The primary mechanism by which psychological factors predispose one towards a disease process is by means of the stress response and its effect on nutrient minerals at the cell and tissue levels. The stress response involves a general systems response relating psychological, neurological, endocrine, and immune system phenomena. These phenomena are reflected in certain types of nutrient mineral patterns involving levels of specific minerals and ratios between pairs of minerals.

A secondary mechanism affecting this complex general systems response involves the accumulation of toxic metals from the environment in the body's cells and tissues. This accumulation of toxic metals at a cell and tissue level displaces and interferes with regulating nutrient minerals. By interfering with cellular energy production and with neuroendocrine and immune system functions, the individual's psychological coping mechanisms are also undermined. Vulnerability to stress is increased.

A data base is suggested for observing critical relationships between essential nutrient minerals as well as commonly found toxic metals. Trace Mineral Analysis (TMA) provides this essential data base. TMA generates and presents data in a manner which allows us to observe more clearly the dynamics of nutrient minerals and toxic metals at a cellular level. The dynamic relationships between these regulating nutrient minerals help to more comprehensively account for some of the phenomena described in PNI research and clinical practice. This approach allows us to see more clearly how psychological factors triggering the stress response relate to shifts in nutrient mineral levels and ratios at the cellular level. TMA data also allow us to observe the relationship between chronic psychological factors and patterns of nutrient minerals and toxic metals.

Given the nature of the complex phenomena reflected in TMA data and the fact that these phenomena are highly dynamic, observing each individual's pattern fluctuations over time is essential to maximize our understanding of these dynamic bio-psychological phenomena. TMA data also will be useful in helping us to better understand current health problems and to anticipate future health trends. By applying TMA concepts and data, health policy involving societal and environmental factors can be more intelligently developed. Prevention or reversing adverse trends can also reduce health care costs.