How to Identify the Root Cause of Your Health Symptoms: Understanding the Mineral Connection

In today’s world, it’s all too common to feel like we’re constantly chasing symptoms, patching up discomforts, and managing health challenges without ever quite getting to the “why.” Why do we feel so tired, even after a full night’s sleep? Why do we experience lingering aches, bloating, and mood swings that leave us wondering if we’re simply aging poorly or missing something essential?

In the world of conventional medicine, symptoms often lead to isolated treatments that aim to alleviate, not necessarily solve. This approach can offer quick relief, but it rarely provides long-term answers, leaving us dependent on a cycle of remedies that treat the branches rather than the root of our health challenges.

At La Rituelle, we invite you to take a different approach—a return to understanding the deeper layers of your body’s needs, particularly through the lens of mineral balance and what we call the Root Cause Protocol. By focusing on minerals as the foundation of health, we begin to uncover a pathway that doesn’t just reduce symptoms but offers you a map to restore vitality and reclaim true energy.

Step 1: Recognizing Mineral Imbalance as the Root Cause

If you’re familiar with the basics of health, you may know about vitamins, hormones, or macronutrients (proteins, carbs, and fats). But often, the essential foundation—minerals—is overlooked. Minerals are the body’s fundamental building blocks, catalyzing nearly every reaction that sustains life, from oxygenation to energy production, detoxification, and even nerve function.

Imbalances in essential minerals, such as magnesium, copper, and iron, can disrupt these crucial processes, creating a cascade of symptoms that we feel every day. For example:

• Fatigue: You may lack energy not because you need more caffeine, but because magnesium and copper (key minerals for ATP production, our energy molecule) are low or unbalanced.

• Poor sleep: The inability to relax could stem from magnesium deficiency, which plays a central role in calming the nervous system and supporting quality sleep.

• Anxiety and mood swings: Mineral imbalances can disturb hormone function and neurotransmitter balance, affecting how you feel emotionally.

These symptoms are like the “red warning lights” of our body. When we listen to them through the lens of mineral balance, we begin to see that they aren’t random; they are signs guiding us to restore balance at the core level.

Step 2: Why the Conventional Approach Isn’t Solving It

While conventional medicine is invaluable in acute situations, it can sometimes fall short in understanding chronic issues. This is because it often views symptoms in isolation. For instance, low energy may prompt a suggestion of iron supplements or caffeine intake, yet these approaches may ignore how complex and interconnected mineral relationships really are.

Consider the common recommendation to “take more iron” if you feel fatigued or have low iron levels in your blood. Iron, while necessary, isn’t the only player. It must work in harmony with copper, magnesium, and other trace minerals to effectively support energy production and oxygen transport. Excess iron without adequate copper can even lead to oxidative stress—essentially causing more harm than good.

This is where the Root Cause Protocol comes in. Rather than blindly treating symptoms, we aim to understand why a mineral imbalance has occurred in the first place, and to address it at the source, not just through supplementation but through a lifestyle that supports mineral retention and harmony.

Step 3: Discovering the Essential Minerals—Magnesium, Copper, and Iron

To unravel your unique mineral needs, let’s start by exploring three of the most essential minerals: magnesium, copper, and iron.

Magnesium: The Master Regulator

Magnesium is a powerhouse mineral, involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body. It supports muscle relaxation, stress management, and energy production. However, stress, processed foods, and environmental factors can deplete our magnesium reserves, making it challenging to maintain optimal levels.

Signs you might be magnesium deficient:

• Muscle cramps

• Anxiety and stress

• Poor sleep or insomnia

• Low energy, especially in the afternoon

Copper: The Catalyst for Vitality

Copper works hand-in-hand with magnesium and iron to support energy production and immune function. It’s crucial for activating enzymes that produce ATP (cellular energy) and reduce oxidative stress in the body. Without adequate copper, iron can accumulate in tissues, creating “rust” in the body—oxidative stress that damages cells.

Signs of copper imbalance:

• Fatigue despite iron supplementation

• Weak immune response

• Poor skin and hair health

• Hormonal imbalances, such as thyroid issues

Iron: The Oxygen Carrier

Iron is essential for oxygen transport. However, the body doesn’t need excess iron in isolation; it needs balanced iron that can interact with copper and magnesium effectively. Many people are misdiagnosed with “iron deficiency” anemia, when in fact, they have an imbalance that needs more holistic correction.

Signs that you may need to rethink your iron levels:

• Feeling chronically tired, even with high iron levels in your blood

• Recurring infections or poor immune response

• Symptoms that worsen after taking iron supplements

Step 4: Asking the Right Questions to Identify the Root Cause

To start identifying the root cause of your symptoms, consider the following questions:

1. What are my primary symptoms, and when did they start?

2. What is my current intake of magnesium, copper, and iron? (Supplement history and diet)

3. Am I experiencing high stress? (Chronic stress can lead to mineral depletion)

4. Am I relying on supplements for quick fixes, like caffeine or iron pills?

Step 5: Restoring Balance with a Mineral-Focused Lifestyle

Once you’ve started to understand where your mineral imbalances lie, it’s time to take action—gently and sustainably. Here’s a some of the steps for restoring balance through the Root Cause Protocol:

1. Focus on magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, avocados, nuts, and seeds. Consider magnesium supplementation if needed, especially if you’re experiencing symptoms of deficiency.

2. Support copper intake with whole foods such as beef liver (a potent source). If that is not your favorite pick, there are forms of supplementation I agree with.

3. Prioritize iron balance, rather than simply adding more iron. Work with your body to increase your copper levels so iron is properly regulated. This balance is essential to prevent oxidative stress and support true energy.

4. Reduce stress and increase rest—while minerals build the foundation, stress management keeps you from depleting those minerals too quickly. Practices such as mindfulness, gentle exercise, and adequate sleep can support mineral absorption and retention.

5. Hydrate properly and include mineral-rich salts like sea salt to support electrolyte balance, which is essential for mineral absorption and overall wellness.

When I work with my clients, I support and guide through the steps taking into consideration their health status and symptoms. This may look different from one individual to another.

Step 6: Honoring Patience in the Healing Journey

Balancing minerals and identifying root causes isn’t an overnight process. It’s a journey, one that requires patience, consistency, and compassion for yourself. Each step you take to support mineral balance builds resilience in the body, gradually alleviating symptoms at their core rather than masking them.

Embrace a Deeper Understanding of Health

By embracing the mineral connection, you’re not only addressing symptoms—you’re shifting your entire approach to health. The Root Cause Protocol encourages you to trust your body’s wisdom, listening to its signals rather than silencing them. With each mindful choice, you’ll find yourself moving closer to genuine energy, lasting health, and a vibrant life that isn’t tied to quick fixes or fleeting solutions.

Remember, your body is designed to heal and thrive. It just needs the right tools and understanding to do so. At La Rituelle, we believe that the path to true wellness lies within you—guided by a return to the essentials, a respect for mineral balance, and a commitment to uncovering the deeper truths of your health.

Love,
Jenn