{"id":2991,"date":"2022-05-12T20:23:33","date_gmt":"2022-05-12T20:23:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/options-center.com\/?page_id=2991"},"modified":"2025-04-04T14:37:47","modified_gmt":"2025-04-04T14:37:47","slug":"functional-test","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/options-center.com\/?page_id=2991","title":{"rendered":"Hair Analysis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Hair Analysis<\/strong>-Can show trends that appear up to 20 years before a diagnosis from a blood sample.\u00a0 Trace Mineral Analysis (TMA), also known as hair analysis, measures the amount of the nutrient mineral and toxic metals in the body. The report shows mineral levels, imbalances and toxicities can be just as devastating to health as deficiencies or toxicities.\u00a0 Information from the TMA is used to determine vitamin\/mineral supplementation and nutritional recommendations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hair Analysis Credibility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Why Should I Trust Hair Anaylsis?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because Helen was asked this question many times by people considering getting a hair analysis, she decided to send her hair sample to the Trace Elements Lab on one day and then cut her hair again the following day and send in a second hair sample using a different\/factitious name.&nbsp; Helen wanted to use a different name on the second day\u2019s submittal form, so the lab would not know that the samples were from the same person.&nbsp; As you can see from the 2 reports below, the results are basically the same proving lab consistency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/options-center.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Cox-Helen-TMA-report-10-27-98.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"593\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"2426\" src=\"https:\/\/options-center.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Cox-Helen-TMA-report-10-27-98.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2426\" srcset=\"https:\/\/options-center.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Cox-Helen-TMA-report-10-27-98.jpg 593w, https:\/\/options-center.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Cox-Helen-TMA-report-10-27-98-231x300.jpg 231w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 593px) 100vw, 593px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Helen Cox Report<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/options-center.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Smith-Kay-TMA-report-10-27-98-.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"593\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"2427\" src=\"https:\/\/options-center.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Smith-Kay-TMA-report-10-27-98-.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2427\" srcset=\"https:\/\/options-center.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Smith-Kay-TMA-report-10-27-98-.jpg 593w, https:\/\/options-center.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Smith-Kay-TMA-report-10-27-98--231x300.jpg 231w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 593px) 100vw, 593px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Kay Smith Report<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions about Hair Analysis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Do you know what&#8217;s going on inside your body?<\/strong><br>Do you take vitamins and ever wonder if you are taking too little or too much? Women, do you take hormonal replacement and wonder what your hormone levels really are? If these are questions you have had, then you need to consider the Hair Trace Mineral Analysis test. Some of items the tests show are minerals for: Metabolism, Thyroid Functioning, Stress level, Adrenal Functioning and Immune Systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What is a Hair Analysis?<\/strong><br>Hair Analysis, Hair Mineral Analysis, Tissue Mineral Analysis (TMA) and Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) are all the same thing. It is an analytical test which measures the mineral content of the hair. The hair sample is obtained by cutting hair from the nape of the neck keeping only the first inch and a half nearest the scalp. This sample is then tested in a licensed clinical laboratory using a series of chemical and high temperature digestive procedures with highly sophisticated detection equipment. The results are put in a report showing the very accurate and precise mineral readings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What can cause a mineral imbalance?