Calcium too little or too much, both can create health issues!

Calcium too little or too much, both can create health issues!

An HTMA can assess, along with other minerals that need to be in balance

And Guess what?  Until January 31, 2024 , I will be offering a one time $100.00 discount if prebooked and prepaid . The appointments can be booked up until Feb 16th, 2024!

Some Important functions of Calcium

Calcium is found in every cell throughout the body yet over ninety percent of calcium is stored in the bones and teeth providing structual support. 

It is also found in the brain, heart, kidney, liver, muscles, skin and spleen,

Osseous tissues provide a reservoir for calcium, which can be withdrawn as required in order to maintain extra-skeletal functions such as acid-alkaline balance.

Calcium is essential for cardiac muscle contractility.

Insulin release is dependent upon adequate calcium being available. 

Other facts about Calcium 

• Calcium is a very emotional mineral, which could stem from trauma

• Regulates cell permeability

• Important for blood clotting

• Maintains pH balance

• Supports fat digestion

• Inhibits the uptake of thyroxine (thyroid hormone)

• An imbalance relative to its synergistic and
  antagonistic nutrients can be a major contributor to osteoporosis

• Increased calcium excretion can be caused by over-activity of both the thyroid and adrenal cortical glands

• Many medications interfere with calcium absorption. Some of the most common include anti-convulsants and antacids containing aluminum hydroxide bind calcium in the intestine and have also been documented to contribute to osteomalacia (weakens bones and can cause them to break more easily)

• Some psychological qualities associated with calcium are stability, hardness and rigidity.

• Without enough bioavailable calcium someone may experience hypersensitivity and nervousness (ie: anxiety)

Hypocalcemia is a relatively rare clinical problem. 

The nervous system can become hyper-irritable with the effects of low serum calcium.

Hypocalcemia can eventually lead to sensory disturbances, tetany, and myocardial dysfunction. Tetany consists of muscular cramps, laryngeal stridor, seizures, and, if severe, death due to respiratory failure. 

Calcium deficiency has been associated with conditions not necessarily related to hypocalcemia. These include:

• Allergies (histamine)

• Adrenal hyperactivity

• Hypertension

• Hyperkinesis

• Anxiety

• Hyperthyroidism

• Insomnia (type I)

• Osteomalacia

• Sympathetic dominance 

• Rh. arthritis

• Potential lead and cadmium toxicity

• Osteoporosis 

Hypercalcemia is an elevation of serum calcium above 10.5 mg.%. Primary hyper-parathyroidism and malignancies are major causes of hypercalcemia. There are other causes of hypecalcemia as well.

Conditions associated with hypercalcemia due to hyperparathyroidism include:

• Excessive thirst

• Dryness of mouth and throat

• Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)

• Muscle aches

• Recent memory loss

• Calcific tendinitis

• Chondrocalcinosis, (calcium pyrophosphate crystals build up in the joints)

• Depression

• Hearing difficulties

• Fatigue

• Joint stiffness/Weakness

• Restless leg syndrome

• Constipation

• Dyspepsia (a stomach condition that causes pain, burning, bloating, nausea, and gas)

• Conjunctivitis (pinkeye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva)

In the U.S., studies have shown a distinguishing difference in the

consumption of calcium among hypertensive and normotensive individuals. Hypertensive persons were found to consume 18% less calcium than normotensive persons.

Calcium supplementation is generally accepted as a course of therapy for this condition. However, studies have shown that calcium supplementation alone over extended periods has resulted in decreased calcium retention. 

Supplementing Vitamin D and calcium supplementation, also will:

• Intensify stress
• Decrease potassium
• Trigger magnesium deficiency

Calcium is best evaluated in relationship to its other cofactors. When the synergistic and antagonistic nutrients relative to calcium are taken into consideration, it is more beneficial with nutritional protocols, particularly with osteoporosis.

And to think, assessing calcium status is only one nugget of the vast information gained from doing an HTMA. 

