PROGRAM MODIFICATIONS

 FOR HAIR ANALYSIS INTERPRETATIONS FROM THE ARL LAB COMPUTER

By Lawrence Wilson, MD

© June 2008, The Center For Development

 

         I strongly recommend using Analytical Research Laboratories or ARL for hair tissue mineral testing.  They are the most reliable, accurate lab for this testing.  Also, their interpretation and dietary suggestions are the best I have seen.  I am biased, however, as I helped write their interpretation and diet profiles, as they call them.

         Although I am an outside consultant for the lab with no other financial interest in the company, I do not control the computer-generated test recommendations, especially for the supplement programs. 

Hence the need for this article.  It greaves me that ARL does always follow my enlightened instructions, but I am only one of many resources at the lab.

         The following are the changes I would recommend, in general, to their programs.  I also assist doctors and others to interpret the hair analyses.  This can be done by calling me with a hair chart at (928) 445-7690.

 

PROGRAM CHANGES FROM THE CURRENT ARL COMPUTER INTERPRETATION PROGRAM

 

         I recommend changing several recommendations from the computer-generated supplement programs from Analytical Research Labs.  The following is divided into changes for all programs, followed by specifics for fast and slow oxidizers and a few other situations.

 

ADDITIONAL OPTIONAL PRODUCTS FOR EVERYONE

 

1. EPA-DHA 300  (or some type of omega-3-rich oils) – Add 1-1-1 for all slow oxidizers and 2-2-2 for all fast oxidizers.  

Everyone needs essential fatty acids today.  This is not really an optional product for many people today.  All childrenÕs programs especially need this product or a liquid form of it.

         Exception: Omit if the patient eats oily fish twice each week.  This means salmon or sardines only.  I do not recommend adult tuna, though it is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids.  Its mercury content is too high, though occasional use is okay.

 

2. Paramin – Give Extra In These Conditions:

a. A Calcium Shell. Dr. Eck believed in giving more Paramin (usually 2-2-2) if the calcium level was over about 150 mg%.  Often the patient has anxiety and the extra calcium and magnesium in this product helps a relieve it.

b. Low calcium and magnesium levels, especially a calcium level less than 12 mg% or a magnesium level less than 3 mg%.  The dose could be increased to 2-2-2 or 1-2-3 if 2-2-2 makes the person too sleepy.

         c. Muscle Cramps or Muscle Tightness.

d. Anxiety, nervousness, irritability. More is fine at any time of the day or night.

e. Insomnia or trouble sleeping.    More at supper and at night, even in the middle of the night, is most helpful for many people.  Too much just causes diarrhea and is not very toxic at all.

Exception: Omit or reduce Paramin during the day if it makes the patient too sleepy. Instead, give more at night such as 1-2-3 or even more if needed for anxiety or irritability.  it is not ideal, but is a practical matter.

 

3. MCHC – Replace Paramin in the programs with MCHC if a patient is over the age of 50, especially women.  MCHC is specifically for building strong bones.

Dosage: Give 1-1-1 or 1-1-2 MCHC instead of an equal number of Paramin tablets. 

Add Magnesium (1-0-1) when using MCHC to balance the calcium/magnesium ratio.

         Note: If the patient is taking more than 3 or 4 Paramins daily, only replace three or four of them.  Keep the rest as they may be better than more MCHC for some people.

 

4.  Endo-pan or Zinc – Give more if the sodium/potassium ratio is greater than about 6:1.  Dr. Eck always gave more zinc to those with a high ratio of sodium/potassium, regardless of the zinc reading on the hair analysis chart.  The computer program was changed after his death.  It now only recommends up to 1-1-1 Endo-Pan regardless of how extreme is the Na/K ratio.

Dosage Changes: If the sodium/potassium ratio is between 6 and 10, add 1 Zinc tablet daily.  If the ratio is between 10 and 25, add 1-0-1 Zinc.  If the ratio is greater than 25 or so, add 1-1-1 Zinc.  One could use only Endo-pan instead of adding the Zinc product.  However,Endo-pan contains a lot of pantothenic acid.  This is why combining it with some zinc is generally best.

 

5. Limcomin – Give more when the sodium/potassium ratio is less than 1:1 or if there is a double inversion (low calcium-/magnesium ratio along with a low sodium/potassium ratio).

