ENERGY NODE:
Refers to the way that every cell in your body creates the fuel that it needs to carry out normal biological functions.
This energy is in the form of a chemical called adenosine tri-phosphate or ATP. ATP is produced in different parts of the cell, but the majority of ATP is made by a critical part of the cell known as the MITOCHONDRIA. In order for the cell to produce ATP it needs to breakdown simple sugar, fats, or proteins. The complex reactions that make ATP from these basic nutrients require what are called co-factors. These co-factors are specific vitamins and minerals obtained from a healthy diet. In addition, several toxins, including heavy metals, can slow the process of creating energy. Furthermore, the mitochondria are especially sensitive to a variety of factors that put excessive stress (oxidative stress) on the cell. When there is more oxidative stress than the cell can handle causes the cell to die. Many neurological conditions are thought to be the result of excessive oxidative stress. These include Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease). In addition, imbalances in mitochondria have been associated with migraine, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy.
IMBALANCES
When there are imbalances in ENERGY a person may notice symptoms such as weakness, muscle pains, fatigue, and brain fog. In addition, the modifiable lifestyle factors of Sleep, Movement, Nutrition, Stress, and Relationships should be evaluated for areas of need and corrective measures taken.
NUTRIENTS
Nutrients that can be helpful when there are imbalances in ENERGY include: vitamin C, vitamin E, Coenzyme Q10, N-Acetyl Cysteine, Glutathione, Alpha Lipoic Acid, B-vitamins, Green Tea Extract (EGCG), Resveratrol, adequate protein and minerals, including magnesium.
ADVANCED TESTING
To further evaluate imbalances in ENERGY the following tests may be helpful: NutrEval FMV, Organic Acid Testing, Oxidative-Stress Testing, Plasma Methylation Profile, Hemoglobin A1c, RBC magnesium, Essential and Toxic Element testing
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Understand The Seven “Nodes” on the Functional Medicine Matrix
Assimilation
Please click to learn about the Assimilation node of the Functional Medicine Matrix. Assimilation refers to digestion and absorption of nutrients in the gut, as well as the health, diversity, and balance of the microbes that inhabit the digestive tract.
Biotransformation
Please click to learn about the Biotransformation & Elimination node of the Functional Medicine Matrix.Biotransformation & Elimination refers to the way in which the body handles products of metabolism, toxic elements, drugs, and other chemicals, and eliminates waste through the urine, stool, and sweat.
Communication
Please click to learn about the Communication node of the Functional Medicine Matrix. Communication refers to hormones, neurotransmitters (the chemicals nerve cells use to communicate with one another), and inflammatory mediators called “cytokines.”
Defense & Repair
Please click to learn about the Defense & Repair node of the Functional Medicine Matrix.Defense & Repair refers to chronic inflammation, how different parts of the body influence the immune system, and the factors that lead to a breakdown in the normal role of the immune system.
Energy
Please click to learn about the Energy node of the Functional Medicine Matrix. Energy refers to the way that every cell in your body creates the fuel that it needs to carry out normal biological functions.
Structural Integrity & Transport
Please click to learn about the Structural Integrity & Transport nodes of the Functional Medicine Matrix. These refer to two critical and over-lapping functions in the systems that govern how the body works.
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