At Lakeside Holistic Health, PLLC, one of the most diagnostic and clinically relevant advanced tests we run is the Organix test. This test looks specifically at six areas of function in your unique biochemistry. Two of the main reasons for this test to be chosen are to: 1) improve day-to-day living and fix underlying nutrient deficiencies, and 2) increase athletic performance.

The six areas that are tested include: mitochondrial function (the energy producers of the body), B-vitamin status (critical cofactors in the body), neurotransmitter (how well our nerves are communicating), oxidative damage/antioxidant markers (everyday living stresses the body), detoxification (how well your body is cleaning itself), and dysbiosis (good versus bad gut bacteria).

Mitochondria are the powerhouses of cells. They generate energy from the fats, carbohydrates, and proteins that we eat. When a patient presents with fatigue, weight loss resistance, overweight, or metabolic syndrome, this test evaluates how the mitochondria are functioning.

B-vitamins are critical cofactors in most of the chemical reactions in the body. They are important in immune and nervous system function, adrenal function, and maintenance of skin and muscle tone. Although they are abundant in a whole food diet, they are depleted by poor digestion or absorption, processed foods, and increased stress. B-vitamin insufficiencies can translate into fatigue and lack of vitality, decreased ability to handle stress, mood imbalances and sleep disturbances, decreased concentration and memory, blood sugar regulation difficulties, dermatitis and skin disorders, anemia, and cardiovascular disease.

Neurotransmitters are the communicators of the body. We look at the activity of four important ones that influence our energy levels, response to stress, mood, sleep patterns and weight regulation. Issues with neurotransmitters from nutrient deficiencies in our food choices greatly influence how well they function, and if there are, the building blocks are available.

Pesticides, pharmaceuticals, gasoline, cell phones, and computers allow us to have abundant manufactured foods, live longer, keep on the go, and have easy access to our world. They also contribute to the toxicities that affect our health and our environment. Since environmental pollutants can cause oxidative damage to your body, it is important to make sure you have sufficient antioxidant levels and substrates to aid in detoxification. By looking at four specific enzymes, we can determine if your body can handle the loads it is handed, or if we need to give additional support to aid the process.

The Russian scientist Elie Metchnikoff (1845- 1916) popularized the idea of "Dys-symbiosis" or "Dysbiosis," describing an imbalance in the microecology of the digestive tract. When the microbial balance of the gut is disturbed, opportunistic (or "bad") bacteria can overgrow and mitigate the effects of the "good" predominant bacteria needed for a healthy gut. These bacteria can alter immune function, absorption of nutrients, hormone regulation and general gastrointestinal changes.

This simple test is cost-effective and beneficial in truly determining what supplements you need to add onto a healthy, nutrient dense diet to support your body through its day-to-day life.

Dr. Jerry Bailey is a Chiropractic Physician, Certified Acupuncturist and a Functional Medicine provider. He has a Masters of Science in Nutrition and Functional Medicine. He works with patients on their health issues, including IBS, Crohn's, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, hormone imbalances, stress, fatigue, chronic pain/fibromyalgia, and headaches, along with back pain, neck pain and arm/leg pain. Visit www.lakesideholistic.com for more information.