The computer only gives up to 2-2-2 Limcomin, which is fine for most situations.  However, give one large-size bottle of Limcomin at a dosage of 3-3-3 if:

a. sodium/potassium ratio is less than 1:1

b. sodium/potassium ratio between 2.5:1 and 1:1 and calcium/magnesium ratio less than 4

The computer may also limit Limcomin to prevent giving too much natural vitamin A.  I have never had a problem with natural vitamin A that is contained in this product.  Therefore, I see no reason not to increase the Limcomin at the times specified above.

 

6. Renamide 2-2-2 and Selenase 1-1-1 for mercury, cadmium and nickel, and possibly for other toxic metals revealed on the hair test.  Renamide is an excellent kidney formula that supports the elimination of all toxic metals, particularly those that tend to accumulate in the kidneys.

 

7. Vitamin D3 - 1000 iu or more daily, especially in the wintertime.  This may be in the form of vitamin D3 capsules or cod liver oil by mouth.  Research indicates that most everyone would benefit from more vitamin D in the wintertime, at least, and all year if one does not get much sun exposure.

 

8. GB-3.  I prefer this dietary aid for use with everyone unless it causes diarrhea or severe intestinal cramping.  The ARL computer recommends it most of the time. There are many reasons for this.  Read about GB-3 by clicking here.

         You may give Enz-aid or better, Betaine Hcl-pepsin as secondary digestive aids or as the primary one if GB-3 is not tolerated well.  Eventually, give GB-3, if possible, to everyone.

 

9. Ova-adren – Replace with Thyro-complex.  This replacement is because the computer currently recommends Ova-adren in some cases of PMS or menopausal symptoms.  However, I have found that Thyro-complex works almost as well.

         The problem with Ova-adren, a product designed to increase estrogen production, is its high copper content which upsets some peopleÕs bodies.  It also contains herbs that are somewhat toxic for a few people.

Therefore, I suggest trying Thyro-complex first at a dosage of 2-2-2 before adding Ova-adren, a good product but not one to use at first. Most cases of menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes will respond to enough Thyro-complex in younger women.

In women over 45, however, they may need other support such as adding boron, 3 mg, at 1 to 3 daily for a few days or even less.

Lifestyle is also critical for menopausal symptoms   More rest and sleep can be excellent as well, along with an excellent diet and a low-stress lifestyle.

 

10. I omit Endo-C-1000, Endo A-C, Super Vital E, Pyridox and Magnesium in almost all cases.

         Although Dr. Eck recommended these in most cases, they add many tablets and I think they are less useful.  Most of these nutrients are in Megapan and other Metabolic Paks.

 

CHANGES FOR ALL CHILDRENÕS PROGRAMS

 

         ChildrenÕs supplement programs are often done by hand by the lab staff because of the difficulty in dosing for children.  This is a specialty area that is not always easy to judge by a computer or a consultant who is unfamiliar with the situation.  Here are some guidelines that I recommend you follow:

 

1. I do not use Endomins (childrenÕs chewable multiple) unless there is a great need for zinc and little need for copper.  Endomins is rather unbalanced with excessive zinc for small children.  It can be balanced with other products, by adding copper.  However, this is not done often enough.

         Therefore, I usually use adult products in very small doses for children.  Since the laboratory is receiving more and more childrenÕs hair samples, I hope they will eventually have a line of liquid or tablet products for children.

 

2. ChildrenÕs dosages follow the same rules as for adults, only with smaller amounts of all products.  Use the childÕs weight as your primary guide.  For example, if an average adult is 150 pounds, then for a 30 pound infant one would use about 1/5 of the dosage.  Often, however, children can handle higher doses than those indicated strictly by their weight, so err on the high side, rather than on the low side with most children. 

         Children often tolerate supplements very well dissolved in sweet or tangy foods such as nut butters, tomato sauce, yogurt, cheese or in soups.

         We usually omit a digestive aid for children, as they have a strong taste.  Usually, children do well with only two supplement dosages daily.  Often I use only about three products for most children with excellent success.

 

PROGRAM CHANGES FOR SLOW OXIDIZERS

 

1. Use Megapan all the time instead of Hi-B.  The ARL computer used to give Megapan to all slow oxidizers.  This was changed after Dr. EckÕs death.  At present, some slow oxidizers receive Hi-B instead.  Megapan, however, is preferable in my view.  It contains far more nutrients, is less stimulating and was a very intentional design by Dr. Eck.

Dosage: Use 2-2-2 except:

a. Use less in the evening if Megapan interferes with rest and sleep.  This is most likely with those who have a sympathetic dominance pattern.  Omit entirely in the evening or give 3-2-1 if the product keeps a person awake.

b) With sympathetic dominance pattern (potassium between 1 and 4 mg%) use only 1-1-1.

