03/29/2025
Let's Talk about Vitamins and Minerals.
I used to think if you eat whole foods and try to avoid the dirty dozen when possible (eat organic) you would meet your nutritional requirements and have a strong healthy mind and body.
This is true up to a point because there are so many factors that can keep this from being our reality.
Did you know that some approved chemical treatments for organic farming still affect our system negatively?
Did you know your Mother's vitamin / mineral balance and contraceptive choices impact yours, even in adulthood?
Did you know that supplementing vitamin D3 and Magnesium (which I had done myself for many years) without awareness of you other vitamins and minerals can be hurtful instead of helpful for many women?
These are all reasons HTMA - Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis - is a wealth of information. It gives you so much insight into your body.
Many of the solutions for mineral deficiency and imbalance are dietary changes and better awareness for which supplements are helping or not helping you feel your best.
This is great information to have and you should consider adding HTMA testing to your general health assessment at 1-3 times per year, depending on your results.
The vitamin / mineral data from hair analysis is a snapshot of the last 3-4 months of nutrients. 90% of minerals are absorbed into cells and are not found in our serum which is what a blood test detects (10%) so not super helpful info. You can do this test even if you color your hair. You should wait at least 3 weeks after coloring to collect your hair sample.
A little Vocabulary:
Vitamins are organic compounds synthesized by plants.
Examples : Vitamin A, C, D, E, K and multiple B vitamins (not just B12)
Minerals are inorganic elements (from the earth, soil and rock) found in plants and animals we consume.
Examples: Magnesium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Sodium, Potassium, Chloride and Iron, Zinc, Copper, Iodine, Selenium, Fluoride
It is beneficial to know both the AMOUNT of each of these but also their RATIOS to one another, because too much of one mineral can compete with another mineral and cause a deficiency even though you are eating the enough of that mineral.
Check back for more info and examples coming soon.
If you have questions. Schedule a free virtual consultation on my website, if you live in the state of PA.
Discover health through nature's wisdom.
