Who would have thought that our hair essentially holds the blueprint to our nutritional status. As your hair develops and continues to grow, your mineral composition is incorporated and stored.
Vitamins and minerals either work in synergy or antagonise one another. For example, calcium and magnesium. Too much calcium may cause an imbalance in magnesium and vice versa. As both are considered sedatives, this may be a contributing factor to feelings of depleted energy.
Hair analysis is an easily obtained biopsy, highlighting our individual nutritional deficiencies and excesses, metabolic status (e.g. slow or fast) and an insight into why we may be presenting with acute or chronic conditions. Here are some common issues that a hair analysis test might pickup...
1. Stretch marks and zinc deficiency
Our skin's integrity is dependent on our zinc status. Stretch marks are a good indicator that our zinc levels are depleted, allowing our skin to tear below the surface causing scarring. If the stretch marks appear to be a white or silver colour, this is more indicative of a moderate zinc deficiency whereas if they appear to be red or purple, this is a significant deficiency.
2. Anxiety and magnesium deficiency
Magnesium is one of the most abundant minerals in the human body. Excessive stress and consumption of alcohol is an easy way to deplete your magnesium levels. As mentioned above, magnesium is a natural sedative. Loss of magnesium equals loss of a sedative and can result in increased anxiety, irritability and in some cases, depression. Leafy greens, almonds and eggs are good sources of magnesium.
3. Menstrual irregularities and the connection to zinc and copper
Zinc and copper share a close nutritional relationship. Copper is related to estrogen and zinc, progesterone. Therefore, an imbalance in zinc and copper equates to an imbalance in estrogen and progesterone. Women with low levels of zinc to copper are more likely to experience pre-menstrual complaints (e.g. anxiety, sugar cravings, weight gain, fatigue, heavy bleeding). Women with high levels of zinc to copper will often experience post-menstrual complaints (e.g. breast tenderness, agitation, irritability and fluid retention).
4. Aluminium and immune function
Often people don’t think they’re exposed to heavy metals. If you’ve ever eaten or drunk out of canned foods and drinks, had a coffee from a pod machine or used conventional deodorants then you’ve been exposed to aluminium. Excess levels of aluminium have been associated with decreased immune function. If you’re finding yourself becoming frequently ill or slow to recover, it's possible that you have an aluminium burden that needs to be detoxed.
5. Ageing and selenium deficiency
Each day we are exposed to some kind of physical, emotional, mental or environmental stress which causes oxidative stress and free radical production. Although this is a normal contributing factor to our ageing process, excessive stress is thought to speed up the process of ageing. A selenium deficiency has also been associated with premature ageing. Identifying causes of stress and incorporating selenium rich foods such as broccoli, cashews and garlic will help to reduce oxidative stress and premature ageing.
Nutritional relationships can help us to understand why people respond differently to treatment. What may work for one person may not work for another. Self prescribing supplements may be the very reason you are out of balance. Hair analysis is an affordable and invaluable tool when restoring health.
For guidance and support on hair analysis, book in with Adelaide below for a one-on-one consultation either in person or online.
GET IN TOUCH WITH ADELAIDE
Instagram: @imenaturopathy
Bookings: https://www.goodkind.com.au/bookings
Email: hello@imenaturopathy.com
About Adelaide
Adelaide is a clinical naturopath who combines scientific evidence and traditional knowledge. She is passionate about supporting women’s health, detoxification, skin conditions, digestive complaints and mental health.