A Practical Approach to Metabolomics and Organic Acids Testing with Dr. Dan Kalish

Conversations for Health

Dan Kalish, DC, IFMCP, is the founder of the Kalish Institute For Functional Medicine, an online practice implementation training program dedicated to building Integrative and Functional Medicine practices through clinical and business courses. He has trained over 7,000 practitioners in building successful functional medicine practices. The Kalish Institute teaches clinical application and patient communication techniques through a hands-on, case-based approach. Dr. Kalish has published a research study on his clinical methods with the Mayo Clinic and is the author of three books on functional medicine.

Together Dr. Kalish and I discuss metabolomics and organic acids testing. He simplifies the complex concepts of organic acids testing, who it would be best for, and how practitioners can incorporate these concepts into their practice. He highlights the four main areas that are included in metabolomic and organic acids tests, the key markers of the tests, and the main deficiencies that are better addressed by these tests over a micronutrient panel. Our conversation touches on the Krebs cycle, carnitine deficiencies, and practitioner limitations in understanding various pathways. Dan offers recommendations for practitioners to sequentially structure a supplement program and shares information regarding panels, tests that indicate healthy neurotransmitter function, and cortisol insights. His approach is practical, inspiring, and encouraging for practitioners who are interested in metabolomics and organic acids testing and need to know where to start.

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Key Takeaways:

[2:28] Dr. Kalish offers an overview of his journey in this field and his passion for teaching it to other practitioners.

[4:19] The four main areas that are included in metabolomic and organic acids tests, and common patient issues and symptoms that indicate the need for the test.

[8:44] Key markers in the test, including lactic and pyruvic acids, and main deficiencies that are addressed in this test versus a micronutrient panel.

[13:42] Overcoming the practitioner's limitations of understanding the intricacies of various pathways, including Dan’s favorite pathway beta-oxidation.

[19:25] Potential underlying reasons and resulting defects for carnitine deficiencies.

[22:34] The most relevant steps in the Krebs cycle in a metabolomic test.

[25:04] Common results and recommendations from the individual markers of the metabolomic test.

[31:08] The critical role of supplementing with B vitamins in the Krebs cycle.

[34:18] Timelines for realizing expected results in patients and the longevity of the vitamin effectiveness.

[37:56] Dan’s recommendations for practitioners to sequentially structure a supplement program.

[40:15] Markers on organic acids and metabolomic tests that indicate healthy neurotransmitter function and cortisol.

[44:25] The full salivary adrenal panel covers three tests and three body systems including HPA analysis or salivary cortisol testing, GI testing, and organic acids testing.

[45:35] Determining whether high neurotransmitter markers are clearance issues or issues of being too high starts with acquiring the learning of markers.

[51:12] Final questions regarding quinolinic acid and other organic acids.

[56:00] How to connect with Dr. Kalish, his changed perspective on microbiome health, and his go-to supplements and health practices.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Dan Kalish

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health

Spotlight™ Functional Wellness Tests

Webinar: Spotlight Suite Functional Wellness Tests

Blog: Optimizing Micronutrient Status for Energy Metabolism

Research Blog: B Vitamins and Overall Stress Response

Research Blog: The Latest on Magnesium for Healthy Blood Sugar Support

Science Update: Recent Review Explores Potential Relationship Between Magnesium Status and Cardiometabolic Health

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