Hair analysis

What is hair tissue mineral analysis? Hair tissue mineral analysis is a sophisticated laboratory technique used in preventative medicine for assessing mineral imbalance and toxicities in the human body. Utilizing this general diagnostic screening technique, information regarding the following nutritional minerals and toxic metals can be assessed with greater accuracy than by any other diagnostic method.Nutritional Minerals: Toxic Metals: Why should you have a hair analysis performed? In the past few years, trace mineral nutrition and metabolism have been found to play a significant role in the maintenance of human health. The implications of trace mineral nutrition are analogous to the explosion of information which occurred with regard to vitamin nutrition in the 1920's and 30's.A mineral analysis should be considered for the following reasons:a) marginal or very marked deficiencies of zinc, chromium and iron have been recognized widely in human populations in developed countries. b) many metabolic problems have been related to deficiencies of one or more of these essential trace elements, i.e. a deficiency of copper is seen in some forms of anemia, low levels of silicon may result in atherosclerosis, deficiencies of zinc may result in impaired would healing, skin changes and growth retardation in children, deficiencies of chromium have been associated with blood sugar disturbances and insulin sensitivity, etc.c) trace mineral deficiencies may occur despite high dietary intakes due to sub-optimal nutrient absorption because of such factors as inappropriate stomach acid secretion, malabsorption, presence of phytates and other substances in the diet which inhibit absorption and interaction with other minerals.d) toxic metal accumulations in the body such as aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury amy interfere with proper vitamin and minerals utilization and can induce unfavorable metabolic consequences, i.e. neurological and psychomotor dysfunction from chronic lead intoxication, aluminum overload, and mercury toxicity, hypertension for excessive lead exposure.Several investigators in Japan, Sweden, Canada and the U.S. have shown that concentrations of these toxic elements in the hair provide an accurate and relatively permanent record of exposure. They also found a good correlation between concentrations in internal organs.e) from evidence accumulating in the trace mineral research area, it seems possible that birth defects of unknown causation may be related to nutritional factors.f) a multitude of signs and symptoms may be indicative of a mineral imbalance including fatigue, headaches, depression, irritability, nervousness, recurrent infections, periodontal disease, etc.g) many drugs can affect mineral metabolism including diuretics which influence sodium-potassium balance, oral contraceptives which affect zinc, copper, magnesium and iron levels, etch) there are over 3,000 enzyme (biochemical) reactions that ultimately control metabolism and at least 85% of these depend upon selective trace minerals for their activity. Therefore, inadequate mineral balance may result in sub-optimal health.i) hair tissue mineral analysis is responsive not only to trace mineral levels in the diet but to all other factors which influence their metabolism incluiding stress, exercise, endocrine and gastrointestinal function, etc. Who Should have a hair analysis? Preventive oriented health practitioners recommend that everyone, especially children, should have their hair analyzed at least once per year as a measure for early detection of imbalances and/or toxicities. In this manner, individualized nutritional and lifestyle programs can be instituted to correct minor metabolic imbalances before they become advanced metabolic disease conditions. Special cases may warrant monitoring on a more frequent basis, (three to six months), i.e. those people on prolonged drug therapy, those with advanced metabolic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, etc., and patients on detoxification and specific treatment programs.Are health professionals utilizing hair analysis? Yes, hair analysis laboratories extensive lists of nutritionally oriented doctors who utilize their services. However, it is not simply the performing of a hair analysis that is important but instead it is interpretation and subsequent follow-up to correct metabolic imbalances that is of prime importance. This requires specialized training and thus this procedure is suited more to holistic and nutritional type practices and those practitioners involved in preventive medicine. You as a patient have the satisfaction of knowing that practitioners utilizing hair tissue mineral analysis are using one of the most advanced valuable screening techniques, especially when used in conjunction with blood and urine analysis and dietary surveys.
~ boron~ magnesium~ silicon~ sodium~ vanadium~ zinc~ nickel~ phosporous~ selenium~ calcium~ cobalt~ copper~ lithium~ mercury
~ manganese~ aluminum~ strotium~ antimony~ molybdenum~ arsenic~ potassium~ barium~ chromium~ cadmium~ iron~ lead~ silver
Hair And Tissue Mineral Analysis