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Dr. Michael T. Murray
"Mineral deficiencies and imbalances play a major role in quality of a person's health."
Introduction
You should ALWAYS consult with a healthcare provider
concerning the attached results and before taking ANY supplement.
This Educational Guide was written by Dr. Michael T. Murray, N.D., a renowned authority in the natural health field and author of over 20 books on health. Information and recommendations provided by Dr. Murray are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for consultation with a healthcare provider or other medical professional. Only your healthcare provider should diagnose any health problems you may be experiencing and prescribe treatment as necessary.
BodyBalance, Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratory, and/or Dr. Michael T. Murray are not responsible or liable for any effects or consequences that may come about as a result of the recommendations contained in this Educational Guide, or BodyBalance health screens. None of the aforementioned parties makes any guarantee, expressed or implied, towards the claims, benefits, or safety of the recommendations and information included.
Recommendations from Dr. Murray
Just as each of us is different, so are our individual
sensitivities to particular minerals and toxins. The
MineralCheck health screen can tell you a great deal about
the condition of your health by assessing the levels of
essential minerals and toxins in your hair. MineralCheck is a
safe and effective nutritional assessment toot that uses a small sample of hair to measure the levels of 11 essential
minerals and 10 toxic elements in your body. Minerals and
toxins can affect many areas of your body: brain function
and activity, high blood pressure, immune system,
digestive disorders, sexual dysfunction, and an assortment
of illnesses, conditions, and symptoms that you'll find
described later on in this Educational Guide.
Hair analysis of mineral and toxin levels in the body is an accurate method of measurement. Hair levels of minerals and toxins correlate well with levels found in our organs due to exposure in the bloodstream. In a process called keratinization, hair develops in your body and hardens once it breaks through your scalp. Portions of the minerals and toxins that have run through your system over long periods of time accumulate in your hair and become enclosed in the hair during keratinization. This is why a hair sample allows for a good reading of the accumulation of minerals and toxins in your body. Mineral and toxin assessment is valuable because of the important roles these elements play in human health. Minerals function as components of body enzymes and are also needed for proper composition of bone, blood, and the maintenance of normal cell function.
MINERALS
What is the role of minerals in enzymes?
In essence, enzymes
are what give us life. Enzymes are molecules involved in speeding up chemical
reactions necessary for bodily function. Enzymes work to join molecules together
or split them apart. They do this by making or breaking the chemical bonds that
join molecules together.
Most enzymes are composed of a protein, along with an essential mineral, and possibly a vitamin. If an enzyme is lacking the essential mineral or vitamin, it cannot function properly. If the body is provided the necessary mineral or vitamin through diet or nutritional formula, the enzyme is then able to function properly. For example, zinc is necessary for the enzyme that activates vitamin A in your vision. Without zinc in the enzyme, vitamin A cannot be converted to the active form. This deficiency can result in night-blindness.
Many enzymes require additional support in order to perform their function. This support is called a coenzyme--a molecule that functions along with the enzyme. Like enzymes, most coenzymes are composed of minerals and/or vitamins. If the coenzyme is lacking the mineral component, the enzyme is again powerless. Most heavy metals cause major problems in the body because they take the place of the nutritional mineral in enzymes, making them inactive. In turn, higher dietary levels of nutritional minerals help prevent heavy metal toxicity.1
What are some of the
key roles of specific minerals?
It is well known
that we need iron for our red blood cells and calcium for strong bones, but the
importance of the other essential minerals is largely unknown to most people.
Let me briefly describe the key functions of the most important nutritional
minerals.
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, constituting 1.5% to 2% of the total body weight. More than 99% of the calcium is present in the bones. In addition to building and maintaining bone and teeth, calcium is also important in enzyme activity in the body, as well as in muscle contraction, neurotransmitter release, regulation of our heartbeat, and blood clotting. Imbalances of calcium have been found to contribute to osteoporosis, rickets, and high blood pressure. Calcium is found in dairy products, in dark green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, and turnip greens, and in tofu.
Chromium functions as the "glucose tolerance factor (GTF)." Chromium's key benefit is to work closely with insulin in facilitating the transfer of glucose into cells.
Without chromium, insulin's action is blocked and blood sugar levels become elevated. Chromium levels have been found to be lower in cardiovascular disease and in prolonged periods of stress. Meats and whole grain products are the best sources of chromium, while fruits, vegetables, and dairy products have very low chromium concentrations.
Cobalt, an essential part of Vitamin B12 (cobalamin), participates in erythropoesis, the production of red blood cells (as from bone marrow). Toxic, elevated levels of cobalt can contribute to heart, thyroid, and pancreatic damage. Vegetables and whole grains are the primary dietary sources of cobalt intake. Vitamin B12 may be a source of cobalt in its organic form.
