Four Highs Pattern

A 4 Highs Pattern is when the first four electrolyte minerals are elevated, higher than the “Ideal”. A 4 Highs pattern is identified with Calcium greater than 40, Magnesium greater than 6, Sodium greater than 25 and Potassium greater than 10. A 4 Highs Pattern reflects abnormally high deposit of minerals into the hair, which is a major sign of “bio-unavailability” of these minerals. According to Dr. Wilson, a 4 Highs Patterns often reflect defensiveness, as well as deep biological and/or emotional stresses of some kind.

Also noted in this test are significant levels of toxic metals, including mercury, aluminum and cadmium. It is suspected with this test pattern that there are more metals that are hidden. As the 4 highs pattern corrects through nutritional balancing, it has been my experience that toxic metal excretion often increase on a follow up test if the patient follows suggested dietary and supplement protocols. This is a good response and will usually drop down  in 6-12 months.

‘4 Lows’ Pattern

Four Lows Pattern

The four lows pattern is quite different than a 4 highs pattern. 4 lows pattern is a sign of severe digestive distress. It is often a sign of a Hydrochloric acid (HCL) deficiency. There may be numerous reasons for this, including underlying infections, gut permeability, and low intestinal immunoglobulin function.

A 4 Lows pattern represents severe stress, often exhaustion, as Dr. Wilson describes 4 lows: “a car spinning its wheels and getting nowhere fast.” The low phosphorous level of 12 also indicates impaired digestive function and poor protein assimilation.

Accompanying 4 lows on this hair test is a high sodium/potassium ratio, indicative of hyper adrenal function. This person is very stressed out and needs to rest as well as heal their intestinal tract.

4 Lows patterns can oftentimes take quite a while to correct, as often stomach and gut repair needs to be facilitated. In most of these cases there is an underlying candida and/or parasite infection. Once the candida/parasite infection is cleared up more nutrition will be available for healing and regeneration of the endocrine system.

“Calcium Shell”, Adrenal Hypofunction with Copper Toxicity

“Calcium Shell”, Adrenal hypo-function with copper toxicity

A Calcium Shell is when hair calcium is higher than 165. This test reveals hair calcium of 209. It is a sign of bio unavailable calcium. Accompanying this pattern is also  bio unavailable magnesium, which is indicated by the Mg level of 14.0. A Calcium shell indicates psychological withdrawal, suppression or repression, as Dr. Wilson puts it: “living behind a wall of calcium.” This is a very common finding in people with chronic fatigue syndrome and severe stress. 

Accompanying this pattern is hidden copper toxicity as indicated by high zinc, high calcium and a low sodium/potassium ratio. By “hidden copper toxicity” it is meant that there is more copper stored in teh cells that is not being released and identified in the hair sample. 

Copper toxicity is a serious problem that is very common. Some symptoms of copper toxicity include: adrenal insufficiency, allergies, constipation, hyperactivity, anxiety and chronic inflammation.

Some of the more common causes of copper toxicity include: vegetarian diets which are high in copper and low in zinc, low functioning adrenal glands and use of copper IUDs and birth control pills. Also reflected on this hair test is diminished adrenal function as indicated by both a low sodium/potassium ratio and a low sodium/magnesium ratio.

This is very common test pattern I see in my practice with clients who are withdrawn from social life and do not have energy to make changes in their lives.

Arsenic, Mercury, Copper Toxicity, Adrenal Hyperfunction, ‘Step Down’ Pattern

Arsenic, Mercury, Copper Toxicity, Adrenal Hyperfunction, ‘Step Down’ Pattern

A Step Down pattern appears when the first 4 electrolytes appear to have a continuous decent. According to Dr. Wilson, this pattern indicates the person is often persevering despite “great odds”. Accompanying this pattern is excess adrenal activity as indicated by the elevated sodium/potassium ratio. This person’s arsenic level and copper levels are extremely high, indicated high tissue levels of these metals. The elevated calcium/magnesium ratio indicates excess carbohydrate consumption and potentially high blood sugar levels.