Holistic Health Advocate

HTMA testing is a non-invasive, functional test used to provide unique cellular reading of the mineral and heavy metal levels in your body. By analyzing a small sample of recent hair growth, you can get a snapshot of what your body has been exposed to and what is eliminating through the hair over the past 12 weeks. This data is valuable for prioritizing which diet and lifestyle strategies will be most effective for addressing your bio individual needs.

Hair is ideal tissue for sampling and testing because it is cost effective, accurate and reliable. It can be cut easily and painlessly and can be sent to the lab without special handling requirements. Clinical results have shown that a properly obtained sample can give an indication of mineral status and toxic metal accumulation following long-term or short-term exposure. An HTMA reveals unique information about how the body is functioning on a cellular level which cannot be seen through most other tests. The entire process can be done conveniently from the comfort of your own home.

When you purchase a package through me, I will send you Hair Collection Instructions, a Hair Test Kit in the mail and also provide a Demonstration Video walking you through the steps on how to properly obtain a sample for the lab. I am also available for any questions you have along the way. The hair to be collected should be clean and you should not use permed, dyed, or bleached hair (you are required to wait at least 4-6 weeks to take your sample after any of these treatments). The hair should come from several areas of your scalp on the back portion of your head. You simply part the hair, cut as closely to the scalp as possible and then you will cut away excess hair from the sample, leaving about 1 to 1.5 inches of the root end. The total amount of hair needed is approximately 1 heaping teaspoon.

1) Metabolic Type – Rates how quickly your body is metabolizing energy and what macronutrient ratios are ideal for you 2) Mineral Status – Shows an overall snapshot of the major minerals in your body and if any are very high or low 3) Heavy Metal Excretion – Indicates if you are being exposed to any specific heavy metals and whether your body is excreting or storing them 4) Mineral Ratios – All minerals affect each other to some degree, so these ratios highlight which systems in the body need the most nutritional support When I interpret the results it can tell me more about your current: - Stage of stress and stress level - Immune system function - Adrenal and thyroid glandular activity - Digestion - Blood sugar handling - Nervous system regulation - Carbohydrate tolerance - Energy levels - Whether you are consuming too many carbohydrates or not enough protein

Anyone can benefit from mineral testing! The information gained is so foundational for overall health and wellbeing. Some common clients/concerns/conditions that can greatly benefit from mineral support: - Infertility, Preconception, Pregnancy, Postpartum - Hormonal issues: PMS, irregular cycles, low sex-drive, unexplained weight gain/loss - Skin issues: acne, rosacea, eczema - Frequent headaches/migraines - Difficulty losing or gaining weight - Chronic fatigue - Digestive issues: bloating, gas, loose stools, constipation, heartburn, indigestion, reflux - PCOS, Autoimmune conditions, Thyroid disorders - Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep, frequently waking throughout the night - Hypertension - Frequent yeast infections/UTIs - Hair loss or hair thinning - Mood swings, anxiety, depression

While blood testing is excellent in many ways, it is not optimal for mineral or heavy metal levels. Mineral levels are lower in blood, so it makes detection of trace elements more difficult. Toxic metals are not found in high concentrations in blood except for directly after exposure. Blood and hair each represent a different homeostatic system and different body compartments and each one has its benefits in helping to show us a different "piece of the puzzle." Blood analysis indicates transport of minerals to and from storage areas of the body outside the cells (extracellular). HTMA indicates metabolic process occurring within the cells (intracellular).

Minerals are elements that are essential for hundreds of physiological functions, including nerve signaling, muscle contraction, electrolyte balance, digestion, pH regulation, bone structure, blood sugar balance, and much more. You can think of minerals like “spark plugs” because they act as cofactors for thousands of metabolic reactions in your body. Mineral balance is essential for health and vitality.

Heavy metals are elements that are toxic when they accumulate in the body. We are exposed to heavy metals everyday through food, water, and the environment. While it is important to reduce exposure whenever possible, it is also critical to support the body’s ability to detoxify and excrete heavy metals. HTMA provides insight into how to best support the detoxification process.

1) Diet – Improper diet through high intake of refined and processed foods, alcohol, and extreme diets can all lead to a chemical imbalance. Even the nutrient content of a healthy diet can be inadequate, depending on the soil in which the food was grown or the method in which it was prepared. 2) Stress – Physical or emotional stress can deplete the body of many nutrients, while also reducing the capability to absorb and utilize many nutrients. 3) Medications – Both prescription and over-the-counter medications can deplete the body store of nutrient minerals and/or increase the levels of toxic metals. (Examples: Diuretics, antacids, aspirin, and oral contraceptives) 4) Pollution – From adolescence through adulthood the average person is continually exposed to a variety of toxic metal sources such as: cigarette smoke (cadmium), hair dyes (lead), hydrogenated oils (nickel), antiperspirant (aluminum), lead based cosmetics, copper and aluminum cookware, and dental amalgams (mercury and cadmium). These are just a few of the hundreds of sources which can contribute to nutrient imbalances and adverse metabolic effects. 5) Nutritional Supplements – Taking the incorrect type of supplements or improper amounts of nutritional supplements can produce many mineral excesses and/or deficiencies contributing to an overall biochemical imbalance 6) Inherited Patterns – A predisposition toward mineral imbalances, deficiencies and excesses can be inherited from parents.

I have taken several different HTMA courses which have helped me interpret the results, and design a program based on your bio individual needs. When I receive your test results, I will contact you to book a consultation. During the consultation I will explain the results to you in a simplified way, and design a 12 week program based on the highest priority in relation to your top health concerns. You will receive a full protocol with dietary, supplementation and lifestyle recommendations as well as access to high quality supplements for the duration of your program.

I currently offer 3 different packages depending on what level of support you require for the duration of your program. Please see WORK WITH ME for more details.

My nutrition programs are designed to empower clients to make informed choices when planning meals and place a strong focus on inclusion and nutrient-dense, whole foods. Practising mindful eating habits and a balanced lifestyle is very important. I do not believe in restriction or any form of extreme weight loss. If a client has a history of under-eating or over-exercising I strongly recommend macronutrient tracking and conducting a controlled and closely monitored reverse diet to reduce weight gain and improve metabolic health. I also include a thorough analysis of any current supplementation to ensure clients are consuming adequate amounts of micronutrients in the most bioavailable forms. Additional recommendations will be made on an individual basis. Nutrition and supplementation programs can range from very simple to complex depending on the client, their preferences, and the season of life they are currently in.

CLICK HERE to book a free consultation. You will receive a response within 3-5 business days.