Most people are missing some nutrients from their diet. Some may not get enough and fall behind, while others are severely deficient and need to get back on track immediately. Without a test to identify the nutrient shortcomings, people can go years wreaking havoc on their health. The good news is that finding out what is missing is only a simple hair sample away.
“People’s nutrient deficiencies often stem from our farming methods, which yield increasingly less nutrient-dense foods,” says Crystal Anderson, owner of California Mobile Acupuncture. “We offer easy hair sample tests to determine what micronutrients people need and are missing. Those I work with are always shocked to see what they need to improve, and how these changes can help their overall health once they know what to do.”
It wouldn’t seem that a large portion of the country’s population is nutritionally deficient. However, in a study published in the Journal of Preventative Medicine and Hygiene, researchers found that worldwide, in industrialized and developing countries, around two-billion people are nutritionally deficient. It found that the most common nutritional deficiencies include iron, folate, zinc, iodine, and vitamin A.
The study also reports that the top reasons people are inadequate or deficient in nutrients is because they are not eating enough, not able to absorb nutrients efficiently, or eat a diet that lacks essential nutrients. It reports that obtaining micronutrients is crucial for sustaining life and that deficiencies can lead to chronic diseases, hypertension, and more. Some feel that the amount of nutrition in our food has declined over the years due to soil depletion from our farming practices.
Those interested in finding out if they are inadequate or deficient in nutrients can do so with a hair sample test. A hair sample can provide valuable insights into your nutritional needs by analyzing the levels of various minerals and elements in your hair. Here are some things that a hair sample can reveal about your diet:
- Mineral Imbalances: Hair analysis can identify imbalances in essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, copper, and selenium. These imbalances may indicate deficiencies or excesses impacting your health and wellbeing. Good sources of calcium that people can add to their diets include tofu, almonds, and yogurt. Good sources of magnesium include leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. To get enough zinc, consume foods like lentils, cashews, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, and shellfish. Sources of iron include spinach, beef, beans, dried apricots, tofu, and lentils. Copper sources include beans, nuts, potatoes, and oysters. Finally, eating just two Brazil nuts per day will help ensure people are getting enough selenium.
- Heavy Metal Toxicity: Hair analysis can detect the presence of heavy metals like lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium. High levels of these toxic elements can harm your health and may indicate exposure from environmental sources or dietary habits.
- Nutrient Deficiencies: Analyzing the levels of various minerals in the hair can indicate potential nutrient deficiencies. For example, your analysis could show a deficiency of the essential mineral zinc, vital for immune function, wound healing, and hormonal balance.
- Metabolic Function: Hair analysis can provide insights into your metabolic rate and energy production. Imbalances in minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium can indicate metabolic dysfunctions related to nutrient deficiencies.
- Digestive Health: Hair analysis can give clues about your digestive health. Imbalances in minerals like sulfur and phosphorus may suggest digestion and nutrient absorption issues.
- Hormonal Balance: Hair analysis can provide information about hormonal imbalances. Mineral imbalances, such as copper and zinc, can affect hormone levels and may indicate issues with hormonal regulation.
- Oxidative Stress: Hair analysis can assess oxidative stress levels in the body. High levels of minerals like selenium and manganese may indicate increased oxidative stress, contributing to various health issues if not addressed.
It’s important to note that while hair analysis can provide insights into nutritional needs, it should be used as a complementary tool alongside other diagnostic methods. Consulting with a healthcare professional or nutritionist specializing in hair analysis can help interpret the results and guide you toward appropriate nutritional interventions.
