Hair Mineral Analysis

Unlocks the secrets of health hidden in your hair

By Joy Healey BA Dip.ION, MCThA Nutritional Therapist, Registered and Licensed

You are welcome to distribute this book freely to family or friends you think may be interested, but not to charge for it.

Please see the section on How to Pay on page 21 if you decide to order a test.

Dislaimer: Nothing in this book is diagnostic and Hair Mineral Analysis is no

substitute for diagnosis by a medical practitioner, but if conventional investigations have failed to find a reason, or suggest a treatment for your problem, HMA is an invaluable and cost effective next step.

Nutrition 4 All 34 Kynaston Wood, Harrow, HA3 6UA, UK

For free newsletter on other health topics, subscribe at: http://www.healthyeatingforhealthylivingtips.com
Joy Healey 2003-2012

Unlock the Secrets of Health Hidden in your Hair

Thank you for your interest in this booklet. I hope you will find it interesting and give you inspiration to use a Hair Mineral Analysis test to improve your own health. It's not full of waffle, but packed with information on how a hair mineral analysis (HMA) can help you or someone you know. You are welcome to distribute the booklet freely to anyone you think might be interested in its contents. You can also print out the questionnaire to give to friends and family so that they can check their vulnerability. In case you have received the e-book without reading http://www-4-hair-mineral-analysis.com I'll repeat the background information you've missed. Don't worry - there's plenty of extra information to follow! In my work as a nutritional therapist, one of the most useful diagnostic tools at my disposal and something anyone can benefit from - is a Hair Mineral Analysis, or HMA. Hair contains all the minerals present in the body and, in most cases, reflects the quantity of these elements in your tissues. Analysis provides a wealth of information on how efficiently your body is working and its nutritional status over a period of time.

How does the test work?

Taking a hair sample is simple, non-invasive and pain free. It is dispatched to a lab in the USA that specializes only in hair analysis. On arrival the hair is prepared for testing and acids are added to break it down, separating out the elements contained in the hair protein. After digestion the remaining mineral salts are put into solution and analyzed by sensitive and specialized instruments. The results are then presented in a personalised report containing: levels of 38 minerals, interactions between them, explanations of how these affect health, metabolic type, details of foods to increase or decrease, and a tailored supplement programme designed to improve mineral balance. The test and report costs just 55 and gives pages and pages of information that you can use for the rest of your life. Often it reveals answers clients have sought for years. There are cheaper services, I evaluated several; on the worst (costing more than half the price) I waited eight weeks for its return then received just one sheet of paper giving levels of 19 minerals. No explanations, no interactions, no graphs, no analysis. You get what you pay for. In the past twenty years there have been over 1000 references in peer-reviewed journals, supporting the reliability of the HMA, but perhaps of more interest are the following case histories.

Case history 1: J.C. presented with symptoms of fatigue, lethargy, joint aches and excessive hair loss (at age 25). His hair mercury was markedly high. Following treatment his hair levels of mercury decreased to a much more acceptable level and his symptoms improved significantly. The toxicity source was never identified.

Case history 2: C.T. became mentally ill and was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. He was also alcoholic and consuming large quantities of drugs. An HMA revealed four times the acceptable levels of lead in his hair and also elevated levels of cadmium, mercury and copper. Following therapy and supplementation his condition improved dramatically, he lost his cravings for alcohol and his symptoms of mental illness reverted to normal, with no further need for psychoactive drugs.

Case history 3: L.S., a housewife in her early 40s, had been feeling tired for months. Her doctor had run all the standard tests and could find no problems. Finally she had an HMA which showed she had high levels of lead that were causing her tiredness. Relief came easily, she was feeling better in two weeks and the tired feeling vanished within a month. L.S. had been breathing excess lead from a car exhaust. How much lead are you breathing in from car exhausts jogging or queuing in heavy traffic? How much cadmium have you accumulated from passive (or active!) smoking at the office and the pub? Is the mercury in your fillings stable, or is the vapour slowly poisoning you?

Could you benefit from an HMA?

If you have a disease or illness that has not responded to conventional treatment, you may wish to explore other possibilities and an HMA is an excellent place to start. If you are suffering from unexplained problems such as headaches, backaches, weakness or tremors, an HMA may help you to get to the bottom of it. If you can answer yes to five or more of these questions an HMA may provide information which, if acted upon, could benefit your health. Do you live in a city, or exercise/walk by a busy road? Do you spend more than two hours a week in traffic? Do you smoke more than five cigarettes a day? Do you live or work in a smoky atmosphere? Do you buy foods exposed to exhaust fumes (i.e. on display at a road-side stall)? Do you generally eat non-organic produce? Do you drink more than 1 unit of alcohol per day? Do you spend a lot of time in front of a TV or VDU? Are you exposed to pollutants in your job (e.g. printing) or hobby (gardening)? Do you have two or more amalgam dental fillings? Do you usually drink unfiltered tap water? Are you just feeling under par without knowing why?

Later we'll examine the consequences and possible sources of some of the toxic minerals that can so insidiously damage your health.

Are just toxic minerals examined?

No the HMA will examine the status of the essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, chromium and a whole host of others. Modern food processing methods strip nutrients from food. Did you know that a massive 98% of chromium is stripped from flour in the refining process. Not heard of chromium? It is an essential part of the Glucose Tolerance Factor which controls blood sugar, stimulates burning of food for energy, controls blood cholesterol levels, reduces blood fat levels and suppresses hunger symptoms. You can read more about chromium later in this booklet. Modern farming methods have also depleted the mineral content of soil, and addition of some fertilisers can make minerals unavailable to plants. Some people imagine that food contains all the nutrients needed for good health and that those who follow such a diet have no need of supplements. Although you can never aspire to peak performance on a bad diet, the assumption that food is of good nutritional value simply isnt true any longer. Advice compiled by the United States senate as far back as 1936, tells us that: "Food (fruits, vegetables and grains) is now being raised on land that no longer contains enough of certain minerals. These foods are starving us - no matter how much of them we eat. No man today can eat enough fruit and vegetables to supply his system with the minerals he requires for perfect health, because his stomach isn't big enough to hold them." In 1992 the Earth Summit reported that minerals in European soil had decreased by 72% over the last 100 years. In addition to this, food processing removes large percentages of nutrients up to 98%.

