What Are Biochemical Imbalances?
In any given day, thousands of biochemical processes occur in our bodies to help us digest, move, breathe, think, and more. Essentially, these biochemical processes keep us alive and functioning daily. But over time, the substances which assist in fueling these biochemical processes become imbalanced. For instance, a deficiency in a specific vitamin, or too little of one hormone, or even an overgrowth of bacterial pathogens in the gut can all cause biochemical imbalances which result in unwanted health conditions and symptoms.
Examples
- Low serotonin neurotransmitter levels are associated with depression, constipation, headaches, and chronic pain.
- Low thyroid hormone levels can cause weight loss resistance, chronic fatigue, migraines, neuropathy, depression, and constipation.
- Food sensitivities, mold toxicity, or heavy metals in the body may lead to neuropathy, anxiety, diarrhea, chronic fatigue, and poor sleep.
These are just a few examples of the hundreds of possible biochemical imbalances which may be the root cause of health issues. By discovering the underlying biochemical imbalances with advanced lab testing, you’ll be able to get answers to the root cause of the problem and begin treatment plans which address the underling factors.
Seattle Functional Health Specializes in Identifying Biochemical Imbalances with Advanced Lab Testing
The Types of Biochemical Imbalances
Gut Biochemical Imbalances
The human gut is home to trillions of bacteria that live in our digestive tract. These bacteria, along with various viruses, fungi, and even parasites, help shape our gut microbiome. When there is an imbalance with any of these microbes, our gut microbiome becomes inflamed and dysfunctional. Common symptoms of gas, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea are all signs of a gut microbiome imbalance. The latest clinical research is now associating gut imbalances with various health conditions such as fibromyalgia, migraines, poor skin health, depression, constipation, diarrhea, and other unwanted symptoms.
Hormone Biochemical Imbalances
As we age, our hormone levels begin to naturally decline or become imbalanced because of external factors such as environmental toxins, unhealthy eating, or a lack of exercise. These hormones act as chemical messengers which help turn on or off metabolic functions in the body. With over 50 different hormones in the body, it becomes important to identify which of these hormones are imbalanced because they can be the root cause of many unwanted health conditions and symptoms.
Neurotransmitter Biochemical Imbalances
Neurotransmitters, also known as brain chemicals, are tiny chemical messengers which carry signals from nerve cells to other cells in the body. Classified as either excitatory or inhibitory, these neurotransmitters are like the master circuits in the body which impact our mood, sleep, energy, appetite, and cognitive function. Many of the common medications used to manage our mood are based on neurotransmitters. SSRI and SNRI antidepressants are based on serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmitters and anticonvulsants are based on GABA neurotransmitters.
Nutrient Biochemical Imbalances
Vitamin, mineral, amino acid, and fatty acid nutrient imbalances are common contributing factors to many unwanted symptoms. Through unhealthy eating, toxin exposure, stress, and medication nutrient depletions, we are continually needing nutrients to help fuel the body. These nutrient substances provide the co-factors needed for many of the biochemical processes our bodies require. When there is deficiency or abundance in any specific nutrient, a biochemical imbalance occurs which can cause unwanted symptoms.
Immune Biochemical Imbalances
An overactive or underactive immune system caused by infections, environmental toxins, or mold exposure may be the contributing factor to chronic pain, fatigue, and poor sleep. An imbalanced immune system can cause low-grade inflammation throughout the body which results in muscle, joint, nerve, and headache pain. Additionally, these pain issues amplify unwanted symptoms of fatigue, brain fog, and mood swings. By correcting the root cause of immune imbalances, you may finally achieve pain relief.
Toxicity Biochemical Imbalances
The constant exposure to environmental pollutants, heavy metals, and mold may impair our natural detoxification system. The accumulation of these toxins in our bodies can lead to chronic inflammation, poor sleep, depression, and pain. From nagging headaches to neuropathy pains, excessive toxins may be the source behind many symptoms and conditions.
Common Conditions & Symptoms Caused by Biochemical Imbalances
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