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The Fast Oxidizer On An HTMA

The Fast Oxidizer On An HTMA

Today we're going to get into just what does it mean to be a Fast Oxidizer according to an HTMA. If you haven't read the article all on The Slow Oxidizer On An HTMA, check it out first before reading this so you can get the full introduction on metabolic types.

As a summary though, your metabolic type is essentially your oxidation rate. That is the rate in which the body uses and stores energy, also understood as the speed of one's metabolism. 

Not many people fall into the category of being a fast oxidizer for most individuals are chronically stressed. When the body is continuously being burdened, the body begins to shut certain bodily systems down as a means to protect itself and conserve energy. This would then cause the metabolism to lag. On the flip side, fast oxidizers are individuals who have very fast metabolisms, and sometimes the body can't even keep up. It's a state the body goes into where there they experience hyper active adrenal and thyroid function, entering into a catabolic state and the body burns through energy so quickly it doesn't have the capacity to replenish. According to Hans Selye, endocrinologist and stress expert, fast oxidizers are in an "alarm stage" of stress. As mentioned in our previous blog post all about slow oxidizers, the alarm stage would be considered the "acute" phase, the initial response from the body where it begins to release stress hormones as a a means to protect itself and numb itself so it can fight off any type of danger. This takes a lot of energy and nutrient reserves to do so, and if stressed for too long, the body will likely, in most cases, lose resiliency and start compensating and then deteriorate, entering into a slower oxidative state. Most commonly, those with a fast oxidation rate are new born babies, children or teenagers for their bodies have not been exposed enough to stressors to have it slow down. That being said, there are always instances children can develop a slower metabolism for a numerous of reasons, and adults can also fall into the category of being a fast oxidizer. 

Symptoms of being as fast oxidizer include anxiety, irritability, nervousness, aggression, having a "Type A Personality", racing mind, loose stool, unexplained weight loss or weight gain specifically in the abdomen area, high blood pressure as well as blood sugar, excessive sweating and heat intolerance, oily skin and degeneration issues like osteoporosis or arthritis. 

There are numerous causes of being a fast oxidizer such as the stage of life someone is in (as mentioned before), a diet low in fat and protein, a hustle and bustle lifestyle, pesticides, heavy metals, stimulants or medication that rev up the sympathetic nervous system and even supplements like DHEA, vitamin C, vitamin E, B complexes, ginseng, maca and glandulars. 

The real question is now just what are the ratios one has to look out for on an HTMA to understand exactly if they're a fast oxidizer or not.

Low Calcium: Phosphorus Ratio
This is the primary ratio one must look at to determine if an individual is a slow or fast oxidizer. Calcium is a sedating minerals whereas phosphorus is stimulating. When the ratio is inverted it could be that either the individual has a calcium deficiency or phosphorus is too high which is rarely the case that one doesn't have enough the diet, but due to an excess of sodium in the hair, stress, or infection. 

Low Calcium: Magnesium Ratio
This is our blood sugar ratio, and unlike with slow oxidizers that tend to deal with low blood sugar, fast oxidizers experience bouts of higher blood sugar which can make them feel jittery, nervous and shaky. With too little calcium to magnesium, one's cells develop excessive solubility which can cause them to absorb too much glucose. It's like eating straight sugar but having nothing to balance it out, your body will just burn through it until there is nothing to recede through anymore. 

High Sodium: Potassium Ratio
This particular ratio is named the "vitality ratio" for sodium and potassium are the two main solvents in the body. Higher levels of sodium in relation to potassium signal an excess amount of aldosterone being produced, which could also be a sign of potential infection, inflammation or extreme stress on the kidneys and/or liver. Sodium is a stimulatory mineral when compared to potassium, hence the fast oxidation. 

Granted, in combining these three ratios, looking to both the Ca:K and Na:Mg ratio is also important. These ratios provide further insight on both adrenal and thyroid function in which can help center in on what type of fast oxidizer one is. As mentioned in our previous blog post on slow oxidizers, there are 4 different types of slow oxidizers as well as 4 different types of fast oxidizers. Think of it as a scale of severity. Our Ca:K ratio is indicative of our thyroid, and our Na:Mg is our adrenal ratio. Having a combination of a low Ca:P ratio, with then a low or high ratio of these two particular ratios will point out if someone is a fast 1, 2, 3, or 4. 

Low Ca:P + High Ca:K + High Na:Mg = Fast 1
Low Ca:P + Low Ca:K + High Na:Mg = Fast 2
Low Ca:P + High Ca:K + Low Na:Mg = Fast 3
Low Ca:P + Low Ca:K + Low Na:Mg = Fast 4

The higher the number, the more stressed the body is in.

If you suspect you're a fast oxidizer or want to investigate further on yourself, click the link here to order your hair test and book a consult with one of our qualified nutritionists!

Barbara Madimenos
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis Practitioner
Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner
Integrative Health Coach

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