“Where do I start?” Ellen asked. “I’m so confused and scared about the novel coronavirus. I’ve known from your talks I need to prioritize my health, and I’d like to start now.”
I told her that it was time for her OAT.
We can glean a lot about your body’s function from this simple at home urine test. This will provide a great deal of comfort in identifying potential underlying causes for immune destruction or disease. With the uncertainty of vaccines, immunity, reinfection of COVID-19, there should be no delay in requesting this test for you and your family.
What is an Organic Acid?
Organic acids are byproducts or intermediates of chemical reactions that occur within the body. Each individual produces a different quantity and type of organic acids, which can be influenced by a variety of factors, such as:
- Diet
- Environmental toxins
- Gut microbes
- Genetics
- Kidney and liver function
- Medications
- Nutrient status
- Oxidative stress
In order for the body to run effectively, it needs proper amounts of vitamins and minerals to act as cofactors for enzymatic reactions. Without enough of these nutritional cofactors (or if someone has genetic mutations that affect how well their enzymes work), these chemical pathways are unable to proceed at their normal pace. As a result, organic acids begin to build up and are excreted in the urine.
What is the Organic Acids Test?
The Organic Acids Test (OAT) is a urine test that offers a comprehensive metabolic snapshot of a patient’s overall health with 76 markers. It is an ideal place to start to identify nutritional needs and gut imbalances.
The OAT provides an accurate evaluation of intestinal yeast and bacteria. Many people with chronic illnesses and neurological disorders often excrete several abnormal organic acids in their urine. Abnormally high levels of these microorganisms can cause or worsen behavior disorders, hyperactivity, movement disorders, fatigue and immune function. The cause of these high levels could include oral antibiotic use, high sugar diets, immune deficiencies, acquired infections, as well as genetic factors.
The Organic Acids Test I use also includes markers for vitamin and mineral levels, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter levels, and is the only OAT to include markers for oxalates, which are highly correlated with many chronic illnesses.
What Abnormalities can OAT Results Show?
Interpreting the results of an OAT can be complicated, so it’s imperative that you consult with a health professional (such as myself) who has experience with OAT. The test can reveal:
- Inborn errors of metabolism
- B-vitamin deficiencies
- Gut dysbiosis
- Impaired fatty acid metabolism
- Ketosis or poor carbohydrate metabolism
- Neurotransmitter metabolism
- Mitochondrial dysfunction
- Oxidative stress
- Poor detoxification
- Inflammation
What Next?
If abnormalities are detected using the OAT, treatments can include supplements, such as vitamins and antioxidants, or dietary modification.
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
- decreased abdominal pain
The OAT is strongly recommended as the initial screening test alongside a basic blood panel. Let’s get one scheduled for you now! For my patients who have had a basic blood panel and OAT, check with me to see when a retest may be warranted.
This does not constitute medical advice in any way, if you have questions about your personal health situation contact Dr. Ziya OR other licensed medical provider.
