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Hair Mineral Analysis

Hair mineral analysis (HMA) is a safe, non-invasive test that measures the levels and comparative ratios of nutrients and toxic metals found in hair.

Hair mineral analysis can detect whether there is an excess or deficiency of vital nutrient minerals such as calcium, potassium, zinc and iron. It can also identify over-exposure to toxic metals such as aluminium, lead, arsenic and mercury.

The Hair Mineral Analysis from the Spinal Centre, you can now find out the exact levels and comparative ratios of nutrients and toxic metals in your body.

Hair mineral analysis (HMA) is a safe, non-invasive test that determines these amounts with a simple test using your hair.

HMA is an invaluable screening tool in both every day and preventive health care.

 

 

How is a Hair Mineral Analysis performed?

This special analytical test measures the levels of trace minerals and toxic metals found in a sample of hair. The sample is obtained by cutting a small amount of hair from the nape of the neck. The hair sample is then prepared in a clinical laboratory through a series of chemical and high temperature procedures.

 

Why is hair used in this test?

Hair is ideal for testing. It can be cut easily and painlessly, and it does not require complicated handling. The main reason however is that 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.

The hair tissue itself is made up of cells called matrix cells. These cells, in simple terms, depend on the blood supply or their nutrition while being formed. As the hair shaft develops, minerals and
other trace elements are keratinised (formed into keratin; a fibrous protein found in the hair and nails). This process essentially gives a blueprint of the biochemistry occurring, mineral balances and toxic metal exposure.

Think of it as a report that is permanently recording the past evens of your health, diet, environment and wellbeing.

 

Why should I get this test done?

Trace minerals are essential to the many metabolic functions in all phases of the life process. These minerals not only provide the building blocks to life itself, but are also crucial in the production of hormones and enzyme activity.

 

What minerals are tested and why are they important?

 

Macrominerals

Calcium Calcium in the blood plasma has many important functions, including the formation of bones and teeth, coagulation of blood, contraction of muscles, cardiac function, milk production, the relay of electrical and chemical messages throughout cells of the body, and keeps membranes of the cell intact. It also plays a crucial role in the transformation of light to electrical impulses in the retina, and combines with phosphorus to give strength and firmness to the skeleton or bony structure of the body.

Magnesium – Magnesium is required for normal muscular function, especially in the heart. Defiency has been linked with an elevated risk of heart attacks, anxiety, vascular disturbances,
hyperexcitability, convulsions and even death.

Phosphorus – Phosphorus plays a part in nearly every chemical reaction in the body, and performs more function than any other mineral. Phosphorus is important for the growth, maintenance and repair of cells, and the production of energy. It provides energy for
muscle contraction and nerve impulses, and a proper supply ensures heart regularity, strong teeth, tooth enamel and body growth and repair. Deficiency can results in weak or fragile bones, teeth,
fatigue, weakness, joint pain and stiffness, confusion, lack of energy and susceptibility to infections.

Potassium – Potassium is needed for growth, building muscles, transmission of nerve impulses and heart activity. It sends oxygen to the brain to facilitate mental clarity, and helps to lower
blood pressure. Potassium aids in allergy treatment, reduces pain from arthritis, and regulates the heartbeat. Deficiency can cause weakness, irregular heartbeat, and failure to replace low levels of potassium could lead to heart failure.

Sodium – Sodium is an electrolyte that plays a crucial role in the maintenance of blood pressure. Sodium regulates acid-base balance in the body, and is also involved in nerve transmission and
muscle contraction, including the heartbeat. Deficiency can cause weakness, apathy, and nausea as well as cramps in the muscles of the extremities.

 

Trace minerals

Chromium Chromium enhances insulin performance and glucose utilization. It helps the body regulate metabolism, insulin and blood sugar levels, whilst also preventing and lowering high blood
pressure. Chromium helps the body lose weight by stimulating enzymes that metabolize glucose for energy. Deficiency can cause anxiety, hyperinsulinism, ADD, hypoglycemia, hyperactivity, arteriosclerosis, impaired growth, infertility, obesity, depression, diabetes and high blood cholesterol.

Copper – Copper helps oxidize glucose and release energy. It helps the body absorb iron, and carries oxygen in the blood stream. It is essential for the proper production of red blood cells.
Deficiency can result in a depletion of oxygen in the cells, lower levels of HDL cholesterol, skin problems, swollen ankles and anaemia.

