Hair Analysis

What is a Tissue Mineral Analysis?

Trace mineral analysis is a test which measures the mineral content of your hair. Mineral content of the hair reflects the mineral content of the body’s tissues. If a mineral deficiency or excess exists in the hair, it usually indicates a mineral deficiency or excess within the body, or bio-unavailability. Examples: If your hair reveals an elevated calcium level two or three times normal, then your calcium level within the body may be elevated also. If this is the case, a strong tendency exists for arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries due to calcium plaques). If your calcium level is low, then a tendency exists toward osteoporosis (demineralization of bone), increased tendency to bone fractures, dental caries, periodontal disease, muscle cramps, etc. Various mineral imbalances, as revealed by hair analysis frequently lead to metabolic dysfunctions before any symptoms become manifest.

Other Conditions Which May Result Or Be Aggravated By A Mineral Imbalance Are:

Anemia
Arthritis
Allergies
Cardiovascular Disease
Diabetes
Depression
Digestive Disturbance
Emotional Problems
Hair Loss
Headaches
Hyperactivity
Hypertension
Hypoglycemia
Musculo-Skeletal Disorders
Prostate Disorders
Skin Rashes
Thyroid Disturbance

WHY TEST FOR MINERALS?

Minerals are the “sparkplugs” of life. They are involved in almost all enzyme reactions within the body. Without enzyme activity, life ceases to exist. A trace mineral analysis is preventive as well as being useful as a screening tool.

WHO NEEDS A HAIR ANALYSIS?

Anyone who is found ill and no explanation can be found, or when the cause seems to be found but the therapy is not wholly effective. Hair analysis opens up a whole new vista for the solving of your own particular problem by recognizing your biochemical individuality. Even if you are not experiencing a severe problem, abnormal changes in body chemistry and nutritional deficiencies may result in early, subtle changes in the body, such as:

white spots in fingernails – may indicate a possible zinc deficiency
longitudinal ridging in nails – may indicae an iron deficiency
brittle hair and nails – calcium and copper imbalance
deep grooves across nails – calcium deficiency
stretch marks – zinc deficiency
lack of growth – zinc deficiency
mood swings – possible toxic metal accumulation such as lead, mercury or cadmium

The above indicators are early signs of metabolic disturbances and may lead to serious health issues if left unchecked.

COMMON CAUSES OF A MINERAL IMBALANCE

Improper diet – such as excessive intake of refined carbohydrates and sugars, strict vegetarian diets or other exclusive diets
Taking vitamins and minerals which are not compatible with your current body chemistry
Medications
Birth control pills
Stress
Accumulation of toxic metals from the environment, job or hobby
Inheritance of mineral patterns, lifestyle and diet preferances from parents

Hair analysis is an invaluable screening tool which allows a correct program of diet and supplementation to be designed for each individual’s specific needs.

References
The Biology of the Trace Elements, Karl Schutte, J B Lippincott
Clinical Significance of the Essential Biological Metals, I J T Davies, Charles C Thomas
Minerals: Kill or Cure?, Adams & Murray
Mental and Elemental Nutrients, Carl C Pfeiffer, Keats
Trace Substances in Environmental Health – VI & VII, University of Missouri
Trace Elements in Health and Disease, Vol.I & II, Academic Press
Selenium, National Academy of Sciences
Trace Substances and Health, Part 1, Paul M. Newberne