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Minerals needed in relatively large amounts: sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, chloride and sulfur. In low-carb eating, sodium, potassium and magnesium become especially noticeable because lower insulin changes water and salt retention.
Large vessels carry the main blood flow to the brain, heart, kidneys, abdominal organs and limbs, so narrowing or blockage can lead to stroke, heart attack, leg ischemia and kidney injury. Risk is not only about cholesterol; blood pressure, ApoB, diabetes, smoking, inflammation, age, family history and existing plaque all matter.
A plant lignan from seeds, whole plant foods, and some vegetables; gut microbiota can convert it into enterolignans, linking diet quality with intestinal metabolism.
A form of vitamin K2 connected with calcium metabolism, blood clotting, bone tissue and the arterial wall. Menaquinones differ by side-chain length; MK-4 and MK-7 are discussed most often, but their effects and sources are not identical.
The ability to switch between glucose, fatty acids and ketones depending on food, activity and time between meals. Low flexibility is often linked with insulin resistance, constant snacking, poor sleep and low activity; keto can help, but flexibility does not mean avoiding carbohydrates forever.
The full set of processes that allow the body to obtain energy, build tissues, break substances down, remove excess and maintain internal balance. Metabolism should not be reduced to fast or slow: muscle mass, hormones, sleep, food, activity, inflammation, medications, age, liver, thyroid and mitochondria all matter.
This active coenzyme form of vitamin B12 participates in methylation, homocysteine metabolism and nervous system support. It can be a useful supplement form in B12 deficiency, but the choice between methylcobalamin, cyanocobalamin, hydroxocobalamin and adenosylcobalamin depends on the cause of deficiency, absorption, symptoms and tolerance.
The community of microorganisms and their genetic material on the skin, mucous membranes and in the gut influences food fermentation, immune signaling, barrier function and metabolites. In nutrition the gut microbiome is especially important, but it cannot be fixed with one probiotic; diet, fiber, fermented foods, antibiotics, sleep, stress and mucosal health all matter.
Cell structures that turn nutrients into ATP. Their function depends on oxygen delivery, thyroid status, iron, magnesium, B vitamins, coenzyme Q10, sleep, movement and the overall inflammatory load.
The heart muscle contracts continuously and needs stable blood flow, oxygen, electrolytes and energy. It can suffer from ischemia, heart attack, hypertension, rhythm disorders, myocarditis, deficiencies and overload; nutrition supports the metabolic background, but chest pain, breathlessness and new palpitations require medical evaluation.
Mineral elements needed in small amounts but critical for enzymes, thyroid function, blood, immunity and antioxidant defense. They include iron, zinc, copper, selenium, iodine, manganese, molybdenum, chromium and others; for many of them excess can be as harmful as deficiency.
