High Levels - Loss or Toxicity?
Note: This article pairs well with another blog post titled:
“Supplementing High and Low Levels on an HTMA”
Practitioners and clients often ask about the significance of extremely high readings on a hair mineral analysis. The interpretation of these readings depends on several factors, including which mineral is elevated, the client’s health history, adherence to a scientific Mineral Balancing Program, and how the reading compares to other results on the test.
A high reading may indicate mineral loss, low bioavailability, toxicity, elimination through the hair, compensation, or deposition in the hair. This topic can be complex and technical, leading to confusion. However, let's explore if we can provide some clarity.
Mineral Loss
Minerals may be lost, leading to high readings on a hair mineral analysis. If the loss occurs on the initial test, it is typically pathological. However, if it occurs on a retest while following a Mineral Balancing program, it is usually a normal part of the body’s healing process and the movements of the inner physician. For instance, toxic metal levels may increase on a repeat hair test as the body eliminates the mineral through the hair tissue.
When a vital mineral becomes biounavailable, it may also be lost through the hair. This can happen due to a deficiency of a retaining factor or a change in the valence or form of the mineral, making it non-retained in the body.
For instance, calcium needs to be in an ionized state to remain in the blood. If the levels of sodium and potassium decrease, calcium will no longer be in an ionized state and will start to deposit into the tissues. Sufficient magnesium is also crucial to maintain calcium in the solution.
Mineral Loss’ are one reason why we may supplement a nutritional mineral when the level is high on an HTMA.
Burden/Toxicity
In order to clearly understand this topic, it is crucial to differentiate between certain terms. When it comes to minerals, whether they are nutritional or heavy, a burden of a mineral refers to a high level found on a hair tissue mineral analysis, but without any signs or symptoms of toxicity.
Toxic burden, on the other hand, is the total amount of toxins that accumulate in the body over time. These toxins can include various substances such as minerals, chemicals, and other toxins, and accumulate due to exposure from various sources like the environment, food, water, and lifestyle choices.
In contrast, mineral toxicity specifically refers to the harmful effects that occur when a mineral is present in the body at a level that exceeds the body's capacity to utilize or eliminate it. This can happen when there is excessive exposure to a mineral through sources such as dietary intake, environmental exposure, or occupational exposure.
It is important to note that toxic burden and mineral toxicity are different but related concepts. High levels of a mineral may contribute to a person's toxic burden, and a high toxic burden may increase the likelihood of mineral toxicity. Therefore, it is essential to monitor both the toxic burden and mineral levels in the body to maintain optimal health.
Compensation and Adaptation
Compensation is a process in which the body attempts to balance the levels of certain minerals in order to reduce the harmful effects of mineral toxicity. This can occur when a high level of one mineral is present in the body, and another mineral rises in response to help balance or compensate for the toxic mineral.
For example, in cases of copper toxicity, zinc may rise to compensate for the toxic effects of copper, as zinc is a copper antagonist. Similarly, a high level of chromium may help balance a high level of iron. In addition, high levels of phosphorus may help balance high levels of calcium.
It is important to note that compensation can be a subtle process, as the mineral at a toxic level may not be immediately detectable on a hair tissue mineral analysis. However, the body may still be compensating or balancing the mineral. This is particularly common with zinc, which often rises to balance a hidden high copper level in individuals who are slow oxidizers.
Overall, understanding compensation can be helpful in identifying imbalances and potential toxicities in the body. By analysing the levels of various minerals in relation to each other, practitioners can gain insights into how the body is attempting to balance these minerals and take appropriate measures to correct any imbalances or toxicities.
Elimination of Minerals
When following a Mineral Balancing Program, it is common for a mineral that was previously normal or low to suddenly become elevated on the second or later test.
This is often seen with toxic metals, which may be low on the first few tests due to insufficient energy to eliminate them. However, this does not mean that there are no toxic metals present in the body.
As the body gains energy and nutrient levels increase, there is enough energy to eliminate toxic metals from tissue storage sites. As a result, a retest may show higher levels of one or more toxic metals, including copper, iron, manganese, chromium, and selenium.
In some cases, calcium and magnesium levels may rise significantly on a retest. This can occur due to an increase in copper, an elimination of toxic metals that slows the oxidation rate, or a rise in sodium and potassium levels that dissolves calcium deposits. Additionally, sudden elevations in calcium and magnesium on a retest may be caused by increased adrenal stress, a shock that leads to slow oxidation and a calcium shell, or psychological withdrawal patterns.
The Normalising of Mineral Levels
Reducing high mineral levels can take varying amounts of time depending on the mineral involved, as well as other factors such as diet, lifestyle, and stress level. While some cases may see a reduction in high mineral levels within three to six months, it is more common for a year or longer to be required.
Cadmium, manganese, and iron toxicity often take longer to reduce than other minerals. Copper and aluminium toxicity and burdens can vary widely between cases. Toxic metals may reduce quickly, but it is possible for them to rise again as more is eliminated from other tissue storage sites.
Due to the many variables involved, it is difficult to predict how long it will take to reduce high mineral levels in any given case. Therefore, it is recommended that exact timeframes for balancing a hair mineral chart not be offered. It is important to approach each case individually and regularly monitor progress to make adjustments as needed. I wrote an article titled “Time to Heal: Posology” to help understand this topic more in-depth.
Conclusion
A high reading may indicate mineral loss, low bioavailability, toxicity, elimination through the hair, compensation, or deposition in the hair. The interpretation of the readings depends on several factors, including which mineral is elevated, the client's health history, adherence to a scientific Mineral Balancing Program, and how the reading compares to other results on the test. The article also explains the difference between a burden of a mineral and mineral toxicity, as well as compensation and adaptation, and elimination of minerals. Finally, the article notes that reducing high mineral levels can take varying amounts of time depending on the mineral involved, as well as other factors such as diet, lifestyle, and stress levels.