Frequently Asked Questions About The Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis

Why do I need a hair mineral analysis?	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 element imbalances or excess toxic elements in your system. You should purchase the Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis Test if this is the case.
What is hair mineral analysis??	Hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA), is an analytical test which measures the mineral content of the hair. The sampled hair, obtained by cutting the first inch and one-half of growth closest to the scalp at the nape of the neck, is prepared in a licensed clinical laboratory through a series of chemical and high temperature digestive procedures. Testing is then performed using highly sophisticated detection equipment and methods to achieve the most accurate and precise results.
Why use the hair? Why not use the blood?	Hair is ideal tissue for sampling and testing. First, it can be cut easily and painlessly and can be sent to the lab without special handling requirements. Second, clinical results have shown that a properly obtained sample can give an indication of mineral status and toxic metal accumulation following long term or even acute exposure. A HTMA reveals a unique metabolic world: intracellular activity, which cannot be seen through most other tests. This provides a blueprint of the biochemistry occurring during the period of hair growth and development. Examples: Thirty to 40 days following an acute exposure, elevated serum levels of lead may be undetectable. This is due to the body removing the lead from the serum as a protective measure and depositing the metal into such tissues as the liver, bones, teeth and hair. Calcium loss from the body can become so advanced that severe osteoporosis can develop without any appreciable changes noted in the calcium levels in a blood test. Symptoms of iron deficiency can be present long before low iron levels can be detected in the serum. Hair is used as one of the tissues of choice by the Environmental Protection Agency in determining toxic metal exposure. A 1980 report from the E.P.A. stated that human hair can be effectively used for biological monitoring of the highest priority toxic metals. This report confirmed the findings of other studies in the U.S. and abroad, which concluded that human hair may be a more appropriate tissue than blood or urine for studying community exposure to some trace elements.
Why test for minerals?	Trace minerals are essential in countless metabolic functions in all phases of the life process. Zinc is involved in the production, storage and secretion of insulin and is necessary for growth hormones. Magnesium is required for normal muscular function, especially the heart. A deficiency has been associated with an increased incidence of heart attacks, anxiety and nervousness. Potassium is critical for normal nutrient transport into the cell. A deficiency can result in muscular weakness, depression and lethargy. Excess sodium is associated with hypertension, but adequate amounts are required for normal health. In the words of the late author and noted researcher, Dr. Henry Schroeder, trace elements (minerals) are "...more important factors in human nutrition than vitamins. The body can manufacture many vitamins, but it cannot produce necessary trace minerals or get rid of many possible excesses.
What can cause a mineral imbalance?	There are many factors to take into consideration, such as: Diet - Improper diet through high intake of refined and processed foods, alcohol and fad diets can all lead to a chemical imbalance. Even the nutrient content of a "healthy" diet can be inadequate, depending upon the soil in which the food was grown or the method in which it was prepared. Stress - Physical or emotional stress can deplete the body of many nutrients while also reducing the capability to absorb and utilize many nutrients. Medications - Both prescription and over-the-counter medications can deplete the body stores of nutrient minerals and/or increase the levels of toxic metals. These medications include diuretics, antacids, aspirin and oral contraceptives. Pollution - From adolescence through adulthood the average person is continually exposed to a variety of toxic metal sources such as cigarette smoke (cadmium), hair dyes (lead), hydrogenated oils (nickel), anti-perspirants (aluminum), dental amalgams (mercury and cadmium), copper and aluminum cookware and lead-based cosmetics. These are just a few of the hundreds of sources which can contribute to nutrient imbalances and adverse metabolic effects. Nutritional Supplements - Taking incorrect supplements or improper amounts of supplements can produce many vitamin and mineral excesses and/or deficiencies, contributing to an overall biochemical imbalance. Inherited Patterns - A predisposition toward certain mineral imbalances, deficiencies and excesses can be inherited from parents.
What do I receive when I order a full hair analysis profile?	Your report will provide you with the most complete and comprehensive evaluation and discussion of significant mineral levels, ratios and toxic metals as tested in the hair. Included is a listing of individual foods and food groups that you should eat or avoid in accordance with food allergy indicators and individualized metabolic requirements. In addition, each analysis contains a highly specific listing of nutrients that may assist in balancing body chemistry.
'Is Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis supported by research?	Hair tissue mineral analysis is supported by an impressive body of literature in a variety of respected national and international scientific publications. Over the past fifteen years, hair mineral testing has been extensive. Each year in the United States alone, federally licensed clinical laboratories perform over 150,000 hair mineral assays for health care professionals interested in an additional screening aid for a comprehensive patient evaluation. This does not take into consideration the thousands of subjects used in numerous continuing research studies conducted by private and government research agencies. To read some of this documentation go here.
When is hair analysis the wrong choice?	Hair is subject to external contamination, particularly from hair products such as bleaches, perms, or dyes. Therefore, hair treated within the past six weeks will not provide accurate information. Also, if your clinician suspects very recent toxic exposure, the suspected element may not be reflected in the hair growth. In this case, we will suggest a blood or urine test.
How do I get the test?	Go here to order the test.