The sodium/magnesium ratio (Na/Mg), which reflects adrenal gland function. Optimal range is approximately 4:1. High ratios indicate adrenal hyperactivity; low ratios suggest adrenal fatigue.
Aluminum (Al)
A toxic metal found in antiperspirants, cookware, antacids, and water treatment. Associated with neurological concerns when elevated. No known biological function.
Arsenic (As)
A toxic metalloid found in well water, rice, and some pesticides. Known carcinogen. Even low levels warrant attention and source identification.
B
Blood Sugar Ratio
The calcium/magnesium ratio (Ca/Mg), which relates to blood sugar regulation and insulin sensitivity. Optimal range is approximately 7:1.
C
Cadmium (Cd)
A toxic metal primarily from cigarette smoke, but also found in shellfish and some vegetables. Accumulates in kidneys and can cause renal damage.
Calcium (Ca)
Major mineral involved in bone health, muscle contraction, and nerve function. High hair calcium often indicates poor utilization rather than excess intake.
Chelation
A process using binding agents to remove heavy metals from the body. Should only be done under professional supervision.
Copper (Cu)
Essential mineral involved in energy production, connective tissue, and neurotransmitter synthesis. Must be balanced with zinc. Elevated copper is associated with anxiety and hormonal issues.
D
Detoxification
The body's process of neutralizing and eliminating toxins. Supported by liver, kidneys, gut, skin, and lungs. Adequate minerals are essential for proper detox function.
E
Essential Minerals
Minerals required for normal body function. Includes calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, zinc, copper, iron, manganese, chromium, selenium, and others.
F
Fast Metabolizer/Oxidizer
A metabolic type characterized by lower calcium/magnesium and higher sodium/potassium. Tends toward anxiety, hyperactivity, and rapid nutrient depletion.
H
Heavy Metals
Metallic elements with high density that are toxic to humans. Includes lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and aluminum.
HTMA (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis)
A laboratory test that measures mineral content in hair to assess nutritional status, metabolic function, and toxic metal exposure over approximately 3 months.
I
ICP-MS
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. The gold-standard laboratory technique used for mineral analysis, capable of detecting trace amounts with high accuracy.
Iron (Fe)
Essential mineral for oxygen transport and energy production. Hair iron levels don't directly correlate with blood iron or ferritin stores.
M
Magnesium (Mg)
Essential mineral involved in 300+ enzymatic reactions. Crucial for energy, muscle relaxation, and nervous system function. Commonly deficient.
Mercury (Hg)
Highly toxic metal from dental amalgams, fish consumption, and environmental exposure. Affects neurological function. Requires careful detox protocols.
Metabolic Type
Classification based on mineral patterns indicating oxidation rate. Fast or slow metabolizers have different dietary and supplement needs.
Mineral Ratio
The relationship between two minerals, often more clinically significant than individual levels. Key ratios include Ca/K, Na/K, Zn/Cu, Ca/Mg.
N
Nutritional Minerals
See Essential Minerals. Minerals required from diet for normal physiological function.
O
Oxidation Rate
The rate at which the body converts food to energy. Determined by mineral patterns. Fast oxidizers burn energy quickly; slow oxidizers more slowly.
P
Potassium (K)
Essential mineral involved in muscle function, nerve transmission, and fluid balance. Works with sodium to regulate cell function.
PPM (Parts Per Million)
Unit of measurement used in HTMA results. Equivalent to mg/kg or μg/g.
R
Reference Range
The range of values considered optimal for each mineral. Results outside this range may indicate imbalance.
S
Selenium (Se)
Essential trace mineral important for thyroid function, immune health, and antioxidant defense. Helps protect against mercury toxicity.
Slow Metabolizer/Oxidizer
A metabolic type characterized by higher calcium/magnesium and lower sodium/potassium. Tends toward fatigue, weight gain, and sluggish metabolism.
Sodium (Na)
Essential mineral involved in fluid balance, nerve transmission, and adrenal function. Hair sodium reflects adrenal activity.
T
Thyroid Ratio
The calcium/potassium ratio (Ca/K), which reflects thyroid function at the cellular level. Optimal range is approximately 4:1.
Toxic Metals
Metals with no known biological function that are harmful to health. Includes lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, aluminum, uranium, antimony, beryllium.
Z
Zinc (Zn)
Essential mineral crucial for immune function, wound healing, hormone production, and brain function. Must be balanced with copper. Common deficiency.
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