Iron – Iron is necessary for many functions in the body including haemoglobin, brain development and function, regulation of body temperature, muscle activity and catecholamie metabolism. Lack
of iron directly affects the immune system by diminishing the number of T-cells and the production of antibodies. A common symptoms of deficiency is low iron levels or anaemia.

Manganese – Manganese is a trace mineral that can help reduce fatigue levels, prevent the incidence and severity of osteoporosis, and even improve memory. It can reduce heavy menstrual
flows and improve thyroid function. Manganese deficiency had been linked to infertility, bone malformation, weakness, seizures, atherosclerosis, confusion, convulsions, eye problems, hearing
problems, heart disorders, high cholesterol levels, hypertension, irritability, memory loss, muscle contractions, pancreatic damage, profuse perspiration, rapid pulse, tooth grinding, tremors, and
osteoporosis.

Selenium – Selenium primarily functions as an antioxidant, working with vitamin E to prevent free radical damage to cell membranes.  Selenium is involved with the production of thyroid hormone, and will help to stimulate white blood cell and thymus function. Deficiency may contribute to the development of cancer and heart disease, immune problems, inflammatory conditions mostly of the skin, muscular weakness and fatigue.

Silicon – Silicon is an essential trace mineral required by the body for stronger bones, better skin and more flexible and strong joints. Silicon is essential for the strength and integrity of the arteries, and therefore helps to maintain cardiovascular health. It has shown positive results in slowing the ageing process. Deficiency can cause sensitivity to the cold, premature ageing, loss of hair, poor
bone development and brittle nails.

Zinc – Zinc is involved in the production, storage and secretion of insulin, and is crucial in the metabolism of the ovaries and testes. Zinc is necessary for a healthy immune system, and is also
of use in fighting skin problems such as acne, boils and sore throats. Deficiency can result in hair loss, diarrhoea, fatigue, delayed wound healing, decreased growth rate and mental development in infants. Other symptoms may include an under performing immune system, allergies, loss
of smell, skin problems and disturbed sleep.

 

Toxic Metals

Aluminium Aluminium is one of the most widely used metals and also one of the most frequently found compounds in the earths’ crust. When one is exposed to high concentrations, it can cause
serious health problems such as damage to the central nervous system, dementia, loss of memory, listlessness and severe trembling.

Arsenic Arsenic compounds are mainly used as pesticides and to preserve woods. Long term exposure to arsenic has been linked to cancer of the bladder, lungs, skin, kidney, nasal passages, liver and prostate. Low level exposure can cause decreased products of red and white blood cells, abnormal heart rhythm and damage to blood vessels.

CadmiumCadmium is found naturally in small quantities in air, water and soil, however excess from industrial waste, car exhausts and manufacturing can become airborn. Cadium has no
beneficial effect on human health. A build up in the body can cause lung damage, kidney disease, weak bones, stomach irritation, vomiting and slow healing.

Lead – Lead is a soft metal that has been used for thousands of years. It is one of the four most dangerous metals found, and can enter the body through food, water and air. Lead can cause many unwanted effects, such as blood disruption, high blood pressure, kidney damage, miscarriages and subtle abortions, nervous system disruption, brain damage, decreased male fertility, diminished learning abilities of children and behavioural disruptions of children, such as
aggression, impulsive behaviour and hyperactivity. Lead also has the ability to enter a foetus through the placenta of the mother. Because of this, lead can can serious damage to the nervous system and the brains of unborn children.

Mercury – Mercury is a heavy metal, sometimes known as quicksilver, that occurs naturally in the environment in different chemical forms. Mercury and all of its compounds are toxic, and
exposure to higher-than-normal levels can permanently damage or fatally injure the brain and kidneys. Other health effects mercury causes include allergic reactions, gastrointestinal damage, neurological damage and memory loss.

What will the report look like?

The report from The Spinal Centre is very in depth. You will know what toxic and nutrients elements are present in your hair. You will have specific data to see if they are within normal range and comprehensive information about decreased or elevated amounts.

We will also provide some nutritional solutions and specific products that you can use to help restore your body to a normal state.

Hair Mineral Analysis Sample.pdf