Copper is an essential trace mineral involved in several key enzymatic reactions in the body. Copper, the third most abundant essential trace mineral after iron and zinc, plays a critical role in the enzyme super-oxide dismutase, one of the key antioxidant enzymes in our cells. Hypochromic anemia is a main result of an imbalance of copper. Low levels can trigger hair and skin depigmentation. High levels can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as behavior problems. Copper is widely distributed in foods. The richest sources are oysters, other shellfish, organ meats, and legumes.
Magnesium is second only to potassium in terms of concentration within the individual cells of the body. Magnesium's primary function is to activate enzymes. Approximately 60% of magnesium in the body is found in bone, 26% in muscle, and the remainder in soft tissue and body fluids. Metabolically active tissues such as the brain, heart, liver, and kidneys have the highest concentration of magnesium and depend on magnesium's critical role in energy production. Low magnesium levels can result in muscle spasms and weakness and may be connected to high blood pressure, depression and risk of heart attack. Most Americans consume a low magnesium diet because their diet is high in refined foods, meat, fish, dairy products, and the more commonly eaten fruits, which are all quite low in magnesium. Dietary sources of magnesium are tofu, legumes, seeds, nuts, whole grains, and green leafy vegetables.
Manganese functions in many enzyme systems including those involved in blood sugar control, energy metabolism, and thyroid hormone function. Like copper and zinc, manganese also functions in the antioxidant enzyme, super-oxide dismutase. Imbalances contribute to poor bone and connective tissue growth, skin dryness, hair loss, allergies, and some behavior problems. Good dietary sources of manganese include nuts, whole grains, dried fruits, and green leafy vegetables.
Strontium primarily participates in bone metabolism and tends to compete with Vitamin D and calcium, which it closely resembles, for utilization and absorption purposes. There are no known symptoms of strontium toxicity or deficiency in humans. Strontium is poorly absorbed from the diet and plasma concentration is very low. Sources of strontium are usually found in water, dairy products, and fruits and vegetables.
Sulfur is an essential nutrient for joint tissue, as it stabilizes the connective tissue matrix of cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. Sulfur is also important for healthy hair, skin, and nails. Good dietary sources of sulfur include garlic and onions, cabbage family vegetables, and eggs.
Zinc is found in virtually every cell in the body and is a component in over 200 enzymes. In fact, zinc is involved in more enzymatic reactions than any other mineral. It is also required for proper action of many body hormones including thymic hormones, insulin, growth hormone, sex hormones, and is extremely important in the functioning of the immune system. The best known food source for zinc is oysters, but it is also found in other shellfish, fish, and red meats. Good concentrations of zinc can be found in several plant foods such as whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Zinc deficiency can cause poor wound healing and other immune dysfunction, as well as poor sense of smell and taste, and night blindness.
How common is mineral
deficiency in the United States?
Extremely. While
vitamins seem to get all the attention, minerals are equally important to good
health. It is estimated that somewhere between 20-80% of the American population
do not consume sufficient levels of minerals, particularly trace minerals.4-8
The elderly are particularly susceptible to mineral deficiency, due to decreased
intake coupled with decreased absorption.9-11
Certain disease states also increase the risk for mineral deficiencies, most
notably, diabetes and inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract like
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. People on certain drugs, especially
diuretics, also have higher needs for certain minerals.
A case of severe mineral deficiency is extremely rare. In most cases, the deficiency is termed "subclinical," signifying that levels are low but not severe enough to produce a classic deficiency sign or symptom. In many instances, the only clue of a subclinical mineral deficiency may be fatigue, lethargy, difficulty in concentration, a lack of well-being, or some other vague symptom. MineralCheck can be quite helpful in identifying these sorts of subclinical deficiencies.
How do I go about
balancing mineral levels?
The first choice
should be by increasing the intakes of good food sources. In addition, I would
recommend supplementing your diet by taking mineral supplements or a multiple
vitamin and mineral preparation that provides the proper level of minerals. Here
are the supplemental levels I typically recommend for the various minerals:
Please note that some forms of mineral supplements are better absorbed than others. For example, magnesium bound to citrate (or any of the Krebs cycle intermediates like fumarate, succinate, or malate as well as aspartate) is better absorbed than the popular magnesium oxide.12 Better absorption may mean that you can get by with a lesser amount.
For more information on minerals, I recommend the Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements (Prima, Rocklin, CA 1997).
How do I interpret the
results of MineralCheck?
For most
minerals, the results are pretty straightforward. Low levels often signify low
body stores, high levels of most elements usually signify high body levels.
