The Genova Diagnostics Lab
(formerly called The Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratory),
located in Asheville, NC is the only lab used
by the International Institute of Holistic Healing for testing.
It is among the most modern and sophisticated labs,
fully equipped with "state-of-the-art" tools for precise and sensitive analysis.
This lab is recognized to be a scientific world leader
using the highest standards in the industry,
and is managed by extremely knowledgeable chemists and microbiologists.
It is trusted by thousands of Healthcare Practitioners globally
to yield the most reliable results in their assessment of body specimens for physiological function.
All samples are analyzed under rigorously controlled conditions, providing information available almost nowhere else.
The tests frequently pinpoint the cause of chronic ailments and ailments that typically evade conventional analysis.
Specimens and results are sent by Airborne Express expedited delivery.
All clients are sent a copy of their results in easy-to-understand language.
Note: The lab does not test for drugs.
FREE Naturopathic Consult upon request
DESCRIPTION: Amino Acid Analysis examines urine samples for 40+ amino acids analytes. Results can provide valuable biochemical information about many disorders, including chronic fatigue, learning disabilities, depression and immune problems. This test quantifies levels of excretion of amino acids and their metabolites, and evaluates essential and non-essential amino acid nutrient status in the urine. It also can indicate functional deficiencies of a number of mineral and vitamin co-factors.
This Amino Acids Analysis: Employs state-of-the-art high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to perform the most comprehensive and sensitive assay available; Utilizes 24-hour urine, first morning void (FMV) or fasting plasma; Measures more than 40 analytes, providing information related to a wide spectrum of metabolic and nutritional disorders such as: vitamin and mineral dysfunctions, Protein inadequacy and assimilation, Gastrointestinal imbalances, Inflammatory responses, Detoxification impairments, Chronic fatigue, Cardiovascular disease, Ammonia toxicity, Food and chemical sensitivities, Depression or behavioral disorders [including autism and ADHD], Neurological dysfunction, and Inborn errors of metabolism underlying many other chronic disorders.
With the precise results and comprehensive commentary provided, nutritional deficits, metabolic impairments, and amino acid transport disorders can be accurately identified and corrected. Amino acids are essential to life. In free form or linked as peptides they assume important roles in such activities as: Neurotransmitter function, Pain control, pH regulation, Detoxification, Cholesterol metabolism and Control of inflammation. Amino acids comprise the building blocks of all of the body’s structural tissues and hormones. All of these compounds utilize, or derive from, the “essential” amino acids provided by the diet. Determination of the adequacy of amino acids, proper balance between them, and conversion capability are of paramount importance in preventing illness and getting to the root of many chronic disorders.
Amino Acids are the building blocks of protein, the basis of life itself. They are a major constituent for brain, nerve, muscle, blood, skin, and internal organs. Amino acids are precursors to dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and many other substances critical to health and well being. Besides building cells and repairing tissue, they form antibodies to combat invading bacteria and viruses; they are part of the enzyme and hormonal system; they build nucleoproteins (RNA and DNA); they carry oxygen throughout the body and participate in muscle activity. Amino acids have been found to be extremely useful in weight control, depression fighting, muscle building, proper hormonal activity, and proper function of the immune system.
Amino acids are necessary for growth and cellular replication throughout the body. When protein is broken down by digestion the result is 22 known amino acids. Eight are essential (cannot be manufactured by the body); the others are non-essential (can be manufactured by the body with proper nutrition. Failure to obtain enough of even 1 of essential amino acids, those that we cannot make, results in degradation of the body's proteins—muscle and so forth—to obtain the one amino acid that is needed. Unlike fat and starch, the human body does not store excess amino acids for later use—the amino acids must be in the food every day.
L-ALANINE (Non-Essential Amino Acid) …Is an important source of energy for muscle tissue, the brain and central nervous system; strengthens the immune system by producing antibodies; helps in the metabolism of sugars and organic acids
L-ARGININE (Non-Essential Amino Acid)…Studies have shown that is has improved immune responses to bacteria, viruses and tumor cells; promotes wound healing and regeneration of the liver; causes the release of growth hormones; considered crucial for optimal muscle growth and tissue repair. Arginine causes retardation of tumors and cancer, aids in liver detoxification, assists in the release of growth hormones and maintenance of a healthy immune system, detoxifies ammonia ,increases sperm counts in males and aids in kidney disorders and trauma.
