Yes we get plenty of minerals from the food we eat. I have done a 5 day Water Fast with only distilled water and no hair loss. I know that isn't a very long fast but it was all I could do. I caved in to others concerns, which was my decision (but easy to blame on others) I'm starting a new fast tomorrow and I'm hoping to fast to completion which means that I won't be telling anybody other than my husband what I'm doing. I think it will be much easier that way. I will be drinking only distilled water. I'm going to fast for as long as I can, this forum has helped me to get prepared for it.