<\/strong><br>DIET &#8211; Improper diet through high intake of refined and processed foods, alcohol, and fad diets can all lead to a chemical imbalance. Even the nutrient content of a &#8220;healthy&#8221; diet can be inadequate, depending upon the soil in which the food was grown, or the method in which it was prepared.<br>STRESS &#8211; Physical or emotional stress can deplete the body of many nutrients while also reducing the capability to absorb and utilize many nutrients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>MEDICATIONS &#8211; Both prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can deplete the bodies store of nutrient minerals and\/or increase the levels of toxic metals- for example, diuretics, antacids, aspirin, and oral contraceptives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>POLLUTION &#8211; From adolescence through adulthood the average person is continually exposed to a variety of toxic metal sources &#8211; such as, cigarette smoke (cadmium), hair dyes (lead), hydrogenation oils (nickel), antiperspirants (aluminum), lead-based cosmetics, copper and aluminum cookware, and dental amalgams (mercury and cadmium). These are just a few of the hundreds of sources which can contribute to nutrient imbalances and adverse metabolic effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS &#8211; Taking the incorrect type of supplements or improper amounts of nutritional supplements can produce many mineral excesses and\/or deficiencies contributing to an overall biochemical imbalance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>INHERITED PATTERNS &#8211; A predisposition toward mineral imbalances, deficiencies and excesses can be inherited from parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why design a nutritional program?<\/strong><br>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why use the hair? What is its validity?<\/strong><br>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:<br>1. Hair can be cut easily and painlessly (noninvasive).<br>2. Hair can show an indication of mineral status and toxic metal accumulation in the body.<br>3. Hair does not show daily fluctuations (such as blood and urine do).<br>4. Hair analysis shows the biochemistry, or intracellular activity, and metabolism of the body (blood and urine tests do not).<br>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why test for minerals?<\/strong><br>Trace minerals are essential in countless metabolic functions in all phases of life processes.<br>\u2022 Zinc is involved in the production, storage, and secretion of insulin and is necessary for growth hormones.<br>\u2022 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.<br>\u2022 Potassium is critical for normal nutrient transport into the cell. A deficiency can result in muscular weakness, depression, and lethargy.<br>\u2022 Excess sodium is associated with hypertension, but adequate amounts are required for normal health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>In the words of the late author and noted researcher, Dr. Henry Schroeder, trace elements (minerals) are &#8220;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.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How is hair testing different from blood tests? Why should I do this instead of blood tests?<\/strong><br>Hair can show the metabolic activity over a long period of time and is not influenced by daily fluctuations. Blood and urine are affected by daily fluctuations in metabolic activity. For example, if you eat a banana the same day you have a blood test drawn, your blood test may show that you have an increased potassium level. This would not affect a hair analysis because hair grows slowly and reflects long-term dietary habits rather than what is consumed the day the sample is taken. This is also why results of a hair analysis report can be different from a blood or urine sample. Mineral levels are more stable in the hair than in the blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>So what else do the minerals do that are so important?<\/strong><br>Mineral ratios can give you clues as to the functioning of your:<br>\u2022 Metabolism<br>\u2022 Female\/Male Hormones<br>\u2022 Thyroid gland<br>\u2022 Adrenal glands<br>\u2022 Level of stress<br>\u2022 Blood sugar regulation<br>\u2022 Immune system<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>I&#8217;m taking a multivitamin that has everything in it, isn&#8217;t that good enough?