Do you want to optimize your health but are unsure of what foods to eat, which supplements to take, or even where to start? If so, an HTMA test could unearth incredible insights into your body’s internal environment.
What Is An HTMA test?
Hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA) is an effective, non-invasive, and low-cost screening that uses a hair sample to detect mineral deficiencies, mineral excesses, toxic metals, and can even and give a peek into the body’s unique metabolic world.
HTMA testing offers immense insight into one’s entire chemistry and provides invaluable guidance in improving it over time.
By examining the hair, we gain tremendous insight into an individual’s overall health and can develop targeted nutritional protocols to help restore balance.
Hair analysis is a reliable tool that allows us to detect certain imbalances and even emotional stress before more serious pathologies take hold.
The Benefits Of An Hair Mineral Analysis Test
1. It’s a powerful tool for uncovering subtle health issues: Since tissue levels of minerals reflect long-term dietary patterns and environmental stressors, an HTMA test can reveal health problems that are often difficult to detect with other forms of testing.
2. This analysis provides an individualized approach to supplementation: With detailed information about mineral levels, practitioners can personalize supplement recommendations for each patient based on their specific metabolic rate, nutrient levels, and mineral imbalances.
3. An HTMA test can be used to detect toxic metals such as lead and aluminum, that can be detrimental to health.
4. This screening is non-invasive. Unlike other most other tests, the HTMA requires a small hair sample and does not involve any invasive procedures.
5. A hair testing kit and consultation are relatively inexpensive. The cost of a hair analysis and consultation is often much lower than the cost of more complex tests.
What Exactly Does A Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis Test?
An HTMA reveals the mineral content of hair and provides information about these levels in the tissues and cells.
A number of essential minerals are included in the test results such as:
- calcium
- sodium
- magnesium
- zinc
- potassium
Also tested are heavy metals such as:
- lead
- aluminum
- Mercury
- cadmium
- arsenic
- nickel
By looking at both essential minerals and heavy metal levels together on one test, HTMA practitioners can gain a comprehensive understanding of their client’s health.
Accuracy Of The Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis
Hair testing from a licensed clinical laboratory is very accurate, but there are many factors to consider before snipping your locks and sending off hair samples.
1. Choose a practitioner that uses a lab that does not wash hair samples
The two reputable labs that do not wash hair samples are Analytical Research Labs and Trace Elements. Be sure to ask your practitioner if they use one of these two labs.
2. Adequate amounts of hair are needed
When preparing for your test, be sure to take small amounts of hair from a few different areas near the scalp and follow the lab or practitioner’s advice as to how much is needed. If you don’t include enough the test may need to be redone.
3. If you use hair dye you may need to wait
Hair dyes can affect the results so to receive precise results, it is necessary to wait until the hair grows out for a few weeks. New hair growth is best so depending on the time between your last salon appointment and receiving your hair test kit, it could be 4-6 weeks before you are able to send in your sample.
4. Choose a practitioner with experience
It is important to select an experienced practitioner who has expertise in interpreting HTMA results and formulating protocols. It’s important that you feel confident in your practitioner so feel free to ask any and all questions before you get started.
A great way to do this is to ask if they offer a free consultation or discovery call!
FAQs About Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis
Still have a few questions? Let me see if I can answer them here!
1. How long does it take to get HTMA test results?
After your discovery call, I will send out your test, hair collection instructions, and other necessary paperwork.
After you collect your hair sample and send it out, the lab results typically take about two weeks.
I will then analyze the results and create a plan tailored to your specific needs at which time I will email you to let you know your results are in so that we can schedule your 60-minute consultation.
2. What cannot be determined by a hair analysis?
A hair analysis is not a diagnostic test.
That means that, while your screening may show certain mineral imbalances and toxic heavy metals, the information cannot be used to diagnose any health condition.
And, just to be clear, only licensed healthcare professionals such as doctors can diagnose- which I am not!
3. Are there any disadvantages or drawbacks to hair analysis?
Generally speaking, the test is safe and reliable.
The only potential disadvantages I can see are:
- Hair– the hair must be cut very close to the scalp, so some people may find this challenging (either to wait for the hair to grow out or to obtain the sample themselves).
- Time– people are always in a hurry to feel better fast- and I totally understand that! But, the test can take a few weeks and the diet, supplement, and lifestyle changes typically recommended can take time to implement and then start seeing results.
This is not a quick fix, but a way to build a solid foundation!
4. Is an HTMA more accurate than a blood test?
A blood test measures the levels of minerals and other nutrients in your bloodstream at that time, while an HTMA measures the levels of these same minerals that have been deposited into the hair over a few months.
Another important point to make is that hair mineral testing is looking at minerals inside the cell and blood tests look at nutrients outside the cell.
And finally, when looking at mineral levels in the blood it’s important to note that the blood will always try to stay in homeostasis, so the body will pull minerals from the cells and tissues to facilitate this balance, meaning blood levels could be in a normal range, but an HTMA could show a much different story!
So, to answer the question of which test is more accurate- it really depends on what you’re testing for specifically.
If done right, an HTMA and blood testing can go together well and provide a great number of pieces to a health puzzle.
Last Thoughts About HTMA
HTMA is a powerful tool that can be used to support health and wellness.
The test results can provide insight into the root cause of your symptoms and help you create a plan to support your personal health goals.
If you’re considering an HTMA and want to learn more, I’m here to answer any questions.
Feel free to schedule a complimentary discovery call with me so that we can discuss your health concerns and particular needs.
I look forward to connecting with you soon!