There are exceptions to this statement. For example, elevated hair levels of
calcium, magnesium and zinc have been found to correlate strongly with an
improper handling of these elements by the body--creating an effective
deficiency. For some reason, these minerals get concentrated in the hair when
body stores are low.
Nutritional minerals are classified into two categories: major and minor. What determines if a mineral is a major or minor one depends upon the amount needed by the body. If a mineral is required at a level greater than 100 mg per day it is considered a major mineral. Some major minerals include calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. Some minor, or trace, minerals include chromium, copper, iodine, manganese, selenium, sulfur, and zinc.
Your results should give you a solid and comprehensive view of the mineral and toxin stores in your body. As stated earlier, each individual has different sensitivities to particular elements. How one mineral may affect you may be totally different from how it affects another person. For more in depth interpretation, consult your healthcare provider or a licensed nutritionist.
TOXINS
Where do heavy metals
come from?
Another category
of minerals in human health is the heavy metal category. This category consists
of minerals that are toxic to the body such as lead, mercury, aluminum, cadmium,
and nickel. Most of the heavy metals in the body are a result of environmental
contamination due to industry. In the United States alone, lead from industrial
sources and leaded gasoline contribute more than 600,000 tons of lead being
dumped into the atmosphere to be inhaled or--after being deposited on food
crops, in fresh water, and soil--to be ingested. Other common sources of heavy
metals include: lead from the solder in tin cans, pesticide sprays, and cooking
utensils; cadmium and lead from cigarette smoke; mercury from dental fillings,
contaminated fish, and cosmetics; and aluminum from antacids and cookware. Some
professions with extremely high exposure include: battery makers, gasoline
station attendants, printers, roofers, solderers, dentists, and jewelers.
What are the signs and
symptoms of heavy metal toxicity?
Early signs of
heavy metal poisoning are usually vague, often depending upon the level of
toxicity. Toxins tend to accumulate within the brain, kidneys, immune system,
and other body tissues where they can severely disrupt normal function.1-6
Mild cases of
toxicity may be associated with headache, fatigue, and impaired ability to think
or concentrate. As toxicity increases so does the severity of signs and
symptoms. A person with severe toxicity may also experience muscle pains,
indigestion, tremors, constipation, anemia, pallor, dizziness, and poor
coordination.2-7
Numerous studies have demonstrated a strong relationship among intelligence, childhood learning disabilities, and body stores of lead, aluminum, cadmium, and mercury.7-14 Basically, the higher a child's level of heavy metals, the lower their IQ. The same sort of relationship exists with blood pressure, as high blood pressure is also associated with higher levels of lead and other heavy metals.15-17 Heavy metals have a very strong affinity for body tissues composed of fat, like the brain, nerves, and kidneys. As a result, heavy metals are almost always linked to disturbances in mood and brain function, as well as neurological problems (including multiple sclerosis) and high blood pressure (the kidneys regulate blood pressure).
How exactly do these
heavy metals cause such major problems?
Most heavy metals
cause major problems in the body because they displace nutritional
minerals--calcium, magnesium, zinc. Nutritional minerals function as components
of body enzymes and are needed for proper composition of bone, blood, and the
maintenance of normal cell function. By taking the place of the nutritional
mineral in enzymes, heavy metals cause those enzymes to become inactive. In
turn, higher dietary levels of nutritional minerals, such as vitamins B, C and E
help prevent heavy metal toxicity, as well as help eliminate them from the body.18-27
How do I rid myself of
heavy metals?
Nutritional factors
that combat heavy metal toxicity:
There are stronger measures for severe cases. For many years, intravenous injection with EDTA (ethylene-diaminetetraacetic acid) has been considered the best measure for severe toxicity. However, an oral compound known as Succimer or DMSA (2,3-meso- acid) has been shown to produce even better results.31,32 This compound was developed and approved by the FDA for the treatment of lead toxicity in children and is very similar to some of the naturally-occurring sulfur-containing compounds found in garlic and onions. It has been shown to be a safe and effective method for ridding the body of not only lead, but other heavy metals as well. DMSA and other sulfur-containing compounds are able to bind to the heavy metal and convert it from a fat-soluble compound to a water-soluble compound, which the body can flush through the urine. Fat-soluble compounds are excreted primarily by bile; however, roughly 95% of what is excreted in the bile is reabsorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
DMSA is available by prescription from your healthcare provider. The standard dosage is based upon body weight (10 mg per 2.2 pounds body weight per day) or 100 to 200 mg three times per day on an empty stomach. Treatment for one month is usually sufficient. No significant side effects have been reported at recommended levels.