Your food lacks nutrition due to:

Over-processing and refining of foods: For example, refining wheat flour removes folic acid - important both pre-conceptually and for many vital bodily functions. Modern day farming: Traditional methods of farming left land to rest periodically, allowing the soil to build up nutrients naturally. Unfortunately commercial pressures on many farmers mean they cannot afford to wait for nature; instead they use chemical fertilisers to feed the crops, consequently affecting the nutritional quality and possibly leaving harmful toxic residues. Pesticides: The average lettuce purchased in the UK has been sprayed with pesticides eleven times. Do you wash your food thoroughly enough to remove all this? Do your children wash all the fruit they eat? Cold storage: Most supermarket fruit and vegetables have been stored for six to nine months, during which time nutrient content can fall dramatically. Tests show that the nutritional value

of food varies dramatically. One randomly picked orange contained 70mg of vitamin C, another just a trace. How can you be sure youre eating the required amount? Even if we knew what is right for YOU!

So why is food processed?

Food processing began around the time of the industrial revolution. Before that, people worked on farms and ate what they grew. However when people began to work in factories producing textiles etc it was necessary to provide food for them. Flour was refined so that it could be stored - it has the nourishment taken out so that it won't even support a weevil. Sugar was added to give workers extra energy. Fat was added to make it filling, more cheaply. Food is also processed for convenience, to help us live a faster pace of life. But most of all, manufacturers process foods to increase their profits. They encourage higher consumption by adding sugar (addictive!), they add preservatives or salt to increase shelf life, and use of colorings and waxes makes food more attractive.

Substances sometimes added in processing are:

Phosphorus to make fizzy drinks, this upsets bodily calcium/phosphorus balance Nitrites (possibly carcinogenic) to preserve food Colorings - linked to hyper-activity and migraine Pesticides - did you realize that the average person consumes 4.5litres of pesticide per year? Growth hormones are added to animal feed so that cattle mature earlier to be ready for slaughter sooner Antibiotics to keep them disease free, leading to increasing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics so many are no longer effective in humans, as even people who have not taken antibiotics themselves, may have had a regular dose from eating non-organic meat. Minerals such as zinc, chromium, magnesium and manganese are just some of the substances removed in processing - as much as 97% in some cases. Yes - you could wait until you're so deficient in these vital nutrients that you develop an illness. But why not let a hair mineral analysis check up on your status in advance? Its not just shortages that can cause problems. If sodium (in table salt), calcium (in dairy products) and phosphorous (in fizzy drinks) are present in excess in your diet, these can upset the natural mineral ratios. Is fluoride in your water supply depressing your calcium absorption? The graphs in an HMA will reveal all. Even looking at shortages and excesses of individual minerals doesn't tell the whole story. You need to know the levels of significant ratios. Mineral balance is as important as the individual levels. Seven significant ratios are examined and contrasted with 'ideal' values. These ratios reflect the critical balance that must be maintained for a healthy body. For example - many people think they can't have too much calcium in their system. WRONG! Calcium must be in the correct balance with potassium, phosphorous and magnesium. If these, and other, ratios are out of kilter you are storing up problems for the future.

As well as eating the right foods, our modern life-style means you need to protect yourself from exposure to a vast array of chemicals. An excess of anti-nutrients - substances that stop nutrients being used or promote their excretion - causes many health problems. When the bodys ability to detoxify itself is exceeded, toxins accumulate in fatty tissues and may cause chronic health problems. If your job or lifestyle has exposed you to such toxins you are recommended to have a hair mineral analysis test to check your levels. If found to be in excess, there are many ways in which a nutritional approach can help. But it makes sense to do as much as you can to protect yourself from exposure in the first place - and to be aware of danger zones for you, or damage that's already happening.

Balance is the key

Did you know that taking too much iron can contribute to certain types of cancers, but too little iron can also have the same effect? Likewise, iron deficiency can cause anemia, but too much iron can cause another type of anemia, and contribute to migraine and arthritis. It's well known that calcium can help prevent osteoporosis, less well known that - in some people calcium supplements can contribute to brittle bones. Which type of person are you? Is the supplement programme you are taking helping you or harming you? To bring about biochemical balance in the body a supplement programme should not only take into consideration what a person does need, but what they do not need. You see it's not just the levels of minerals that matters but the ratios of certain key ones and the key to understanding the effects of nutrients is to understand their relationships. There are two basic relationships. In some instances pairs of nutrients work in co-operation (or synergistically) - at other times they can work against each other, antagonistically. For more detailed treatment of this subject read the excellent book by Dr David Watts, "Trace Elements and Other Essential Nutrients" ISBN 188567624. Much of the information presented in this booklet is based on Dr Watts' work. He has written over 50 scientific publications and serves as Director of Research for the lab I have chosen to use for HMA tests in my practice. The report you receive with an HMA will provide key information on the ratios of minerals in your body. There are two main sets of ratios. The significant nutrient ratios indicate whether important essential minerals are in balance or not. The 'toxic ratios' portion of the analysis displays the relationship between important nutritional elements and specific toxic metals. Ratios falling into the 'danger' zone may indicate the interference of a toxic metal upon another nutritional mineral. Individuals with high toxic metal levels may not yet show associated symptoms. Without access to the sophisticated testing equipment and computerized analysis available to you via the USA lab, you'd be unlikely to be able to evaluate all these ratios yourself, nor would your health practitioner, however painstakingly they prepared your programme.

