Unlocking the clues behind fatigue, gut issues and brain fog: how organic acid testing could help
You're eating well, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep – yet you still wake up exhausted and struggle to think clearly by 3pm. Sound familiar?
Sometimes, the missing piece lies in the way your body is processing nutrients on a cellular level. That’s where an Organic Acids Test (OAT) can be a game-changer.
This test measures the levels of organic acids – metabolic by-products your body naturally produces when it breaks down food and creates energy. Think of them as metabolic fingerprints: they reveal how efficiently your body is running key processes such as energy production, detoxification, neurotransmitter balance, and digestion.
When these metabolites (by-products) are out of balance, they can give valuable insights into why you’re feeling the way you do – and where targeted nutrition and lifestyle changes could make a real difference.
What are organic acids?
Organic acids are natural substances excreted in urine as your body metabolises (breaks down) proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Because they are closely linked to your metabolism, they can highlight where certain biochemical pathways are struggling.
Think of it like trying to put together flat-pack furniture: if you're missing a crucial screw or the right tool, the end result wobbles and doesn't work properly. In the same way, if your body is missing key nutrients like B vitamins, certain pathways don't run smoothly – and the organic acids left behind give us clues about where things have gone off track.
For instance, elevated Krebs cycle by-products might indicate B-vitamin deficiencies affecting energy production – which gives a clear target for nutritional support.
What does the organic acids test measure?
An OAT looks at over 70 markers that can provide insight into:
Energy production: how well your mitochondria (the battery packs in your cells) are making energy.
Gut health: whether there’s evidence of yeast or bacterial overgrowth producing toxic by-products.
Nutrient status: signs of deficiencies in key vitamins like B vitamins, vitamin C, or amino acids.
Detoxification: how effectively your body is handling toxins and oxidative stress.
Neurotransmitters: imbalances linked to mood, sleep, and focus.
Fat and carbohydrate metabolism: how efficiently your body is breaking down and using fuel from your diet.
What are the benefits of organic acid testing?
The OAT can:
Pinpoint hidden functional nutrient deficiencies that may not show up on standard blood tests.
Highlight imbalances in gut bacteria or yeast that could be contributing to digestive symptoms often labelled as IBS.
Give insight into why you feel tired, foggy, or anxious, even when your blood work looks ‘normal’.
Provide a roadmap for a personalised nutrition and supplement plan.
Who might benefit from the organic acids test?
I often recommend this test for clients experiencing:
Chronic fatigue or low energy
Digestive symptoms such as bloating, diarrhoea, or constipation
Brain fog, poor concentration, or memory issues
Mood changes such as anxiety, low mood, or irritability
Skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or acne
Unexplained aches, pains, or inflammation
In my practice, I've seen how OAT results can explain why two people with identical symptoms need completely different nutritional approaches.
Because the OAT looks at the bigger picture of metabolism, it’s particularly valuable for people who have tried conventional approaches but still don’t feel well.
Want to see what the test looks like?
Ready to uncover some clues behind your ongoing health issues?
If you're tired of guessing why you don't feel your best, an organic acids test could be the missing piece of your health puzzle.
Why not book a free and informal chat to see if it could be useful for you? We'll talk through your symptoms and health goals, and I'll help you decide if this type of testing is the right next step for where you are right now.