if we are willing to think differently about agriculture and food production. There are already technologies and methods available that can help restore and enrich the soil, such as the application of organic fertilizers, agroecological practices, and soil remineralization. These approaches focus on working with nature rather than going against it.

“In order for man to continue living on Earth, he needs to make some fundamental changes.” - Dr. Maynard Murray

Soil Depletion Solutions

The solution to soil depletion lies in restoring the soil's natural balance. This means embracing sustainable farming practices that aim to preserve and enrich the soil, rather than depleting it.

One of the most effective ways to restore soil is by using organic fertilizers. These fertilizers are rich in a wide range of minerals and help enrich the soil with the nutrients needed for healthy plant growth. In addition, organic fertilizers support the activity of microorganisms in the soil, which is essential for the uptake of minerals by plants.

Soil remineralization is another important strategy. This process involves adding minerals, such as clay, rock meal and seaweed, to the soil to restore its natural balance. Remineralization has already been successful on several organic farms, such as Cal-Organic in California, where using 3,000 tons of rock meal led to significant improvements in soil quality and crop yields.

Agroecology is a holistic approach to agriculture that takes into account the interaction between plants, animals, people and their environment. By promoting crop diversity, keeping soil covered with crop residues, and minimizing the use of chemical pesticides, agroecology can help protect and enrich the soil. This approach has benefits not only for soil fertility, but also for the biodiversity and climate resilience of agricultural systems.

“If an element is missing in the soil, it is missing in the food we eat.” - Dr. Bernard Jensen

The role of consumers

Consumers play a crucial role in addressing the crisis of soil depletion. By making conscious choices about what we eat and where we buy it, we can increase the demand for sustainably produced food and thus influence agricultural practices.

One important step that consumers can take is buying organic food. Organically grown food is produced without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which is not only better for health, but also for the soil. While organic food is often more expensive, the long-term benefits are significant. By investing in organic food, consumers are supporting farming practices that enrich, rather than deplete, the soil.

In addition, consumers can influence the market by opting for locally produced food. Local farmers often have a smaller environmental footprint and are more likely to adopt sustainable farming practices. By buying locally, consumers can support demand for healthy, nutritious crops and contribute to soil regeneration.

Consumers can also make their voices heard by pressuring policy makers and companies to promote sustainable farming practices. This can be done by getting involved in environmental protection campaigns, signing petitions for stricter agricultural regulations, and supporting companies that are committed to sustainable food production.

“Declining soil fertility produces inferior harvests, resulting in pathogenic disorders in animals and humans.” - Dr. William A. Albrecht

_{The bigger picture: soil depletion and humanity's future}

The crisis of soil depletion is not just a problem for the agricultural sector; it is an existential threat to humanity's future. The Earth is a closed system, and soil health is directly linked to the health of humanity. If we continue to deplete the soil, we will not be able to produce enough nutritious food to feed the world's population, leading to an increase in hunger, disease and poverty.

In addition, soil depletion also has consequences for the environment. Depleted soils are less able to sequester carbon, contributing to climate change. In addition, erosion of depleted soils leads to water pollution and loss of biodiversity, which further upsets the ecological balance.

Restoring the soil is therefore not just a matter of agriculture; it is a matter of survival. It requires an overhaul of how we produce and consume food, and a renewed appreciation for the natural resources that keep us alive.

Streamer: “The choices we make today will determine whether humanity will be able to survive and thrive on this planet.” - Dr. Walter Mertz

Conclusion: time for action

The depletion of minerals in our soil is an insidious crisis that threatens the health and survival of humanity. Modern farming practices, driven by economic motives, have led to the impoverishment of the soil and a decrease in the nutritional value of our food. This trend must be reversed, and that can only be done through conscious action at all levels of society.

There is hope: by embracing sustainable farming practices, remineralizing the soil and making conscious choices as consumers, we can repair the damage and secure a healthy future for ourselves and future generations. But time is running out. If we don't act now, we risk losing our most valuable resource: the fertile soil on which our lives depend. Unfortunately, whoever brings this to the attention in American politics, for example, is not taken seriously and you won't hear about it in the media.

Resources

• Pauling, L. (1986). How to Live Longer and Feel Better. W.H. Freeman.
• Albert, W.A. (1975). Soil Fertility and Animal Health. Acres U.S.A.
• Senate Document 264 (1936). Document on Mineral Deficiencies in U.S. Agriculture.
• Weaver, D. (2010). To Love and Regenerate the Earth. Earth Healing Solutions.
• King, M. (2012). The Hidden Message in Our Food: Restoring Our Health and Soil. Self-published.
• Earth Summit Report (1992). Ministry of Environment and Forests.
• Carson, R. (1962). Silent Spring. Houghton Mifflin.
• Murray, M. (1976). Sea Energy Agriculture. Acres U.S.A.

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