You can find out

Hair Mineral Analysis should not be used as a substitute for diagnosis by a medical practitioner, but if conventional investigations have failed to find a reason, or suggest a treatment for your problem, HMA represents an invaluable and cost effective next step. Further down you'll find a very special offer for purchasers of this booklet. Remember this isn't a mass market 'prescription' - for the price of a decent night out for the family, your own biochemical balance has been examined to come up with your completely individualized recommendations. Your report will not only present the information and the ratios - it will also advise you on foods to eat and foods you can avoid to help improve your health. For example, if toxic minerals are found to be in excess, there are many ways in which a nutritional approach can aid detoxification. It makes sense to do as much as you can to protect yourself from exposure to toxic metals in the first place. So that you can assess the importance of the information on offer, let me tell you about some of the toxic metals for which an HMA will screen.

ALUMINUM / ALUMINIUM (depending on where you live!)

As well as eating the right foods, our modern life-style means you need to protect yourself from exposure to a vast array of chemicals. Many health problems are caused by an excess of anti-nutrients - substances which stop nutrients being used, or promote their excretion. When the bodys ability to detoxify itself is exceeded, toxins accumulate in fatty tissues and may cause chronic health problems. If your job or lifestyle has exposed you to such toxins you are recommended to have a hair mineral analysis test to check your levels. If they are found to be in excess, there are many ways in which a nutritional approach can help. More commonly found than you might think is aluminum, which has been linked with Parkinsons disease by some researchers. Aluminum has also been found in tangled fibres in the brains of Alzheimers sufferers. Aluminum may be responsible for symptoms such as poor memory and concentration, skin irritation, hair loss and slow metabolic rate. You may imagine that you're unlikely to have picked up aluminum contamination in your lifetime. But it's easier than you think - you may be surprised at some of the sources.

Sources of aluminum in our daily lives

Aspirin, some deodorants, antacids and toothpaste tubes. Consumables such as processed cheese, table salt (for smoother pouring), baking powder, instant coffee, tea bags, powdered milk. Aluminum is added to some foods (E173) as an emulsifying, bleaching or anti-caking agent and to flour to bleach it. Many food additives are harmful, but are still added to enhance appearance and shelf-life hence profitability. Check the labels and avoid additives where possible. Buy fresh, organic food and consume it before it deteriorates. Many water authorities add aluminum to the water supply to clean it, so drink filtered or bottled water ideally from glass, not plastic bottles

Aluminum is often present in packaging such as aluminum foil and cans. Many cooking utensils are made from aluminum and it is particularly harmful to cook fruit and vegetables in aluminum pans as the cooking water will become acidic and take up more aluminum. The vitamins and minerals in wholesome food can help protect you from toxins and aid detoxification if necessary for instance, vitamin C (found in fruit and vegetables or easy to take as an inexpensive supplement) fights against heavy metals. Iron deficiency enhances the uptake of aluminum from the diet. Aluminum is soluble in water and more readily absorbed by man in acidic conditions. If iron is deficient there will be less hemoglobin made and the blood will be more acidic so more ready to take up aluminum. People who are anemic often have raised levels of aluminum. Its far better to get iron from your diet than from a supplement, as iron supplements may make you constipated. Iron can be found in parsley, dates, almonds, prunes, cashew nuts, raisins, brazil nuts, walnuts, pork, cooked dried beans, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, pecan nuts.

Can you reduce the uptake of aluminum from the diet?

Calcium and zinc reduce the uptake of aluminum from the diet so eat plenty of leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, Brewers Yeast and sea foods. Avoid as many as possible of the sources above. Make sure you eat organically grown foods to minimize the risk of ingesting other toxins from pesticides.

Can you remove aluminum from your body?

Fibre and pectin (a soluble form of fibre found in carrots, apples, the pith of citrus fruits and bananas) help remove toxic metals from the body, as do foods which include sulphur containing amino acids (the building blocks for protein). These include onions, garlic and eggs. Finally, be sure to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables containing vitamin C. So there you have the basics about aluminum - how you could have been exposed to it and what to do if your report reveals imblances. What else?

ANTIMONY
An unusual one - antimony is a constituent of fire retardants that are used in clothing, bedding and other materials. Older plastic mattresses and pillow covers could give off antimony compounds, contributing to an artificial level of hair antimony. Depending on the level found, this may not be considered clinically significant.

COPPER
Friend or foe? You may not know until you take the test! Although copper is essential for health, too high or too low levels can cause problems. It is important for many vital bodily functions, including: formation of white and red blood cells, healthy growth, brain and muscle function, immunity, connective tissue, skin and hair pigments, iron absorption, cholesterol and

glucose regulation, enzyme production, energy usage and in the correct functioning of the nervous system.

What problems might arise?

Continually high levels of copper may be associated with depression, irritability, nervousness, anxiety, phobias, irritability and joint or muscle pains. Copper levels will rise naturally during pregnancy, with use of certain IUDs or when taking the Pill. Levels may also be too high as a result of a vitamin C or B3 deficiency. Copper deficiency symptoms include: anaemia, blood vessel haemorrhage, heart muscle weakness, hypothermia, low white blood cell count, depigmentation of the skin, lowered immunity, loss of taste and skin elasticity, infertility and osteoporosis. Some people with high levels of histamine may have low copper levels and experience phobias and compulsions. Copper inactivates histamine, so other people may have high levels of copper but low levels of histamine, experiencing paranoia and hallucinations. If the copper/histamine balance is causing a problem, see the section on balancing levels of copper. Now let's see how those calculated ratios become important. Copper, although essential, "fights" against zinc and inhibits the absorption of iron, both of which you'll recognize as important minerals particularly so during pregnancy. Your HMA will evaluate the ratios of zinc to copper and iron to copper to check that you don't have too much of a good thing. Is your copper level too high? Ceruloplasmin, the copper-containing protein, is produced faster in the presence of oestrogen and any biological state which increases copper levels is likely to increase the need for vitamin C as high levels of copper have been found to destroy vitamin C.

