Pass the Mineral Test for Hair

A lot of people spend huge amounts of money and undergo external hair and beauty treatments and overlook the importance of minerals in their hair. Healthy hair is a reflection of a healthy body which in turn is largely a reflection of a healthy diet. Therefore, food that is healthy for the body will be good for hair.
"Minerals are an inorganic element of the body. Almost four percent of the body weight constitutes of minerals which are involved in biological processes. They are inter-related to all other nutrients like vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, fats and fibers," says Dr Apoorva Shah, a trichologist whiel speaking to City Express.

Improper diet with high intake of refined and processed foods, alcohol and fad diets can all lead to 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. Physical or emotional stress can deplete the body of many nutrients while reducing to absorb and utilize many nutrients. Moreover from adolescence to 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), anti-perspirants (aluminium), dental amalgams (mercury and cadmium), copper and aluminium cookware and lead-based cosmetics.

Having proper minerals will not just help to balance your physique, but can also support healthy hair. Mineral imbalance is by far the most common cause of hair loss. The important minerals to consider are copper, iron, silicon and zinc. Too much of minerals in some cases can also cause problems, for example. Too much copper can actually cause hair loss. Taking iron supplements is not a good idea though. Getting iron naturally in food would be a better choice.

On the other hand, potassium deficiency can also cause hair loss. Silicon is supposed to be able to simulate hair growth. Early or premature hair loss may be a result of zinc deficiency. However, excessive zinc can also cause hair loss.

There is a test named Hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA), which measures the levels and comparative ratios of nutrient and toxic minerals found in hair. If a mineral is either deficient or present in excess, it indicates a mineral deficiency or excess within the body. This test is very essential as it provides great insights to problems relating to hair.