Organic acids are metabolites that can be measured in the urine that are linked to inborn errors in metabolism, imbalances in digestion – bacteria and yeast; select nutrients, oxidative stress, select nutrients, and neurotransmitters.

Organic acid testing is recommended as a part of your wellness health plan annually or when a particular health concern is present. It is a vital test for preventive health optimization. Key areas that are addressed in the test include:

Digestion: Researchers believe that your digestive health is linked to 90 percent of all diseases. Your microbiome that is primarily in your digestive system influences your digestion, immunity, weight, mood, cognition, inflammation, produces vitamins, and promotes health.1
Select Nutrients: Nutrient deficiencies may impact all aspects of your health and increase when the digestive system is not optimal. Testing for your specific levels is key to overall health.
Free Radicals & Detoxification: Longevity is linked to the degree of oxidative stress that is present in individuals. Oxidative stress is an imbalance between free-radicals that do damage to the body and antioxidants which protect the body. Excess free radicals increase the risk of lifestyle diseases linked to inflammation including Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, Parkinson’s disease and contribute to aging.
Neurotransmitters: Brain health is influenced by neurotransmitters which are chemical messengers that support a wide variety of functions in the body including heart rate, sleep, appetite, mood, and fear. A few key neurotransmitters include acetylcholine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine, GABA, glutamate, and endorphin.

Many people with chronic illness and neurological disorders often excrete several abnormal organic acids in their urine. Researchers have found the following links to imbalances of organic acids, digestion, free-radical damage, nutrient deficiencies, and neurotransmitters.

• Aging
• Autoimmune Disease: Celiac, Chron’s, Ulcerative Colitis, Diabetes, Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Thyroid ^2-5
• Bacterial & Parasitic Infections ⁷
• Brain Health: ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), Autism, Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease ⁸
• Cancer ⁹
• Digestion: Intestinal yeast and bacteria
• Chronic and Acute Gastroenteritis, IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) ^10,11
• Fatigue
• Fertility ¹²
• Fibromyalgia ¹³
• Fungal or Yeast Infections ¹⁴
• Heart Disease ¹⁵
• Immunity: Asthma, Allergies ¹⁶
• Intestinal Permeability/ Leaky Bowel Syndrome ¹⁷
• Mood: Anxiety, Depression ¹⁷, Insomnia
• Movement Disorders i.e. Parkinson’s Disease ¹⁸
• SIBO: (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) ¹⁹
• Skin Conditions: Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis, Rosacea ²⁰
• Suspected H. pylori Infection ²¹
• Viral Pathogens ²³
• Weight Management ²⁴

The principal risks of developing organic acid imbalance include:

• Acquired Infections
• Bacterial Overgrowth
• Excess Alcohol
• Genetic Factors
• Immune Deficiencies
• Medication Use: Antibiotics, NSAIDs
• Nutrient Deficiencies
• Poor Diet: Standard American diet, which is low in fiber and high in sugar and saturated fats
• Stress: Reducing the good microbiome and digestive enzymes
• Toxicity

The microbiome is essential for human development, immunity, and nutrition.²⁵
Research has found that autoimmune disease is passed on by inheritance of the family’s microbiome vs by DNA inheritance.²⁴

Examples:

• Mood: Animal studies have found that germ-free mice are more anxious, less active and more risk-averse. It was found that these mice differ in activity of over 100 genes that provide cells with energy, influence chemical communications in the brain and strengthen nerve connections. Microbiome transplants in these studies have been successful in shifting the germ-free “shy mice” towards more “outgoing mice” when done early in their lives. Probiotics such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus has been found to have a positive impact on the reduction of stress, anxiety, and depression.
• Weight: The microbiome of individuals who are obese and lean is different. Research shows that obese twins have a lower diversity of bacteria and higher levels of enzymes which results in greater efficiency in digesting foods and harvesting calories. Obesity is associated with a poor combination of microbes in the gut.
• Diabetes:  Another example of how the microbiome influences health is in Type I diabetes an autoimmune disease associated also with a less diverse gut microbial.
• Allergies: Dust from homes with dogs may reduce the immune response to allergens and other asthma triggers by changing the microbiome. Infants who live in homes with dogs have been found to be less likely to develop childhood allergies. ²⁶

Free radicals are oxygen-containing molecules with an uneven number of electrons. The uneven number of electrons allows them to easily react with other molecules in the process called oxidation. Oxidation reactions can be beneficial or harmful. Everyone produces some free radicals naturally in the body through processes like exercise or inflammation which is a normal process. You may also be exposed to free radicals in the environment from sources like ozone, pesticides and cleaners, cigarette smoke, radiation, pollution, and a poor diet – high in sugar, unhealthy fat, and alcohol.