Alternatives to DMSA include N-acetylcysteine (500 mg three times daily) and MSM (methyl-sulfonyl-methane 250 mg three times per day). These sulfur-containing compounds may work very similar to DMSA in helping rid the body of heavy metals. Whey protein (25-30 grams per day) can also be helpful because of its high content of sulfur-containing amino acids.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REDUCING HEAVY METALS IN BODY
Glossary
Acid--An organic compound required for protein synthesis, broken down into essential amino acids (those NOT synthesized by humans) and non-essential amino acids (those synthesized by humans).
Antioxidant--A substance, such as beta-carotene, that inhibits oxidation, or reactions promoted by oxygen.
Coenzyme--A non-protein compound that is the active form of an enzyme unit
Diuretics--An agent that increases the excretion of urine in the body.
EDTA--an anticoagulant, thinning agent, that is used in the treatment of lead poisoning.
Essential Minerals--Minerals that are not absorbed through the diet.
Free Radicals--During the oxidation process, cells become unstable, leading to the presence of free radicals, causing great cellular damage; use of antioxidants, like beta-carotene, helps fight free radicals.
Glucose tolerance factor--A measurement of glucose levels in the blood and urine given during a system of fasting to determine the body's ability to handle glucose.
Glutathione peroxidase--An enzyme that is dependent upon selenium at the active site of use in the body for oxidation processes; may be linked to jaundice.
Hypoch mic anemia--A condition of a disproportionate reduction of red blood cells which can be acquired from iron deficiency.
Krebs Cycle intermediates--Agents in the sequence of reactions in a living organism that provides energy for storage in phosphate bonds.
Osteoporosis--A thinning of bone tissue caused by gradual bone loss over a long period of time. Osteoporosis produces dry, brittle bones that may easily crack or collapse. Approximately 1 out of every 2 women is at high risk for developing osteoporosis.
Pallor-Pale skin tone.
Rickets--A bone disorder signified by an interruption of development, often caused by deficiencies or malabsorption of Vitamin D, calcium, and/or phosphorus, as well as any metabolic and hormonal abnormalities.
Succimer--An agent used in the treatment and disposal of heavy metal (toxin) poisoning in the body.
Super-oxide Dismutase--An enzyme that protects cells against the dangerous levels of superoxide, a free radical, which attack during oxidation of particular cells, organs.
Toxicity--An excess level of an element or substance.
Trace Minerals--An element found in small quantities in the body.
Tyrosine--An amino acid found in most proteins and is a precursor of thyroid hormones.
Ulcerative Colitis--A recurrent ulcer that occurs in the colon. Symptoms include abdominal pain, rectal bleeding and discharges.
References: Minerals
1. Peraza MA, et al. Effects of micronutrients on metal toxicity. Environ Health Perspect 1998; 106(Suppl. 1):203-16.
2. Jansson B. Dietary, total body, and intracellular potassium-to-sodium ratios and their influence on cancer. Cancer Detect Prevent 1991; 14:563-5.
3. Khaw KT and Barrett-Connor E. Dietary potassium and stroke-associated mortality. N EngI J Med 1987; 316:235-40.
4. Block G. Dietary guidelines and the results of food consumption surveys. Am J Clin Nutt 1991; 53:356S-357S.
5. Brown ML (ed.). Present Knowledge in Nutrition, 6th Edition. International Life Sciences Institute. Nutrition Foundation. Washington, DC, 1990
6. National Research Council. Diet and Health. Implications for Reducing Chronic Disease Risk. National Academy Press, Washington, D.C., 1989.
7. Shenkin A. Micronutrients and outcome. Nutrition 1997; 13:825-8.
8. Mertz W. Chromium in human nutrition: A review. J Nutt 1993;123:626--33.
9. Costello RB, et al. A review of magnesium intake in the elderly. A cause for concern? Magnes Res. 1992; 5:61-7.
10. Bogden JD, et al. Zinc and immunocompetence in the elderly: baseline data on zinc nutriture and immunity in unsupplemented subjects. Am J Clin Nutt 1987; 46:101-9.
11. Morley JE. Nutritional status of the elderly. Am J Med 1986; 81:679-95.
12. Lindberg JS, et al. Magnesium bioavailability from magnesium citrate and magnesium oxide. J Am Coll Nutr 1990; 9:48-55.
References: Toxins
1. Foo S, Khoo N, et al. Metals in hair as biological indices for exposure. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 1993; 65:S83-S86.
2. Muir M. Current controversies in the diagnosis and treatment of heavy metal toxicity. Altern Comp Ther 1997; June: 170-8.
