Stress and Anxiety + Associated Metabolites

Mental Health

Serotonin (SER)
Tryptophan (TRP)
Tyrosine (TYR)
Kynurenine (KYN)
Indole-3-propionic acid
Indole-3-acetic acid

Sleep

Serotonin (SER)
Tryptophan (TRP)
Uric Acid (UA)

Energy Levels

Tryptophan (TRP)
Kynurenine (KYN)
Total Indoxyl Sulfate (IDS)

Physical, Mental, Emotional Stress

Xanthine (XAN)
3-Methylxanthine (3MX)
Uric Acid (UA)
Total Indoxyl Sulfate (IDS)
Kynurenine (KYN)

Ixcela Personalized Solutions

Personalized Solutions for Stress and Anxiety

No two plans are the same! In addition to customizing plans based on test results, our dietitians often make tweaks for our clients dealing with stress and anxiety issues such as:

  • Removing foods you dislike or are sensitive to
  • Suggesting easy breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner ideas
  • Recommending meals that support mental clarity and neurotransmitter production
  • Adjusting supplement routine and dosages
  • Identifying which restorative practices bring a sense of calm for you
  • Offering creative hydration practices
  • Offering coffee alternatives for energy boosts in the afternoon
  • Finding movement practices that are realistic and enjoyable
  • Providing recommendations to increase the quality and quantity of sleep

Case Studies

Primary Symptom: Mood Swings

Cole, a 32-year-old accomplished author and business owner, was experiencing poor sleep, mood swings, stress, and chronic injuries. He was on the verge of burnout at work and he felt too fatigued and unmotivated to exercise and choose good nutrition.

His Ixcela test results revealed:

  • Serotonin below optimal
  • Xanthine above optimal
  • Total indoxyl sulfate above optimal
  • 3-methylxanthine above optimal

After following his Ixcela plan for 90 days, Cole experienced:

  • 65% fewer days with mood swings
  • 100% decrease in trouble falling asleep
  • 48% decrease in feelings of stress
  • 45% decrease in fatigue

Primary Symptom: Sleep Issues

Jenny, a senior performance director, was so stressed she couldn’t sleep, struggled with GI issues, and found it difficult to keep up with her demanding work schedule, which frequently required traveling and eating on the go.

Her Ixcela test results revealed:

  • Serotonin above optimal
  • Xanthine above optimal
  • Indole-3-acetic acid above optimal
  • Total indoxyl sulfate above optimal

After following her Ixcela plan for 90 days, Jenny experienced:

  • 87% decrease in wakeful nights
  • 87% fewer days with GI distress
  • 17% decrease in reported stress

Primary Symptom: Burnout

Cynthia came to Ixcela to improve her emotional health and lower her stress. She felt an unusual amount of agitation toward others, and depression was beginning to creep in. She was losing focus at work and felt so burnt out that her happiness—and her job—were on the line.

Her Ixcela test results revealed:

  • Serotonin below optimal
  • Kynurenine below optimal
  • Uric acid below optimal
  • Total indoxyl sulfate above optimal

After following her Ixcela plan for 90 days, Cynthia experienced:

  • 33% improvement in ability to manage stress
  • 19% increase in overall Ixcela Internal Fitness Score

FAQ

Ixcela takes a holistic approach to improving health and reducing stress. While you may see some of the common stress reduction techniques such as meditation, there’s so much more that can be done to support stress levels.

Depending on your Ixcela testing results, you may need more protein, antioxidants, sunshine, or even 30 minutes more sleep per night to support the metabolites related to stress. During your one-to-one virtual session with your Ixcela registered dietitian, you’ll be guided on exactly what to do based on what feels most realistic for you right now.

About 90% of serotonin originates in the gut. Serotonin is one of the most important signaling molecules within the gut and is derived from the amino acid tryptophan. Not only does serotonin contribute to our overall mood and ability to fall asleep, but it also plays a pivotal role in initiating digestion. Ixcela tests both serotonin and tryptophan to help us understand if we need to prioritize nutrition, supplementation, or sleep recommendations to optimize these levels. Read our full article about serotonin.

It’s important to consult your doctor before starting any supplement, dietary, or exercise program, including Ixcela.

Ixcela takes a food-first approach to help clients improve their health. You’ll also be given sleep and restorative practices to try. Through various habit shifts based on Ixcela testing results, our clients have reported feeling less stressed, having more energy, and having an improved mood after working with one of our registered dietitians for 90 days.

No. Food sensitivities are often a symptom of a damaged or imbalanced gut. Ixcela testing and guidance from one of our registered dietitians will help you understand what may be the culprit behind symptoms related to food sensitivities.

No. Insurance does not cover Ixcela programs. If you have questions about FSA/HSA reimbursement eligibility, please speak to your doctor.

More questions? Check out our complete FAQ list.

“I used to have restless sleep, felt tired in the morning, and had a low mood. As a result of Ixcela, I am now waking up and working out, prioritizing breakfast, my mental health has improved, and I was able to speak up and ask for help with my workload.”

CYNTHIA, IXCELA CLIENT


Health Issues Ixcela Can Help

Bloating and
GI Issues

Reduce bloating, decrease cramping, alleviate constipation, reduce diarrhea, alleviate acid reflux

View Case Studies

Athletic Performance

Improve runner’s gut, address stomach issues, recover faster, reduce performance plateaus, fuel smarter

View Case Studies

Pain and Inflammation

Reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, improve recovery time, reduce risk of injuries

View Case Studies

Low Energy
and Fatigue

Improve energy, reduce fatigue, boost motivation, increase stamina, tackle brain fog

View Case Studies

Chronic Conditions

Support hormones, improve autoimmune symptoms, reduce high cholesterol, improve sleep

View Case Studies

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