HTMA is also beneficial for so many other issues but not limited to ADD/ADHD, Addictions, Anxiety and Panic, Brain fog, Cognitive Issues, Constipation, Digestive, Diarrhea, Hormone Imbalances,Joint Pain and Stiffness, Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, Thyroid Issues, Weight Gain. It is also great for Anti-aging, Recovery. Allergies. Blood Sugar Issues, Cardiac Health, Asthma, Neuromuscular Diseases, Skin Conditions, Infertility, Menopause. 

Getting an HTMA, can absolutely points the way to interventions to change the course of your health and bring these ratios into more ideal readings. When you do, your symptoms will decrease and you will notice the difference!

Remember to pre-book and pre-pay for your HTMA by Jan 31, 2024 to receive a one time $100 discount, It must be booked for the end of January, 2024. Book your HTMA on my website. The link below gives more details about the HTMA and you have to scroll to the bottom to find the blue Book Now button. There are more details and several research conclusions about HTMA on my website as well. Gift one to a family member or friend. There is no greater gift, than a gift of health! I will have Gift Certificates available. 

Let a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis benefit your health and wellness journey!

Much of this information is cited from:

The Nutritional Relationships of Calcium, from the TEI

The information is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained within this email is for general information purposes only. You are encouraged to confirm any information obtained in this email with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your health practitioner.

Black Friday Special, The Blood Sugar Ratio on an HTMA

Blood Sugar Ratio Ca/MG

Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis, is a functional lab test measuring the overall mineral and metal content that has been excreted into the hair over the past 3 or 4 months. It is a remarkably accurate measurement tool to learn about nutritional and mineral deficiencies in the body. It also provides different mineral ratios that are also very important considerations for proper mineral balancing.

The understanding of mineral ratios is more revealing than analyzing mineral levels alone. Ratios are reflective of disease trends, predictive of hidden or future metabolic dysfunctions. though are not diagnostic. To calculate a ratio value, the first mineral level is divided by the second mineral level. In this case Calcium is divided by the Magnesium level for the Blood Sugar ratio.

The optimal Blood Sugar ratio is 7.00
 with an Ideal range of 4.50–8.50.
 If the ratio is greater than (>)8.50 this is indicative of Hypoglycemia
 and associated with an increase in insulin. If it is less than <4.50, this indicative of Hyperglycemia
 and reflects the potential for low insulin levels and elevated adrenal cortical hormone production. In the above graph, this person's ratio is 11.39, yet this person has not been alerted to any issues with Blood Sugar concerns with normal blood lab work.

Having an HTMA can be an early indication of some blood sugar dysregulation when normal blood serum testing has not yet identified such an issue. The higher number will point to imbalanced glucose metabolism and magnesium deficiency which was also evident on this person's nutritional profile. If the person is chronically stressed, this will also allow Calcium to increase. If there is hidden Copper toxicity, this will also affect Calcium. Hidden Copper toxcity can also be detected with HTMA, but I will share that information another time.

Some of the symptoms associated with a high blood sugar ratio are muscle spasms, twitches, constipation and sugar cravings. This person also identified with some of these symptoms. So having a higher Blood Sugar ratio indicates a need to supplement with Magnesium, to reduce stress and/or to find outlets to help relieve the stress. However, if the ratio was low, then it would indicate that this person might be better supported with Calcium and it's helper Vitamin K2. Calcium aids in insulin release
 while Magnesium inhibits insulin release.

Other Nutrients Levels Identified on an HTMA that impact Insulin Production or lack of.

Chromium: It is well known that people with Diabetes tend to be low in Chromium. It is a component of the glucose tolerance factor (GTF) and chromium is involved as a cellular receptor for insulin. Therefore a deficiency of chromium can result in elevated glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels.

Zinc: Zinc serum levels are low in many people with Diabetes. Zinc affects the antigenic properties of insulin and the binding of insulin to hepatocyte membranes. A Zinc deficiency can result in increased insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. Low levels of zinc is a factor in poor wound-healing. Zinc is required for insulin storage and also cellular binding. However, high concentrations can lead to a reduction in insulin release.

Manganese: A deficiency can impair glucose utilization. Intra-uterine deficiency produces islet cell atrophy. Hepatic manganese is elevated in some forms of diabetes.

