Test don’t guess: A Journey to Health Through Mineral Balancing

I’ve always considered myself relatively healthy, yet I constantly battled a collection of unexplained, seemingly minor symptoms. Nothing serious enough for a diagnosis, but enough to make me feel off—waves of extreme fatigue, unpredictable digestive issues, and occasional skin flare-ups. These issues began during high school, which ultimately inspired me to pursue a degree in nutrition for my undergraduate studies. Through research, trail and error, supplementation, acupuncture, and persistence, I managed to keep them under control.

Then I had my child, and things changed. My memory declined significantly. During pregnancy, I dismissed it as a common symptom, but when it continued postpartum, I grew concerned. Hair loss, while frustrating, was something I could handle. But losing my mental clarity was something else entirely. That’s when I began researching.

I explored postpartum healing, which emphasizes nourishing, warming foods to restore the body. I looked into the pro-metabolic lifestyle, which focuses on whole, nutrient-dense foods to support metabolism. I studied Weston Price’s principles of traditional diets rich in essential nutrients for both mothers and children. I also delved into Morley Robbins' work on mineral balancing, as well as various individuals sharing their experiences online.

It became increasingly clear that mineral imbalance was a significant factor. My doctor had only ever checked my iron levels, and when I expressed concerns about mineral depletion after pregnancy, testing was refused.

What I discovered was that minerals are like your body's electrical system, keeping everything running smoothly. They help send signals between your nerves, keep your heart beating, and power your muscles—kind of like how wiring keeps the lights on in your house. Sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium work together to make sure energy flows properly. When your minerals are out of balance, it’s like having faulty wiring—signals get mixed up, energy crashes, and things stop working as they should. Keeping your minerals in check is like making sure your body stays charged and ready to go.

So I decided to start balancing my minerals, and took matters into my own hands. My first step was a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA). Without a practitioner’s guidance, the results were difficult to interpret. The mineral balancing process and test interpretation is so complex, that you won’t get anywhere without someone who knows what they are doing. Eventually, I retested and worked with an expert, following a protocol that involved gradual adjustments. Progress was slow but steady—I noticed improvements in memory, hair thickness (even my stylist commented on new growth), and overall energy levels.

Despite these positive changes, my heavy metal levels remained high. I felt better, but the persistent presence of metals was concerning.

A few years later, while traveling, I started to worry about our reliance on plastic-bottled water. I knew Antimony, a metal used in plastic production, could leach into the water and be difficult to detox. I needed to understand whether this was affecting us.

That’s when I came across the OligoScan. This device uses spectrophotometry to measure trace elements, minerals, and heavy metals in living tissues. Instead of blood testing, it analyzes light reflected through the skin. Unable to find a practitioner offering this test, I purchased one myself—to use for my family and for any friends interested in testing.

Our initial results were surprising. Antimony levels were low, but my three-year-old son’s lead levels were alarmingly high. Given the serious impact of lead on brain development, growth, and behavior, I needed to act immediately.

Through my research I discovered ZeoCharge, a company specializing in high-dose Zeolite for detoxing heavy metals. Zeolite works by selectively binding toxic elements while preserving essential minerals. Unlike other detox methods that indiscriminately remove both beneficial and harmful substances, Zeolite targets only toxic metals. Jeff Hoyt, ZeoCharge’s founder, explains that higher doses of Zeolite are more effective at clearing metals while reducing detox side effects.

As a family, we committed to the protocol. Our son took one scoop before bed, while my husband and I followed a six-month regimen—starting with six scoops daily and tapering down each month.

For the first two months, test results remained relatively unchanged. Then, suddenly, my son’s lead levels dropped by 60%. The relief was immense. My husband and I saw more gradual shifts, though I experienced noticeable aluminum detox symptoms, which were later confirmed through testing.

Heavy metals don’t just sit in one place; they accumulate in tissues, muscles, organs, and fat. The OligoScan measures tissue saturation in the hand, meaning detox happens in stages. The body first removes the most accessible metals, then gradually releases deeper-stored toxins. It’s an ongoing process—an ebb and flow of release and removal.

I also learned that minerals and heavy metals are closely linked. Some minerals have inverse relationships with specific metals—low silicon levels, for example, often correlate with high aluminum levels. This is because aluminum can displace silicon in the body. Many such interactions exist, reinforcing the importance of mineral balance before beginning a heavy metal detox. Without sufficient minerals, displaced metals leave gaps that can create further imbalances.

I now firmly believe that mineral balancing is a critical foundation for health. Before diving into complex detox protocols, it makes sense to first restore mineral equilibrium. Once that foundation is set, it becomes easier to identify and address any remaining issues.

This journey has been both challenging and enlightening, and it has reshaped my understanding of health in ways I never expected.