What are the sources of copper?

Dietary sources of copper include avocado pears, liver, molasses, kidney, olives, apricots, chocolate and coffee. Other sources include water pipes (watch for blue stains in the sink), copper pans, processed food and pesticide or fungicide residues on non-organically grown produce. Copper bracelets, often used to help rheumatism, are thought to result in copper being absorbed through the skin. This may be helpful or not, depending on your hair mineral analysis result.

Can you correct the level of copper in your body?

Calcium and zinc reduce levels of copper which is good if you have an excess, but not if you have a deficiency. In either case, check whether your multi-mineral includes or excludes copper. If it excludes it and you have a deficiency, the calcium and zinc in your supplement may be worsening the deficiency so you should switch to one that includes copper. Other ways to increase your copper levels are eating plenty of the foods listed above and wearing a copper bracelet. Incidentally, one of the most over-diagnosed problems is Candidiasis. Often people have been condemned to an anti-candida diet unnecessarily. While the diet can work wonders with genuine Candida over-growth, many people will not benefit - because Candida is not their main problem. The copper / zinc ratio can give an indication as to whether Candida is a likely 9

problem or not as excessive concentrations of copper apparently produce an environment that encourages yeast and fungal proliferation. Individuals with chronic Candidiasis typically have high tissue copper levels. The first priority, if you have a problem with excess copper, is to avoid as many as possible of the sources above. To reduce copper levels, eat plenty of the foods which contain calcium and zinc: leafy green vegetables, lamb, peas, almonds, parsley, Brewers Yeast and root vegetables. Make sure you eat organically grown foods to minimize the risk of ingesting toxins from pesticides. Fibre and pectin (a soluble form of fibre found in carrots, apples, the pith of citrus fruits and bananas) help remove toxic metals from the body, as do foods which include sulphur containing amino acids (the building blocks for protein). These include onions, garlic and eggs. Finally be sure to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables containing vitamin C.

LEAD
Adults with high levels of lead may experience lack of physical and mental energy together with memory loss, depression and headaches. Children are at most risk from exposure. Aggression, learning difficulties, and hyperactivity are some of the most common effects there may even be irreversible brain damage in the worst cases. Other symptoms associated with excess lead in children are: headaches, poor appetite, indigestion, constipation, fatigue, aching muscles, behavioural disorders, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pains. This is obviously a toxin to be avoided in pregnancy.

How to lower intake or absorption of lead into the body

The most important point is not to take in lead in the first place. One way in which a large proportion of lead is ingested is on the surface of produce grown or displayed by roads that suffer from heavy traffic. Before use, wash all fruit and vegetables in warm water with a little vinegar added this will reduce surface deposits by about 90%. Likewise, discard the outer leaves where possible to reduce the amount taken in. To minimize exposure, use organically grown produce. Another danger is from animal protein if the animals have grazed in fields near roads with heavy traffic. Other sources are lead pipes, paint or batteries. Ensure your diet contains adequate calcium (which prevents lead being stored in bones), copper, zinc (prevents absorption in the gut), iron, chromium. These hinder absorption, so reduce accumulation in the body. Vitamins C and a B-complex may need supplementing. A high fibre diet will prevent lead being absorbed but this will also reduce uptake of zinc, so zinc supplementation may be necessary. Minimise use of cans as some contain lead solder. Also beware of glazes on crockery. Check if there is lead in your water pipes and if so, ideally have them replaced. If this is impossible, run off water in the morning before using any for drinking or preparing food. Better still, use bottled water (filtering is unlikely to remove lead). Alcohol increases lead absorption, so cut drinking down (or, if trying for a baby, dont drink at all!) and dont store alcohol in lead crystal decanters. If you recognise any of those sources as possible ways you could have been exposed to lead pollution, an HMA will check lead levels - and the ratios of lead to the lead-antagonistic minerals calcium, iron and sulphur.

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How to remove lead from the body

Inorganic lead (found in lead pipes, paint and batteries) can be eliminated by consuming a diet rich in calcium, vitamins C and D, zinc and iron. Increased intake of pectin fibre and algin will decrease absorption. Algin is derived from alginic acid, which is extracted from brown seaweed or kelp. It is used as a stabilizer and emulsifier, especially in ice cream or jellies. Penicillamine and EDTA chelation drugs may be used medically but have limited effect as they cannot cross the blood-brain barrier. However vitamin C can cross it and has been shown to have better results in reducing concentrations of lead in the brain. Vitamin C sacrifices itself to take out heavy metals so extra supplements will be required to counteract a heavy toxic load. So far there is no known way to treat toxicity from organic lead (as found in petrol) because once it has been absorbed by the body, there is currently no way to eliminate it.

Lead and pregnancy

Lead is fetotoxic and easily crosses the placenta. It increases the risk of foetal maldevelopment by interfering with nerve transmissions and control of the availability of oxygen to the nervous system. Most brain cells have already developed before a babys birth. Then vast numbers of inter-connections must be made. If nerve cells have been damaged this can lead to hyperactivity or retardation as they grow. A direct relationship has been found between lead levels in the placenta and babies birthweights. The correlation even holds true at what would be considered a normal lead level, so there appears to be no real safe level. Lead is also known to damage sperm and ova. Scientific studie studies have found that stillbirths have elevated levels of lead and cadmium but reduced zinc. Lead is strongly antagonistic to the absorption and utilisation of the essential minerals zinc, iron and calcium, deficiencies of which can cause severe problems for the baby. Likewise, it has been found that deficiencies of calcium and zinc may increase the toxic effects and tissue accumulation of lead. Then we come to mercury - another hidden nasty!

