Lithium is a naturally occurring trace element found in small amounts in water, soil, plants, and some foods. In the human body, it is present at very low levels in tissues and body water. Researchers are still studying its nutritional role, and it is not currently officially recognized as an essential nutrient for humans in the same way as iron, zinc, or selenium. However, evidence suggests lithium may influence the nervous system, mood regulation, neuroprotection, and cellular signalling. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3151375/ What lithium may do in the body Lithium appears to be involved mainly in the brain and nervous system. Research suggests it may affect neurotransmitter activity, nerve-cell signaling, and mechanisms linked to brain resilience and neuroprotection. Some studies also suggest dietary lithium could play a role in supporting cognitive function, though this area is still being actively researched. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6443601 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09335-x Is lithium essential? This is the important nuance: lithium is often described as a potential or candidate trace nutrient, but there is no universally accepted dietary requirement for it at present. Some researchers have proposed a provisional intake level, but major nutrition authorities have not established an RDA for lithium. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10888284/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3151375/ Where small amounts come from: Low amounts of lithium can come from drinking water, grains, vegetables, and legumes, but the amount varies a lot depending on the soil and water where food is grown. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969721043229

Hello all! Thank you for being here and for supporting my content. I thought I'd start off my community with my very first post on Alkalinity of the body. So here goes: A Simple Introduction to pH Balance & Vitality What Is Alkalinity? Your body carefully maintains a slightly alkaline blood pH of 7.35–7.45. This balance allows: Enzymes to function properly Oxygen to reach tissues efficiently Cells to produce energy Even small shifts outside this range can affect how you feel. Why It’s Important Modern lifestyles increase the body’s acid load through: Processed foods Refined sugar Chronic stress Environmental toxins High-protein, low-mineral diets While your body regulates blood pH automatically, it relies on minerals and organ systems to do so. Over time, inadequate mineral intake may place extra strain on these buffering systems. Alkaline-Forming Foods: ✔Leafy greens ✔Avocado ✔Cucumber ✔Lemon & lime (alkalising after digestion) ✔Herbal teas ✔Most vegetables Acid-Forming Influences: •Refined sugar •White flour products •Soft drinks •Highly processed foods •Excessive processed meats The Mineral Connection Key alkalising minerals include: ✔Magnesium ✔Potassium ✔Calcium ✔Trace minerals These help buffer acids and support: •Energy production •Detox pathways •Muscle function •Bone health The Big Takeaway Alkalinity isn’t about making your body “super alkaline.” It’s about: ✔ Supporting mineral balance ✔ Reducing excess dietary acid load ✔ Hydrating properly ✔ Nourishing your cells When your internal environment is balanced, everything works better — from energy to detoxification, absorption of essentialnutrients to long-term resilience. To improve your own body's Alkalinity it is important to minimise or cut out acid forming foods all together. There are many easy ways to swap out things, for example instead of adding sugar to your cup of tea or coffee add a little xylitol instead or cut out sweeteners all together. Coffee in itself is acidic, but if you truly enjoy this you can add a little pinch of bicarbonate of soda to neutralise it.