The body is comprised of approximately 92% minerals, all of which are critically important. Some minerals are regarded as nutritious and some are regarded as toxic metals. Disease can result from an excess or deficiency of minerals. In fact, it is possible to acquire a disease based on a deficiency of only one mineral. On the other hand, many illnesses develop, not because of heredity, but through high levels of heavy metal toxicity which depress the immune system, thereby evoking diseases to enter the body. When mineral deficiencies occur, toxic metals replace the missing essential minerals in enzyme binding sites. This allows the body to survive in the face of nutrient deficiencies. Diseases that may result from heavy metal poisoning include heart disease, cancer, diabetes, fatigue, depression, anxiety, infections and many other conditions. However, heavy metal dexification is possible thru nutritional therapy, which involves reversing disease processes by replacing the toxic metals with the preferred vital minerals. By correcting tissue mineral levels and ratios with proper dietary modifications, nutritional supplementation and lifestyle changes, many physical, mental, emotional and behavioral health conditions, including those of long standing, will improve.
One common toxic heavy metal is mercury. Excessive intake of mercury can result in mercury toxicity. But mercury permeates our atmosphere. We breathe it in daily. We get it from eating fish regularly, such as salmon and tuna. We get it from the preservative Thiomersol, which the methyl-mercury used in vaccinations. It is basically injected straight into the body, and can result in symptoms of mercury poisoning. This is why vaccinations are linked to autism, depression and illness in children. We also get mercury from amalgam tooth fillings. An FDA study revealed that people with amalgam fillings have higher concentrations of mercury in their blood, urine, kidneys and brain than those without amalgams.
Mercury toxicity is only one example of heavy metal toxicity. Other toxic metals include Aluminum, Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Bismuth, Cadmium, Lead, Nickel, Thallium, Tin and Uranium. Exposure to toxic metals occurs through an industrial work environment as well as toxic metal chemicals added to food, water, air, household products, hair and skin products, personal hygiene products, tooth fillings, and many other common sources. Toxic metals may accumulate in the body due to chronic exposure and may lead to illness at very small amounts. Various factors may trigger deficiencies of nutrient elements, including poor diet, maldigestion, malabsorption, and toxic metals which deplete the body of nutrients.
What is a hair mineral analysis?
A hair mineral analysis is an inexpensive and accurate tool used to assess the body for numerous conditions and to monitor progress on any healing modality. It reveals abnormalities not detected through other routine tests. Hair analysis provides information directly about metabolism on a cellular level. It assesses glucose tolerance, organ and glandular function, energy level, metabolism [the rate at which food is burned] and disease susceptibility based on the state of the immune system. Hair mineral analysis is also a powerful tool to identify and correct biochemical causes of mental, emotional and behavioral conditions. Minerals control neurotransmitters and other neuroactive chemicals. All the toxic metals are neurotoxic and have a profound effect on the brain. Conditions that often respond include depression, anxiety, epilepsy, phobias, insomnia, fatigue, mood swings, attention-deficit disorder and learning disorders. Additionally, the hair mineral analysis provides a guide for nutritional therapy, as well as a guide for monitoring progress. Comparing the results of repeated tissue mineral tests over a period of months is an excellent way to monitor subtle changes in body chemistry, regardless of which type of therapy is used. OnIy about one heaping teaspoon of hair is required, preferably from the nape of the neck, but pubic hair may also be used.
This Hair Mineral Analysis test is performed by Genova Diagnostics Lab, formerly called The Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratory. It is among the most modern and sophisticated labs, fully equipped with "state-of-the-art" tools for precise and sensitive analysis. This lab is recognized to be a scientific world leader using the highest standards in the industry, and is managed by extremely knowledgeable chemists and microbiologists. It is trusted by thousands of Healthcare Practitioners globally to yield the most reliable results in their assessment of body specimens for physiological function. Commercial hair testing laboratories are inspected by the government, and must adhere to the same standards as blood laboratories. Often they are under greater scrutiny because the test is less conventional.
