THE AMAZING REVELATIONS OF THE HAIR TEST ANALYSIS

Dear Friends and Patients,

Many of you already know and have experienced Hair Test Analysis, either through me or through other health practitioners. Over the past few years, and after studying Hair Test Analysis in depth, I have now included it as a nearly routine test for every new patient that comes to my office. I can tell you that the more I use Hair Test Analysis, the more enthusiastic I am about it. The information provided by the Hair Test Analysis is truly invaluable to both the patient and your healthcare professional.

A hair sample reveals minerals amounts and mineral ratios, as well as toxic metals such as mercury, aluminum, cadmium, lead, and arsenic. Because minerals are involved in every cell function of the body, when taking a hair sample, we have an in-depths and precise view of the body’s intra-cellular work. It is nearly like taking a biopsy. As you may know, every cell in the body knows what the other cells are doing. There is a constant communication between all the body’s systems. Thus, when reviewing a hair sample, we have right under our eyes an exact and precise picture of the inside cells at work.

You may have heard that Hair Test Analysis is a technique that receives a lot of criticism about its validity. I too was in doubt until I became more educated about it. In my opinion, this criticism is based on inaccurate studies and inaccurate sample collection. Let us have a look.

Sample Collection:

It is extremely important to collect the hair sample properly to avoid contamination by other minerals, or dust and other particles. The preferred area for a hair sample is the hair from the head and, from hair that has been shampooed during the past 4 to 24 hours. The shampoo needs to be neutral. The shampoo cannot be a dandruff shampoo. The shampoo cannot be for perm or colored hair. The shampoo cannot be a “Grecian” shampoo that contains lead (lead in shampoo should be avoided!). The shampoo cannot be “Head & Shoulders” shampoo that contains zinc, nor can it be “Selsun” shampoo that contains selenium. I usually recommend using a plain shampoo
such as a baby shampoo. A hair sample hair should never be taken after swimming in the ocean (because it would have ocean minerals) or into a swimming pool (or it would have chlorine).

Secondly, I prefer to take the sample myself, in the office, using a clean stainless steel scissor. Third, the hair sample is taken on the back of the head, close to the neck, at the root, about 1½ inches long (which represents 3 months hair growth) and the rest of the hair length (beyond the 1½ inches) is discarded. The sample is then immediately put into a special envelope (as supplied by the lab) to avoid any contamination. Fourth, if the hair has been colored, then we need to wait at least 4 weeks after the color was done, and a minimum of 10 washes before being able to collect. If the hair is perm, we need to wait 6 weeks and a minimum of 15 washes. The above conditions are extremely important for the validity of the test.

Laboratory Bias:

The criticism you may have read comes from a study that was done without paying attention to these important criteria. For example, no attention was paid to which kind of shampoo was used prior to collection, nor was it to know if the hair was colored or perm. The samples were collected by the patients themselves without any precise instructions on how to collect them properly. They were not instructed to use stainless steel scissors. The samples were taken from different parts of the head, at different lengths, which means that it represented a different time frame of hair growth. Several samples of hair from the same person were then sent to three different labs that used different Hair Test Analysis techniques. The majority of Hair Test Analysis labs (except two) washed the hair samples from 3 to 15 times before analyzing it, which changes the minerals content! Hence and of course,
the result of the study was that each of the lab results was different from one to another, and the Hair Test Analysis was judged “not reliable”!

It is my opinion that this study was poorly conducted and was comparing things that were not comparable (apples and grapes). The lab I use is called Analytical Research Labs (ARL). ARL has done Hair Test Analysis for more than 25 years and is extremely reliable and accurate. ARL never washes the hair when received. I can tell you that after using Hair Test Analysis for more than two years on myself and on my patients, I can guaranty you that the results are totally consistent, and that a Hair Test Analysis never lies. It is absolutely accurate and precise. And, it costs a fraction in comparison with other tests, and it reveals so much more information!

So, what can Hair Test Analysis reveal?

1. The first thing Hair Test Analysis reveals is THE STATE OF YOUR METABOLISM. The first four macronutrients analyzed are Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, and Potassium. These four essential minerals are the key to understanding the metabolism. If they are unbalanced in any way, they will disturb or change your metabolism.

Now-days, we as practitioners encounter an increased number of patients who eat properly, exercise, and take great care of their bodies, but they cannot lose weight or, they have a very hard time to lose weight. These patients have a slow metabolism, which can be seen right there, in the Hair Test. Until these mineral imbalances are corrected, these patients can starve themselves and they will still not lose weight!

2. The Second thing Hair Test Analysis reveals is THE LEVEL OF ENERGY produced by the body. Again the proper balance of minerals is necessary for the body to be able to produce energy from what we eat. Let’s assume that you eat perfectly, digest correctly, but your body is not able to properly utilize the nutrients to make energy, so you still feel tired most of the time, even after a good night sleep. This is probably because of mineral imbalances or deficiencies.

3. The Third very important thing that we see in Hair Test Analysis is TOXIC METALS
. If the hair test reveals heavy metals, it is certain that the toxic metals are into the tissues of just about any of the organs, muscles or ligaments. Very common is the toxic metal mercury, because it is still used by dentists into dental fillings. It is also unfortunately contaminating fish such as Tuna, Halibut, and Swordfish. I am always amazed at the number of people whose bodies have loads of Aluminum, Mercury, Lead or Cadmium. Where are these heavy metals coming from? Usually from food, water, polluted soils and air. But an important point to understand is that the body may choose to utilize these toxic metals if there are too many deficiencies in other minerals within the body. The body prefers to rob and use toxic metals rather than not being able to function. So, the best way to eliminate these toxic metals is to replenish the body’s needs for Macro and Micro nutrients
such as Calcium, Magnesium, but also Zinc and Copper or Phosphorous.

