Organic Acid Test in Ottawa
If you are wondering about your overall health – specifically your digestive system, energy, nutrients, longevity and brain health, consider organic acid testing.
Researchers believe that your digestive health is linked to 90 percent of all disease. Your microbiome – that is primarily in your digestive system influences your digestion, immunity, weight, mood, cognition, inflammation, produces vitamins and promotes health. Nutrient deficiencies and mitochondrial energy production may impact all aspects of your health. Testing for your specific levels is key to overall health.
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.
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..
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; energy production, select nutrients, oxidative stress, select nutrients and neurotransmitters.
- Highlight: A general health urine test that offers a metabolic snapshot of overall health with 75 markers of digestion, select nutrients, energy production, oxidative stress, and the neurotransmitters – epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine.
- Your Key Symptoms: Digestive – bloating, gas, diarrhea or constipation, Sensitivities – foods, environmental; Immunity – colds, flus, allergies; Nutrient Deficiencies – fatigue, brain fog, skin concerns; Stress – anxiety, depression, insomnia and or Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – weak memory, concentration, mood changes; Weight Concerns
- Why Test? Preventive health optimization
- Indicated For: Digestion, Detoxification, Longevity, Nutrients, Neurotransmitters
- Results Available: Generally, in 2 weeks once the lab has received your sample.
What are the tests for General Health – Organic Acid Testing available at Revivelife?
Revivelife has researched general health testing available for specificity, accuracy, quality, comprehensiveness and cost to bring you the organic acid test offered. At Revivelife our goal is to present lab diagnostics that assess your overall health using the highest quality tests available.
- Organic Acid Urine Test
What are the common symptoms & conditions associated with organic acid imbalance?
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
- Bacterial & Parasitic Infections
- Brain Health – ADD – Attention Deficit Disorder, Autism, Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease
- Cancer
- Digestion – intestinal yeast and bacteria
- Chronic and Acute Gastroenteritis, IBD – Inflammatory Bowel Disease, IBS – Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Fatigue
- Fertility
- Fibromyalgia
- Fungal or Yeast Infections
- Heart Disease
- Immunity – Asthma, Allergies
- Intestinal Permeability/ Leaky Bowel Syndrome
- Mood – Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia
- Movement Disorders i.e. Parkinson’s Disease
- SIBO – Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
- Skin Conditions – Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis, Rosacea
- Suspected H. pylori Infection
- Viral Pathogens
- Weight Management
How is an imbalance in Organic Acids treated?
Your Revivelife clinician will review all findings and create a tailored plan to you based on what are the root causes of the organic acids Imbalances. The use of tailored nutrition, probiotics, prebiotics, antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and nutrients that promote longevity, detoxification, mood and brain function are 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 or Call 613-829-7100
LEARN MORE – coming soon!
Organic acids are compounds in the urine that are metabolic byproducts of cellular metabolism. Deficiencies or dysfunctional enzyme activities in metabolic pathways can produce an “enzymatic block”, causing the organic acids preceding the block to accumulate and spill into the urine. The levels of organic acids in the urine can indicate insufficient cofactor micronutrients for critical enzymes that are needed in metabolic pathways. Traditionally, urinary organic acid assessment is used in neonatal/pediatric medicine to identify inborn errors of metabolism. Modern integrative medicine utilizes organic acid testing to evaluate the following:
- Digestion: malabsorption, bacterial dysbiosis, yeast/fungal dysbiosis, oxalates
- Free Radical Damage: toxin and detoxification
- Energy Production: cellular energy & mitochondrial metabolites (carbohydrate, energy and fatty acid metabolism)
- Brain & Mood Health: neurotransmitters, tyrosine
- Select vitamins, toxin and detoxification and tyrosine metabolism.
Many people with chronic illnesses and neurological disorders often excrete several abnormal organic acids in their urine. Abnormally high levels of unfriendly microorganisms can cause or worsen behavior disorders, hyperactivity, movement disorders, fatigue and immune function. Imbalances in detoxification, energy, brain, mood and nutrient markers are vital to assess for a tailored health plan to promote your overall wellness.
Information Courtesy of Great Plains Laboratories and Genova Diagnostics
To Book, an Appointment Click Here or Call 613-829-7100
To Book an Appointment Click Here or Call 613-829-7100
What are the risks of developing organic acid imbalances?
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 fibre and high in sugar and saturated fats
- Stress-reducing the good microbiome and digestive enzymes
- Toxicity
What does the digestive system and the microbiome have to do with health?