The Hair Mineral Analysis is performed by cutting the hair sample into small pieces and dissolving it in acid overnight. A carefully measured amount is then burned at a high temperature in a computer-controlled mass spectrometer. The technique has been used in laboratories for about 80 years. Spectrographic analysis is a standard testing method used at laboratories and universities around the world. Computer-controlled instruments have improved the accuracy and reduced the cost of mineral analysis. Its accuracy and reliability, when performed correctly, are well-documented. It measures the levels of 28 minerals in the hair tissue. Hair is tested because it is a rapidly-growing tissue that can be sampled easily and safely. It measure minerals directly in the body tissues or cells. The cells, not the blood or urine, are the main site of metabolism. Hair provides a unique, biopsy type of reading of metabolic activity. Blood tests do not provide the same information as a properly performed hair analysis. Hair analysis measures a different body compartment. Minerals are shifted from the tissues to maintain blood levels. This means that deficiencies or excesses often show up earlier in the hair than the blood. Blood levels of minerals vary very little, while hair values may vary tenfold, providing information not available from the blood. Blood tests give an instantaneous reading that may be affected by many factors. Hair analysis gives a long-term reading that is unaffected by recent meals, activities such as exercise, or emotional states. These and other differences make blood and tissue testing very different, with each providing valuable information.
Elemental Hair Analysis [Test for Heavy Metal Toxicity and Mineral Deficiencies]
A simple hair analysis can determine if mineral element imbalances or heavy metal toxicity may be causing your symptoms.
What are mineral elements?
Elements are atoms that are either essential to health or potentially toxic to the body, depending on the type and amount. Some nutritive elements are present in large quantity, such as calcium and zinc, while others are present only in trace amounts, such as chromium and selenium. Toxic metals, such as mercury or cadmium, may accumulate in the body due to chronic exposure and may lead to metal toxicity illnesses.
How do mineral elements affect my health?
Many elements are nutritious and essential to life, assisting in the production of energy and other important biochemical processes. Element insufficiencies, excesses, or imbalances can lead to illness. Some elements, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, become toxic when too many sneak into the body. This can lead to chronic symptoms of heavy metal poisoning, both physical and mental.
Essential Mineral Elements
These elements are required for the body's structural tissues and for metabolic functions, particularly enzyme reactions. However, deficiencies or imbalances among elements can lead to problems.
Low zinc is associated with poor wound healing, weight problems, depressed libido, hair loss, and impotence.
Low magnesium is associated with cardiovascular problems, depression, and anxiety.
Low copper is associated with joint pain, elevated cholesterol, anemia, and reduced resistance to infection.
Low manganese is associated with back and joint problems, hypoglycemia, and allergies.
Such imbalances can result from toxins, an improper diet, genetic predisposition, maldigestion or malabsorption of food, some medications, excess stress or an improper balance of nutritional supplements.
Element imbalances are linked to: fatigue, headaches, osteoporosis, malnutrition, depression, hypoglycemia, cancer, aggressive behavior, allergies, joint pain, diabetes, digestive disorders, learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, autism, and hypothyroidism.
Toxic Metal Elements
Toxic metal element accumulation is likely in an environment plagued by pollutants. Toxic elements, many of which are metals, normally are present in the body in small amounts. However, they accumulate with excessive or continual exposure or if your body's detoxifying defenses aren't up to par. These elements may inhibit enzymes in your body, weaken cell membranes, or impair nutrient delivery, which can lead to metal toxicity illness. Exposure most commonly occurs through everyday living but may result from an industrial work environment. Examples include exposure to cigarette smoke (cadmium), hydrogenated oils (nickel), antiperspirants and antacids (aluminum), some toothpastes and cans (tin), tap water (lead), and tooth fillings and fish (mercury). Symptoms of heavy metal poisoining include:
Excess lead is associated with fatigue, constipation, insomnia, emotional disturbances, hyperactivity, and learning disabilities in children.
Excess aluminum is associated with Alzheimer's disease and may also lead to the depletion of phosphorus in the body, which is critical for bone heath.
Excess arsenic is associated with fatigue, skin problems, and tingling in the extremities.
Excess cadmium is associated with fatigue, tissue aging, musculoskeletal pain, anemia, and hypertension.
Which nutritional supplements and detox products will help me to detox heavy metals?
Isn’t Hair Contaminated By Shampoo, Tints Or Hair Dyes?
Most hair products do not contain minerals that remain in the hair, and therefore do not affect the test. Neither does normal showering, light sweating and air pollution, unless one works in a heavily contaminated environment. Hair is not very porous, about 10% in men and 15% in women. The following can affect hair readings:
• Daily swimming in pools can raise sodium and copper levels;
• Heavy sweating immediately before cutting the sample can raise sodium and potassium readings;
• ‘Grecian Formula’ and ‘Youth Hair’ hair dye contain lead. They will elevate the lead level (and should be avoided)!
