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There is a great deal
of confusion in the field of nutrition. Part, if not the most of this
confusion, is due to the failure to recognize that there is a major
difference between diet and nutrition which needs to be distinguished.
Diet consists of what is consumed, whereas nutrition, which is more
important, is what is obtained from the foods and further, what is
excreted unused. Nutrition involves more than just consuming foods from
the basic food groups. There are many factors that affect nutrient
utilization such as individual metabolic characteristics, neurological
activity, endocrine function, bioavailability of nutrients in foods,
specific dynamic action of foods, absorption at the intestinal level,
utilization at the cellular level, synergism and antagonism between
minerals and vitamins, environmental pollutants and stress. If we consider
that diet is what we consume and nutrition is what we retain, then we can
see that discovering what your body needs when it needs it is a valuable
tool in creating health. I am concerned with the nutritional biochemistry
of each individual because health of the human body as a whole begins at
the cellular level. I am now using cutting edge hair testing to determine
whether nutrients are reaching the cellular level, and what the
consequences are of too much or too little. Hair tissue mineral
analysis (HTMA), is an analytical test which measures the mineral content
of the hair. Test results reflect how much of these elements are in your
tissues and provide a vivid picture of your internal environment. With
this information, a world of metabolic events can be interpreted. Not only
can your nutritional status be viewed, but we can also learn much about
how efficiently your body is working. A HTMA reveals a unique metabolic
world: intracellular activity, which cannot be seen through most other
tests. This provides a blueprint of the biochemistry occurring during the
period of hair growth and development. After 30 years of
research, hair analysis has emerged as the most practical method of
testing for mineral balance in your body. This valuable tool indicates
which supplements you need and which ones you should avoid. Progressive
healthcare providers are now well aware of the vast amount of research
linking nutrition to diseases. But what serves as good nutrition for one
person may not be good for you. Your hair analysis is designed determine
the best nutritional program for you. | ||||
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Sample hair is
obtained by cutting off a small piece closest to the scalp at the nape of
the neck. It is then sent to a licensed clinical laboratory where it goes
through a 3 phase analysis process using highly sophisticated detection
equipment and methods. Each of the three phases are controlled by very
strict laboratory procedures and reporting protocol for the most accurate
results. As the hair is being
formed, prior to extrusion from the scalp, it is exposed to the blood,
lymph, and intracellular fluids. During this time, it accumulates
constituents present in this internal environment- minerals, vitamins
etc.. As the cortex of the hair shaft hardens and protrudes from the
scalp, the evidence of this internal metabolic environment is preserved as
a convenient record. Even drugs consumed during this developmental process
will be present. Testing for minerals
is crucial because trace minerals are essential in countless metabolic
functions in all phases of the life process. Zinc is involved in the
production, storage and secretion of insulin and is necessary for growth
hormones. Magnesium is required for normal muscular function, especially
the heart. A deficiency has been associated with an increased incidence of
heart attacks, anxiety and nervousness. Potassium is critical for normal
nutrient transport into the cell. A deficiency can result in muscular
weakness, depression and lethargy. Excess sodium is associated with
hypertension, but adequate amounts are required for normal
health. Diet, stress,
medications, pollution, improper use of nutritional supplements and
inherited patterns are all factors that can contribute to a mineral
imbalance. Minerals interact not only with each other but also with
vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Minerals influence each of
these factors, and they, in turn, influence mineral status. Minerals act
as enzyme activators, and vitamins are synergistic to minerals as
coenzymes. It is extremely rare that a mineral disturbance develops
without a corresponding disturbance in the synergistic vitamin(s). It is
also rare for a disturbance in the utilization or activity of a vitamin to
occur without affecting a synergistic mineral(s). For example, vitamin C
affects iron absorption and reduces copper retention. Boron and iron
influence the status of vitamin B2. Vitamin B2 affects the relationship
between calcium and magnesium. Vitamin B1 enhances sodium retention, B12
enhances iron and cobalt absorption, and vitamin A enhances the
utilization of zinc, while antagonizing vitamins D and E. Protein intake
will affect zinc status, etc. Therefore, evaluating mineral status
provides good clues of vitamin status and requirements. Continuing
research involves the recognition of many synergistic and antagonistic
interrelationships between minerals and vitamins. Nutrition, when
properly used has tremendous therapeutic effects. However taking
supplements without knowing what the body needs, may contribute to
deficiencies of other nutrients and can cause health problems by upsetting
the natural balance of the body. For example, calcium supplements or
high-calcium-containing foods can help prevent osteoporosis in one person,
but actually contribute to brittle bones in another. Zinc can help fight
the effects of a virus but too much can contribute to bacterial
infections. Even though copper is essential, too much can cause
depression, weight gain, PMS symptoms and frontal headaches. Iron is
necessary to prevent anemia, but too much can cause a type of anemia, and
contribute to migraines, arthritis and cancer. In light of this, my main
focus is to restore balance of the body through specific foods and the
highest quality nutritional supplements targeted to your individual
needs. | ||
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How does this
compare to a regular blood test? Since hair is a
fairly slow growing tissue, there are no daily fluctuations. For instance,
if you eat bananas before having a blood test taken, your blood potassium
lever may be high that day. If you have your blood tested the next day and
did not eat bananas, your blood potassium may be normal, or even low. The
HTMA potassium level will be reflective overall, or long term dietary
habits rather than what is consumed just or a day or two. Furthermore,
HTMA reflects the storage levels of minerals rather than just what is
being transported in the blood. For example, 30 to 40 days following an
acute exposure, elevated blood levels of lead may be undetectable. This is
due to the body removing the lead from the blood as a protective measure
and depositing the metal into such tissues as the liver, bones, teeth and
hair. Calcium loss from the body can become so advanced that severe
osteoporosis can develop without any appreciable changes noted in the
calcium levels in a blood test. Symptoms of iron deficiency can be present
long before low iron levels can be detected in the blood. Trace element
concentrations of the hair represents time-weighted exposure values which
make it more useful for epidemiological and nutritional studies. Hair can
also be cut easily and painlessly and can be sent to the lab without
special handling requirements.
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For a limited time
you can get a free evaluation in the NYC location. Please call the office
at (212) 924-8218 to schedule your appointment!
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Its such a pleasure to help those closest to us become happier and healthier. Please forward this newsletter to friends, family members or colleagues who might be interested and inspired by it. If you are sick of yo-yo dieting and want to finally take control of your health please contact us!
Warmly,
Inna Topiler - Integrative Nutritionist Complete Nutrition And Wellness phone: 201-238-2720
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