<\/strong><br>Hair analysis is helpful to know if your multivitamin is enough because it shows mineral levels. This indicates which vitamin and mineral supplements you need to be taking and others which you need to stay away from. This is important to know because excessive mineral intake can negate the beneficial effects of vitamins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>So what&#8217;s wrong with having too much of a mineral?<\/strong><br>Here are some examples of too much of a good thing:<br>\u2022 Too much iron can contribute to arthritic symptoms or tension headaches.<br>\u2022 Too much calcium can contribute to osteoporosis, weight gain, and fatigue.<br>\u2022 Zinc can reduce the beneficial effects of Vitamin D.<br>\u2022 High levels of copper can contribute to chronic yeast infections, fatigue or skin problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Is a TMA for you?<\/strong><br>Of course&#8230; available without a prescription, you can have your hair cut and have the sample sent to a lab, the same lab that physicians use. The lab will then send a measurement of your specific mineral levels, along with the recommended for necessary vitamin and mineral supplementation plus the list foods to be eaten more and the foods to avoid. It&#8217;s inexpensive, it&#8217;s easy, but most of all, it&#8217;s accurate. And it is available at Options Center.<\/p>\n<div class=\"pvc_clear\"><\/div><p id=\"pvc_stats_2991\" class=\"pvc_stats all  \" data-element-id=\"2991\" style=\"\"><i class=\"pvc-stats-icon medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" version=\"1.0\" viewBox=\"0 0 502 315\" preserveAspectRatio=\"xMidYMid meet\"><g transform=\"translate(0,332) scale(0.1,-0.1)\" fill=\"\" stroke=\"none\"><path d=\"M2394 3279 l-29 -30 -3 -207 c-2 -182 0 -211 15 -242 39 -76 157 -76 196 0 15 31 17 60 15 243 l-3 209 -33 29 c-26 23 -41 29 -80 29 -41 0 -53 -5 -78 -31z\"\/><path d=\"M3085 3251 c-45 -19 -58 -50 -96 -229 -47 -217 -49 -260 -13 -295 52 -53 146 -42 177 20 16 31 87 366 87 410 0 70 -86 122 -155 94z\"\/><path d=\"M1751 3234 c-13 -9 -29 -31 -37 -50 -12 -29 -10 -49 21 -204 19 -94 39 -189 45 -210 14 -50 54 -80 110 -80 34 0 48 6 76 34 21 21 34 44 34 59 0 14 -18 113 -40 219 -37 178 -43 195 -70 221 -36 32 -101 37 -139 11z\"\/><path d=\"M1163 3073 c-36 -7 -73 -59 -73 -102 0 -56 133 -378 171 -413 34 -32 83 -37 129 -13 70 36 67 87 -16 290 -86 209 -89 214 -129 231 -35 14 -42 15 -82 7z\"\/><path d=\"M3689 3066 c-15 -9 -33 -30 -42 -48 -48 -103 -147 -355 -147 -375 0 -98 131 -148 192 -74 13 15 57 108 97 206 80 196 84 226 37 273 -30 30 -99 39 -137 18z\"\/><path d=\"M583 2784 c-38 -19 -67 -74 -58 -113 9 -42 211 -354 242 -373 16 -10 45 -18 66 -18 51 0 107 52 107 100 0 39 -1 41 -124 234 -80 126 -108 162 -133 173 -41 17 -61 16 -100 -3z\"\/><path d=\"M4250 2784 c-14 -9 -74 -91 -133 -183 -95 -150 -107 -173 -107 -213 0 -55 33 -94 87 -104 67 -13 90 8 211 198 130 202 137 225 78 284 -27 27 -42 34 -72 34 -22 0 -50 -8 -64 -16z\"\/><path d=\"M2275 2693 c-553 -48 -1095 -270 -1585 -649 -135 -104 -459 -423 -483 -476 -23 -49 -22 -139 2 -186 73 -142 361 -457 571 -626 285 -228 642 -407 990 -497 242 -63 336 -73 660 -74 310 0 370 5 595 52 535 111 1045 392 1455 803 122 121 250 273 275 326 19 41 19 137 0 174 -41 79 -309 363 -465 492 -447 370 -946 591 -1479 653 -113 14 -422 18 -536 8z m395 -428 c171 -34 330 -124 456 -258 112 -119 167 -219 211 -378 27 -96 24 -300 -5 -401 -72 -255 -236 -447 -474 -557 -132 -62 -201 -76 -368 -76 -167 0 -236 14 -368 76 -213 98 -373 271 -451 485 -162 444 86 934 547 1084 153 49 292 57 452 25z m909 -232 c222 -123 408 -262 593 -441 76 -74 138 -139 138 -144 0 -16 -233 -242 -330 -319 -155 -123 -309 -223 -461 -299 l-81 -41 32 46 c18 26 49 83 70 128 143 306 141 649 -6 957 -25 52 -61 116 -79 142 l-34 47 45 -20 c26 -10 76 -36 113 -56z m-2057 25 c-40 -58 -105 -190 -130 -263 -110 -324 -59 -707 132 -981 25 -35 42 -64 37 -64 -19 0 -241 119 -326 174 -188 122 -406 314 -532 468 l-58 71 108 103 c185 178 428 349 672 473 66 33 121 60 123 61 2 0 -10 -19 -26 -42z\"\/><path d=\"M2375 1950 c-198 -44 -350 -190 -395 -379 -18 -76 -8 -221 19 -290 114 -284 457 -406 731 -260 98 52 188 154 231 260 27 69 37 214 19 290 -38 163 -166 304 -326 360 -67 23 -215 33 -279 19z\"\/><\/g><\/svg><\/i> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"Loading\" src=\"https:\/\/options-center.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/page-views-count\/ajax-loader-2x.gif\" border=0 \/><\/p><div class=\"pvc_clear\"><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hair Analysis-Can show trends that appear up to 20 years before a diagnosis from a blood sample.