MERCURY
One of the most toxic substances known to man is mercury. It inactivates many of the bodys reactions and may cause symptoms such as memory loss, headaches, depression, poor coordination, insomnia, nervousness, dizziness, fatigue and in the worst cases, insanity. It accumulates as we age and this is exacerbated by the fact that we then may have less of the nutrients that protect against it. Some cases of allergies may occur because the immune system is so stressed by the levels of mercury in the body that it cannot cope with normal functions.

Common sources of mercury in our lives

The most common source of mercury for many of us is in amalgam dental fillings and dentists are at particular risk of mercury toxicity. In severe cases you may wish to consider having these extracted. Many sufferers from autoimmune diseases such as MS have improved after having amalgam fillings correctly removed. However, one school of thought considers this unwise because you expose yourself to higher levels during the process.

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If you do decide to pursue this route, be sure to use a specially trained dentist who will take all the necessary precautions. At the time of writing a list of mercury free dentists can be found at:
http://mercuryfreedentists.com/ or for the UK: http://www.naturopathy-uk.com/resources/resources-dentists/

Another source of mercury is contaminated fish. Fish can concentrate mercury discharged in industrial waste. It may pass from plankton, to fish and thence to man. Tuna have often been cited as an example of fish that accumulate mercury by eating smaller fish. Luckily tuna are high in selenium which protects against mercury, but nevertheless it makes sense to keep tuna consumption within reasonable limits. Broken thermometers, fungicides and industrial processes are other possible sources.

How can you reduce the uptake of mercury from the diet?
Calcium and zinc reduce the uptake of mercury from the diet so eat plenty of leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, Brewers Yeast and sea-foods. Avoid as many as possible of the sources above. Make sure you eat organically grown foods to minimize the risk of ingesting toxins from pesticides. The vitamins and minerals in wholesome food can help protect you from toxins and aid detoxification if necessary for instance, vitamin C (found in fruit and vegetables and easy to take as an inexpensive supplement) fights against heavy metals. Selenium, particularly, protects against mercury and can be found in seeds (particularly sesame), sea-foods and seaweed.

How can you remove mercury from your body?

Fibre and pectin (a soluble form of fibre found in carrots, apples, the pith of citrus fruits and bananas) help remove toxic metals from the body, as do foods which include sulphur containing amino acids (the building blocks for protein). These include onions, garlic and eggs. Finally, be sure to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables containing vitamin C.

TOXIC METALS SUMMARIZED

High levels of any of lead, cadmium, mercury and aluminum have been linked to all manner of health problems. They are particularly dangerous in children and those planning for pregnancy, when they can lead to infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, skeletal deformity, learning difficulties and behavioural problems through to frank mental retardation. There is a theory (no more!) that if a mans sperm are not in good condition, the womans body may make efforts to destroy them, so an HMA is a wise preparation for both partners when planning a pregnancy.

To cleanse toxic metals:

Fibre and pectin (a soluble form of fibre found in carrots, apples, the pith of citrus fruits and bananas) help remove toxic metals from the body, as do foods which include sulphur containing amino acids (the building blocks for protein) such as onions, garlic and eggs. Vitamins B1 (in brown rice, nuts, poultry, whole-grains, soya) and B12 (in meat, fish, dairy

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products and spirulina) should also be helpful. Finally, be sure to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables containing vitamin C. Calcium and zinc reduce the uptake of aluminum from the diet so eat plenty of leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, Brewers Yeast and sea-foods. Make sure you eat organically grown foods to minimize the risk of ingesting toxins from pesticides.

NUTRIENT MINERALS IN HMA

We've looked at the harmful substances a hair mineral analysis may reveal. But, as mentioned, the HMA is also invaluable for revealing levels of nutrient minerals. Here are the most important of the nutrient minerals examined.

CALCIUM
Calcium is an important structural mineral. 99% is found in bones and teeth. The other 1% is crucial for blood clotting, muscle contraction, nerve conduction, immunity and energy production. It can be found in milk and dairy products, eggs, green leafy vegetables especially broccoli, tinned salmon (including the bones), nuts, seeds, pulses and bread made from fortified flour. However, only 30-40% of dietary calcium is absorbed. Deficiencies show as: hypertension, muscle cramps, palpitations, rickets, poor tooth/bone development. Interestingly enough, milk and dairy products are not the excellent source of calcium that the dairy industry would have us believe. The reason is that they do not contain the correct ratio of calcium to magnesium. Remember we touched on the important fact that minerals should be in the correct balance with each other? Calcium and magnesium are another case in point. Often an HMA result returns showing a 'sky-high' level of calcium and a relative magnesium deficiency exists, because magnesium is important for the normal metabolism of calcium. A deficiency of magnesium relative to calcium may cause calcium to precipitate out of solution and deposit itself in the urinary tract, gall bladder or arteries - this can lead to cardiac irregularities, especially if potassium metabolism is also disturbed. High calcium with respect to magnesium has also been associated with a colitis-like condition because the two nutrients must be in the correct balance for normal muscular function. And an elevation of calcium with respect to potassium is associated with a tendency towards hypothyroidism, which often shows itself first as fatigue. More to this than meets the eye? Beginning to see the advantages of a computerized analysis tailored to YOUR biochemistry, rather than someones guesswork to choose your supplements?

COBALT
Deficiency may be found in vegetarians and could indicate a B12 deficiency, as it is a major part of this vitamin, which is needed for all cellular functions, particularly red blood cell formation and the synthesis of RNA and DNA. Increased bacterial colonization is known to inhibit cobalt absorption and parasites selectively inhibit cobalt absorption. This shows another way in which an HMA can point to further areas for investigation.

