This includes both genomic markers, as well as metabolites related to methylation. Methylation is a chemical process that happens billions of times per second in every cell of the body. It underpins many physiological processes, and for this reason, methylation imbalances can manifest in many ways, such as poor hormone detoxification, mood disorders, chronic fatigue, cognitive dysfunction and cardiovascular disease.

The Organic Acids Test (OAT) offers a comprehensive metabolic snapshot of a patient’s overall health with 76 markers. In particular, it is effective in providing an accurate evaluation on gut bacteria and potential yeast overgrowth, which can have a profound impact on the brain and mental health, as well as on the immune system and metabolism. Many with conditions such as depression, generalised anxiety disorder, psychotic conditions, behaviour disorders and neurological conditions, excrete abnormal levels of certain organic acids, which can be as a result of immune deficiencies, poor diets, infections and gut bacteria imbalances.

The OAT also includes markers for vitamin and mineral levels, oxidative stress and neurotransmitter levels.

Digestion and the gut are incredibly important when looking at mental health. Emerging research in the past decade has shown how the gut microbiome (bacteria) play a pivotal role in brain health and mental wellbeing. This is why doing a stool analysis and looking at how your gut bacteria are composed, as well as ruling out any digestive insufficiencies, such as lack of pancreatic enzymes, stomach acid and bile acid, is a crucial part of my practice.

I work with panels by LifecodeGx, to look at varying genetic influences for symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, toxicity, and nutrient deficiencies.