Understanding 'Fast' and 'Slow' Metabolic Typing on the Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis

Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) is commonly recognised as a nutritional and heavy metal screening test. However, its usefulness extends beyond this initial utility. Many conditions have underlying metabolic disturbances which involve the neuroendocrine system and these metabolic disturbances can contribute to nutritional imbalances.

Dr David L.Watts has studied over 200,000 HTMA reports and identified patterns which serve as inferential models in evaluating body mineral ratio stores, cellular metabolic rates and metabolic types but may also be indicative of endocrine relationships.

Today there is greater recognition and acceptance of the fact that metabolic individuality exists. There are distinctive signs that distinguish fast and slow metabolisers. The magnitude of difference between the various element levels is indicative of the degree of trace element imbalances, endocrine activity and the length of time the pattern has been present.

The smiley face in the centre of the seesaw represents the "ideal" metabolic type, perfectly balanced and optimally functioning. Unfortunately, the perfect metabolic type does not exist, as our bodies are constantly trying to balance themselves in an effort to maintain homeostasis. The seesaw depicted shows Slow 1 and Fast 1 sitting closest to the smiley face; the further away from the mid-line of the seesaw, the more out of balance our health may be.

Fast Metabolic Type

The term "fast metaboliser" is functionally synonymous with sympathetic dominance. They are fast oxidisers whose thyroid and adrenal glands work overtime, accelerating cellular metabolic activity. A by-product of this increased workload is profuse body heat. Fast metabolisers usually feel warm and may perspire very easily; even eating a meal can cause this person to break into a sweat. Excessive sympathetic nervous system activity increases the availability of glucose for rapid metabolism via epinephrine release from the adrenal medulla. Fast types are typically intellectual individuals, but often their mental activity is un-directed and they tend to jump from subject to subject while taking on more projects than they can handle. They are often hyperactive and have a difficult time winding down. If their metabolism becomes excessively overactive they may be easily agitated.