Mineral comes from the word mine, simply because minerals are mined from the earth. Iron, gold, magnesium, potassium, copper, etc., are examples of minerals. Metals are minerals that allow electricity to flow to and through our homes. The metals needed to conduct electric current through the body are called electrolytes. Not having electrolytes in your body is like having no electricity in your home. Without sufficient electrolytes, cell to cell communication cannot happen and a fatigued, tired, and dead feeling results. Electrolytes (mainly magnesium, potassium, calcium and sodium) are usually the first aid to trauma patients arriving at the hospital since electrolytes are so quickly depleted during stress, illness, and accidents. Sometimes taking minerals, such as potassium, can give you a real boost in energy.