L-ASPARTIC ACID (Non-Essential Amino Acid)…Aids in the expulsion of harmful ammonia from the body. When ammonia enters the circulatory system it acts as a highly toxic substance which can be harmful to the central nervous system. Recent studies have shown that Aspartic Acid may increase resistance to fatigue and increase endurance. Aspartic acid facilitates the use of carbohydrates as an energy source for the body. Aspartic acid also aids in the excretion of toxins such as ammonia from the body.
L-CYSTEINE (Non-Essential Amino Acid)…Your skin, as well as detoxification of your body, requires cysteine. It is found in beta-keratin, the main protein in nails, skin and hair. It not only is important in collagen production but also assists in skin elasticity and texture. Cysteine is also required in the manufacture of the amino acid taurine and is a component of the antioxidant gluthione. It is useful to detoxify the body from harmful toxins and help protect the brain and liver from damage from alcohol, drugs etc. It has also been found that it may help in strengthening the protective lining of the stomach as well as intestines, which may help prevent damage caused by aspirin and similar drugs. Cysteine is also critical to the metabolism of a number of essential biochemicals including coenzyme A, heparin, biotin, lipoid acid, and glutathione. Cysteine is an important antiaging nutrient and it helps to detoxify the system, protect against copper toxicity, and it is also an antioxidant that fights free radicals.
L-CYSTINE (Non-Essential Amino Acid)…Functions as an antioxidant and is a powerful aid to the body in protecting against radiation and pollution. It can help slow down the aging process, deactivate free radicals, neutralize toxins; aids in protein synthesis and presents cellular change. It is necessary for the formation of the skin, which aids in the recovery from burns and surgical operations. Hair and skin are made up 10-14% Cystine
L-GLUTAMIC ACID (Non-Essential Amino Acid)…Considered to be nature's "Brain food" by improving mental capacities; helps speed the healing of ulcers; gives a "lift" from fatigue; helps control alcoholism, schizophrenia and the craving for sugar. It also helps improve brain function, alleviates fatigue, aids in ulcer healing time, acts as a mood elevator, and may serve as brain stimulant.
L-GLUTAMINE (Non-Essential Amino Acid)…It is converted to glutamic acid in the brain, which is essential for cerebral functions, and increases the amount of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which is required for brain functioning and mental activity. It is used in the muscles for the synthesis of muscle proteins, and is of use for the treatment of wasting muscles after illness or post-operative care. Although the body requires nitrogen, free nitrogen in the body can be harmful since it forms ammonia that is especially toxic to the brain. The liver normally converts ammonia to urea, excreted in the urine but glutamic acid attaches itself to nitrogen and forms glutamic acid, while removing ammonia from the brain. It further is used in the body to balance the acid/alkaline level and is also the basis or building blocks of RNA and DNA. It serves as a source of fuel for cells lining the intestines and it is also used by white blood cells and is important for immune function.
GLYCINE (Non-Essential Amino Acid)…Helps trigger the release of oxygen to the energy requiring cell-making process; Important in the manufacturing of hormones responsible for a strong immune system. Glycine produces glycogen which mobolizes glucose from the liver, bolsters the immune system and is effective against hyperacidity.