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Symptoms of cobalt deficiency other than anemia include sore tongue, numbness of heels or fingertips radiating to legs or arms, mood swings. Excess cobalt has been associated with anemia due to cobalt/iron antagonism and symptoms of excess cobalt include: gastrointestinal disturbances, abdominal pain, vomiting, flushing, chest pains, dermatitis, nausea, kidney problems, thyroid disturbance, deafness, hyperglycaemia or hypothyroidism,

CHROMIUM
As part of the Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF), chromium - together with vitamin B3 and amino acids glycine, glutamic acid and cystine - is essential for blood sugar control. GTF promotes insulin activity and promotes blood sugar uptake by muscles and organs, stimulates burning of glucose for energy, controls blood cholesterol and fat levels, stimulates production of essential nerve components and suppresses feelings of hunger. There are even scientific studies showing that chromium (in the picolinate form) increases age span in rats and that heart disease is less likely when blood levels of chromium are optimum. As we might expect from the main function of chromium, signs of deficiency are also signs of low blood sugar - such as irritability, confusion, cold sweats, sleepiness, cravings for sweet foods, weakness, depression, nervousness, learning disabilities and alcohol intolerance. Other symptoms are similar to those noticed in the early stages of diabetes: hunger, thirst, weight loss, itching, frequent urination and high blood lipids. Chromium deficiency has also been linked to low sperm count. Several scientific studies have found that chromium picolinate reduces the damage caused by diabetes and decreases fasting blood sugar levels in NIDDM sufferers. In one study patients experienced an average reduction of 32.6% in fasting blood sugar. A word of warning chromium picolinate supplementation can be so effective that diabetics who use it should monitor their blood sugar level very carefully and liaise closely with a health professional. Dr Richard Passwater estimates that 90% of people do not get the minimum amount of chromium they need. Deficiency may be due to high intake of refined/processed foods; prolonged slimming regimes: malnutrition, pregnancy or alcoholism. Chromium is poorly absorbed, and body stores reduce with age, so anyone with absorption problems needs to take particular care to get an adequate supply. Furthermore, sugar, alcohol, tea, coffee and the presence of heavy metals hinder absorption and utilization. The best source of chromium is Brewer's yeast, which can be added to casseroles and soups. Other sources are: whole-meal or rye bread, oysters, potatoes, green peppers, eggs, chicken, apples, butter, parsnips, mushrooms and molasses.

IODINE
Iodine is vital for the production of the two thyroid hormones thyroxin (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).

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Deficiency, which is common in many parts of the world, is associated with goitre and poor thyroid function leading to lethargy, tiredness, susceptibility to cold, weight gain, coarse skin, brittle hair and nails, breast tenderness and increased mucous production. Iodine can be found in sea fish, kelp, iodized salt and crops or cattle reared on soils exposed to sea spray. The effects of iodine deficiency are worsened by low selenium so the two should be considered together.

IRON
Iron is essential for the production of haemoglobin and muscle myoglobin. It is necessary for energy production and the formation of chemicals used by white blood cells to fight infection. Deficiency can be a cause of one type of anemia, poor immunity, generalized skin-itching, concave brittle nails, loss of hair, sore tongue, cracking at the corners of the mouth, reduced appetite and difficulty swallowing. Up to 20% of the menstruating women in the developed world are iron deficient. Deficiency in pregnancy can cause foetal eye defects, bone defects, brain defects, learning difficulties. Good food sources include shellfish, red meat, sardines, wheat-germ, whole-meal bread, egg yolk, green vegetables, dried fruit. Vitamin C aids absorption of iron. Because iron is protective against lead and mercury and excess copper, these ratios will be disclosed by your HMA. Excess iron has an oxidant effect and is considered toxic.

MAGNESIUM
Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body, accounting for approximately 0.05% of your total weight. About 54% is contained in teeth and bones, the remaining 46% in bodily fluids such as blood and saliva. It is essential for many bodily processes including energy production, tissue repair and maintenance, muscle function (including the heart), nerve impulse transmission. A co-factor for over 300 enzymes, it is necessary to ensure correct functioning of many enzymes and vitamins and most metabolic reactions, including energy production, healthy bones, nerve and muscle function. Magnesium is also involved in production of dopamine to maintain normal moods. Signs of magnesium deficiency include: insomnia, calcium deposits, death, nervousness, high blood pressure, muscle tremors/spasms/weakness, irregular heart beat, constipation, fits or convulsions, lack of appetite, hyperactivity, depression, PMT, involuntary eye movements, confusion, nausea, poor co-ordination, palpitations, bowel irregularity, painful swallowing, tooth decay, vertigo, anorexia, low blood sugar or tiredness. There is also much research linking magnesium deficiency with migraine. With modern life-styles, there are many possible reasons for low levels of magnesium: food processing and refining, food grown in poor quality soil, poor diet, decreased absorption from dietary sources, drug interactions or disturbed membrane transport. Females absorb less

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magnesium than men so are more susceptible to deficiency. The need for magnesium increases when blood cholesterol levels are high and when consumption of protein is high.

Magnesium depletion
Common causes of magnesium depletion are: high intake of: dairy/calcium, phosphorous, excess intake of calcium, vitamin D and saturated fats, sugar or caffeine. Studies have shown that plasma magnesium levels are significantly reduced in heavy smokers and drinkers, stress, infections, allergies, kidney disease, diabetes, cancer, Addisons disease, burns, surgery, cirrhosis, hepatitis, hyper-aldosteronism, epilepsy, eclampsia use of modern fertilisers eat organic foods where possible to minimize exposure. Diuretics, antibiotics, heart drugs, the Pill, corticosteroid drugs, malabsorption due to laxative abuse, aluminum competing with magnesium avoid using aluminum foil and utensils deficiency of zinc, B6, vitamin E, thiamine, EFAs excess zinc, copper (rarely), cobalt or iron increases magnesium requirements. Absorption is hindered by oxalates (spinach & rhubarb) and phytates (wheat bran and bread) We have already examined the relationship between calcium and magnesium. If calcium consumption is high, magnesium intake also needs to be high to prevent an imbalance occurring. High dairy (vitamin D and calcium) intake can upset the Ca/Mg balance. Magnesium is not a difficult mineral to obtain in adequate quantities in a healthy, whole-food diet containing plenty of nuts, seeds and dark green leafy vegetables (where it is an essential element of chlorophyll). Other good sources are: wheat-germ, almonds, cashews, soybeans, whole grains, sea-foods, figs, Brewers yeast, buckwheat, Brazil nuts, meat, eggs, bananas, peanuts, pecan nuts, cooked beans, garlic, raisins, peas, potato skin, corn, peaches, apricots. Processing of whole-grains removes magnesium.

