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MoonDragon's Alternative Health Information
Diagnostic Techniques
HAIR ANALYSIS
Laboratory analysis of strands of hair has been used since the 19th century to assess levels of minerals in the body. Hair Analysis is a simple diagnostic technique that is based on the idea that hair provides vital clues about nutritional imbalances elsewhere in the body.
These chemicals are absorbed from food and the environment, and many are needed for good health, but others, such as mercury and lead, are toxic if they accumulate in the body. Mineral deficiencies and toxic excesses are said to contribute to allergies, digestive problems, depression, and other ailments. Practitioners such as nutritional therapists and clinical ecologists, who treat patients using mineral supplements and detoxification diets, often use hair analysis.
CONVENTIONAL MEDICAL OPINION
Conventional medical practitioners do not consider hair analysis to be a reliable test of mineral concentrations in the body. However, it may offer information about long-term exposure to toxic chemicals and heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, but they do not believe that it to be able to reveal allergies or diagnose diseases.
CONSULTING A PRACTITIONER
Hair is made of a protein known as keratin. This contains sulfur, which traps minerals from the blood supply feeding the root of the hair. Strands of hair retain minerals even after being removed from the scalp. Hair grows at a rate of about 1/2 inch (1 centimeter) a month, and hair analysis works with samples taken from the 1-1/2 inches (3 centimeters) of hair closest to the scalp. The sample is sent to a reliable laboratory, where it is washed and rinsed intensively, then burned and the ash analyzed.
Hair analysis measures levels of essential minerals, including calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, and potassium. It is also used to measure levels of toxic minerals, such as lead, mercury, arsenic, and aluminum.
TABLE OF MINERALS MEASURED THROUGH HAIR ANALYSIS
The table below lists the minerals that can be measured through hair analysis. Next to each element is its symbol. In addition, the table shows the way in which each mineral interacts with other elements. In the case of lead, for instance, note that the presence of lead does not promote the action of any other mineral (second column). On the other hand, lead does inhibit the action of calcium, iron, and potassium (third column) - all important nutrients. Finally, the action of lead itself is inhibited by the presence of selenium and zinc (fourth column).
INTERACTION OF MINERALS
MINERAL
NAMEELEMENTS
PROMOTED
BY MINERALELEMENTS
INHIBITED
BY MINERALINHIBITORS
OF THE
MINERALAluminum (Al)
Arsenic (As)
Beryllium (Be)
Cadmium (Cd)P
Co, I
F
Se
Mg
Cu
ZnCalcium (Ca)
Chlorine (Cl)*
Chromium (Cr)
Cobalt (Co)Fe, Mg, P
As, FCu, F, Li, Mn, Zn
Ca
Fe, ICr, Pb, S
Copper (Cu)
Fluorine (F)
Iodine (I)
Iron (Fe)Fe, Mo, Zn
As, Co, G
Ca, Cu, K, Mn, PP
Mg
Ag, Ca, Cd, Mn, S
Al, Ca
Co, Mg, Pb, ZnLead (Pb)
Lithium (Li)
Magnesium (Mg)
Manganese (Mn)
Ca, K, P
Cu, Fe, K, PCa, Fe, K
Na
Fe
MgSe, Zn
Ca
Mn
CaMercury (Hg)*
Molybdenum (Mo)
Nickel (Ni)*
Nitrogen (N)
Cu, S
P
Mo
N
Phosphorus (P)
Potassium (K)
Selenium (Se)
Silver (Ag)Al, Be, Ca, Fe, Mg, Mn, Zn
Fe, Mg, Mn, Na
Na
Cd, Pb
CuCu, Mo
Pb
As, S
Sodium (Na)
Sulfur (S)
Zinc (Zn)K
Mo
Cu, P
Ca, Cu, Se
Cd, Fe, Pb, SLi, P
Zn
Ca
* Mineral interactions have not been documented.
Your health care professional should be able to help you obtain an analysis of your hair. Do be sure that the laboratory you are dealing with is a reputable one. Questions you might ask about the lab include:
- Does the laboratory conform to the standards set by the American Society of Elemental Testing Laboratories, or the Hair Analysis Standardization Board?
- How long has this laboratory been in business?
- How old is the equipment being used?
- How experienced is the staff?
MoonDragon's Health Therapy: Hair Analysis - Technique & Diagnosis
NUTRITION FOR HEALTHY HAIR
Eating foods rich in the following vitamins and minerals can help the hair (and body) stay healthy.
VITAMIN A: Beef, liver, carrots, sweet potatoes, milk, pumpkin and eggs.
Herbal Remedies: Vitamin A, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 10,000 IU, 100 Softgels
Herbal Remedies: Vitamin A, Fish Liver Oil, NOW Foods, 25,000 IU, 250 Softgels
Herbal Remedies: Dry Vitamin A & D, Nature's Way, 15,000 IU / 400 IU, 100 Caps
B VITAMINS: Brewer's yeast, fish, whole grains, turkey and chicken breast, clams, nuts and yogurt.
Herbal Remedies: Ultimate B (Vitamin B Complex), Nature's Secret, 60 Tabs
Herbal Remedies: Vitamin B-100 Complex, w/ Coenzyme B-2, Nature's Way, 631 mg, 100 Caps
Herbal Remedies: Brewers Yeast, NOW Foods, 650 mg, 200 Tabs
Herbal Remedies: Brewers Yeast, Debittered, NOW Foods, 1 lb.
FOLIC ACID: Chicken liver, oatmeal, beans, asparagus and avocados.
Herbal Remedies: Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 800 mcg, 100 Caps
ZINC: Oysters, crab, beef, poultry, pork, nuts, wheat germ and bran.
Herbal Remedies: Zinc Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 100 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: Colloidal Silver & Zinc Lozenges, Silva Solution, 90 Lozenges
Herbal Remedies: Zinc Lozenges W/ Echinacea & Vitamin C, Nature's Way, 23 mg, 60 Lozenges
Herbal Remedies: Zinc (Chelated), 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 30 mg, 100 Caps
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