Trace minerals are essential in countless metabolic functions in all phases of the life process.

Why test for minerals?

Trace minerals are essential in countless metabolic functions in all phases of the life process.
Zinc is involved in the production, storage, and secretion of insulin and is necessary for growth hormones.

Magnesium is required for normal muscular function, especially the heart. A deficiency has been associated with an increased incidence of heart attacks, anxiety and nervousness.

Potassium is critical for normal nutrient transport into the cell. A deficiency can result in muscular weakness, depression and lethargy.

Excess sodium is associated with hypertension, but adequate amounts are required for normal health.

In the words of the late author and noted researcher, Dr. Henry Schroeder, trace elements (minerals) are “more important factors in human nutrition than vitamins.

The body can manufacture many vitamins, but it cannot produce necessary trace minerals or get rid of many possible excesses.”

Diet

Improper diet through high intake of refined and processed foods, alcohol and fad diets can all lead to a chemical imbalance. Even the nutrient content of a “healthy” diet can be inadequate, depending upon the soil in which the food was grown, or the method in which it was prepared.

Stress

Physical or emotional stress can deplete the body of many nutrients, while also reducing the capability to absorb and utilize many nutrients.

Medications

Both prescription and over-the-counter medications can deplete the body store of nutrient minerals and/or increase the levels of toxic metals — for example: diuretics, antacids, aspirin, and oral contraceptives.

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), antiperspirants (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.

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.

Inherited Patterns

A predisposition toward mineral imbalances, deficiencies and excesses can be inherited from parents.

• Zinc can reduce the beneficial effect of vitamin D.

• Calcium can reduce the beneficial effect of vitamin A.

Excessive vitamin intake can negate the beneficial effects of minerals, for example:

• Vitamin C can reduce the beneficial effect of copper.

• Vitamin D can cause a deficiency of magnesium.

• Taking too much iron can contribute to such symptoms as arthritis, high blood pressure and tension headaches with dizziness.

• Frontal headaches (behind the eyes) are associated with too much copper.

• Taking too much calcium alone can contribute to osteoporosis, weight gain and fatigue.

• Toxic metals can contribute to learning disabilities in children.