• Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) – this test gives a good overall insight into mineral deficiencies and excesses as well as giving clues about adrenal health (stress response), thyroid and gut health, and. It also looks at range of heavy metals such as arsenic that can interfere with the absorption of nutrients. This test is performed using a small amount of hair sample.
• Organic Acid Test (OAT) – this test is sourced from Regenerus in the UK. It is then analysed by Great Plains Laboratory in the US. It shows candida levels, oxalates (which are natural chemicals in foods that can increase inflammation), neurotransmitters (brain hormones), bacteria, mitochondria markers (needed for energy) B vitamins and much more. This test is a urine sample.
• Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus (GI-MAP) – this test is through Nordic Labs and is a one-off stool sample. It reports levels of a range of different gut bacteria (good & bad bacteria such as streptococcus, staphylococcus etc), yeast (e.g. candida), parasites; H-Pylori plus markers for inflammation, immune and digestive function.
• MaxFunction (DNA) – we offer the MaxFunction test from MaxGen Labs. Genetic tests provide a blueprint for the rest of your life, you will never need to re-run the test. In our analysis we cross reference genetic tests with regular tests such as hair mineral and OAT tests to see what is currently expressing (as different genes can be ‘turned off or on’).

This is a good question. Each test gives different clues as to what the root causes of health problems are so in an ideal world we would run a range of tests prior to analysis and recommendations. However some clients may wish to do one test at a time and slowly build up their nutritional plan. Each test we run gives more clues, so sometimes one test is plenty to get started. Others may want to do several tests at once and have a comprehensive view on the analysis and recommendations at the start. We are happy to work alongside our clients however they feel most comfortable.

You don’t need to stop supplements before completing any of the tests, however if you are doing the OAT, please see a couple of supplements below that are best to stop prior to testing. Probiotics don’t need to be stopped before any testing as it gives a baseline to see if the supplements you are currently taking are effective.

• GI-MAP: clients should avoid aspirin or NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen) 72 hours before taking the stool sample.
• OAT: Please avoid apples, pears, grapes, raisins and any products that include these (e.g. fruit juice, biscuits that contain raisins) 24 hours before taking the sample. Please stop vitamin C 24 hours before the test as well. Avoid arabinogalactan, echinacea, reishi mushrooms, and ribose supplements for 48 hours before collection.

We have some clients who prefer to be off antibiotics a couple of weeks before running the GI-MAP/OAT, particularly if your child is only on a short course of antibiotics. However, we have many clients who are on antibiotics and run these tests, so either option is fine.

The hair test kit comes with instructions, so do read these before completing the sample. Here are a few more of our own:

• The hair sample should be of hair that is untreated with any kind of dye (or other chemical treatment), nor should it have gel, hairspray or any kind of oil on it.
• Just wash the hair like usual, once it is dry, take the sample (ideally, straight after the hair is dry, but up to 4 hours if necessary)
• Ideally no oily shampoo or those with minerals like zinc should be used just before cutting the hair sample. Many just use a baby shampoo.
• Use clean (e.g. stainless steel) scissors to cut the sample.
• The sample ideally should come from a few locations – most take from the nape of the neck or from a spot where no one would notice the hair being gone. Alternatively, you can save the clippings from the back of the head, particularly for males or if they have short hair.
• There are several video’s on YouTube on cutting the sample. A couple of examples are here and here.

• HTMA: Please pay Mineral Check direct for this test, full payment details are provided on the sample envelope (please include your credit or debit card number, expiry date etc). Plus an email address.
• OAT test: Please pay Regnerus direct for this test, payment is required before they send the sample out to you. Please check your junk folder, as often the email from Regenerus for the order goes in there.
• GI-MAP test: We will invoice you for the cost of the test when the test is booked.
• Genetic Testing: You will need to pay independently for postage to the US and the cost of the test (directly with the lab).

We ask for payment via Bank transfer if possible. With all tests, we will send an invoice to you with money due before the consultation. We ask for payment for all our services at least 24 hours before the consultation.

• HTMA test: Results take approximately 3-4 working weeks to come back once the lab have reached the sample.
• OAT tests/GI-MAP: Results can take up to 4 weeks.
• Genetic tests: Once received by the lab in the US, these results can take up to 5 weeks.

We schedule the test analysis and your consultation only after we have received the results for all of the tests you have ordered. We would therefore encourage you to send the test samples back to the labs as soon as possible after you receive the test kits.

Please be assured that we will analyse your tests and book your consultation appointment as soon as we can. Usually turnaround is no more than 2 weeks, but we will only be able to give you an indication of the expected appointment date after we have received all of your test results, plus your completed health questionnaire.

Prior to your first consultation we will ask you to complete a confidential questionnaire for your child or yourself. Please email the completed form to us at least a week before the consultation. We will review this thoroughly prior to your first consultation. The questionnaire gives us a great deal of information about the client (in conjunction with the results) and also helps get the most out of the time on the consultation.

Initial appointments prior to booking tests are available, however we do not insist on clients having an initial consultation prior to booking tests.

In the majority of cases the first consultation is only booked in once the client’s test results are received. Prior to the first consultation we review your questionnaire, analyse test results and create a customised nutritional plan.  These will then be discussed during the call.  Expect a first consultation to last for 1-1.5 hours depending on the complexity of the client’s condition.

The analysis will be emailed to you before the consultation and the nutritional plan will be sent up to 24 hours after the consultation.

You are welcome to book a follow up consultation only (no testing), we have various options if you would like to retest, including lower priced options if you have already worked with me. Please see our pricing documents for more details.

We would ask that previous medical tests are summarised in the medical history section of the questionnaire. Please note you are welcome to send copies of other tests however they will not be fully analysed. Only the results of tests that you order through us will be fully analysed.

Our plans are usually suitable for between eight and ten months.

Our plans are usually suitable for between eight to twelve months. During this time, you are welcome to book in an additional follow up consultation if you wish. I then usually suggest a retest to assess progress and change plans accordingly.

Regularly adjusting the plan is an important aspect of my work, as this allows me to gradually build and layer up the clients programme to maximise success.

Hair is a tissue, just like the skin, muscles, nerves and internal organs such as the heart, liver and brain. Like other body tissues, hair contains minerals that are deposited as it grows. The HTMA test represents the mineral levels in the majority of soft tissues in the body. If we have mineral imbalances in the hair test, it usually indicates that there is mineral imbalance within the body.

Hair is a tissue and gives an insight into the metabolic processes happening inside our cells (intracellular). Which is where all the important things happen! Whereas blood is a transport system, so is a good measure of what’s happening outside out cells (extracellular).

Fixing minerals doesn’t happen overnight. I prefer the slow and steady route which can achieve longer-term benefits. If you keep going with the program over time, you will see benefits. The body can take time. Children can sometimes respond faster, as they have less to heal, compared to adults.

Some clients suspect they have a low thyroid issue. If their blood tests for thyroid function are within the “normal” range. It is commonly concluded that they don’t have a thyroid problem. Yet, they still experience thyroid related symptoms.

When we would look at the HTMA profiles of these individuals, quite often, the minerals that are considered to represent thyroid activity (Calcium and potassium) are imbalanced (i.e. a high level of calcium and low potassium). This suggests that the HTMA is a good tool to use to detect thyroid issues.

Compared to other tests, the HTMA is not an expensive option, this makes retests a viable option to ensure we keep an eye on your progress. Any necessary adjustments to supplement needs/doses can be tweaked then if needed. It is recommended to recheck every 6-8 months.