\u00a0 Trace Mineral Analysis (TMA), also known as hair analysis, measures the amount of the nutrient mineral and toxic metals in the body. The report shows mineral levels, imbalances and toxicities can be just as devastating to health as &hellip; <\/p>\n<p><a class=\"more-link btn\" href=\"https:\/\/options-center.com\/?page_id=2991\">Continue reading<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"pvc_clear\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"pvc_stats_2991\" class=\"pvc_stats all  \" data-element-id=\"2991\" style=\"\"><i class=\"pvc-stats-icon medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" version=\"1.0\" viewBox=\"0 0 502 315\" preserveAspectRatio=\"xMidYMid meet\"><g transform=\"translate(0,332) scale(0.1,-0.1)\" fill=\"\" stroke=\"none\"><path d=\"M2394 3279 l-29 -30 -3 -207 c-2 -182 0 -211 15 -242 39 -76 157 -76 196 0 15 31 17 60 15 243 l-3 209 -33 29 c-26 23 -41 29 -80 29 -41 0 -53 -5 -78 -31z\"\/><path d=\"M3085 3251 c-45 -19 -58 -50 -96 -229 -47 -217 -49 -260 -13 -295 52 -53 146 -42 177 20 16 31 87 366 87 410 0 70 -86 122 -155 94z\"\/><path d=\"M1751 3234 c-13 -9 -29 -31 -37 -50 -12 -29 -10 -49 21 -204 19 -94 39 -189 45 -210 14 -50 54 -80 110 -80 34 0 48 6 76 34 21 21 34 44 34 59 0 14 -18 113 -40 219 -37 178 -43 195 -70 221 -36 32 -101 37 -139 11z\"\/><path d=\"M1163 3073 c-36 -7 -73 -59 -73 -102 0 -56 133 -378 171 -413 34 -32 83 -37 129 -13 70 36 67 87 -16 290 -86 209 -89 214 -129 231 -35 14 -42 15 -82 7z\"\/><path d=\"M3689 3066 c-15 -9 -33 -30 -42 -48 -48 -103 -147 -355 -147 -375 0 -98 131 -148 192 -74 13 15 57 108 97 206 80 196 84 226 37 273 -30 30 -99 39 -137 18z\"\/><path d=\"M583 2784 c-38 -19 -67 -74 -58 -113 9 -42 211 -354 242 -373 16 -10 45 -18 66 -18 51 0 107 52 107 100 0 39 -1 41 -124 234 -80 126 -108 162 -133 173 -41 17 -61 16 -100 -3z\"\/><path d=\"M4250 2784 c-14 -9 -74 -91 -133 -183 -95 -150 -107 -173 -107 -213 0 -55 33 -94 87 -104 67 -13 90 8 211 198 130 202 137 225 78 284 -27 27 -42 34 -72 34 -22 0 -50 -8 -64 -16z\"\/><path d=\"M2275 2693 c-553 -48 -1095 -270 -1585 -649 -135 -104 -459 -423 -483 -476 -23 -49 -22 -139 2 -186 73 -142 361 -457 571 -626 285 -228 642 -407 990 -497 242 -63 336 -73 660 -74 310 0 370 5 595 52 535 111 1045 392 1455 803 122 121 250 273 275 326 19 41 19 137 0 174 -41 79 -309 363 -465 492 -447 370 -946 591 -1479 653 -113 14 -422 18 -536 8z m395 -428 c171 -34 330 -124 456 -258 112 -119 167 -219 211 -378 27 -96 24 -300 -5 -401 -72 -255 -236 -447 -474 -557 -132 -62 -201 -76 -368 -76 -167 0 -236 14 -368 76 -213 98 -373 271 -451 485 -162 444 86 934 547 1084 153 49 292 57 452 25z m909 -232 c222 -123 408 -262 593 -441 76 -74 138 -139 138 -144 0 -16 -233 -242 -330 -319 -155 -123 -309 -223 -461 -299 l-81 -41 32 46 c18 26 49 83 70 128 143 306 141 649 -6 957 -25 52 -61 116 -79 142 l-34 47 45 -20 c26 -10 76 -36 113 -56z m-2057 25 c-40 -58 -105 -190 -130 -263 -110 -324 -59 -707 132 -981 25 -35 42 -64 37 -64 -19 0 -241 119 -326 174 -188 122 -406 314 -532 468 l-58 71 108 103 c185 178 428 349 672 473 66 33 121 60 123 61 2 0 -10 -19 -26 -42z\"\/><path d=\"M2375 1950 c-198 -44 -350 -190 -395 -379 -18 -76 -8 -221 19 -290 114 -284 457 -406 731 -260 98 52 188 154 231 260 27 69 37 214 19 290 -38 163 -166 304 -326 360 -67 23 -215 33 -279 19z\"\/><\/g><\/svg><\/i> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"Loading\" src=\"https:\/\/options-center.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/page-views-count\/ajax-loader-2x.gif\" border=0 \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"pvc_clear\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":18,"menu_order":1,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2991","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","nodate","item-wrap"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/options-center.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2991","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/options-center.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/options-center.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/options-center.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/options-center.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2991"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/options-center.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2991\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3085,"href":"https:\/\/options-center.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2991\/revisions\/3085"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/options-center.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/options-center.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2991"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}