What Organic Acids Testing (OAT) Reveals About Your Gut, Brain, and Detox Pathways

Organic Acids Testing (OAT) connects gut, brain, and liver function to uncover hidden imbalances in energy, mood, detox, and digestion.

What Is the Organic Acids Test (OAT)?

The Organic Acids Test is one of the most revealing, functional lab panels available. It’s a simple urine test that captures over 70 metabolic markers—offering a window into your gut, brain, mitochondria, detox pathways, neurotransmitters, and nutrient metabolism.

While standard blood tests often come back "normal," OAT testing digs deeper, helping us understand what’s happening beneath the surface.

Why OAT Testing Matters

Most chronic health issues don’t begin with a single diagnosis. They begin with imbalances: missing nutrients, sluggish detox pathways, disrupted gut flora, or a stressed-out nervous system. The OAT shows where these imbalances are occurring and how severe they are.

Here’s what OAT can detect:

• Candida and fungal overgrowth

• Clostridia and bacterial toxins

• Neurotransmitter byproducts (dopamine, serotonin)

• Mitochondrial dysfunction (Krebs cycle intermediates)

• Vitamin and antioxidant levels (B6, B12, glutathione)

• Oxalates and inflammation triggers

• Detox pathway blockages

• Hidden mold or environmental toxin burden

  
  

Who Should Consider OAT Testing?

This test is ideal for patients who:

• Feel unwell despite "normal labs"

• Struggle with fatigue, brain fog, or mood swings

• Have bloating, constipation, or yeast overgrowth

• React to supplements or medications

• Have a history of mold exposure or chronic Lyme

• Have ADHD, autism spectrum symptoms, or developmental delays

• Struggle with eczema, acne, or inflammatory skin conditions

• Show signs of nutrient depletion despite eating well

  
  

How OAT Helps Me Personalize Treatment

As a naturopathic doctor, I don’t just treat symptoms. I look at the why—and OAT helps answer that.

When I see elevated quinolinic acid, I know inflammation is impacting the brain. When oxalates are high, I consider gut flora and mineral imbalances. If dopamine metabolites are skewed, I investigate stress, B6, and liver methylation.

This test gives me a clinical blueprint—allowing me to personalize detox, nutrition, gut support, and even homeopathy for better outcomes.

What to Expect from the Test

• Sample type: Urine (first morning void)

• Turnaround: 1–2 weeks

• Fasting: Usually recommended overnight

• Best done when: Symptoms are stable, not during acute illness or menstruation

  
  

Why This Test Isn’t Mainstream (But Should Be)

Most conventional practitioners never run OAT because it doesn’t fit neatly into insurance models or ICD billing codes. But in a naturopathic or functional medicine setting, it can be the difference between guessing and knowing.

My Clinical Takeaway

If you feel stuck, like something deeper is going on but no one can find it—OAT might be the test that finally explains your symptoms. It’s not a magic bullet, but it’s one of the best maps I’ve found for navigating complex, chronic conditions.

Ready to Test?

I offer OAT testing through Taylor Made Wellness, along with a complete clinical interpretation and follow-up plan to restore your body's natural function.

Book a consult or learn more here: Book Online at taylormadewellness.org/book-online

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