What is an HTMA?
HTMA stands for Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis
A soft tissue mineral biopsy that provides a reading of the mineral deposition in the cells and interstitial spaces of the hair over a 2-3 month period.
Only representative of the minerals and heavy metals in the hair, but since hair is a tissue, the information can be inferred for the rest of the body.
A screening test, not a diagnostic test.
Representative of an average rate of mineral and heavy metal accumulation in the hair sample over the previous 8-12 weeks.
This data provides a tailored foundational approach to an individuals specific mineral, dietary and lifestyle needs that will be the most beneficial.
Key Results
1.) Metabolic Typing: this tells us how quickly your body is utilizing the fuel (food) that you are giving it and how quickly it turns that fuel into usable energy. It helps us establish bio-individual ratios of macronutrients that are going to best benefit you.
2.) Mineral Status: overall snapshot of the level of minerals in your body, whether some are too high or too low all paints a picture of how your body responds to stress and what it needs most to bring balance back within.
3.) Heavy Metal Excretion: This allows us to know whether or not your body is either storying heavy metals or excreting them properly. From this we will assess your environmental exposures such as chemicals, water sourcing etc. *Minerals dispose of heavy metals from the body.
4.) Mineral Ratios: all minerals effect another two minerals and so on and so on. Each mineral has a protagonist and an antagonist which tells us more specifically what type of nutritional support specific systems or organs might be needing.
Here are other results the HTMA can reveal:
-Stage of stress and stress levels
-Immune System
-Adrenal and Thyroid Glandular Activity -Carbohydrate Tolerance
-Energy levels
-Eating enough protein or too many carbs
-Tendencies for 30+ illnesses, often before they manifest
-Personality Tendencies
Here is an Example of HTMA test results,
Why test for Heavy Metals?
Minerals are essential for growth, healing, vitality and wellbeing. They provide structural support in bones and teeth, and they maintain the body’s pH and water balance, nerve activity, muscle contractions, energy production and enzyme reactions. They are the basic ‘spark plugs’ of life.
Ideally we should get all the minerals we need from a balanced diet. Unfortunately, in today’s world, this is rarely possible. Modern farming techniques, fertilisers and depleted soils reduce the mineral content of foods. Environmental pollutants, chemical food additives and stressful lifestyles also have a detrimental effect on our nutritional status.
Many health conditions are aggravated by mineral imbalances and toxic heavy metal excesses, including cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, migraines, learning difficulties and hyperactivity in children, to name just a few.
Have more questions about the HTMA? You can fill out my HTMA inquiry form by visiting my services page, from there we will schedule a free 20 minute discovery call where I can get to know you a little, discuss your health concerns and answer your questions!