3. Rutter M and Russell-Jones R (eds). Lead versus Health: Sources and Effects of Low Level Lead Exposure. John Wiley, New York, NY, 1983.
4. Yost KJ. Cadmium, the environment and human health: an overview. Experentia 1984; 40:157-64.
5. Nation JR, et al. Dietary administration of nickel: Effects on behaviour and metallothionein levels. Physiol Behavior 1985; 34:349-
6., Editorial: Toxicologic consequences of oral aluminum. Nutrition Reviews 1987; 45:72-4.
7. Marlowe M, et al. Hair mineral content as a predictor of learning disabilities. J Learn Disabil 1977; 17:418-421.
8. Pihl R and Parkes M. Hair element content in learning disabled children. Science 1977; 198:204-6.
9. Rimland B and Larson 0. Hair mineral analysis and behavior: An analysis of 51 studies. J Learn Disabil 1983; 16:279-285.
10. Benignus V, et al. Effects of age and body lead burden on CNS function in young children. EEG spectra. EEG and Clin Neurophys 1981; 52:240-
11. Minder B, et al. Exposure to lead and specific attentional problems in schoolchildren. J Learn Disabil 1994; 27:393-393.
12. Thatcher R, et al. Effects of low levels of cadmium and lead on cognitive functioning in children. Arch Environ Health 1982;37:159-
13. Tuthill R. Hair lead levels related to children's classroom attentiondeficit behavior. Arch Environ Health 1996; 51:214-20.
14. Moon C and Marlow M. Hair-aluminum concentrations and Nowack R, et al. Lead and hypertension. Contrib Nephrol 1992; 100:25-34.
16. Pierkle JL, et al. The relationship between blood lead levels and blood pressure and its cardiovascular risk implications. Am J Epid 1985;121:246-58.
17. Vivoli G, et al. Interaction between cadmium and some biochemical parameters involved with human hypertension. Heavy Met Environ Int 4th Conf 1983; 1:545-548.
18. Peraza MA, et al. Effects of micronutrients on metal toxicity. Environ Health Perspect 1998; 106(Suppl. 1):203-16.
19. Flora SJS, et al. Protective role of trace metals in lead intoxication. Toxicology Letters 1982; 13:51-6.
20. Hsu HS, et al. Interaction of dietary calcium with toxic levels of lead and zinc in pigs. J Nutrit 1975; 105:112-68.
21. Petering HG. Some observations on the interaction of zinc, copper, and iron metabolism in lead and cadmium toxicity. Environ HealthPerspect 1978; 25:141-5.
22. Papaioannou R, Sohler A and Pfeiffer CC. Reduction of blood lead levels in battery workers by zinc and vitamin C. J Orthomol Psychiatry 1978; 7:94-106.
23. Flora SJS, Singh S and Tandon SK. Role of selenium in protection against lead intoxication. Acta Pharmacol et Toxicol 1983; 53:28-32.
24. Tandem SK, et al. Vitamin B complex in treatment of cadmium intoxication. Annals Clin Lab Sci 1984; 14:487-92.
25. Bratton GR, et al. Thiamin (vitamin BI) effects on lead intoxication and deposition of lead in tissue. Therapeutic potential. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 1981; 59:164-72.
26. Flora SJS, Singh S and Tandem SK. Prevention of lead intoxication by vitamin B complex. Z Ges Hyg 1984; 30:409-11.
27. Ballatori N and Clarkson TW Dependence of biliary excretion of inorganic mercury on the biliary transport of glutathione. Biochem Pharmacol 1984; 33:1093-8.
28. Murakami M and Webb MA. A morphological and biochemical study of the effects of L-cysteine on the renal uptake and nephrotoxicity of cadmium. Br J Exp Pathol 1981; 62:115-30.
29. Cha CW A study on the effect of garlic to the heavy metal poisoning of rat. J Korean Med Sci 1987; 2:213-23.
30. Miller A. Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), a non-toxic, water-soluble treatment for heavy metal toxicity. Alt Medicine Review 1998; 3:199-
31. Graziano JH. Role of 2,3-meso-dimercaptosuccinic acid in the treatment of heavy metal poisoning. Med Tox 1986; 1:155-
32. Lorscheider F, Vimy M, et al. Mercury exposure from "silver" tooth fillings: emerging evidence questions a traditional dental paradigm. FASEB J 1995; 9:504-08.
33. Ekstrand J, et al. Toxicological aspects on the release and systemic uptake of mercury from dental amalgam. Eur J Oral Sci 1998; 106:678-686.
34. Siblerus R and Kienhotz E. Evidence that mercury from silver dental fillings may be an etiological factor in multiple sclerosis. Sci Total Environ 1994; 142:191-205.
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