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As humans we need ATP to sustain life. ATP is the energy our bodies use to perform cellular functions. To properly create ATP we need a combination of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins (macronutrients). To take these substances and convert them into ATP, our body uses a metabolic pathway referred to as the Citric Acid Cycle. The Citric Acid Cycle is what supplies the body with its primary energy. Without proper energy production from the Citric Acid Cycle we feel fatigued, muscle pain, and our body may suffer from inflammation. 

Organic acids are a result obtained from metabolic pathways such as the Citric Acid Cycle. We need organic acids to ensure our cells and tissues have proper growth and maintenance. To ensure our body is properly functioning, we run an Organic Acid Test. This test checks the urine to see if there are any problems regarding the efficiency of our energy production. Essentially, if there is a problem with this cycle, build-up will occur and spill over into the urine if it can not be properly converted. Problems mainly arise when there is not enough of a specific nutrient our body needs to properly produce a product. 

We use Orangic Acid Testing to rule out gut dysbiosis. Gut dysbiosis is an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast in the gastrointestinal tract and is oftentimes an underlying problem with chronic health conditions by creating constant inflammation. 

Diagnostics/Lab Testing

Although we utilize this specific test and many different lab companies to ensure our patients receive the best treatment, a specific sample report of an Organix Comprehensive test from Genova diagnostics is shown below. 

Organic Acid Testing allows us to see the pathways that are blocked and could be interfering with muscle and brain function. An example of a specific marker we look for is Lactate. In the skeletal muscle, the primary product of glucose metabolism is lactate. If lactate is high, patients often complain of muscle cramps, fatigue, and brain fog. If the marker comes back high, we consider supplementing with CoQ10 and essential B vitamins. 

Additionally, on top of supplementation these markers will reveal specific underlying imbalances that we can move to correct. With specific high markers of organic acids, we remove yeast overgrowth, reduce carbohydrate intake, move patients to a more ketogenic diet, reduce cholesterol, and increase exercise. 

Diagnostic testing is a key component in determining underlying factors that could be leading to your health conditions. Newer research has been revealing the intricate interconnection between the gastrointestinal tract and overall health. One factor that we educate all patients on is how diet not only impacts your organic acid levels but your microbiome as well. A large portion of our genes are expressed in the nervous system and are heavily impacted by environmental factors. Environmental factors include toxins, chemicals, and diet. We teach our patients that being healthy starts in the kitchen and ultimately ends up in your genes. By eating foods to reduce inflammation and promote the healthy bacteria in your gut, you are positively impacting your future by altering your genetic makeup. The genes you have today and not the genes you were born with. 

For more information, view the published article below:

Applying Genomics to Nutrition and Lifestyle Modification

“Gene-diet interactions that affect metabolic pathways relevant to disease risk are continuously being uncovered. Discoveries in the field of nutrigenomics demonstrate that some individuals may benefit from adhering to different dietary guidelines than others, depending on their genotype.” – Nielsen

One thing I can not stress enough to patients is diet. Especially with the new research emerging we see how connected and impactful a healthy diet is. Eating healthy does not have to be hard, and with the use of diagnostic lab testing we are able to create a personalized diet specifically for you. Getting rid of inflammation and improving overall health is easier and more precise with the use of testing and our new knowledge of diets and their genetic impact. -Kenna Vaughn, Senior Health Coach 

 

References: 

Grisanti, Ronald. “Interpretation and Treatment of Organic Acid Panel — Energy and Oxidative Markers.” Functional medicine University. 2020, www.functionalmedicineuniversity.com/members/257.cfm.

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and nervous health issues or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.

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Professional Scope of Practice *

The information herein on "Functional Testing: Organic Acid Testing & It’s Importance" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.

Blog Information & Scope Discussions

Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, acupuncture, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.

We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.

We are here to help you and your family.

Blessings

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182

Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*

Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
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