The Four Primary Minerals

Centered Wellness Health Coaching is now offering another diagnostic lab test! I recently completed a training for a lab test called Hair Mineral Tissue Analysis ("HTMA"). This test measures the levels of 29 minerals and 8 toxic heavy metals via a hair sample. This data helps identify healing opportunities that can get you on your way to feeling the best ever!

This test is a great resource for someone experiencing nagging symptoms that have not been explained with standard diagnostic tests, such as blood chemistry panel or a thyroid panel. It also can be an informative precursor to any detox program. The results of the test may provide insight on how fast or slow to run your detox program. The HTMA also offers insight into the impact of emotional stress on your physiology!

There are four primary minerals in the body. While the HTMA test will look at many more, I've provided a brief overview of the primary minerals. There is so much more information to share about minerals and heavy metals but I will leave it short for now!

The Four Primary Minerals

Calcium

Most of us are familiar with calcium as the primary structural element in the body but it has several other roles including the initiation of muscle contraction, assisting with blood clotting, and is fundamental in memory formation. Calcium imbalance can present as excessive thirst, memory loss, calcific tendinitis, depression, fatigue, and joint stiffness, among many other symptoms.

Magnesium

Magnesium is often associated with relaxation but it is involved with 500 different enzymatic reactions. Some of magnesium's functions include helping to regulate blood sugar levels and energy production. Symptoms and indications of magnesium imbalance include osteoporosis, depression, noise sensitivity, and low blood pressure.

Sodium

Sodium is the body's great solvent and a primary alkalizer. It helps to regulate blood pressure and influences stomach acid levels. Conditions associated with a sodium imbalance include allergies, bloating, low hydrochloric acid levels, poor protein digestion, headaches, and irritability.

Potassium

Potassium is another solvent in the body and has some interesting functions. It sensitizes cells to thyroid hormones and is involved in nerve conduction of the heart. Deficiencies in potassium are more common than excessive levels and can be related to symptoms such as fatigue, low blood sugar, and muscle weakness.

Let us help you understand your mineral balance! Minerals in the human body don't work in isolation; they interact with each other in complex ways. These interactions can either enhance or inhibit each other’s absorption, metabolism, or function. Ask us how an HTMA test can support your wellness goals!