Iron: Excess iron accumulates in the pancreas and can result in tissue injury. Plus iron excess relative to copper results in increased lipid peroxidation, which is chain of reactions of oxidative degradation of lipids. Free radicals "steal" electrons from the lipids in cell membranes which result in cell damage.

Selenium: Insulin reserves are diminished with deficiency of selenium and can contribute to glucose intolerance. Selenium deficiency results in decreased glutathione peroxidase activity.

Copper: A Copper deficiency results in glucose intolerance decreased insulin response and increased glucose response. Copper is synergistic to calcium, which is why high tissue calcium is usually found with elevated tissue copper. Copper Toxicity is a build up of stored, bio-unavailable copper in excessive levels which can cause physical and mental dysfunction.

VItamin Deficiencies:

Besides the importance of balancing these minerals, it is also important to consider vitamins as they are co-factors to minerals and some deficiencies have also been correlated to Diabetic symptoms. Vitamin B1 deficiency may be related to the development of diabetic neuropathy. Low concentrations of Vitamin A aids in the stimulation of insulin release from the pancreas. also it can inhibit insulin release at high concentrations. People with Diabetes require higher Vitamin E and helps reduce oxidative stress and improve the action of insulin.

The Blood Sugar Ratio and other mineral levels on an Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis gives us a tremendous amount of information for mineral balancing, accompanying vitamin supplementation to more optimal nutritional interventions for the prevention of further or future blood sugar dysregulation. It can help with recommendations for dietary and lifestyle changes as well.

And to think this is just one ratio to consider! An HTMA is a wealth of preventative information in so many other areas.

Getting an HTMA, can absolutely points the way to interventions to change the course of your health and bring these ratios into more ideal readings. When you do, your symptoms will decrease and you will notice the difference!

Remember to pre-book and pre-pay for your HTMA by Nov 25th, 2022 to receive a Black Friday Special, for dates now until Dec 9th, 2022. Book your HTMA on my website. The link is below and there are more details and several research conclusions about HTMA. Gift one to a family member or friend. There is no greater gift, than a gift of health!

Let a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis benefit your health and wellness journey!

What are significant mineral ratios and what do they tell you

Continuing with my own Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis

The mineral levels in your hair can provide insight into metabolism, cellular health, toxic heavy metal load, energy production, mineral deficiencies, mineral imbalances, nutritional status, and a variety of common health conditions. 

If the relationship between certain minerals in the body is disturbed, normal biological functions and metabolic activity can be unfavourably affected.

The understanding of mineral ratios is extremely exciting and much more revealing than analyzing mineral levels alone. Ratios are reflective of disease trends, though are not diagnostic, rather are research associations.

Ratios are frequently predictive of hidden or future metabolic dysfunctions.

The first ratio (Ca/P) on the chart is the Metabolic Ratio.  As this ratio rises, it is reflective of an exhausted body.  As this pattern worsens, it will affect thyroid and adrenal activity. A couple of symptoms that I also have are strong cravings for sweets or starches and low energy! Mine is not super high, but certainly something to be mindful of.

The next ratio, is Na/k and very importantly is called the STRESS ratio. Mine, being above 6 is considered an acute alarm stage of STRESS! This ratio will also mean that a person is burning up their Magnesium stores and that also registered on my HTMA.

The Ca/K ratio is called the Thyroid ratio, and mine registered extremely high! Yikes! SOME symptoms of an elevation in this ratio can be cold hands and feet, fatigue, chronic stress, low blood pressure. Yes those are some of my issues!  Also it is important to note this is where HTMA, rather than blood work can be more predictive of things to come. HTMA is looking at a deeper cellular level, so having this show up, is an extreme warning to support the thyroid. Incidentally my mother was on Synthroid and I didn’t know or for how long. I only came to know when I started to help take care of her. She also had 2 autoimmune diseases.

The (Na/Mg) Ratio is reflective of adrenal function! Another yikes, as mine is registering pretty darn sluggish! Symptoms that I have that align with this reading are extreme fatigue, low blood pressure, sweet cravings, salty cravings, and brain fog!

