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Metabolism is defined in Dorland's Medical Dictionary
as:
- The sum of all the physical and chemical processes by
which a living organized substance is produced and maintained
(anabolism), and also the transformation by which energy
is made available for the uses of the organism (catabolism).
- biotransformation (transformation of life or life transformation)
When key metabolic processes in the body are compromised
there is always an underlying driving cause. Knowing what
processes are compromised and to what extent provides valuable
clinical information regarding what else to look for. The
following sections contain descriptions of key metabolic markers
and what additional testing should be prompted by significant
findings.
Indican - The level of indican is an index of the
efficiency of protein digestion. The indican scale measures
the presence of indol, a metabolic by-product of the action
of intestinal bacteria on the amino acid tryptophan. Insufficient
gastric hydrochloric acid, insufficient digestive enzymes,
adverse food reactions, parasite infection, fungal infection,
overgrowth of bacteria that metabolize specific proteins,
hypermotility of the small intestine, or other gastrointestinal
dysfunction can compromise protein digestion.
Eventually, the inability to digest protein can prevent proper
glycemic control and lead to serious hormone imbalances. With
poor protein digestion, eventually absorption is adversely
affected. This can be a prelude to chronic degenerative disorders
including gastrointestinal disease and cancer. Without proper
digestion, it is impossible to have optimal health.
If a positive Indican is found on a BHD
#101 Metabolic Assessment Profile, the following additional
tests should be considered (for more detailed information
refer to Technical Bulletins for referenced tests):
Lipid Peroxides - The level of lipid peroxides
is an index of cellular membrane damage caused by the action
of free radicals. The membranes of the organelles within the
cells (mitochondria, lysosomes, peroxisomes, etc.) can also
be damaged. Membrane proteins, membrane lipids and cholesterol
can be damaged due to an insufficiency of antioxidants to
deal with the level of oxidative stress/free radicals. The
elevation of lipid peroxides serves as an early warning of
the potential long-term effects of oxidative stress. The outcome
of long-term oxidative stress is chronic degenerative disease,
an example being the peroxidation of low-density lipoproteins
contributing to atherosclerosis. Other associated diseases
include coronary artery disease and cancer, the leading causes
of death in the United States.
Oxidative stress can result from: exposure to toxins or pathogens,
especially chemicals; inappropriate lifestyle factors such
as excessive exercise; byproducts of normal metabolism. Proper
free radical control is essential to good health.
If elevated Lipid Peroxides are found, the following additional
tests should be considered (for more detailed information
refer to Technical Bulletins for referenced tests):
Urinary Bile Acid Sulfates (UBAS) - UBAS is a direct measurement of liver function. The enterohepatic
circulation regulates bile acid levels under normal circumstances
(a healthy liver); enough leaks into the bloodstream to be
converted to sulfate and excreted in the urine. Elevated
bile acid sulfate levels in the urine are associated with
impaired liver function, hepatocellular damage, and a high
specificity toward hepatobiliary diseases. Since all
chemicals including prescription drugs are detoxified in the
liver, the UBAS can be used to monitor the effects of drug
therapies on the liver and identify those who might experience
problems taking prescription drugs.
Compromised liver function leads to a build up of toxic substances
that can damage liver cells and lead to increased risk for
cancer and a variety of other degenerative diseases.
If elevated Urinary Bile Acid Sulfates are found on a BHD
#101 Metabolic Assessment Profile, the following additional
tests should be considered (for more detailed information
refer to Technical Bulletins for referenced tests):
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