As HTMA practitioners, providing comprehensive care that integrates exercise and nutritional insights is essential. While exercise is widely recognized for its benefits, understanding its impact on mineral levels can enhance your practice and improve patient outcomes.

The Double-Edged Sword of Exercise

Exercise offers numerous benefits, including improved circulation, reduced tension, enhanced rhythm, and increased energy. However, it’s crucial to understand that exercise can also give a false sense of vitality. This dual nature of exercise can sometimes lead patients to believe they are healthier than they are.

Exercise as a Stimulant

Exercise acts as a stimulant, raising sodium levels and increasing adrenal activity. Exercise can provide a noticeable physical and mental boost for patients with low sodium levels or an imbalanced sodium-to-potassium ratio. However, this temporary enhancement might mask underlying deficiencies.

The Impact of Exercise on Mineral Balance

Vigorous exercise can cause the release of narcotic-like substances from the brain and pituitary gland, contributing to a “natural high.” Additionally, exercise mobilizes minerals from storage into active duty, which, without proper replenishment, can lead to the depletion of essential mineral reserves.

Sustaining Benefits with Mineral Rebalancing

A critical question arises: Can the benefits of exercise be sustained without specific rebalancing and replenishing of the mineral pattern? The answer is likely no. Practitioners must ensure that exercise-induced mineral shifts are balanced through appropriate nutritional strategies.

Monitoring Exercise Impact through HTMA

HTMA provides a valuable tool for monitoring the effects of exercise on mineral levels. Regular tissue mineral analysis can help determine whether exercise genuinely benefits patients or depletes vital mineral reserves. Encourage patients to undergo periodic HTMA to effectively tailor their exercise and nutrition plans.

Exercise-Induced Euphoria: A False Sense of Well-Being

The euphoria experienced by heavy exercisers, particularly runners, is due to the release of substances similar to heroin and opium. This “high” can create an exaggerated sense of well-being, unsupported by a solid nutritional base. When patients stop exercising, they may experience a crash, revealing their actual health status.

Case Studies: The Hidden Risks

Several HTMA case studies highlight the hidden risks of relying solely on exercise for health. For example, one jogger felt great despite having a degenerative condition, while another had dangerously low levels of iron and copper, indicating a slow slide into burnout. These examples underscore the importance of comprehensive mineral balancing.

Balancing Exercise and Nutrition

Encourage patients to enjoy the benefits of exercise without becoming overconfident due to temporary feelings of well-being. Emphasize the importance of balanced nutrition to support proper health. Educate them on monitoring their progress not just by physical strength but by sustained energy levels and overall relaxation.

References

• Eck, P., & Chatsworth, C. & L. (n.d.). Energy: How it affects your emotions, your level of achievement, and your entire personal well-being. Reprinted with permission.