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 are 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
Where does one get exposed to free radicals?
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.
How can you slow down the aging process that is linked to oxidative stress?
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 compliment an antioxidant rich menu.
What are the symptoms of nutritional deficiencies?
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- that 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.
What do neurotransmitters do?
The key neurotransmitters and their key role in the body include:
- Acetylcholine which supports memory
- Norepinephrine for your brain and mood
- Serotonin that regulates your sleep, mood and appetite
- Dopamine that promotes motivation and pleasure
- GABA to relax the body
- Glutamate that is stimulatory and is linked to intelligence
- Endorphin which binds to opiate receptors and moderates pain
To Book an Appointment Click Here or Call 613-829-7100
Patient Preparation – Organic Acid Urine Test
Step 1 – Patient Preparation
- Avoid apples, grapes, pears, and cranberries as well as their juices or products 48 hours before collection.
- Avoid arabinogalactan, echinacea, reishi mushrooms, and ribose supplements for 48 hours before collection.
- Place gel pack flat into freezer (for at least 4 hours) prior to shipping sample to the testing lab.
- Limit liquid intake starting at 6pm the night prior to collection to avoid sample dilution. Urine must be yellow in colour, if urine is clear the sample is too dilute. Discard dilute sample, rinse collection cup in hot water only (no soap) and air dry, then recollect.
- Fill out the test requisition form completely- printing clearly.
- Females – do not collect during your menstrual cycle.
Step 2- Organic Acid Test
- Collect the first morning urine in the collection cup provided. Collecting the sample prior to eating or drinking is preferred.
- Screw lid on tightly. Freeze until ready to ship. Ship with frozen gel pack.
- Video instructions are available online at GPL4U.com/instructions
Step 3- Shipping
- Next follow the directions to ship the test kit to the lab. Ship Monday – Wednesday for best results. Keep a record of the shipping number and email it to the clinic so that we can track your test results.
Note- Please refer to test kit and if any variation exists between the information here and your test kit, follow your test kit instructions. Additional information is provided in the test kits regarding preparation, collection and medications, circumstances, medical conditions, supplements, etc. that may affect the results of the test.
To Book an Appointment Click Here or Call 613-829-7100
- Quigley EM. Gut bacteria in health and disease. Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2013;9(9):560-569.
- Quigley EM. Gut bacteria in health and disease. Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2013;9(9):560-569.
- Karlsson FH, Tremaroli V, Nookaew I, et al. Gut metagenome in European women with normal, impaired and diabetic glucose control. Nature. 2013 Jun 6;498(7452):99–103. PubMed PMID: 23719380. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Scher JU, Sczesnak A, Longman RS, et al. Expansion of intestinal Prevotella copri correlates with enhanced susceptibility to arthritis. eLife. 2013;2:e01202. PubMed PMID: 24192039. Pubmed Central PMCID: 3816614. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Gevers D, Kugathasan S, Denson LA, et al. The treatment-naive microbiome in new-onset Crohn’s disease. Cell host & microbe. 2014 Mar 12;15(3):382–92. PubMed PMID: 24629344. Pubmed Central PMCID: 4059512. Using a large cohort of new-onset, treatment-naive pediatric Crohn’s disease patients, this case-control study describes early CD-associated features of the intestinal microbiome. The finding that rectal, but not fecal, microbiota differentiated CD and healthy patients may have diagnostic implications. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Haberman Y, Tickle TL, Dexheimer PJ, et al. Pediatric Crohn disease patients exhibit specific ileal transcriptome and microbiome signature. The Journal of clinical investigation. 2014 Aug 1;124(8):3617–33. PubMed PMID: 25003194. Pubmed Central PMCID: 4109533. In a large case-control study of new-onset, treatment-naive IBD pediatric patients, the authors identify patterns of ileal host gene expression and ileal microbiome that are unique to CD patients irrespective of the presence of ileal inflammation. These data on early changes in the microbiota and host response may support the hypothesis that dysbiosis contributes to the development of IBD in susceptible individuals. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Toro-Londono, Miguel, et al, Intestinal parasitic infection alters bacterial gut microbiota in children, PeerJ. 2019; 7: e6200. , PMID: 30643702