There is also a blood sugar ratio, which is Ca/Mg. Mine is veering to slightly elevated, which signifies insulin dysregulation.

The above associations are only glimpses of what an HTMA can reveal, and there is so much more to tell with these ratios.

What is great about doing the HTMA, is that it points the way to interventions to change the course of your health and bring these ratios into more ideal readings. When you do, your symptoms will decrease and you will notice the difference!

You can book your HTMA with me using the link is below and there are more details and several research conclusions about HTMA on the linked page. Let a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis benefit your health and wellness journey!

I couldn't believe the minerals deficiencies that I have

Starting first with my own Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis

As with most learning pursuits, many people start with themselves as the initial test subjects and so it is with my new learning in Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis.

And since we are talking about hair, first a little disclosure. If you have been into the store, you may have seen some of my wild hair days. I decided to grow it out.

Most of my adult years I had long hair, and when my mother was sick and it became necessary for me to help her with personal care, she thought her hair might be easier to manage, if it was short. So, she decided to cut her hair. Well, I decided to cut mine along with her. Very recently I found some of her beaded barrettes, that she had given me and thought it would be nice to wear those again. So now that I am trying to grow my hair long, it gets pretty unmanageable. In the meantime, I wear the headbands to tame it and keep it out of my face. I don't know how long it will last, sometimes after awhile you think that it's not such a great idea after all! Right now, I can put it in a tiny pony!

Anyway back to the HTMA, when my instructor for the course mentioned that when people are under stress, people burn up Magnesium, so I was thinking that will likely be an issue for me. And though I supplemented with Magnesium in the past, and I do recommend it to many many customers, I was not currently. I had been concentrating on supplements to keep my immune system in check. So the deficiency in my Magnesium levels was no surprise to me.

And given that it is called the Lamp of Life, I surely started supplementing with Magnesium, and I am mindful of what I eat.

Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency can include tight muscles, twitching, Alcoholism, and Addictions, Unstable Blood Sugar, Constipation, High Blood Pressure. Anxiety and Depression. Also low Magnesium can lead to cardiac issues, (like a heart attack)

Magnesium deficiency and stress become a dangerous vicious cycle. When a person is magnesium deficient, they are more susceptible to STRESS OVERWHELM.

The big surprise in my HTMA was that I was pretty deficient in Sodium and Potassium. Sodium is regulated primarily by the adrenals, and is an electrical conductor. It helps in the production of stomach acid. It regulates the body's fluid balance and blood pressure. Symptoms of Sodium Deficiency, are exhaustion, fatigue, low HCl, Low Blood Pressure, and headaches. Sodium will also rise during stress, if there is sufficient Adrenal strength. I guess that's not me! Again there is another vicious cycle with stress and Sodium. Low sodium affects the function of the adrenals, a continuing low sodium continues along with the weak adrenals, exhaustion sets in and drives down the adrenal response further!!

Potassium is necessary for nerve conduction, carbohydrate metabolism, muscle contraction and relaxation. The ideal is 10mg% and I had 1 mg%. I also find that odd, because I do love a lot of potassium rich foods. Symptoms of Potassium deficiency include Heart palpitations, constipation, numbness or tingling, muscle spasms and/or weakness, allergies, and low blood sugar, water retention.

Also on my HTMA, I did register a low Iron level, however there are other factors to consider with this and will be confirming with a Blood Iron serum.

I also have Boron deficiency, such that it didn't even register on the HTMA. Boron is needed in trace amounts but those trace amounts are pretty tootin' important. Boron also affects the adrenal glands, the stomach, and bone health. It also affects the hormonal balance of, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Boron is also needed for the synthesis of Vitamin D and is a helper to Magnesium absorption.

A trace mineral that gets a bad rap but also very important is Lithium which my HTMA registered as a deficiency! It gets a bad rap because it is given in Mental Health Disorders, but the dosage is so much greater that apparently these high doses can cause a host of serious side effects. So please be aware if you have a Lithium deficiency, there is also a very safe homeopathic Lithium available in Canada, and doses of the Lithium recommended are so much less that someone who is taking Lithium for Bipolar Disorder. This trace mineral is the “relaxing” mineral, protects the brain from oxidants and other types of damage. It is very important for supporting detox pathways. Of important note is that appears to protect against the effects of ischemic strokes and may slow the progression of Alzheimer’s, other dementias and Parkinson’s • Lithium may help to generate new brain cells by enhancing DNA replication in the brain. Together with Boron, Lithium is considered to be the new anti-aging minerals! A deficiency in Lithium may also lead to depression and/or aggressiveness.

