Mineral deficiencies
I recently got a hair analysis for my 7-year-old daughter to test for mineral deficiencies. She was low in certain minerals such as calcium and magnesium, but what perplexed me was that she was very high in potassium and sodium. I haven’t been able to find a connection. What could this mean?
answer:
Several labs around the country do mineral analysis on hair samples. Allopathic doctors criticize the test, saying that it cannot be accurate enough to test for anything except heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic.
The metals that are stored in hair are a reflection of what is floating around in the bloodstream, as well as what is stored in the bones. For example, hyperactive children are low in calcium and magnesium, which suggests that they cannot absorb minerals from dairy products because of a sensitivity, and they are eating a diet low in magnesium. Some children crave chocolate and peanut butter when they are low in magnesium, as these foods contain a fair amount of that mineral. The elevated potassium and sodium levels do not necessarily mean that these elements have been eaten in excess. In fact, it suggests that the adrenal glands are under stress, as potassium and sodium are regulated by the adrenal mineral corticoids, which are several different hormones in the adrenal glands.
The doctor who ordered the test should have a printout that roughly explains the elevations. Be thankful that the toxic minerals are low in the test. You may not have to do anything about her diet. You can elevate her calcium and magnesium with the appropriate supplements. Get another test in approximately six months, and let me know about any changes.