L-HISTIDINE (Non-Essential Amino Acid)…Is found abundantly in hemoglobin; has been used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, allergic diseases, ulcers and anemia. A deficiency can cause poor hearing. Histidine is a precursor of histamine. It helps keep people from biting their nails, dilates blood vessels, and helps alleviate symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
L-ISOLEUCINE (Essential Amino Acid)…Provides ingredients for the manufacturing of other essential biochemical components in the body, some of which are utilized for the production of energy, stimulants to the upper brain and helping you to be more alert
L-LEUCINE (Essential Amino Acid)…Provides ingredients for the manufacturing of other essential biochemical components in the body, some of which are utilized for the production of energy, stimulants to the upper brain and helping you to be more alert
L-LYSINE (Essential Amino Acid)…Insures the adequate absorption of calcium; helps form collagen (which makes up bone cartilage and connective tissues); aids in the production of antibodies, hormones and enzymes. Recent studies have shown that Lysine may be effective against herpes by improving the balance of nutrients that reduce viral growth. A deficiency may result in tiredness, inability to concentrate, irritability, bloodshot eyes, retarded growth, hair loss, anemia and reproductive problems. Lysine helps improve concentration and enhances fertility. L-Lysine monhydrochloride builds new body tissue. Lysine synthesizes protein to be used for growth and repair of muscles. Lysine allows for better absorption of calcium and so may help prevent osteoporosis. With the addition of vitamin C, lysine is involved in the development of collagen in connective tissues, skin, cartilage and bone. Lysine lowers high serum triglyceride levels. Lysine promotes the production of antibodies, hormones and enzymes.
L-METHIONINE (Essential Amino Acid)…Is a principle supplier of sulfur which prevents disorders of the hair, skin and nails; helps lower cholesterol levels by increasing the liver's production of lecithin; reduces liver fat and protects the kidneys; a natural chelating agent for heavy metals; regulates the formation of ammonia and creates ammonia-free urine which reduces bladder irritation; influences hair follicles and promotes hair growth. Methionine is a lipotropic agent; it reduces fat and protects the kidney, aids in lowering cholesterol, natural chelating agent for heavy metals and aids in producing beautiful skin.
L-ORNITHINE (Non-Essential Amino Acid)…Ornithine is important since it induces the release of growth hormone in the body, which in turn helps with fat metabolism. It is further required for a properly functioning immune system and liver, and assists in ammonia detoxification and liver rejuvenation. It is also of use in healing and repairing skin and tissue and is found in both these body parts. There are some unsupported claims that ornithine promotes muscle building, but this has not been proven. Ornithne works at muscle building substance and increases the potency of arginine.
L-PHENYLALAINE (Essential Amino Acid)…Used by the brain to produce Norepinephrine, a chemical that transmits signals between nerve cells and the brain; keeps you awake and alert; reduces hunger pains; functions as an antidepressant and helps improve memory. It is often used to treat depression; it also aids in memory, learning , and obesity. This amino acids elevates moods, improves mental alertness, helps surppress appetite, and increases sexual interest.
L-PROLINE (Non-Essential Amino Acid)…Is extremely important for the proper functioning of joints and tendons; also helps maintain and strengthen heart muscles
L-SERINE (Non-Essential Amino Acid)…A storage source of glucose by the liver and muscles; helps strengthen the immune system by providing antibodies; synthesizes fatty acid sheath around nerve fibers
L-TAURINE (Non-Essential Amino Acid)…Helps stabilize the excitability of membranes which is very important in the control of epileptic seizures. Taurine and sulfur are considered to be factors necessary for the control of many biochemical changes that take place in the aging process; aids in the clearing of free radical wastes. Taurine is used to treat some forms of epilepsy by controlling seizures.
L-THREONINE (Essential Amino Acid)…Is an important constituent of collagen, Elastin, and enamel protein; helps prevents fat build-up in the liver; helps the digestive and intestinal tracts function more smoothly; assists metabolism and assimilation
L-TRYPTOPHAN (Essential Amino Acid)…It is necessary for the synthesis of neurotransmitter serotonin. Due to its effects in the synthesis and release of serotonin, tryptophan can modify sleep and mood.
L-TYROSINE (Non-Essential Amino Acid)…Transmits nerve impulses to the brain; helps overcome depression; Improves memory; increases mental alertness; promotes the healthy functioning of the thyroid, adrenal and pituitary glands. Tyrosine acts in regulation of emotional behavior. It is important in eventual synthesis of thyroxine, thus aiding in prevention of hypothyroidism. Has important role in stimulating and modifying brain activity, helps control drug resistant depression and anxiety.
L-VALINE (Essential Amino Acid)…Promotes mental vigor, muscle coordination and calm emotions