There are many ways to assess nutritional status and we prefer measuring tissue mineral levels in the hair. Nutritional physiology takes place at the cellular level, not within the blood or at any other location. What you eat is not as important as what reaches your body's cells. Tissue mineral analysis is unique in that it inexpensively provides information directly about cellular activity – the main site of nutritional metabolism.
One problem in designing nutrition programs is determining how much and which nutrients and foods to recommend. Because of its mathematical nature, hair mineral analysis offers a way to determine supplement dosage and proportions of foods with greater accuracy.
Levels and ratios of tissue minerals relate to the activity of specific organs and glands. By calculating ratios on a tissue mineral test, the function of major glands and organs can be assessed, often long before abnormalities appear on X-Rays and blood tests.
Conditions which may result or be aggravated by a mineral imbalance are: Allergies, anemia, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, depression, diabetes, digestive disturbance, emotional problems, hair loss, headaches, hyperactivity, hypertension, hypoglycemia, musculo-skeletal disorders, prostate disorders, skin rashes, thyroid conditions, etc. Mood swings, for example, may be caused by possible toxic metal accumulation such as lead, mercury, or cadmium.
Mineral imbalances may be caused by the following:
• Improper diet – such as excessive intake of refined carbohydrates and sugars, vegetarian diets or other exclusive diets.
• Taking vitamins and minerals that are not bio-available to your body; they may be "all natural' but not absorbable.
• Medications, birth control pills.
• Toxic accumulation of heavy metals from the environment, job, hobby or food preparation methods.
• Inheritance of mineral patterns from parents.
Special requirements for submitting a hair sample:
• A hair sample should be collected prior to coloring, bleaching or perming the hair.
• This also includes the application of hair sprays, hair creams, gels and oils.
• The hair should be washed within 24 hours before taking the sample and must be dry for at least 4 hours after shampooing.
• Most shampoos, conditioners and rinses do not contain metals and won't effect the accuracy of the analysis, however medicated shampoos such as Selsun Blue, Head & Shoulders or any hair growth
formulas are a concern. Grecian formulas contain lead and iron.
• The hair sample should be cut as close to the scalp as possible and should be a maximum of 1.5 inches in length. Collect the samples from the nape of the neck.
• Place the sample in the envelop that is provided – do not place it in plastic baggies or aluminum foil
• A hair sampling kit can be ordered from Dinkelmann Health Center and the cost of an analysis is $75. A retest costs $45. We usually recommend that a retest be done every 6 months to determine
changes in body chemistry.
"The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease" -Thomas Edison