What is a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis? (HTMA) is an analytical test that measures the mineral composition of hair. It is regarded by many doctors, naturopaths and nutritional therapists as one of the most valuable screening tools available in everyday and preventative health care.
If you have been to the Doc lately - you will be aware how the help for more information isn't there.
This is not their fault , largely you just need more information to steer you back on track.
They can only help with more tests or tell you what the problems is and only know Script solutions. ( that's ok for some ) but what if you truly, want to work on a more holistic alternative method. HTMA will help show you a 3mths window into your health, what you have and have not been doing. Recording diet, and lifestyle.
CONDITIONS AFFECTED BY MINERAL IMBALANCES
Acne / Allergies / Alzheimer’s disease / Anemia / Anxiety / Arthritis / Atherosclerosis / Cardiac conditions / Dental problems / Depression / Diabetes / Digestive problems / Fatigue / Hair loss & poor nails / Headaches / High blood pressure / Hormone imbalance / Hyperactivity / Hypercholesterolemia / Hypoglycemia / Immune imbalance / Infertility / Insomnia / Learning difficulties / Macular degeneration / Memory problems / monthly Migraines / Mood swings / Muscle cramps / Osteoporosis / PMS / Prostate disorders / Skin problems / Stress / Thyroid disorders / Wounds healing poorly.
Causes of mineral imbalances
Improper eating habits: like Fad diets and diets high in refined carbohydrates, sugar, salt, alcohol and saturated fats can lead to
mineral deficiencies and excesses. Even the mineral content of a healthy diet can be deficient if foods are grown on nutrient poor land.
Stress: Both physical and emotional stress can lead to mineral imbalances. B-complex, vitamins, zinc and magnesium are lost in greater quantities when you are stressed; you also absorb less nutrients from your food. Sports people often have a higher requirement of certain nutrients.
Medications: Many deplete the body’s store of nutrient minerals and can increase levels of toxic minerals. Medications such as diuretics, the oral contraceptive pill,
antacids and aspirin can all cause vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Pollution: Toxic minerals such as lead, mercury and cadmium can interfere with mineral absorption and increase mineral excretion. They build up in our bodies
from sources such as: air pollution, car exhaust, cigarette smoke, unfiltered water, dental amalgams, copper and aluminium cookware, hair dyes and antiperspirants.
Toxins have also entered the food chain, contaminating some of our foods. It is almost impossible these days to avoid some exposure to toxic minerals.
Genetic and individual factors: A predisposition towards certain mineral imbalances, deficiencies and excesses can be inherited from parents. Certain
individuals can also inherit a higher requirement than normal for particular nutrients to maintain good health.
Nutritional supplements: Supplements can also lead to mineral excesses and deficiencies. For example, excess calcium intake can cause
phosphorus and magnesium deficiency. Continued magnesium deficiency increases sodium levels and eventually causes vitamin A deficiency.
HAIR SAMPLES
The laboratory requires 0.25gm or one tablespoon of head hair for testing. Taking a hair sample is quick and easy. Cut hair close to the scalp. Use the first 4cm of
hair, as this reflects the body’s most recent metabolic activity. The hair needs to be clean, well-rinsed, untreated and uncoloured. If hair is treated or coloured, wait six to ten weeks and take a sample from the freshly grown untreated hair. Head hair is best for testing. If head hair is not available, beard or pubic hair can be used. If there is no hair, clean fingernail clippings can be tested. These alternative tissue samples can be used to monitor toxic mineral levels, but will not always provide nutrient mineral
data that is as reliable as head hair. Do not mix different types of tissue samples, eg. head hair with pubic hair.
Benefits of an HTMA, Valuable health information often not revealed in standard blood and urine tests. Excellent means of identifying potential nutrient mineral deficiencies and excesses. Useful indicator of toxic mineral exposure. Personalised interpretive test report that assesses your current mineral status, highlights areas of concern and
recommends dietary changes and supplements for improved health.
InterClinical Labs test 35 nutrient and toxic minerals, and over 26 significant mineral.
Test cost around $190, I need some medical history along with any other health issues.
MINERALS TESTED NUTRITIONAL ELEMENTS
Boron
Calcium
Chromium
Cobalt
Copper
Iron
Magnesium
Manganese
Molybdenum
Phosphorus
Potassium
Selenium
Sodium
Sulfur
Zinc
TOXIC ELEMENTS
Aluminum
Antimony
Arsenic
Beryllium
Cadmium
Lead
Mercury
Uranium
ADDITIONAL ELEMENTS
Barium
Bismuth
Germanium
Lithium
Nickel
Platinum
Rubidium
Strontium
Thallium
Tin
Titanium
Tungsten
Vanadium
Zirconium
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Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.