HTMA stands for Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis and is a non-invasive functional test that analyzes a small sample of hair to learn about the body's mineral status and heavy metal levels. Mineral balancing is a science that has been around since the 1960s and 70s and was originally the work of Dr. Paul Eck who studied how minerals and metals that appeared in the hair correlated with disease and illness.
The HTMA is a sample of the root of our hair which gives us information about individual minerals, their ratios, and how they are being metabolized over the last 3 months or so and provides the current state of your body’s biochemistry.
What are minerals?
Minerals are inorganic elements found in soil and water that are absorbed by plants or consumed by animals for us to benefit from when we consume them. They are the unsung heroes of the nutrient world and are so important for optimal health and vitality.
Minerals are our body's "spark plugs" and are required for over 20,000 enzymatic processes in the body. They are essential for keeping the body's functions running smoothly including functions relating to our bones, muscles (including the heart!), metabolism, and brain. They are an often overlooked piece of the health puzzle. Deficiencies in minerals and imbalances in their ratios can lead to disruptions in bodily functions and can negatively impact and influence all of the different systems in the body.
When the body is deficient in one mineral it can interrupt the use of other minerals in the body leading to more deficiencies and imbalances among the other minerals which is why an HTMA can be so valuable. An HTMA gives us a picture of the status of each mineral in addition to their relationships with synergistic and antagonistic minerals so that we can use this knowledge to bring them back to balance and relieve you of the associated symptoms you are feeling.
When our minerals are out of balance we may experience:
Chronic fatigue
Muscle cramping/spasms
Muscle weakness
Poor appetite
Low metabolic function
Weakened immune systems
Constipation, bloating, and other digestive symptoms
Poor concentration and brain fog
and more!
Here are some ways minerals impact the body
Minerals like sodium and potassium control electrolyte balance help maintain the balance of fluids within and outside our cells and regulate blood pressure. Proper electrolyte balance is critical for nerve function, muscle contraction, and maintaining balance at the cellular level.
Many minerals like zinc, serve as cofactors for enzymes, which means they are essential for kicking off processes like nutrient metabolism, wound healing, immune function, digestive function, and energy production.
Minerals are involved in a range of metabolic processes, including the conversion of food into energy, the synthesis of proteins, and the regulation of our hormones.
Minerals are involved in various cellular signaling pathways, influencing processes like growth and immune function.
Minerals are critical for the formation and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. They provide structural support and help in bone mineralization.
The mineral, iron is a key component of hemoglobin which is responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body, energy production, and overall cellular function.
Minerals play a role in the antioxidant defense system helping to neutralize free radicals and protecting cells from damage.
Minerals like calcium and magnesium are essential for nervous system regulation and responsible for nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction.
Why Run An HTMA?This test is so valuable in learning about our mineral status. It can tell us:
Mineral Levels: HTMA can reveal the levels of various minerals present in the body, including essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and iron, as well as toxic minerals like lead, mercury, and arsenic. Imbalances or deficiencies in these minerals can provide clues about potential health issues or nutritional deficiencies.
Nutritional Status: By assessing mineral levels, HTMA can help evaluate an individual's nutritional status. For example, low levels of certain minerals may indicate inadequate dietary intake or poor absorption, while elevated levels may suggest excessive intake or impaired excretion.
Heavy Metal Toxicity: HTMA can detect the presence of heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic, which can accumulate in the body over time and contribute to various health problems. Identifying heavy metal toxicity is crucial for implementing appropriate detoxification protocols and minimizing health risks.
Metabolic Imbalances: HTMA can provide insights into metabolic imbalances and dysfunctions by assessing mineral ratios and patterns. For instance, imbalances in calcium-to-magnesium or sodium-to-potassium ratios may indicate issues with stress response, adrenal function, or electrolyte balance.
Adrenal Function: HTMA can offer indirect indicators of adrenal function and stress levels by analyzing mineral patterns associated with adrenal hormone production and utilization. Dysregulation of adrenal function can contribute to conditions like adrenal fatigue, chronic stress, and hormonal imbalances.
Thyroid Function: HTMA may provide insights into thyroid function by assessing mineral patterns associated with thyroid hormone synthesis and metabolism. Imbalances in minerals such as iodine, selenium, and zinc can affect thyroid health and contribute to thyroid disorders.
Bone Health: HTMA can assess mineral markers related to bone health, such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and trace minerals like boron and strontium. Imbalances in these minerals may indicate risks for osteoporosis, bone density loss, or other skeletal issues.
Digestive Health: HTMA can indirectly reflect digestive health by identifying mineral imbalances associated with nutrient absorption, gut inflammation, or dysbiosis. Poor digestion and absorption can lead to deficiencies in essential minerals and compromise overall health.
The HTMA is a valuable tool for assessing mineral status, nutritional imbalances, heavy metal toxicity, and metabolic dysfunctions. By analyzing hair tissue samples, HTMA provides comprehensive insights into various aspects of health and can guide personalized protocols to optimize your well-being and address underlying imbalances and deficiencies.
As your mineral status becomes more balanced, your body will release toxic forms of minerals and heavy metals that are stuck in your system and gain the resiliency you need to fight off chronic infections that have accumulated. Toxins and infections play a huge role in chronic illness, disease, and overall well-being so bringing your minerals into balance can be a powerful, yet gentle and fairly easy-to-implement strategy for improving your health.
It’s important to interpret HTMA results in conjunction with other clinical data and under the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner familiar with functional medicine and nutritional therapy. This is where I come in! I offer HTMA as part of my a la carte functional testing menu and it is also a part of my AHB Groundwork Package. It is a foundational functional test in my practice. Ready to see if this test is appropriate for you or want to learn more? Schedule a free 30-minute consult and let’s chat.