AN AK APPROACH TO KREBS CYCLE DYSFUNCTION AND BEYOND

Before we can fix the Krebs cycle, we need to have a clinical predictor of dysfunction Referring to our early discussion you will remember that a byproduct of ATP production is carbon dioxide Carbon dioxide is not a waste product as many would think It is used for many important reactions is the body including respiration, kidney function, as well as hydrochloric acid and pancreatic acid production to mention a few. Therefore, if the mitochondria are not producing enough carbon dioxide, metabolic dysfunctions will likely occur.

We can easily identify Krebs cycle dysfunction with manual muscle testing and increasing carbon dioxide (Co2) Simply identify an inhibited or weak muscle and have the patient rebreathe their own air to increase Co2 titers Rebreathing is simply done using a brown paper lunch bag The patient covers both the nose and mouth with the bag and rebreathes 6-8 breaths If rebreathing facilitates the inhibited muscle one can assume that there is a decrease in Co2 titers as a result Krebs cycle dysfunction.

If it has been determined that there is Krebs cycle dysfunction the actual cause must now be determined Th where a little clinical investigation comes into play First, y will want to test the patient for the vitamin and mineral cofactors that make the Krebs cycle spin These include B B2, B3, B5, Lipoic Acid, Manganese, and Magnesium as indicated to the right

Additionally, Coenzyme Q10 is necessary for the final step in ATP production called the electron transport chain Coenzyme Q10 is depleted by medications, including statins Also phosphorylated B6 or P-5-P is necessary for Q10 synthesis in the liver One or more of the above may strengthen the inhibited muscle which indicates a need for supplementation

Once ATP cofactors have been examined and necessity determined, it will be wise to address the other Krebs cycle inhibitors that were previously mentioned Including free radical damage from insufficient antioxidants and insufficient subcellular melatonin from lack of exposure to near infrared sun rays