There's a reason - well, several - why so many diseases are increasing in frequency in the United States, making some that were almost unheard of 100 years ago commonplace today, Robert Thompson, M.D., an OB/GYN recently explained to us.

"The United States is now 46th in men's mortality and the absolute worst country in the industrialized world for first day infant mortality," Thompson, author of The Calcium Lie II: What Your Doctor Still Doesn't Know, said. Thompson's book details the roles minerals play in overall health and how to identify deficiencies.

"The current rate of diabetes suggests 95% of our adult population will be diabetic by 2030. The number of children with life-threatening allergies has increased more than 1,000% since 1995," Thompson continued. 

"We're told by the government and the medical community that we should be ingesting certain amounts of vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent disease, like osteoporosis, when in reality, the recommendations lead to other very serious health problems." Thompson says that mineral deficiencies are responsible for a host of health problems. 

The physician offered his professional suggestions for Americans to take charge of their health:

Get a hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA) to determine your mineral status. This may be the most important health test that exists, Thompson says. "Only when you and your doctor know for sure your mineral status and important ratios can you adapt your diet, minerals and supplements to work toward proper balance," he explained.

Thompson recommends using Trace Elements, Inc. clinical lab in, Texas. "Adhering to high standards, the lab accepts only samples submitted by healthcare providers, including physicians, nutritionists, and others, so you need to find one who does HTMA and uses that lab," the physician explained.

Individuals who can't find a provider can call the lab for help in locating one; HTMA is prohibited in New York State.