4. Through Hair Test Analysis we have precise information on the functioning of many organs such as the Pancreas, the Adrenal glands, the Thyroid, but also on hormone production and digestive system. It is fascinating to see how these organs are dependant on the levels of minerals and mineral ratios.

As far as the Pancreatic function, Hair Test Analysis reveals if the person suffers from blood sugar imbalances, which can be either hypoglycemia or diabetes. What is interesting is that it will indicate these tendencies a long time before they actually manifest into the blood. We can also determine insulin resistance and which type of diet the person needs to be on to be able to improve her / his health.

The Adrenal Glands are analyzed through two major mineral ratios, that will both reveal an acute or chronic state of stress, and most importantly how the body is able or not to respond properly to the stressors. We sometimes see states of stress that are acquired during childhood or even in-utero.

The Adrenal glands are one of the most important glands for evaluating energy levels. When the Adrenal glands are overwhelmed by a large amount of stress (be it either physical or emotional) they (the Adrenals) will significantly deplete many of the body’s minerals mostly Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, and Potassium.

Another very important gland for the body’s energy pattern is the Thyroid gland, which is clearly revealed in Hypo (low) or Hyper (too much) function through Hair Test. This information will show for a very long time into the hair before anything else shows up in a blood test or even a saliva test. The reason for this is again, because through Hair Test Analysis, we can see inside the cells. Blood or saliva samples are showing what is happening outside of the cells. The body will maintain homeostasis (equilibrium) in the blood as much as possible before it becomes unbalanced. This is why the blood is the last place where abnormalities will be shown.

Hormonal Imbalances are studied into Hair Test Analysis through the Zinc / Copper ratio. These two minerals will influence levels of production and utilization of hormones. For example and very important to understand, when the Zinc / Copper ratio is unbalanced, a person may suffer from hot flashes or insomnia that are not reduced or tapered off by any supplement, herb, or even H.R.T. (Hormonal Replacement Therapy), unless this mineral balance is corrected.

Lastly, the ratio between Calcium and Phosphorus reveals the state of the digestive system
. Not only can it tell us if the person is eating a balanced diet, but also if the person is able to properly digest and assimilate the food that she / he is eating. This is the ratio where we can determine a tendency for heartburn, G.E.R.D., indigestion, flatulence, or flora imbalances. This also helps to determine if I need to test the patient’s digestive system through saliva and or stool samples. Very often the Hair Test Analysis will indicate if a person is not eating enough proteins, and / or if that person is not assimilating her / his proteins properly. It is important to know that for the body to be able to detoxify from heavy metals, we need sufficient amount of proteins to pull out toxic metals from the tissues. As an aside, this is another reason that I do not encourage my patients to become vegetarian.

5. Hair Test Analysis is very interesting in CHILDREN. It reveals what is acquired from genetic, but also what is acquired from present nutrition patterns. We can determine at a very young age which minerals are deficient and how to address these deficiencies so they don’t turn into a problem later on in life. For parents that are interested in natural health, I would recommend to have your children take a Hair Test as a preventive health measure.

6. Lastly, Hair Test Analysis reveals EMOTIONAL STATES. As human beings we are obviously not only made of a physical body, but also a mental, emotional and spiritual body. Whatever affects our emotions affects our bodies at the same time, and vice versa. The minerals levels and ratios reveal the temperament of a person and his / her abilities to deal with emotions. It shows for example if a person is more of an introvert than extrovert, and how we can enable this person to handle his / her emotional states by rebalancing the minerals.

Hair Test Analysis Interpretation
is a complex and long term learning process on which I have embarked a few years ago. Although I have much more to learn about Hair Testing (with the passing years I become more and more accomplished), to date I see clearly to what extent it enables me to help my patients and, I find this to be absolutely fascinating and very satisfying. What I like most about the results of Hair Testing is that it really looks very closely at the root cause of my patient’s health problems. We know that our bodies are very complex living things that are in a state of perpetual movement. Through Hair Test Analysis I can follow this perpetual movement from the inside (as if I had a camera that would look inside the body’s cells), to see what is the body doing, how it is adapting to situations, emotions, diet, or stress. It is absolutely fascinating to observe these many useful details and
helpful information. I encourage strongly my readers and those who are interested in Natural Health to have their Hair Tested by a reliable health practitioner and an appropriate Hair Testing laboratory. You will learn so much about your health and most of all, be able to address the root cause of your health issues.

HEALTH SEMINAR SERIES:

Our next Health Seminar: HORMONAL IMBALANCES.

Balancing Female Hormones NATURALLY to RESOLVE:

PMS, Hot Flashes and Night Sweats, Insomnia and Irritability,

Mood Swings, Anxiety and Depression, Menopause Symptoms.

Wednesday, June 6, 2007. 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

at the Energia Body Centre in The Del Monte Center (between Macy's and Mervyn's).  $10 Door Fee. To Reserve Your Place, Please Call 642-0202 or

simply Email: john@montereybaynaturopathy.com

The entire contents of HEALTH AWARENESS are based upon the opinions of Beatrice Levinson, Naturopath, unless otherwise indicated. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as an offering and sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Beatrice Levinson, Naturopath within the U.S. and Europe. Beatrice Levinson, Naturopath encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

©Copyright 2007 Beatrice F. Levinson, Naturopath. All Rights Reserved.  This content may be copied in full, with copyright, contact, creation and information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Beatrice Levinson is required.

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