• Head & Shoulders shampoo can elevate the zinc level;
• Selsun Blue shampoo can elevate the selenium level;
• Bleaching and permanents can affect hair readings.
However, if a person is very ill, a sample can be taken at any time. It may not be perfectly accurate, but will provide enough information to begin a corrective program.
When should pubic hair analysis be used?
Hair from the head is subject to external contamination, particularly from hair products such as bleaches, perms, or dyes. Therefore, hair treated within the past two months will not provide accurate information. Pubic hair is a suitable alternative.
How much hair is required?
Only about one-quarter of a gram of hair is needed--or about one heaping teaspoon. Hair is generally cut at the nape of the neck, and the hair closest to the scalp is used. Because tiny amounts are taken from several places, it is nearly impossible to notice hair was taken.
Ask yourself:
Do you regularly use antiperspirants or antacids?
Do you have metal tooth fillings or regularly consume seafood?
Do you live or work in an industrial setting?
Do you spend a great deal of time in traffic?
Do you have chronic symptoms that haven't been diagnosed or treated successfully?
Do you have chronic gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, or gas?
Do you take minimal amounts of vitamin C?
Do you suffer from periodontal symptoms, allergies, or hypertension?
Do you suffer from mood changes that are difficult to explain?
Do you have trouble with concentration, memory, or learning?
Do you get infections easily or recover slowly?
Do you experience a reduced sense of taste or smell, poor night vision, rough skin, or poor wound healing?
If you answered yes to two or more of these questions, you may have mineral imbalances or excess toxic elements in your system.
How Toxic Are You?
•Fatigue may be caused by Aluminum cookware
•Depression may be caused by Mercury Amalgam Fillings
•Memory Loss may be caused by Tap Water
•Immune Dysfunction may be caused by Air Pollution
•Muscle Weakness/Aching may be caused by Seafood
•Skin Rashes may be caused by Pesticides
•Anemia may be caused by Medications
•High Blood Pressure may be caused by Fertilizers
•Tremors may be caused by Old Paint
•Headaches may be caused by Anti-Perspirants
•Autism may be caused by Tobacco Smoke
•Hyperactivity may be caused by Cosmetics
What does the ordering process involve and how long does it take?
When you order the test kit, you will follow instructions to collect the hair sample. You will FedEx it to the lab via the post-paid envelope. The lab will analyze your sample and send the results to me. I will then send the results to you. The turnaround process takes about 10 business days. The complete cost is only $90, which includes the test kit and the lab results. I am also offering a free naturopathic consult following results upon request. There are no extra charges. All lab tests are accurately performed by Genova Labs.
Without minerals, vitamins have absolutely no function in the body. The key factor to reversing disease, including heavy metal detoxification, is maintaining a balanced acid-alkaline state in the body.As a general rule, acid substances tighten; and alkaline substances relax. Minerals are alkaline because they relax the body from tightness, tension, stiffness, spasms, twitches, tics or jerkiness as in nervousness, anxiety, anger, fear, agitation, headaches, muscle cramps, menstrual cramps, arthritis, insomnia, constipation, heart palpitations, irregular heartbeats, high blood pressure, eye twitches, acne, plaque on teeth, plaque on heart and arteries due to cholesterol build-up, plaque on the brain [Alzheimer's], and an accumulation of estrogen building up inside the tissues [estrogen dominance].
Due to the alkaline effect of minerals, they loosen tumors, including fibroid tumors, endometriosis, cysts, moles, warts, skin tags, and other growths, and cause them to release their toxins. The relaxation property of alkaline minerals causes an increase in the bile duct emptying, as is needed with a sluggish gallbladder. Alkaline substances even loosen fat from cells. In fact, until the body pH reaches 6.4, fat will not budge. Since only alkaline substances [minerals] can neutralize acids, it is clear that minerals are absolutely essential for the health and healing of the body
pH [potential of hydrogen concentration] is the term used to identify the intensity of an acid or alkali. The potential ranges from 0 [extreme acidic] to 14 [extreme alkaline]. Optimally, we want the fluids in our bodies to have a neutral pH level, which is 7.0-7.2. No health disorder or disease can possibly sustain itself when the pH is maintained in the neutral zone. At this level, the body is highly oxygenated; it detoxifies and heals itself; its cells are energized; and it has a strong immunity to all diseases. A pH less than 5.3 indicates an inability to assimilate vitamins or minerals. Click here to have your pH checked.
