"Hi there, just wondering if the test identifies allergies and foods to avoid, thanks"
Thanks for your question about the ARL Laboratories Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) test.
I want to clarify that HTMA, including the ARL one, doesn't accurately identify allergies or specific foods to avoid. This holds true across all HTMA tests worldwide, regardless of the technology used. Claims made by some HTMA tests to identify allergies aren't supported by scientifically verifiable evidence, such as published, peer-reviewed papers.
It's interesting to note that many of these tests usually suggest avoiding common foods containing gluten and lactose. When a person reduces or removes foods containing these substances, they are, by default, reducing their dietary sugar intake. While reducing sugar in the diet can generally make everyone feel better — improvements after such dietary changes don't validate the accuracy of HTMA allergy tests in identifying true food allergies.
For reliable allergy testing, methods that directly test for allergens, such as skin prick tests, are recommended. These are the only types of tests that can accurately determine your specific allergies.
However, it's important to mention that the ARL HTMA test is extremely valuable for other reasons. It effectively assesses the function of vital organs like the liver, kidneys, pancreas, gall-bladder, and digestive tract. It also provides insights into the levels of essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, and zinc, which are crucial for protecting against allergies by maintaining cellular balance.
Additionally, the ARL HTMA is a reliable indicator of adrenal and thyroid health, both of which play significant roles in your body's ability to defend against allergens. The ARL HTMA is a test that helps identify the organ support and nutrient requirements for healthy digestion and a robust immune system. This will strengthen resistance to allergens and conditions such as candida overgrowth, asthma, rhinitis, and eczema. Unlike direct allergy tests, the ARL HTMA focuses on overall health and wellness rather than just identifying specific allergens. It does help us identify the foods you might benefit from avoiding, reducing, or increasing in their diet. However, it doesn't tell us if a person is allergic to a particular food or substance. Other tests do that.
Here's a good example of the amazing benefits that come from paying patient and detailed attention to identifying, and then remedying the underlying root causes of an allergy: https://www.garymoller.com/post/2017/04/18/she-did-not-want-anyone-to-see-her-face
I hope this clarifies the capabilities of the ARL HTMA test and helps you understand the best options for allergy testing.