HTMA is gaining popularity in the natural health world, but using it in a “holistic” manner isn’t as common as you’d think. Many are still stuck with the synthetic supplements and allopathic thinking, and many more don’t even get proper training with HTMA- they just use the printout they get from the lab with the generic recommendations on there. I got SO much hate and disrespect from other practitioners when I started to question things too, but I just knew that there needed to be a different way of doing things that made more sense.

Reading an HTMA is not like a blood test. Meaning, high levels don’t always mean high, and low levels don’t always mean you need to add more of that nutrient in. It is meant to be viewed as a whole- the levels, the ratios, and the person that is being tested. The value is in the interpretation you get from a qualified practitioner.

What is HTMA and what does it test for

The Main Ratios

The Main Minerals: Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, and Potassium

The Next 4 Main Minerals: Zinc, Copper, Phosphorus, and Iron

The Other Minerals on HTMA

Heavy Metals

My Remedies and Protocols

Other Information (Blood tests and other helpful tests)

You can view the entire curriculum here

Minerals that HTMA tests for:

• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Sodium
• Potassium
• Copper
• zinc
• phosphorus
• iron
• manganese
• chromium
• cobalt
• boron
• selenium
• sulfur
• molybdenum
• and 14 trace minerals including lithium and germanium

Heavy metals:

• Antimony
• Uranium
• Mercury
• Arsenic
• Aluminum
• Lead
• Cadmium
• Beryllium

With all of these mineral levels, we can get an idea on these issues based on the ratios between the minerals:

• Metabolic Rate/ Nervous system health: Calcium/Phosphorus
• Vitality, Adrenals, and Life/Death Ratio: Sodium/Potassium
• Thyroid : Calcium/Potassium
• Hormone (Estrogen/testosterone/progesterone): Zinc/Copper
• Adrenals: Sodium/Magnesium
• Blood Sugar/Cardiovascular Health: Calcium/Magnesium
• Underlying infection ratio: Iron/Copper

Minerals are needed for millions of enzymes as co-factors, inhibitors or even as the enzyme themselves. Enzymes are what keeps our bodies running. When we are low on minerals or if they are imbalanced, our bodies cannot physically function correctly. We look at the whole picture with HTMA- levels, ratios, and the person’s individual symptoms.

I wrote this entire post for resources that show the importance of minerals. They are need for hormones, energy levels, adrenals, thyroid, colon, brain, muscles, joints, and literally every part of our bodies. Mineral deficiencies are at the root of nearly all major chronic illnesses these days, and they are essential to work on for every single person.

Blood, saliva, urine, and stool samples are only able to show that exact moment in time that they were tested. They are a snapshot of what is going on, and they can change significantly within minutes or hours. A hair sample shows us about 3-4 months of time so it gives a MUCH better view on how you are using your minerals.

Because of this time frame, it is easier to manage plans and protocols. Testing every 3-4 months is a long enough time to start seeing changes in symptoms, and when we’re retesting we’re able to adjust the plan when needed so healing becomes more streamlined. HTMA is not a test for 1 time use- things can change quickly when you are starting a plan, and external factors can start to change results too (especially stress!).

For those with the ability to get your own lab account I highly recommend TEI, but ARL is also good.  You should be able to start your own HTMA consulting with your own account.

*Please keep in mind that some states/countries have restrictions on who can order HTMAs. For example, in the USA, New York state does not allow HTMA (as well as many other health related tests). Check with the labs to see if you are able to order from them first. The labs are pretty lenient with who can open an account with them too, so I recommend calling or emailing them to find out if you qualify. This course is best for those that are already health practitioners of some sort, or for those that really just want to learn more about minerals even if you don’t plan on starting a practice of your own.

I highly recommend doing some more holistic nutrition courses as well to further your knowledge in this area. Never stop learning!