Research into the human genome has estimated humans have anywhere from 20,000 to 100,000+ genes. With this degree of complexity, it is obvious that each and every human being has numerous genetic variations specific to him or herself. Given this, a one-size-fits-all healthcare approach is not appropriate to optimize one’s function. The future of The Vessel ATX aims to improve our clients’ longevity by making our offerings customizable. We will provide clients with optimized nutrition, hormone balance and cardiovascular health-based plans individually tailored to them. To get started, we will work closely with our clients to test and accurately identify which biochemical processes require improvement in a specific person.
By winter 2020, The Vessel ATX will offer NutrEval Plasma® testing. We are very excited to bring this testing to our local community, as part of our mission to help our clients live their healthiest lives, and this testing is intended to do just that. The NutrEval Plasma is one of the most comprehensive nutritional profiles available, assessing a broad array of macronutrients and micronutrients as well as markers that give insight into digestive function, toxic exposure, mitochondrial function and oxidative stress. Testing can help clinicians and clients gain an understanding of how nutritional imbalances may be impacting their health.
As most are aware, proper nutrition is key to preventing a number of diseases, and nutrients are necessary to feed every cell and ensure all body systems are functioning properly. Certain conditions or dietary, genetic and lifestyle factors may predispose a person to have nutrient imbalances, leading to conditions such as mood disorders, cardiovascular disease, obesity and fatigue, to name a few. The NutrEval Plasma test is both a blood and urine test that evaluates over 125 biomarkers and assesses the body’s functional need for 40 antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, amino acids, digestive support and other select nutrients. Personalized recommendations for nutrients are determined by using an algorithm based on the client’s test findings and include amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, digestive support and other nutrients which will be reviewed in detail for each client by either of our board-certified providers. Additionally, exposure to select toxic substances and oxidative stressors may need to be addressed.
Another specialized feature The Vessel ATX will soon be bringing aboard is hormone testing. Millions of women suffer from hormonal imbalances. Whether it is menopause, weight gain, fatigue, low libido, premenstrual symptoms (PMS), mood swings or depression, these symptoms can lead to more serious problems if misdiagnosed. Identifying the root cause of chronic health issues is certainly correctable but only if properly identified. Additionally, over time, men experience a gradual loss of hormones produced in the gonads and adrenal glands. Testosterone and DHEA levels fall, and estrogen levels tend to rise. Male menopause, or what doctors call andropause, can create symptoms of weight gain, lower sex drive, depression, hair loss, sleeping troubles, fatigue and increased prostate cancer risk. Many men feel this is part of getting older and do not know there is treatment to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The DUTCH Test® was created to provide insight into many of these concerns, working to deliver the most complete assessment of sex and adrenal hormones, along with their metabolites. The dried urine collection process is easy to administer, after which our providers will work with clients to review their DUTCH Test results, develop strategies to track and evaluate hormone levels, and ensure they are at their optimum balance by providing bio-identical hormone replacement therapy.
Next up is The Max Pulse. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States but can be present silently in many cases. Factors such as stress can play a role in the development of heart and vascular disease; however, quantifying stress may be challenging. The Vessel ATX is proud to offer vascular health screening with the use of The Max Pulse, a non-invasive, FDA-cleared, Class II medical device that uses a pulse oximeter on the client’s fingertip to detect and interpret the arterial pulse wave. The pulse wave interpretation shows the client’s arterial flexibility and the state of the autonomic nervous system (which regulates “fight-or-flight” responses and indicates a person’s reaction to stress). This process of examining the arterial pulse wave is called “pulse wave analysis”. The Max Pulse performs a three-minute test to detect arterial hardening and stress levels through a detailed analysis of arterial health, along with a separate report analyzing the autonomic nervous system and stress/fatigue levels. The Vessel ATX’s providers will provide a detailed review of Max Pulse results with our clients and make recommendations for further care or follow up if indicated.
Finally, and as a slight change of pace, The Vessel ATX is extremely proud to feature the original art of Austin artist Jean-Pierre Verdijo in our location. He specializes in mixed-media pieces with emphasis on vibrant color and expression. His work will be part of The Vessel’s quarterly “Local Artists” feature, where the artistic talents of our local community will be displayed and available for purchase by Vessel clients.
The Vessel ATX strives to improve the health, vitality and longevity of our community one client at a time. Whether by providing specialized IV cocktails and shots to boost performance and energy, pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) energy chairs for cellular exercise, CBD formulations for total-body equilibrium via the endocannabinoid system, medical aesthetic services and procedures, NAD+ infusions to enhance cellular energy output and anti-aging properties, individualized nutritional, hormonal and cardiovascular testing and treatment plans or access to local original art to enhance the mood in your living space, The Vessel’s aim is to partner with all of our clients to help them find their vitality.
Article written by Emeka Ofobike, Jr. M.D., FAAOS, Co-Owner and Medical Director of The Vessel IV Bar ATX.