Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) Test review and my results

Sharing my experience with hair tissue mineral analysis and my results.

Hello friends! How are you? I hope you’re enjoying your day so far. Today is administrative stuff, plus home strength training and breakfast for dinner tonight.

In today’s article, I wanted to share my experience with HTMA as one of the testing tools I use. I’ve shared more about my food allergy testing here, and will do another post about testing for candida, metabolism, and vitamins. It’s been really incredible to get insights into the imbalances caused by mineral deficiencies, especially around the eye and autoimmune things that I’ve been going through in the past year.

At first glance, the HTMA test seems like a *simple* hair test, but there’s a lot it can tell you. It’s a snapshot of how your body responds to stress. When we feel stressed, we burn through our minerals more quickly, which can leave us exhausted and exhausted with no defense against the toxicity we regularly encounter. This can also be a very useful tool after birth, as babies use nutrients from the mother. Minerals work in pairs, so it is important to examine the ratios and relationships between the minerals and try to find a balance. There will never be a *perfect* HTMA test result; It’s more about seeing improvements in your body over time.

Embarking on a journey to understand your body’s unique needs and complexities is a powerful step towards holistic well-being. Today I will share what this test entails, its benefits, the process, and my personal experience.

Note: This information is based on personal experience and education. Consult your healthcare professional for personal advice. This test does not diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure illness or disease. It is simply an informational tool for your unique body.

Review of hair tissue metal analysis test

What is HTMA and what can it tell you?

HTMA is a diagnostic tool that analyzes the mineral content in your hair tissue. Because our hair reflects our body’s mineral composition, this non-invasive test offers a window into mineral imbalances in the past 90 days, heavy metal exposure, and potential nutritional deficiencies. Although it is not designed to diagnose specific diseases, it goes beyond superficial symptoms and can help uncover the root causes of various health problems. Minerals are essential to our entire body and are our “spark plugs.”

Pros and Benefits:

HTMA provides a comprehensive perspective on your mineral status, helping to identify imbalances or excesses that may contribute to health challenges, complementing traditional medical advice. It can also give insight into your nervous system, adrenal function, thyroid function, and absorption. Of course, things that help our bodies become more regulated often have the added benefit of improving our mental health which can also help fight depression.

Early detection: Early detection of mineral imbalances allows for proactive adjustments to prevent potential health problems

Personalized Nutrition: Thanks to the insights provided by HTMA, personalized nutrition plans can be created to address specific deficiencies and promote overall health.

cons:

External contamination: External factors such as hair products or environmental exposure may affect test results. Choosing a reputable laboratory and following pre-testing guidelines alleviates this concern.

How to take the test:

Buy Kit: Select a trustworthy HTMA provider and order your kit. (I work with clients with test packages only, and as part of individual training.)

Hair sample collection: Follow the kit’s instructions to collect the hair sample from the back of your head, closest to your scalp. You don’t need a lot of hair; It’s about a tablespoon. The test kit comes with a paper scale to make sure you have enough.

Send to Laboratory: Mail the sample to the designated laboratory for analysis.

This is my test – I did a full breakdown of the results on IG.

Who can benefit from HTMA?

Chronic health issues:

Individuals with ongoing health challenges may benefit from screening for underlying mineral imbalances.

Athletes:

Optimizing mineral levels is crucial for athletes aiming to improve performance and recovery.

Preventive health:

Proactively addressing potential imbalances can prevent future health problems.

HTMA results details:

HTMA results provide a comprehensive analysis of various minerals and heavy metals in your body. Key minerals include magnesium, calcium, potassium, sodium and trace elements such as zinc and copper. Elevated or depleted levels of these minerals can provide insight into potential health problems.

Understanding Mineral Imbalances:

Magnesium: A deficiency may contribute to muscle cramps, anxiety, and fatigue.

Calcium: High levels may affect cardiovascular health and bone density.

Zinc: An important mineral for immune function. Its deficiency can affect wound healing and immunity.

Copper: Imbalances may affect energy levels and contribute to hormonal problems.

Explanation of exposure to heavy metals:

HTMA also evaluates exposure to heavy metals such as lead, mercury, aluminum and cadmium. High levels may indicate environmental exposure or impaired detoxification pathways.

Hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA) classifies individuals into different metabolic types based on their rate of oxidation. This rate, often referred to as metabolic type, classifies people into fast oxidizers, slow oxidizers, or mixed oxidizers.

Here is a very brief overview of each:

Rapid oxidizers:

Metabolic characteristics: Fast oxidizers have a fast oxidation rate, which means their bodies process nutrients quickly.

Common features: They may experience bursts of energy followed by fatigue, have difficulty maintaining weight, and often crave sweets.

Nutritional recommendations: Rapid oxidizers may benefit from a diet rich in complex carbohydrates, moderate protein, and healthy fats to help stabilize blood sugar levels.

Slow oxidizers:

Metabolic properties: Slow oxidizers have a slower rate of oxidation, which means their bodies metabolize nutrients at a more gradual pace.

Common features: They may experience low energy, weight gain, and cravings for stimulants such as caffeine.

Nutritional recommendations: Slow oxidizers may benefit from a diet that emphasizes lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and moderate healthy fats to support sustained energy levels. Mixed oxidizers:

Metabolic properties:

Mixed oxidizers exhibit characteristics of both fast and slow oxidizers, displaying a balance between fast and slow metabolic rates.

Common features: They may experience a range of symptoms caused by fast and slow oxidizers, making their nutritional needs a little more nuanced.

Nutritional recommendations: Mixed oxidizers benefit from a balanced diet that includes elements of the fast and slow oxidizer dietary recommendations.

My personal experience:

After undergoing HTMA, I discovered valuable insights into my mineral status. Testing identified areas of improvement, which led me toward targeted nutritional modifications and supplements. Although it is not a standalone solution, HTMA serves as a powerful tool in my overall health journey. (My food allergy testing, tests that evaluate hormonal imbalances, and the oat test were also very insightful!)

If you are interested in any functional testing, please email me gina@fitnessista.com

It makes a big difference to take the supplements your body needs, rather than the ones you think you should take (which can cause negative effects). New 1:1 customers who sign with the 3-month package will receive a free HTMA, Candida, Metabolism, and Minerals test ($499 value).

Have a great day and I’ll see you soon!

xoxo

Jenna