Excess magnesium
While magnesium deficiency is not good, neither is excess. Large doses of magnesium can cause diarrhoea, nausea and headaches. Toxicity is rare because your body will normally excrete any excess. However magnesium is often used in antacids and laxatives and over-use of either preparation may cause an excess, particularly in the elderly. Certain bone tumours and cancers can raise magnesium levels. Magnesium supplements should not be taken without medical approval if any of these apply or if you have, or suspect, kidney problems.

MANGANESE
Manganese is involved in the production of amino acids, carbohydrates, cholesterol, cartilage, collagen, sex hormones, blood clotting factors and some neuro-transmitters. It is essential for normal growth and development. Food sources are: tea-leaves, whole-grains, nuts, seeds, fruit, eggs, leafy green vegetables, shellfish and milk. Processing of whole-grains removes manganese. Deficiency may cause reddening of body hair, scaly skin, poor growth of hair and nails, disc and cartilage problems, poor blood clotting, glucose intolerance, poor memory and low fertility. Deficiency in pregnancy may lead to foetal malformation of inner ear, bone malformations, ataxia (loss of control of movements), hyper-irritability, head retraction, poor co-ordination, tremors, cartilage and heart problems, learning difficulties

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NICKEL
Rarely discussed in nutrition circles, nickel is found in most biological systems. It is particularly relevant to modern society and the fast-food, high carbohydrate diet because it can cause hypoglycaemia by prolonging the effects of insulin. Nickel is associated with more instances of allergic dermatitis then any other metal, often triggered by the use of cheap metal posts used when ears are first pierced. Observations of HMA studies indicate that nickel increases the retention of sodium and can promote water retention. Deficiency in a parent may lead to foetal liver, kidney and heart abnormalities

SODIUM AND POTASSIUM

Sodium and potassium are frequently referred to as electrolytes as they carry a positive electrical charge. Sodium tends to be concentrated outside cells and potassium inside. The difference in concentration produces an electrical potential across the cell membrane, which is important for nerve conduction, muscle contractions, fluid balance and acid-alkaline balance. Ratios of sodium to potassium and calcium to potassium are considered significant in a hair mineral analysis. When sodium is low, the kidneys respond by conserving it and when intake is high, more will be excreted. The ratio of sodium to potassium is important - when sodium is high in relation to potassium (ideal is 2.4:1) this may indicate acute stress or the beginning of an inflammatory process. When sodium is low relative to potassium the exhaustion stage of stress may be ensuing. Potassium is essential for muscle contraction, heart beat, nerve conduction, maintenance of blood sugar levels, production of nucleic acids, proteins and energy and to flush excess sodium from the body. It can be found in seafood, fruit (particularly bananas), vegetables, whole-grains and potassium enriched salt. Deficiency has been linked with poor appetite, fatigue, weakness, low blood sugar, muscle cramps, irregular heart beat, constipation, irritability, pins and needles, drowsiness, confusion and reduced sperm motility. A potassium deficiency may contribute to increased sodium retention.

SELENIUM
This is a co-factor for antioxidant enzymes, helping to protect cells from harmful free radicals. It is necessary for normal cell growth and immunity and to regulate production of thyroid hormones. Selenium is involved in the conversion of the thyroid hormone T4 to the active form T3, therefore a deficiency of selenium may contribute indirectly to a hypothyroid condition. Food sources are Brazil nuts, fish, poultry, meats, wholegrains, mushrooms, onions, garlic, broccoli and cabbage.

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There is potentially a wide-spread deficiency due to low soil levels. UK intakes halved between 1975 and 1994. Deficiency is linked with age spots, arthritis, some cancers, poor immunity, low fertility, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, cataracts, , chromosome damage, pancreatitis, muscle weakness, heart failure, lung disorders. American research has linked deficiency with Downs Syndrome. The ratio of selenium to mercury is considered important in toxin protection.

ZINC
Zinc is a co-factor for over 200 enzymes. A joke when I was training was that if you didn't know the answer to any question about an essential mineral, just answer zinc - you'd almost certainly be right. Zinc is necessary to switch on genes in response to hormone triggers, vital to growth, digestion, sexual maturity, sperm health, wound healing and immunity. Many cases of infertility (male and female) can be resolved by zinc supplementation. However, excess zinc reduces copper absorption so - as always - it's essential to get the balance right. The HMA will keep you on target. Food sources include red meat, seafood (especially oysters), offal, Brewer's yeast, wholegrains, pulses, eggs and cheese. Processing of food removes zinc from whole-grains. Low intakes are associated with poor taste sensation and appetite, low testosterone levels, prostatitis, recurrent infections, acne and reduced fertility. Deficiency when preparing for pregnancy can lead to foetal growth retardation, anorexia, loss of hair, seborrhoea, apathy, defects in eyes, kidneys, brain and bones, heart problems and small eyes. Males are at particular risk of deficiency as each ejaculate contains 5mg of zinc - one third of the RDA.