 

Exceptions.  You may give Hi-B along with Megapan if:

a) The calcium/potassium ratio is greater than 200:1.

b) The NaK ratio is less than 1:1

c) A patient is extremely exhausted, and moreso if a patient is suicidally depressed (see below under Special Cases).

 

2. Substitute Thyro-complex (2-2-2 or 3-2-1) for Endo-dren if the potassium level is less than 5 mg%.  This is an important modification that I hope will be incorporated into the ARL computer soon.  Sympathetic dominant individuals have a potassium level between 1 and 4 mg%.  They are usually Òwound upÓ or very active.  Giving them Endo-dren (or too much Megapan) can reduce healing or even make them worse.

This is a change I discovered since Dr. EckÕs death in 1996.  Read about sympathetic dominance in a separate article by clicking here.

        

3. Omit Endo-dren if you give Thyro-complex, in general.  See above.  Also, the computer sometimes recommends both products.  They are both excellent, but both are rarely needed at the same time.  Also using both adds cost and many more tablets.

 

4. Kelp – Add To All Programs as an optional product.  Kelp is a wonderful source of all minerals, including iodine, a widely deficient element thanks to chlorine, bromine and fluoride exposure.  Kelp will help correct a low thyroid condition faster than any other product in most cases and is very cost-effective as well.

The only drawback of kelp is its high toxic metal content.  However, it contains significant alginates that can usually bind to the toxic metals are prevent them from being absorbed into the body.

Kelp is available at most health stores and comes in capsules, granules or tablets.  Capsules are the easiest way to take them at a dosage of two or three daily with breakfast and lunch, in particular.  If tablets are used, one must take about 4-4-3. Alternatively, take 1 teaspoon or so of granules daily mixed in food.  Kelp may be cooked as well, if desired.

Exceptions:

1. Omit or reduce kelp if the patient feels jittery or nervous on the product.

2. Omit for those with a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism.  This occurs commonly in slow oxidizers and is discussed in Chapter 10.

3. Do not take with the evening meal if kelp interferes with rest and sleep.  This is most common in those with sympathetic dominant patterns on hair analyses. 

4. Thyroid hormone medication may have to be reduced if taking kelp with it causes nervousness or other symptoms of excessive thyroid activity.

 

PROGRAM CHANGES FOR FAST OXIDIZERS

 

1. Endo-C-1000 – Eliminate Completely.  This is not needed or helpful in most cases.  Dr. Paul Eck stated many times not to give high doses of vitamin C to fast oxidizers.  This recommendation was changed after Dr. EckÕs passing.

        

2. Thym-adren is optional in most cases.  Thym-adren is the glandular product for fast oxidizers.  It is recommended in all cases of fast oxidation.  However, it does not seem to be as needed as the glandular products for slow oxidizers, in my experience.  I often delete it in favor of other products that appear more important.  These include fish oil, Selenase, Renamide and others.

         You may omit Thym-adren most of the time unless the patient is very tired or quite unstable or very ill.

 

CHANGES FOR THE FOUR LOW ELECTROLYTE PATTERN

 

Dr. Paul EckÕs original concept for this difficult pattern of body chemistry consists of ONLY:

1. Paramin 3-3-3

2. Endo-pan 2-2-2 if the sodium/potassium ratio is greater than 2.5:1 or Limcomin 2-2-2 or 3-3-3 if the sodium/potassium ratio is less than 2.5:1.

3. GB3 (work up to 3-3-3 or Enz-aid, 2-2-2 if GB-3 is not tolerated.  Betaine Hcl-pepsin would be okay, but not quite as good.

4. Taurine at 2-2-2.

 

SPECIAL CASES NOT IN THE COMPUTER

 

1.  Severe Depression – Add Hi-B or MORE Megapan.

You may always give some extra B-complex to anyone who is severely depressed and possibly suicidal.  This is mainly to protect the patient and the practitioner in the very rare case that a person harms himself or others.  B-complex can relieve the stress the depressed person feels.

Dosage: Use more Megapan, up to 4-4-4 or Hi-B 1-1-1 (even in fast oxidizers, but only with severe depression). High doses of vitamin C, might also help in a depression-related crisis. 

St. JohnÕs Wort may also be helpful in some cases of severe depression, though most research indicates it is best for mild to moderate depression.

