Along with the computer-calculated Dietary Analysis, the next step in state of the art nutrition assessment is the Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis.

Performed by the same reliable laboratory, the Diet and Hair analyses are best done side by side since the Diet Analysis indicates nutrient levels in the food you eat, while the Hair Analysis measures actual nutrient levels in your body.

Essentially, the Hair shows how much of which nutrients eaten, are actually absorbed through the intestine and go on to nourish the cell, tissue, and body system. Absorption is the essence of optimal nutrition: “you are what you absorb” is probably truer than “you are what you eat”.

Since the hair is a type of soft tissue it accurately reflects the mineral status of this tissue throughout the body. For example, if high levels of calcium are found in the hair tissue, this may indicate that calcium is not where it should be – in the harder tissue of the bone.

The usefulness of the first time Hair Analysis, aside from screening for toxic minerals, and assessing the levels and ratios of nutritional minerals, is that it serves as a baseline reference point for comparing mineral level changes over time.

If you’ve had a mineral analysis in the past, the full value is realized only when the test is repeated. In this way, the results of the first test serve as a reference point for comparison to the second test. Without the results of two tests side by side, there is no way to know whether that high calcium level is returning to normal or getting higher.

Now, two of the most informative and cost effective personal evaluation tools are still more revealing and economical when done together. To receive the forms for the Diet and Hair Analysis, or for any questions regarding nutrient testing procedures, please call Nutritionist Karl Mincin at 360-770-8486, or email at karlmincin@nutrition-testing.com.

Detection of Toxic Metal Exposure and Mineral Imbalances in Blood, Hair, Urine and Saliva

Why Mineral Analysis?

An increasing number of nutritionally and environmentally-oriented doctors are using mineral analysis to test for toxic environmental exposure as well as nutrient deficiencies known to affect the immune system and overall health.

Researchers have established a direct relationship between toxic mineral levels and negative social behavior, and have also found a significant relationship between toxic mineral levels and hypertension, debilitating chronic diseases, central nervous system changes, and immune system problems. While toxic elements such as lead, nickel, and mercury are known to decrease immune functions, a deficiency of nutrient elements such as copper, iron, magnesium, zinc and selenium will impair the immune system.

To protect and improve immune functions it is not enough to simply supplement nutrient minerals. The relationship of one mineral to another is critically important. To have maximum absorption and utilization, each mineral must exist in a specific amount relative to all other minerals. International studies indicate that this balance is crucial to a healthy immune system.

Which Test is Best – Blood, Urine, Hair or Saliva?

Hair Mineral Analysis (HMA) allows early detection of metabolic problems linked to mineral imbalances. It is a tissue analysis that measures the stored amount of a given element. The structure of hair is permanent and once a mineral or toxic element has been incorporated it remains fixed. HMA allows early recognition of nutrient deficiency or toxic overload, before acute problems develop. Therefore, HMA is a perfect tool for the prevention minded. It provides a record of past as well as present element levels, and unlike blood and urine, hair is an inert and chemically homogenous substance. Longtime environmental and chronic exposures are easily and accurately determined through HMA. Hair samples are easily collected, and samples can be stored indefinitely. Early detection of mineral imbalances allows early corrective measures. In the event that not enough untreated hair can be collected, nails may also be used.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…

-Calcium deficiency causes fatigue, insomnia, growth and digestive problems, muscle cramping, nervousness, and irritability.

-Chromium deficiency is associated with hypoglycemia, diabetes, weight problems, muscle weakness, and high cholesterol levels.

-Copper deficiency contributes to hormonal problems, fatigue, heart disease, and infertility.

-Iron deficiency is a known cause of anemia, immune deficiency, fatigue, and anorexia.

-Manganese deficiency causes pancreas and enzyme problems, and dull headaches.

-Magnesium deficiency contributes to emotional instability, fatigue, diabetes, cancer, and heart and skin problems.

-Molybdenum deficiency is a known cause of gout, obesity, and certain cancers.

-Selenium deficiency leads to heart disease, immune deficiency, cancer, chemical allergies, growth impairment, and cataracts.

-Zinc deficiency contributes to immune deficiency, hypothyroidism, candida, depression, and skin, hair and nail problems.

-Aluminum contributes to nervous disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, colic, and slurred speech.

-Arsenic causes allergies, hair loss, and colic.

-Cadmium contributes to blood pressure problems, emphysema, joint pain, kidney problems, prostate and other cancers.

-Copper overexposure is a known cause of migraine, emotional problems including depression, hyperactivity, schizophrenia, and liver disease.

-Lead exposure causes learning problems, anemia, anxiety, emotional disturbances, nervousness, anorexia, headache, convulsions, hair loss, and epilepsy.

-Mercury causes nervous and digestive disorders, allergies, tremors, infertility, depression, psychosis, asthma, and ataxia.

-Nickel causes allergies, dizziness, digestive disorders, lung cancer, apathy, vertigo, and skin problems such as dermatitis.

To receive the forms for the Diet and Hair Analysis, or for any questions regarding nutrient testing procedures, please call Nutritionist Karl Mincin at 360-770-8486, or email at karlmincin@nutrition-testing.com.

Toxic Elements Table