One method of preventing oxidative stress is to ensure that you are obtaining enough antioxidants in your diet. Focus on consuming at least 5 servings a day of a variety of fruits and vegetables. Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables include berries, citrus fruits, dark green leafy veggies like spinach, kale or arugula, carrots, tomatoes and olives. Other antioxidant sources include nuts and seeds, green tea, turmeric, onion, garlic, cinnamon and wild sources of omega-3 rich fish like salmon. Lifestyle habits that promote optimal sleep, reduced stress, reduced environmental toxin exposure, regular exercise and moderation when it comes to alcohol and caffeine complement an antioxidant-rich menu.

The body requires many different vitamins and minerals or micronutrients that are critical for wellness. A micronutrient deficiency occurs when the body doesn’t absorb or get from food the required amounts of a nutrient. Deficiencies can lead to a variety of health problems which may include fatigue, digestive problems, skin concerns, poor bone health, and even dementia. Common nutrient deficiencies include iron- which can lead to fatigue, vitamin A – which is linked to poor eyesight, vitamin B1 – that can result in memory concerns, vitamin B5 – required for all hormone production, vitamin B6 – which is needed for the conversion of tryptophan to serotonin, vitamin B12 – for a healthy heart and vitamin D – for immunity and bone health.

The key neurotransmitters and their key role in the body include:

• Acetylcholine: which supports memory
• Norepinephrine: for your brain and mood
• Serotonin: regulates your sleep, mood, and appetite
• Dopamine: promotes motivation and pleasure
• GABA: to relax the body
• Glutamate: is stimulatory and is linked to intelligence

Endorphin binds to opiate receptors and moderates pain.

Your Naturopath or Nurse Practitioner will help assess which test is right for you, including an analysis of the most cost-efficient path of testing. We recommend a New Patient Visit with one of our Naturopathic Doctors for the most comprehensive approach to your health or a Pre-Lab Visit for a quick snapshot prior to lab testing as there are many tests available. Lab testing alone is a one-dimensional picture of your health. The expertise of a health professional is required to create a three-dimensional picture for proper selection, and interpretation of lab testing. To complete your care, we recommend booking your Post-Lab consult 2 weeks after testing to review your results and receive your tailored health plan.

This is an integrative test that is not commonly offered by your medical doctor. OHIP offers basic health coverage. To take a more comprehensive approach tests such as the organic acid test are available.

Third-party insurance companies may cover all or a portion of your consultations. The organic acid test may not be covered as it is an out-of-office test. Please check with your individual provider for details and how to submit claims.

+How is an imbalance in Organic Acids treated?

Your Revivelife clinician will review all findings and create a tailored plan for you based on what are the root causes of the organic acids Imbalance. The use of tailored nutrition, probiotics, prebiotics, antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and nutrients that promote longevity, detoxification, mood, and brain function is often advised. Additional testing including food sensitivities, hormones, and or thermography may be considered to further investigate the potential causes of organic acid imbalance. Upon treatment, patients and practitioners have reported significant improvement such as decreased fatigue, regular bowel function, increased energy and alertness, increased concentration, improved verbal skills, less hyperactivity, and decreased abdominal pain.

We recommend a New Patient Visit for the most comprehensive approach to your health or a Pre-Lab Visit for a quick snapshot before lab testing and a Post-Lab consult to review your results and receive your tailored health plan

To book an appointment Click Here!

Your Revivelife clinician will review all findings and create a tailored plan for you based on what are the root causes of the organic acids Imbalance. The use of tailored nutrition, probiotics, prebiotics, antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and nutrients that promote longevity, detoxification, mood, and brain function is often advised. Additional testing including food sensitivities, hormones, and or thermography may be considered to further investigate the potential causes of organic acid imbalance. Upon treatment, patients and practitioners have reported significant improvement such as decreased fatigue, regular bowel function, increased energy and alertness, increased concentration, improved verbal skills, less hyperactivity, and decreased abdominal pain.

We recommend a New Patient Visit for the most comprehensive approach to your health or a Pre-Lab Visit for a quick snapshot before lab testing and a Post-Lab consult to review your results and receive your tailored health plan

To book an appointment Click Here!

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