 

A FEW OTHER PROGRAM IDEAS

 

Number of Tablets. If possible, I like to keep the number of supplement tablets or capsules to under about 30 per day.  Too many increase the cost and make the program less convenient as well.  In most cases, more are not needed.

If the program seems too complex or costly, have the person begin with just two doses daily.  One dose daily may also be used, but will not provide as good results in almost all cases.  Some patients are extremely sensitive and require many fewer supplements.  Fewer doses per day are usually better than omitting important products unless one cannot tolerate a product at all. 

Sensitivity to a product is rare, but does occur.  If you suspect this, have the person take one product at a time, adding another product every third day or so to find which one may be causing a problem.  Then perhaps a substitute can be found or the product can be omitted.

 

Additional Methods.  I use three significant adjunctive therapies at this time.  They help enormously to improve the results of the nutritional balancing program.  They may be added to most programs:

 

1. Sauna therapy.  Everyone except children under about age 5 and perhaps those over about 80 can benefit from sauna therapy.  Begin with 20 minutes once per day.  Slow oxidizers usually tolerate the sauna very well and can use it twice daily for 20 minutes each session.  Four lows may have a tougher time in a few cases.  Once a day is enough for fast oxidizers and those who are very debilitated.

The best times to use a sauna are first thing in the morning and/or last thing in the evening before bed.

Among the types of saunas, the near infrared lamp sauna is the best, in our experience, with the far infrared type second best.  Ideally, every home should have one.

The traditional sauna found in gyms and health clubs is not too helpful.  The temperature must be high so it is less comfortable and it does not penetrate the skin, though it may be relaxing.

The cost of building an excellent lamp sauna is several hundred dollars.  We also offer a very basic one for $579.00 at this time, including shipping in the continental US.  Read more about saunas on this site at Sauna Therapy.

 

2. Coffee enemas.  These are the fastest and most powerful detoxifiers of the liver and colon, both organs that are in need of a lot of work in almost everyone.  I have tremendous experience with them over 25 years. They have been safe and powerful and very cost-effective. See Detoxification Procedures for instructions.   

Colon-cleansing of all kinds is also excellent, but far more costly since one must go to a trained colonic therapist.  For this reason we prefer the coffee enema done at home, about once daily if possible or more if one feels very toxic or is in a healing reaction, as we call it when toxins are coming out and one does not feel well as a result.

 

         3. The Meditation-Observation Exercise.  This is a very simple, but very powerful meditation exercise.  It is good for most anyone.  Children and teens, though, usually wonÕt do it with enough regularity to make it worthwhile.

         I would recommend it daily for 1 hour or more, preferably in two half-hour sessions in the morning and later in the day.  It is available on our website on a compact disc for $9.00 plus shipping.

         Its many benefits and effects on oneÕs life are described in a separate article by clicking here Meditation.  The changes occur slowly so one needs to practice it daily.  This is its only disadvantage as some discipline is required.

 

WHY I CONTINUE TO PREFER ANALYTICAL RESEARCH LABS AND THEIR PRODUCTS

 

1. ARL is one of only two labs worldwide that I am aware of that does not wash the hair at the laboratory.  This is critical for our hair analysis interpretation.

 

2. The lab chemist, Dr. Russell Maderash, is a very competent director and a stickler for accuracy.

 

3. ARL is the only lab I am aware of that prints ÒidealÓ or ÒnormalÓ values on the hair analysis chart.  The others only print ideal or normal ranges of minerals. 

Although one or two adjustment to the ideals are needed, the use of ideal or normal values is an important part of this work.  It is quite vital for the interpretation of the test.

 

4. ARL also supports the nutritional programs with excellent quality nutritional supplements.  Note that they are not all food-based or totally natural-source products, though a few are.  However, our results with them are best in my experience, which is extensive.  I am aware of all the arguments in favor or food-based and 100% natural source products.  However, I am only reporting on our results and those of others who use different brands of supplements.

Advantages of using their products are:

a. Dosages are high enough so we donÕt need many tablets or capsules.

b. The formulas were designed by Dr. Eck  and fit the hair analysis patterns.  This saves on tablets and cost.  Otherwise, one must combine many products to achieve the same formulas.

 

5. The Interpretation Profile and the Diet Profile are far superior to any other lab.  I am biased, however, as I helped design them.  The other labs either do not understand the test as well, or do not want to share all the interpretive information they know about.

        

6. The personnel are all high integrity, as far as I am aware of.  I have used other labs in the past with less than satisfactory results in this area.

 

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