What is Hair Mineral Analysis (HMA)?

HMA is an analytical test that reveals the mineral composition of the hair. It is becoming increasingly used in the field of preventative health care.  Interpreted correctly, the analysis may provide indications of mineral imbalances and toxic metals.

Why use hair?

Hair is ideal for mineral testing as it contains all the minerals present in your body.  Unlike blood, it can be sampled easily and it is simple to transport.

When it reaches the skin’s surface, the hair’s outer layers harden and lock in a blueprint of the nutritional metabolic activity during the past 1-2 months.  A properly obtained sample indicates your body’s mineral levels and your accumulation of toxic metals.  You can detect what the levels are right now and see how the levels have changed during the last month or two. A blood test cannot do this.

What can cause a mineral imbalance?

The principal contributory factors are:

Data may be affected by the individual’s lifestyle, personal activities, diet, medication, environment and hygiene for example.

You should also be aware of the potential influence of the following:

Published research relating to Hair Mineral Testing:

Increased Release of Toxins Into The Environment

In 2005 approximately four billion pounds of chemicals were released by industry in the United States.  According to the EPA, chemical releases have increased by 117 million pounds over the past year.  Lead compounds alone amounted to about 469 million pounds, while mercury was approximately 4.4 million pounds.  Sci.News. 171, 2007.

Aluminum Induced Cholestasis Reduced By Vitamin E

Aluminum is known to reduce bile secretions by impairing hepatocellular transporters. Investigations on animals were carried out to determine if the aluminum-induced reduction in bile flow was related to oxidative stress.  It was found that aluminum increased lipid peroxidation by fifty percent, reduced liver glutathione by forty-three percent, catalase by eighty-three percent and glutathione peroxidase activity by fifty percent.  Vitamin E supplementation reduced these adverse effects significantly, as well as increased bile flow and contributed to an increase in aluminum removal.  Gonzalez, MA, et al. Involvement of Oxidative Stress in the Impairment in Biliary Secretory Function Induced by Intraperitoneal Administration of Aluminum to Rats. Biol.Trace Elem.Res. 116, 2007.

Mercury and Heart Disease

Numerous studies over the last decade have shown the potential of the harmful effects of mercury on cardiovascular disease (CVD).  A study following a group of men over a period of thirteen years found that for each microgram of mercury found in the hair the risk of acute coronary events increased by an average of eleven percent, and CVD death by ten percent.  The mechanism for increased susceptibility is associated with the interaction of mercury and selenium, reducing the free radical scavenging effects of glutathione enzymes.  Selenium protects the body from adverse affects of mercury.  When mercury enters the body it is bound by selenium forming a mercury selenide complex.  However, in those cases of high exposure to mercury, selenium will be required in greater amount in order to bind the mercury.  As a result, selenium bioavailability will be reduced, thereby allowing increased free radical activity, which can promote cardiovascular disease, cancer and other related health conditions.

Virtanen, JK, et al. Mercury as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. J..Nutri.Biochem. 18, 2007.

If you are a new client of Halina’s you will be required to download a questionnaire (please click the link below) and return it to her by e-mail or by post (details are on the form).

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For further questions please contact Halina using the form above.

Nutritional therapy helps people to improve and maintain their health and sense of well-being through advice on diet and nutrition. Better nutrition helps the body heal itself more quickly and helps prevent disease processes getting started in the first place.

If you are a new client of Halina’s you will be required to download a questionnaire (please click the link below) and return it to her by e-mail or by post (details are on the form).

DOWNLOAD FORMS

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• Hair Mineral Testing