MINERALS SUMMARIZED
It's confusing to remember all the food sources of the individual nutrient minerals. In general a good mineral-rich diet can be found in: Brewers yeast, bone broth, whole-grains, nuts, seeds, soya, fresh and dried fruit and vegetables, milk, cheese, egg, seafood, poultry, meats, offal, molasses, black pepper, garlic, salt, corn and olive oil. However, many people firmly believe the only way to overcome the losses caused by poor diet and food processing is by regular supplementation.

RATIOS REVISITED
While the information on minerals is interesting, that is not the main thrust of this booklet, nor the most valuable part of an HMA. The key point to take away is that it is not the individual levels of minerals that are important - interesting and useful though that information may be but the interrelationships between pairs of minerals. And this is all but impossible to determine without an objective testing procedure such as an HMA.

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As you've seen - taking a mineral in a multi may be counter-productive if it leads to an imbalance of the delicate ratios I've only been able to touch on briefly above. Re-read the sections on calcium and magnesium if you have any doubts about the complexity of these ratios. It's worrying to think that your best intentions could be worsening the problem by tipping the scales further in the wrong direction. However good your nutritionist, it would be a minefield to design manually a programme that takes all these effects into consideration. But help is at hand. The hair mineral analysis includes a personalized supplement programme based entirely on your bodily results. Results can appear confusing at first because the recommendations may not include minerals that appear below normal, or in turn may recommend minerals that appear above normal on the graphs. This is not an oversight. As we have seen, specific minerals will interact with others to raise or lower tissue mineral levels. The computerized programme - the work of many years of research - is designed to balance your mineral levels through these interactions. Many happy clients have seen the benefits of following the HMA's programme. Let's face it, the price of acquiring all this personalized information and knowledge is only about the cost of a single appointment with a nutritionist - less in many cases. In any case, a professional practitioner prefers to measure rather than guess, so is very likely to suggest you take the test anyway. The mineral interactions are just too complicated to handle manually.

WHAT NEXT?
I hope the above has been of interest and convinced you of the importance of hair mineral analysis. Not only if you have health problems, but as a preventative measure, to ensure the continued health of you and your family. Obviously an HMA is no substitute for diagnosis by a medical practitioner, but if conventional investigations have failed to find a reason, or suggest a treatment for your problem, HMA is an invaluable and cost effective next step. The price of an HMA is 55 as at June 2012.

HOW TO PAY.
You may offset the price paid for this booklet against the cost of ONE Hair Analysis only. For example, if you paid a 5 deposit, send just 50 together with proof of payment (such as PayPal/Google/Clickbank) receipt) and your hair sample (see instructions below). Your analysis will ready in just three weeks. If you obtained the booklet free of charge anywhere, thats fine, but full payment is required for the test. Confirm the current price on http://www.4-hair-mineral-analysis.com. Just think - three weeks from now you could hold the key to improving your health! Don't delay - act now, before the moment passes. Do it yourself; do it for members of the family. No blood samples; no doctor's charges! Read on to find out just how simple it is. 19

How to take a hair sample

As we have seen, Hair Mineral Analysis is an analytical test that reveals the mineral composition in the hair and provides indications of imbalances, deficiencies and excesses of many essential minerals and toxic metals. However, the amount and location of where the hair is taken from can affect the accuracy of the results. When taking your sample, please observe the following: 1. Complete the questionnaire on the next page, for posting with the sample 2. You need a clean, uncontaminated envelope to contain the hair sample and nothing else. Please do NOT enclose the payment or questionnaire in the same envelope as the hair 3. Avoid contamination (from rust, iron or chrome plating) - use clean stainless steel scissors Take several small samples of hair from several different places in the area specified in the diagram (back/nape) 4. Use the first 2 - 3 centimetres of hair closest to your head. This will be your most recent growth so will most accurately reflect your current mineral status and level of exposure to toxic metals. Approximately a full tablespoon of hair is required - it's better to send too much rather than too little 5. Post to me: (a) sealed hair sample envelope, (b) questionnaire (c) payment

You should be aware of the potential influence of the following: Hair dyes - colouring agents contain lead acetate. Results may show an elevated lead level, which should not necessarily be considered as representative of the body's lead content. Bleaches - can cause an artificial elevation of calcium and magnesium. Samples for analysis should be taken from the area of new growth closest to the scalp. Shampoos - medicated shampoos may contribute to elevated levels of elements such as zinc and selenium. Swimming - high levels of copper may be found as a result of the use of copper sulphate in many water purification systems.

Return your sealed envelope, questionnaire and payment (see next page), to: Nutrition 4 All (Dept 4-HMA), 34 Kynaston Wood, Harrow, HA3 6UA, UK Any questions: email: hma@nutrition4all.co.uk Or by Tel: 020 8954 9995 20

Information Required For Hair Mineral Analysis

First name Address : : : Post code Country Phone no. : : : Last name:

Payment email: Natural hair colour Hair taken : from (if not scalp) Sex (M/F) Occupation Current medication : : : Age: Ethnic origin: :

Current : medical conditions Shampoo / : conditioner / dye in use Signed: : Date:

Paying for HMA: Please send UK Sterling cheque to "Nutrition 4 All for appropriate amount or see * below for other currencies. My postal address is on page 1. Amount due Price OR OR : (See below)

: 55 for clients first test if no deposit payment has yet been paid : 55 less deposit paid for 1st test ordered after purchase of kit or this ebook : 49 for retest when you can quote your name and previous lab number

* PLEASE NOTE: Because my supplier charges me in (Pounds Sterling) my pricing is in Pounds Sterling. I can also take payment as a US $ cheque, a bank transfer (UK) or send money by PayPal to hma@nutrition4all.co.uk Please convert your currency to Pounds Sterling before sending! Please specify the date and email address payment came through, so I can link to your deposit! This avoids delays when I receive your hair sample and balancing payment.