Hair Analysis

Why design a nutritional program?
It is essential in order to design an effective nutritional program, that you find the basic underlying cause for symptoms that you may be experiencing. A TMA can be used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests.

Why use the hair? What is its validity?
Hair is an extension of the skin and reflects the cell or tissue level activity. The hair is an ideal tissue for testing for many reasons:
1. Hair can be cut easily and painlessly (noninvasive).
2. Hair can show an indication of mineral status and toxic metal accumulation in the body.
3. Hair does not show daily fluctuations (such as blood and urine do).
4. Hair analysis shows the biochemistry, or intracellular activity, and metabolism of the body (blood and urine tests do not).
5. A hair analysis is an analytical test which is performed in a licensed clinical laboratory through a series of chemical and high temperature procedures to achieve the most accurate and precise results.

Why test for minerals?
Trace minerals are essential in countless metabolic functions in all phases of life processes.
• 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."