The connection between hair mineral analysis & heavy metal toxicity

To achieve perfect health, it is important to wipe out heavy metal toxicity in the body.

Heavy metal exposure has become a growing concern for human health in our increasingly industrialized world. From environmental pollution to everyday products, our bodies can accumulate heavy metals, which pose severe health risks. Therefore, identifying and addressing heavy metal toxicity is crucial, and one promising tool in this pursuit is hair mineral analysis.

According to WHO, almost 1 million people die yearly from lead poisoning. (Source) It also estimates that about 140 million people in 70 countries drink water containing arsenic levels above the normal guideline value. (Source) Statistics also suggest that 94 to 220 million are at risk of exposure to elevated arsenic concentrations in groundwater. (Source)

This blog aims to explore the intriguing connection between hair mineral analysis and heavy metal toxicity, shedding light on how this diagnostic method can help us uncover hidden threats to our health. So now let us look at how heavy metals affect our bodies. 

 
Dangers of heavy metal toxicity in the body

Toxic metals are acid-forming and affect both the body and the mind. Here are some of its side effects

•            Excessive lead levels in the body could cause harm to pregnant women. This lead content in the body is diagnosed by hair mineral analysis, which also provides diet plans and wellness tips to remove lead from the body.
•           Toxins replace enzymes in the enzyme binding sites. Heavy metal toxicity alters the activities of the enzyme creating a condition where there is overstimulation of the affected enzyme. The affected enzyme may function at 5-10% of the regular activity or twice its normal rate. Either way, this causes adverse health conditions.
• Also, it replaces minerals in the tissue structures. The replacement process weakens these tissues in the arteries, bones and joints, slowly destroying them.
• It also causes irritation, inflammation and other toxic effects.
• Toxic metals support the development of fungal, bacterial and other viral infections, which can be removed only if the heavy metal is removed.
• They also cause damage to the brain and nervous system, which causes many neurological disorders.

Diseases Induced by Toxic Metals

Toxic metals cause birth defects, ADHD, autism, ageing effects, mental illness and other disorders. Yet, the study of toxic metals is ignored in the modern day and needs more attention to curb its harmful effects.

•      Diabetes: Iron and manganese replace zinc in the pancreas. This impairs insulin production. It may also cause lower-quality insulin production, which is ineffective in blood regulation.
•     Ageing: It is one of the effects of heavy metal on the body. Heavy metal toxicity causes the degeneration of the enzyme system and weakens the body structures.
•      Digestive issues: As the toxic metals accumulate, digestion and absorption of essential minerals get affected. This causes the body to replace them with heavy metals. Heavy metals build up, making it difficult for the body to eliminate them, causing a higher heavy metal rate. This leads to various diseases and can even cause death.
•      Genetic modification: Your genes may also be affected by toxic metals. Your genes may be fine, but heavy metals interfere with their expression. This type of defect is known as polymorphism.

  
How hair mineral analysis - The best solution to detect heavy metal toxicity easily

Hair mineral analysis is a non-invasive technique that analyses the mineral content in a hair sample. Our hair is a repository of minerals, including essential ones like calcium, magnesium, and zinc. However, it also captures trace amounts of heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium, which can accumulate over time.

Hair mineral analysis offers a unique window into heavy metal exposure and toxicity. By analyzing the mineral composition and ratios within the hair sample, experts can identify imbalances and detect the presence of heavy metals. The levels and ratios of essential minerals can provide valuable insights into the body's overall mineral status, while the presence of specific heavy metals can indicate potential toxicity.

Moreover, hair mineral analysis allows for personalized and preventative healthcare strategies. Individuals can take proactive measures to reduce exposure, improve detoxification processes, and support the body's natural elimination mechanisms by identifying heavy metal toxicity early on. This approach can help prevent the development of chronic health conditions associated with heavy metal toxicity.

 
How does hair mineral analysis work?

Hair continuously records the status of trace elements. As the hair grows daily, it takes proteins from the blood and concentrates nutrients and toxic elements in the growing hair shaft. As a result, concentrations of nutrients and toxic elements in the hair are ten times higher than in blood or urine.

At Ginerva, we provide hair mineral analysis tests that accurately measure the body's nutrient content. Our hair analysis test detects minerals, heavy metals and mineral ratios in the body.

A small amount of hair (approximately one gram) is cut from one inch of the scalp. The hair cut closer to the scalp, the better. Therefore, the hair should be cut from the scalp region below the crown and above the neck. This hair sample is then sent to the lab and tested for trace elements and toxic metals.

Tips for Detoxifying Toxic Metals

Detoxifying your body involves a nutritional balancing program and removing heavy metal toxicity. Not just a specific organ like the liver, but the entire body is involved in detoxification - skin, large intestine, kidney, lungs, liver etc.

Some of the ways you can follow to detoxify your body are:

•        Stop the toxic overload. Avoid foods that interfere with your liver's ability to detoxify
•        Choose foods that support healthy digestion. Green leaves and vegetables promote detoxification and digestion
•        Drink lots of water
•        Drink green tea
•        Try to eat more salad.

There are many methods of detoxifying heavy metals in the body. Doctors use a therapy called chelation therapy and certain drugs like penicillamine or dimercaprol to flush out toxins from the body. Also, the type of foods you consume is vital in removing toxic metals from the body. You can consider herbs like cilantro, vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables, garlic & onions to detox your body. 

Conclusion

The effects of heavy metals on the body could cause many ailments. Any disease that occurs is due to the effect of toxins in the body. The hair mineral analysis we offer at GInerva, can identify the causes of heavy metal toxicity and provide wellness tips to remove toxins from the body. Following the right nutritional plan and taking several other steps mentioned above, one can control the toxin spread in the body and eliminate them.