In a world saturated with fitness fads and questionable diets, finding scientifically proven ways to unlock better health can be challenging. What if the key to understanding your busy is in your hair? Discover what a hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA) is and what it tells you about your mineral levels.
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:::warning HackerNoon Editor’s note: This article is for informational purposes only and must NOT be considered medical advice from a licensed professional. The HackerNoon editorial team has only verified the story for grammatical accuracy and does not condone/condemn any of the claims contained herein. #DYOR
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What Is a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis?An HTMA is exactly what it sounds like — it’s a method that measures the mineral content and trace element status of your hair sample. Minerals are crucial for your overall health, and this test reveals and explains how deficiencies and toxicities can affect your body. It’s a safe, noninvasive test, making it one of today’s most valuable screening tools for preventive health care.
What Does a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis Tell You?An HTMA provides valuable health information that is often not revealed in standard urine and blood tests. It’s not a method to diagnose an illness but rather a screening test. It shows your mineral imbalances and heavy metal toxicities, which may contribute to several health concerns.
\ The major areas an HTMA evaluates are:
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\ According to Dr. Rick Malter — a leading expert in HTMA — this assessment provides more accurate mineral level results than bloodwork and urinalysis. It also provides a quicker way to confirm certain illnesses.
\ “The hair analysis very often confirms a condition of hypothyroid long before blood tests. As far as urine goes, urine is a pathway of excretion,” he said in an interview with Judy Cho.
Why Should You Consider It?Minerals are found in food and supplements. They are crucial for muscle and nerve function, bone health, water balance regulation, and immune function. A balanced diet is the most ideal way to meet your mineral needs. Unfortunately, in today’s fast-paced environment, this is rarely possible. Climate change, elevated carbon dioxide in the environment and modern farming practices affect the nutritional quality of crops.
\ Moreover, there’s the risk of heavy metal toxicity. You can get exposed to heavy metals in agricultural, pharmaceutical and industrial environments. According to physician and nutritionist Dr. Elizabeth Boham, too much exposure can lead to neurological illnesses, developmental diseases for children, digestive problems and immune function.
\ “Heavy metals and other toxins have been associated with causing depression of your immune system, so getting more frequent infections. And also, like you mentioned, autoimmune disease. So we know that heavy metals can be associated with triggering, one of those things we think about when somebody's got autoimmune disease, and we're wondering what's going on, what is triggering this? It may be some toxin,” she said in a podcast with Dr. Mark Hyman.
Can Hair Analysis Detect Vitamin Deficiency?While hair analysis is more commonly known for detecting mineral levels, it can sometimes provide insights into certain vitamin deficiencies. One study revealed it can detect vitamin D deficiencies. Overall, HTMA is not considered a reliable method for assessing your vitamin levels since water-soluble nutrients are not stored in the hair in significant amounts, making it challenging to get accurate results.
Who Will Benefit From a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis?While anyone can get an HTMA, some groups will find this assessment particularly insightful and life-changing. Discover the specific groups who will benefit the most from HTMA.
Health-Conscious IndividualsYou often hear, “Prevention is better than cure,” and this has never been truer than today when technology enables people to move less and eat more. Even if you feel healthy, the HTMA can help identify potential imbalances before they manifest as symptoms or illnesses.
\ Understanding your mineral status can help you make lifestyle and dietary adjustments to prevent future problems. Individuals with a family history of health issues will also benefit from HTMA.
People With Chronic ConditionsRecurring digestive problems and autoimmune disorders could be linked to mineral imbalances or heavy metal toxicity. People dealing with persistent symptoms conventional medicine hasn’t resolved will benefit from HTMA. This test can help you pinpoint underlying factors, allowing you and your physician to make more effective treatment plans.
Athletes and Fitness EnthusiastsAside from proper training, optimal mineral balance is key to better athletic performance and recovery. Even if athletes train regularly, nutritional imbalances can prevent them from doing their best. This is why proper nutrition is crucial.
\ HTMA shows you your mineral deficiencies so you can make appropriate adjustments. Targeting these imbalances and eating a more balanced diet can help support muscle recovery by reducing inflammation, thereby producing better fitness results.
Individuals Exposed to Heavy MetalsPeople who work in certain industries are at a higher risk of exposure to heavy metals. One such sector is mining. A study found small-scale gold miners in Banmauk Township, Myanmar who are exposed to arsenic, cadmium, mercury and lead have a higher risk of cancer, exceeding the U.S. EPA’s acceptable cancer risk level.
\ If you work in the mining, construction or industrial sectors, consider getting an HTMA. The information will let you take proactive steps to minimize exposure.
People With Mental Health ProblemsMinerals like zinc, iron, copper and selenium play a vital role in brain health. Knowing your mineral levels can help you adjust your diet and lifestyle. You can also have a mental health practitioner guide you to make better food choices so you feel mentally better.
What to Look for When Choosing a Laboratory for Hair Tissue Mineral AnalysisWhen choosing a laboratory to conduct your HTMA, you must find the right one. Here are factors to consider.
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\ These documents ensure laboratories follow health and safety standards. Look for offices accredited by reputable organizations, which demonstrate the lab’s dedication to quality service. Visit their website or inquire directly with the staff.
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\ Mail-in HTMA testing is common, but the laboratory’s location still plays an important role. A conveniently located lab offers benefits like faster shipping for your sample and easier access to the office for any questions. Moreover, a local lab may be more familiar with the common environmental factors in your region that could influence your results.
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\ Reputation is an essential factor in the health diagnostics industry. Look for a lab with a solid record of ethical practices, accuracy and reliability. Read online reviews from previous patients to get a sense of its customer service. An HTMA is an investment — make sure you’re choosing a lab you can trust.
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\ HTMA is a technical and analytical process, and the lab professionals’ expertise is essential for accurately interpreting your results. Look for an establishment staffed by specialists with experience in mineral analysis and toxic metal detection.
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\ No one wants to submit a hair sample and wait months for a result. Make sure the lab you’re choosing has a reasonable turnaround time, especially if you’re seeking timely treatment and intervention. This is crucial if you’re an athlete seeking to make lifestyle adjustments before a sports competition.
Invest in Your HealthNow that you know what a hair tissue mineral analysis tells you, it’s time to take action. Your health is your most valuable asset, and an HTMA can empower you to make better lifestyle decisions. Don’t wait for health problems to arise — know your mineral levels to achieve better health.
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