The old hair tissue mineral analysis test is one of the best, most comprehensive biopsies for identifying numerous functions in the body, imbalances, and heavy metal toxicity. This test is equipped at identifying inflammatory and anti-inflammatory tendencies, adrenal function, estrogen/progesterone/testosterone status, thyroid status, calcium dynmaics, energy expenditure and so much more.
The hair is a biopsy of minerals which have been deposited into the soft tissues. Therefore it is possible to gauge deficiencies and excesses of minerals in the cells. Usually when a mineral is elevated, it is a sign that the minerals are outside of the cells, and not in the cells where they are needed. This is especially true for the following minerals: calcium, magnesium, copper, sodium and zinc.
When these same minerals are low on a hair test, it is very often a sign that they are deficient in the cells. The exception could be copper. Low levels of copper are often a sign of hidden copper toxicity.
Copper Toxicity: A Hidden Epidemic
Copper toxicity is one of the most prevelent, yet hidden toxicity epidemics. While copper is a necessary nutrient mineral, excess copper is very common in people today. Copper toxicity can become even more problematic when in the liver.
Women who take birth control are increasing their levels of copper in the body and contributing greatly to copper toxicity. This is true for both intrauterine birth control devices as well as birth control pills. Another reason for copper toxicity is vegetarian diets. This is due to the fact that zinc, a primary copper antagonist, is virtually absent in vegetarian diets.
Hair Analysis Mineral Ratios
As mentioned, a lot can be detected by looking at hair tissue minerals. By understanding the role of various minerals in the body, you can tell a tremendous amount about endocrine function, including adrenal, thyroid and hormone levels.
There are 6 major mineral ratios on a hair test, and each reveals a lot about about endocrine function.
Ca/Mg – Blood Sugar/Pancreas Function
The ratio of calcium to magnesium on a hair test reveals a lot of data regarding glucose homeostasis. Elevated Ca/Mg ratios indicate the tendency towards insulin resistance and the overconsumption of carbohydrates relative to fat and protein. Glycemic control is one of the most vitally important mechanisms for maintaining proper health. Ca/mg ratios greater than 10 indicates excess carbohydrate consumption/blood sugar de-regulation.
Ca/K – Thyroid Function
The calcium/potassium ratio is indicative of thyroid function. High Calcium over Potassium (>10) indicates a decreased thyroid effect at the cellular level. A low Ca/K ratio (<3) indicates an excess thyroid effect at the cellular level.
Na/Mg – Adrenal Function
The ratio of sodium to magnesium is a primary indicator of adrenal status. A high sodium/magnesium ratio indicates excess adrenal effect at the cellular level (>10-20 or greater). A decreased sodium/magnesium level (<2.5) indicates a decreased adrenal effect at the cellular level.
Na/K – Adrenal Balance
Sodium is controlled by the adrenal hormone cortisol. Potassium is controlled by the hormone aldosterone (which regulates sodium retnetion). Cortisol is anti-inflammatory and aldosterone is pro-inflammatory. When the Na/K ratio is high (>10), there is acute stress and high cortisol. When the Na/K ratio is low (<2), there is likely adrenal burnout and low cortisol levels.
Cu/Zn – Hormone Balance/Cardiovascular Health
The balance between zinc and copper is indicative of the status of the hormones: estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Hair zinc levels correlate fairly well with progesterone in women and testosterone in men. A low Copper/Zinc ratio (<6.5) indicates possible copper toxicity, estrogen dominance.
Hair Analysis & Digestive Function
Hair analysis can reveal very important data regarding digestive insufficiency. This is indicated by a low phosphorous level (<15) and low “first 4 minerals”: Ca, Mg, Na, K.
When the first four minerals are low, there is very likely low hydrochloric acid levels (HCL). This mineral pattern can reveal that there is very good reason to investigate further, deeper issues including chronic bacterial infections like H-Pylori or parasitic infections.
- This mineral patten reveals severe digestive distress, Hydrochloric acid insufficiency as indicated by the 4 lows pattern and low phosphorous.
- Also this test indicates excess adrenal function as indicated by elevated Na/K ratio.
- Elevated thyroid function as indicated by elevated Ca/K ratio.
- This hair test also reveals toxic metals such as aluminum and mercury.
Are you interested in running a hair tissue mineral analysis on yourself? Hair tissue mineral analysis is an outstanding biopsy to identify what you should no nutritionally. Click HERE to find out your options.