So this is just a slice of the valuable information of my nutrient status gained from doing the HTMA.

I have not even touched on other information that an HTMA reveals, like Heavy Metal Toxicity, Copper Toxicity, and the ratios of mineral and what all that means.

If you are experiencing some health issues, or would love to have optimal nutritional support and vitality, you may benefit from having an HTMA done. It takes the guesswork on what supplements and nourishment will be the most beneficial for you.

If you would like to book your HTMA and receive an introductory savings deal, book your HTMA on my website. The link is below and there are more details and several research conclusions about HTMA Let a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis benefit your health and wellness journey!

We just don't have a Sweet Tooth

We just don’t have a sweet tooth,

 Damn, we got a sweet belly?

Sugar and carb cravings sabotage any well-meaning promises to eat better on the daily!

I know even myself, a Certified Nutritional Practitioner can fall prey to carb cravings.  Carbohydrate cravings aren’t always a behavioral problem or lack of will power, but instead have genuine, biological causes that can be helped with various strategies and natural high quality supplements. 

What drives the sugar cravings??

1.   Candida overgrowth can cause extreme cravings for sugar and simple carbohydrates. Candida is a type of yeast that is naturally present in everyone’s digestive tract; however if your immune system is weak and your digestion is poor, Candida levels can get out of control. Grapefruit Seed Extract, Caprylic Acid, Undecylenic Acid, Berberine, Garlic, Horopito, Saccharomyces boulardii, Clove oil, and Coconut Oil are some natural ways to help kill Candida overgrowth. 

2.   Altered gut flora, new studies show that certain gut bacteria, require different substrates for different strains, to grow and reproduce. for example, Bacteroidetes grow with fats as a substrate while Prevotella grows best on a carbohydrate source. To help, substitute sugar with Manuka honey as it provides antimicrobial benefits to the gut, which help to promote the growth of bacteria that are good for your gut health while reducing cravings. High quality probiotic supplements also will help with sugar cravings, aim for 10000. Several strains of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus have been shown to improve anxiety- and depression-like behavior, which also tend to alter eating behaviour.

3.   Insulin resistance - Supplementing with a high-quality multi-vitamin is also beneficial toward reducing your sugar cravings and balancing blood sugar levels through improved insulin sensitivity. A daily vitamin ensures you meet recommended levels of minerals like zinc, chromium and magnesium — all of which are involved in maintaining healthy blood sugar and insulin levels. Myoinositol and D-chiro Inositol have been shown to reduce insulin increase. Researchers at the Linus Pauling Institute have identified a compound from Hops that significantly improve markers of metabolic syndrome and reduced weight gain,  Gymnema tincture - Gymnema helps our cells take in sugar more effectively (hence not needing more), and improves sugar metabolism. Have a few drops on your tongue before you eat and help your sugar cravings lessen - it literally blocks the sugar receptors on your tastebuds. Cinnamon is also beneficial for help maintaining blood sugar. Eating Fibre, Protein and Quality Fats also help to regulate blood sugar. 

4.   Hormonal Imbalances; For women who feel worse around their menstrual cycle, try taking vitamin B6 (200mg) or P5P, its more bioavailable form. This helps ease the deficiency of the "feel good" hormone prostaglandin E1 (when this hormone is low, irritability and sugar cravings can result). If mood swings accompany the sugar cravings, it could be from excess sugar thats blocking your ability to turn a substance called GLA (gamma linoleic acid) into the DGLA (dihomo-gamma-linoleic acid) needed to produce prostaglandins that improve mood. Eveing Primrose Oil provides GLA, as does Borage Oil. Chastetree also helps PMS. 