- Kowalski, K and Mula, A, Brain-Gut Axis in Alzheimer’s Disease, J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2019 Jan; 25(1): 48–60., PMID: 30646475, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326209/
- Kostic AD, Chun E, Robertson L, et al. Fusobacterium nucleatum potentiates intestinal tumorigenesis and modulates the tumor-immune microenvironment. Cell host & microbe. 2013 Aug 14;14(2):207–15. PubMed PMID: 23954159. Pubmed Central PMCID: 3772512. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Halmos EP, Power VA, Shepherd SJ, et al. A diet low in FODMAPs reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Gastroenterology. 2014 Jan;146(1):67–75. e5. PubMed PMID: 24076059. PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Kostic AD, Xavier RJ, Gevers D. The microbiome in inflammatory bowel disease: current status and the future ahead. Gastroenterology. 2014 May;146(6):1489–99. PubMed PMID: 24560869. Pubmed Central PMCID: 4034132. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Benner, M, et al, How uterine microbiota might be responsible for a receptive, fertile endometrium, Hum Reprod Update. 2018 Jul 1;24(4):393-415,, PMID: 29668899 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29668899
- Amir Minerbi, Emmanuel Gonzalez, Nicholas J.B. Brereton, Abraham Anjarkouchian, Ken Dewar, Mary-Ann Fitzcharles, Stéphanie Chevalier, Yoram Shir. Altered microbiome composition in individuals with fibromyalgia. PAIN, 2019; 1 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001640
- Kabir, MA, and Ahmad, Z, Candida Infections and Their Prevention, ISRN Prev Med. 2013; 2013: 763628., PMID: 24977092
- Wang Z, Klipfell E, Bennett BJ, et al. Gut flora metabolism of phosphatidylcholine promotes cardiovascular disease. Nature. 2011 Apr 7;472(7341):57–63. PubMed PMID: 21475195. Pubmed Central PMCID: 3086762. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Frati, F. et al, The Role of the Microbiome in Asthma: The Gut–Lung Axis, Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Jan; 20(1): 123. , PMID: 30598019,
- Kelly, JR, et al, Breaking down the barriers: the gut microbiome, intestinal permeability and stress-related psychiatric disorders, Front Cell Neurosci. 2015; 9: 392. , PMID: 26528128, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604320/
- Lubomski, M, et al, Parkinson’s disease and the gastrointestinal microbiome, J Neurol. 2019 Apr 30. PMID: 31041582, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31041582
- Adike, A and DiBaise, JK, Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth: Nutritional Implications, Diagnosis, and Management, Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2018 Mar;47(1):193-208., PMID: 29413012
- Salem, I, et al, The Gut Microbiome as a Major Regulator of the Gut-Skin Axis, Front Microbiol. 2018; 9: 1459. , PMID: 30042740, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6048199/
- Pereira-Marques, J, et al, Helicobacter pylori Infection, the Gastric Microbiome and Gastric Cancer., Adv Exp Med Biol. 2019 Apr 24., PMID: 31016631, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31016631
- Robinson, CM and Pfeiffer, J, Viruses and the Microbiota, Annu Rev Virol. 2014; 1: 55–69. , PMID: 25821837, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4373533/
- Le Chatelier E, Nielsen T, Qin J, et al. Richness of human gut microbiome correlates with metabolic markers. Nature. 2013 Aug 29;500(7464):541–6. PubMed PMID: 23985870. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Ursell, LK, et al, Defining the Human Microbiome, Nutr Rev. 2012 Aug; 70(Suppl 1): S38–S44. , PMID: : 22861806, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3426293/
- Proal, AD, Albert, PJ, Marshal, TG, The human microbiome and autoimmunity, Curr Opin Rheumatol. 2013 Mar;25(2):234-40., PMID: 23370376, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23370376
- Fujimura, KE, et al, House dust exposure mediates gut microbiome Lactobacillus enrichment and airway immune defense against allergens and virus infection, Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2014 Jan 14;111(2):805-10, PMID: 24344318, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24344318
-
Labs
- Athletic Optimization Testing
- Metabolic Urine Test in Ottawa
- Health & Hormone Blood Test
- Cancer Marker Blood Testing
- Organic Acid Test in Ottawa
- Integrative Cardiology Labs
- Digestive Labs
- Environmental Sensitivity Testing (EST)
- Food Additives & Preservatives Testing (FADD)
- Food Intolerance & Allergy Testing in Ottawa
- Genetic DNA Testing
- Hair Analysis Test
- Heavy Metal Testing
- Hormone Testing
- Infectious & Autoimmune Testing
- Live Cell Analysis in Ottawa
- Longevity & Anti-Aging Testing
- Medical Thermography in Ottawa
- Nutrient Testing
- Stress & Neurotransmitter Testing
- Thyroid Testing In Ottawa
- Shipping