What is the Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) test and why are using it for all our clients now?

The HTMA (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis) is a safe and non-invasive test that measures the mineral content of hair. Just a small sample of hair provides a reflection of the whole body’s mineral status over 3-4 months, particularly intracellular (inside the cells) activity, which is difficult to measure via a blood test, urine analysis, or saliva test. The test measures the levels and ratios of nutrient and toxic minerals found in hair. You’ll see what minerals are out of balance individually, but also with each other because certain mineral work together. When we look at these specific ratios, we can learn so much about how one’s body is functioning and why you feel the way you do. It also offers insight into your specific metabolic rate, energy levels, adrenal and thyroid function, inflammation, heavy metal toxicity, and immune function. Replenishing and rebalancing minerals is an important step to healing your body and achieving optimal health.

Why minerals?

Minerals are essential for growth, healing, vitality, and well-being. They provide structural support in bones and teeth, they maintain the body’s pH and water balance, nerve activity, muscle contractions, energy production, and enzyme reactions. Minerals have a major impact on metabolism, digestive function, endocrine (hormone) activity, and so much more. Each mineral plays important roles and they work together - not one mineral functions alone. They are the “spark plugs" of our body.

• Our bodies use zinc and sodium to make stomach acid. These minerals are fundamental to being able to digest and absorb the nutrients in your food. Zinc is also a critical component of digestive enzyme production.  These enzymes help break down food into smaller molecules so the nutrients are more easily absorbed.

• Zinc is also 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.

• High copper has been associated with short-term and chronic depression, along with high levels of calcium.  

Ideally, minerals exist in a critical balance in the body. But this balance is easily thrown off, especially over time when not addressed. Dysfunction commonly arises as a result of an abnormal balance between minerals. And not only do minerals work together, they also work with other nutrients in the body. Vitamins in particular are synergistic to minerals and act as coenzymes. 

“The HTMA is the window into our physiology, our psychology, and revealing our pathology. HTMA may be the most important health test that exists. Only when you and your doctor know for sure your mineral status and important ratios can you adapt your diet, minerals and supplements to work toward proper balance."

-Dr. Robert Thompson, MD 

I already eat healthy. Don’t we get the minerals we need from a balanced diet?

Ideally, we should get all the minerals we need from a balanced diet. Unfortunately, in today’s world, this is impossible. Modern farming techniques, fertilizers, and depleted soils reduce the mineral content of foods. Environment pollutants, toxic cleaning products, chemical food additives, pregnancy, and stressful lifestyles can also greatly impact our nutritional status. Other mineral imbalances are caused by synthetic vitamin and mineral supplementation, foods fortified with synthetic vitamins and minerals, medications,  and more.

Lastly, heavy metals can place a ton of stress on the body, especially our detoxification systems, and impact our health in so many ways. We’re all exposed to them, but if our bodies are stressed and our mineral reserves depleted, we are less able to effectively deal with them. Once they accumulate, problems arise. Problems associated with heavy metal and body and liver toxicity include: fatigue, muscle weakness or pain, chronically recurring infections, infertility, nausea, allergies and intolerances, chronic fatigue syndrome, stress, depression, hormonal imbalances, anemia, low zinc and other mineral deficiencies, thyroid problems, ADHD, and birth defects.

General signs & symptoms of mineral depletion:

• Low energy/fatigue

• Headaches

• Water retention/bloating

• Brain fog

• Sluggish thyroid

• Digestive issues

• Low stomach acid

• High urination

• Poor stress resistance

• Poor sleep quality

• Mood imbalances

• Always fighting a cold

Why do we test the hair?

As hair forms, it’s exposed to our body’s internal environment. Once it reaches the surface of the skin, it’s outer layers harden and this locks in the metabolic products that accumulated when it initially formed. The body unloads excess minerals and heavy metals in the hair in order to keep them away from vital organs. In other words, hair contains a blueprint, a lasting record of mineral status and nutritional metabolic activity, that occurred over it’s growth period. The HTMA can show us what’s going on in the body over the last 3-4 months.

Why not just test the blood?

We absolutely believe in bloodwork and require recent labs during our initial intake session, but we have learned that blood shows a snapshot of what is happening right now. And what shows in the blood can shift day-to-day based on diet, stress, exercise, sleep, and more. The blood is simply not an accurate way to look at mineral levels over time because the body works to maintain balance and will pull minerals from the cells in order to keep levels adequate in the blood. Blood is always balancing itself, even at the expense of the cellular reserves. 

Even if you had a blood test and your calcium levels were average, it doesn't mean your calcium is in a proper balance inside your tissues. It won't show up out of range in your blood until it's more serious.

What lab do you use?

We use Trace Elements to complete the sample analysis. We have specifically chosen this lab because they do not wash your hair sample after receiving it. Why is that important? Many labs wash the hair samples in acetone solution prior to analyzing their mineral content. This can affect some of the mineral levels, giving you less reliable results. You can see what a sample report looks like here.