For those whose sugar cravings increase when they enter perimenopause in their 40s, estrogen and progesterone deficiency may be driving sugar cravings.These supplements are helpful, B complex, Vitamin D3, and Omega3’s, Magnesium, Fiber, Liver Detox supplements and don’t forget a great quality Probiotic. Magnesium takes a big dip in menopause and we need magnesium for mood, relaxation and sleep. Herbals that help perimenopause are, Maca; Black Cohosh; Dong Quai; and Angelica Root,

For men, testosterone deficiency associated with andropause can also cause sugar cravings. D-Aspartic Acid. D-Aspartic acid is a natural amino acid that can boost low testosterone levels. Vitamin D, Tribulus Terrestris, Fenugreek, Ginger, DHEA, Zinc, Ashwagandha. Naural Bioidentical Hormones may also be helpful.

5.   Depression or a bad mood can mentally and physically affect cravings too. Sugar consumption increases serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, appetite, memory, and social behavior. Because sugar boosts serotonin, you feel happier, temporarily, so your brain craves this. Oh serotonin also is made in your gut, so you need great gut health to produce your own serotonin. St. John’s wort, SAMe, 5-HTP, Omega-3, Vitamin Bs, Vitamin D, Saffron, Kava Kava are used to help combat depression. This article is not meant at medical advice, please consult a licenced Natural Health Practioner for guidance.

6.   Stress If you have cravings and are under stress, feel anxious much of the time, or you have insomnia, it can be related to your adrenal function, specifically a type of imbalance that can lead to exhaustion. You may notice that you need caffeine to wake up, and you crave sweets, salty foods, and more caffeine during the day — then carbohydrates or alcohol at night. If your adrenals are totally shot, these well meaning strategies don’t even cut it because you still feel run down, lethargic and no amount of sugar peps you back up. This only leads to a vicious cycle. There are many adrenal support supplements that help your adrenals combat stress. Aswaghanda, Rholdiol, Holy Basil Leaf, Licorice root, Curcumin, and Phosphatidylserine (PS) are excellent for supporting adrenals. Stress also causes the hormone cortisol to flood your body, releasing glucose from your liver, which in turn raises your blood sugar. The same list that helps adrenals also helps to reduce cortisol levels with the addition of Cordyceps, and Bacopa.

7.  Poor quality sleep , When we sleep poorly or go for long periods of time without sleep, our bodies make more ghrelin. Ghrelin is a hormone that controls our cravings for carbohydrates and simple sugars. In one study, participants went from getting eight hours of sleep to five hours of sleep. This reduction led to a 15% higher level of ghrelin in their bodies. As Ghrelin increases so does sugar cravings.  Leptin is produced by our fat cells. It influences our satiety or feeling of fullness. When we are inadequately rested, we tend to produce less leptin, making us want to eat more. Again, when we are tired, we resort to more quick energy foods, simple carbs to keep ourselves awake. In the same study mentioned above, the sleep-deprived subjects demonstrated a 15% lower level of leptin, leading them to eat more. To help eas you back to more restful sleep, there is Melatonin, Hops, Passion Flower, Valarian, 5HTP, Tryptophan, L-Theanine, and Glycine.

8.  Mineral deficiencies might be another reason for your cravings. An iron deficiency will zap your energy, leaving you feeling fatigued, weak, and spurring cravings to perk you up. Calcium, zinc, chromium, and magnesium imbalances can manifest themselves as sugar cravings too. so here again, a high quality vitamin helps supply you with the nutrients you cannot get from food alone.

Other alternatives for natural sweeteners include maple syrup, coconut sugar, monk fruit and xylitol, (which also provides dental benefits) 

Eating well with whole foods to supply necessary nutrients is a part of the answer that helps combat food cravings. Of course avoiding the overly processed junk foods is also a must. Getting proper sleep, adequate exercise also factor in to help curb sugar cravings. Many of the supplements mentioned above also come in formulas specific to the issue. Keep in mind this is not an exhaustive list, but it is a great start for you to consider adding these supplements if you have never tried any before. The right quality nutrients and supplements will help maintain your body and stop your sweet belly from growing out of control! In fact all these great tips could help shrink your sweet belly!