Many of the children I help present with symptoms of restlessness and hyperactivity, combined with behavioral concerns.  Some can’t sit still in class and impulsively act out.  Based on a hair analysis, I often discover heavy metals and severe electrolyte imbalances, which can be one of many causes of sleep disorders, behavior issues and learning disorders.   If we do NOT find any indicators of heavy metal toxicity, we may simply suggest a trial of sedating nutrients and educate the parent on the importance of improving the child’s diet.  If the parents have good insurance, and are willing, we may have them ask their medical doctor to work in “teamship” with us, to prescribe additional testing, to make sure the child is not experiencing other, more important underlying issues, before proceeding to supplements and dietary changes.

Using tissue mineral hair analysis for over 15 years has given me insights and knowledge that few others have about mineral patterns and imbalances.  For example, calcium raises the threshold at which nerves cells fire, reducing the sensitivity of the central and autonomic nervous systems. The elevated storage of calcium in soft tissue hardens cell binding sites, causing heavy metals and toxins to accumulate instead of being detoxified. 

When the firing threshold is set higher, sensitivity is reduced, leaving an almost emotional numbness, and a misperception of reduced stress.  In this case, if the calcium is greater than 191 on the rating scale, we call it the "calcium shell phenomenon" where there is an induced state of avoidance of all stress, as if one were literally climbing into a shell of protection, to feel nothing. This is accompanied by defensiveness and denial.  These people are very, very difficult to reason with because they are in complete withdrawal and in a state of total denial.  This prevents toxins from being released and recirculating in the blood stream, which further protects them from experiencing the emotional ups and downs that detoxifying leads to.

Calcium in combination with magnesium is a powerful, sedative combination that can help relieve stress and calm fidgety children, but also leave them lethargic and fatigued in class.  Zinc is another anti-stress sedative mineral that has a calming influence, and supports the pancreas to produce insulin while supporting immune function and helping the body detoxify excess copper.  But again, too much zinc may mean poor utilization or excess accumulation and fatigue. 

Excessively low levels of calcium and magnesium in the hair analysis graph may be the result of low potassium and poor production of digestive hydrochloric acid.   While this mineral pattern can cause anxiety, restlessness, hyperactivity and have a depressive effect on brain chemistry, if it goes undetected for a long time, it can also lead to digestion and elimination problems, due to hyperacidity and fermentation in the stomach and small intestines.

Individuals with very high levels of calcium and magnesium on their graphs, in combination with low levels of sodium and potassium, often experience chronic fatigue, severe depression and a tendency to withdraw from all stressful events or activities. 

All four electrolytes and their ratios exert a great influence on metabolism, hormonal regulation and glandular function, often being an underlying cause of subclinical hypo-thyroid and hypo-adrenal functions, even if they are taking medication.  

Low functioning thyroid and adrenal glands can result in reduced hormone production and lead to inflammation and swelling, hypo or hyperglycemia, increasing mineral imbalances and poor digestion. 
The sodium level in the hair analysis is a reflection of adrenal gland activity, because sodium is largely regulated by the adrenal hormone, aldosterone.  Low sodium level on a hair analysis graph is generally an excellent indicator of reduced adrenal activity or adrenal fatigue and depression, and the degree to which one is suffering is often related to the degree of imbalance in the ratios of sodium to calcium. 

Implementing the correct changes depends on knowledge of metabolic and blood type diets, if one desires to correct the symptoms without resorting to medications that simply mask the symptoms and ignore the underlying causes of the imbalance.  Supplementing with adrenal tonics and adaptogens will help boost the adrenals back into balance and restore energy quickly and effectively. 

When a hair analysis indicates a deficiency of manganese, chromium, vanadium or zinc, it may be necessary to eliminate all sugar and simple carbohydrates, increase protein in smaller portions throughout the day and provide enzyme support until balance is restored. 

Mood, energy, hormone production and digestion can all be improved naturally when the dietician, nutritionist or doctor has the correct information!  Hair analysis is NOT a diagnosis or a substitute for other medical tests. It should be considered an additional piece of information to assist the individual to make healthy lifestyle and diet corrections.

If you or someone you love is experiencing mood swings, behavior changes or sudden cognitive changes, you might want to consider a hair analysis and a customized nutritional plan.  Call Melinda Fouche' or The Fouche' Institute and join us the first Wednesday evening of the month at 7PM for our complimentary orientation class.