Evaluates for various fungal toxins, including specific markers for Candida. Many people rely on stool testing for Candida diagnosis and miss out on the presence of Candida toxins obtained through the Organic Acids Test. Candida can create problems with brain and nervous system function, inhibit insulin from functioning correctly, and create dysbiosis in the gut while causing a variety of GI issues. It also has the potential to cause “brain fog” and influence concentration, mood, and adversely influence the immune system. Candida can also be “invasive”, and infect tissue outside of the gut and cause additional health problems, while having a possible connection to cancer.
Evaluates for two specific toxins related to Clostridia bacteria – HPHPA and 4-cresol. Both of these toxins can inhibit a dopamine converting enzyme leading to excess dopamine and toxic reactions in the brain and nervous system. Behavior problems such as moodiness, irritability, aggression, self-injurious behavior, sleep problems and more are often associated with Clostridia bacteria overgrowth. Elevated pathogenic Clostridia growth can cause additional GI issues and also interfere with other neurotransmitters and cause neurological problems.
The information from the Organic Acids Test helps to prioritize protocol intervention instead of just assuming everything is a Candida problem. Treating for Candida when elevated pathogenic Clostridia bacteria are present can lead to more sinister problems of Clostridia overgrowth.
Evaluates for high oxalates (oxalic acid). Oxalates are compounds found in many foods, and can be worsened from Candida overgrowth. High oxalates are associated with pain in the joints, muscles, and connective tissues. They can also trap heavy metals (such as mercury, lead, and arsenic) in the body, and lead to mineral imbalances as well.
Evaluates for mitochondrial imbalances. The mitochondria are the energy factories of our cells. Often they are stressed because of toxins from yeast, bacteria, metals, and even oxalates. Mitochondrial dysfunction is becoming more and more common in the 21st century as a result of repeated exposure to mitochondrial damaging agents.
Evaluates for imbalances in Dopamine (HVA) and Norepinephrine (VMA). The balance between these two important brain chemicals is critical for attention, focusing, mood, calmness and other functions of the nervous system. Attention deficit problems are commonly associated with Norepinephrine imbalances.
Evaluates for imbalances in serotonin (an important brain and nervous system neurochemical for mood, fine and gross motor skills, and calmness. It is the precursor for melatonin, which is used in the brain to aid in sleep), as well additional markers that can indicate toxic stress in the brain and nervous system such as Quinolinic Acid. High Quinolinic Acid is suggestive of toxic stress in the brain and nervous system and is important to evaluate before implementing certain supplements particularly L-Tryptophan which is commonly used to help with sleep.
Evaluates for two specific chemicals related to Folate metabolism. Folate is part of the methylation cycle that supports the inner workings of the cells related to DNA function.
Evaluates for various nutritional markers such as vitamins B2, B5, B6, B12, vitamin C, CoQ10, as well as N-Acetyl-Cysteine which is necessary for the production of glutathione. Nutrient deficiency is probably the most common cause of many health concerns, yet it is also one of the easiest to correct. This section makes the OAT an invaluable tool for improving health very quickly and efficiently.
Evaluates for glutathione production problems. Glutathione is the most abundant and powerful antioxidant in our cells and is often deficient in autism, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. The Organic Acids Test evaluates for cellular markers related to this important “master” antioxidant.
