Orthomolecular medicine – part II

ORTHOMOLECULAR MEDICINE – part II

Orthomolecular medicine means restoring and maintaining health by supplying the body with the amounts of substances it needs – substances normally present in the body but very often acutely deficient. Ageing processes are usually accelerated by free radicals, chronic inflammation and intoxication (such as heavy metals or industrial and agricultural hydrocarbons in the body). Reversing or slowing this process is one of the aims of orthomolecular therapy, together with treating health problems.
A growing body of scientific research today confirms that high doses of micronutrients are therapeutic and preventive. Vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, B-complex vitamins and coenzyme Q10 are among the many nutrients proven to contribute positively to health and longevity when used in larger doses. There are therapeutic levels for minerals such as magnesium, zinc and chromium, which differ in form and absorbability from the vitamins and minerals normally found in food or oral supplements. Orthomolecular medicine also makes it possible to provide therapeutic doses of curcumin, quercetin, alpha-lipoic acid and others. What sets it apart from all other treatment methods is the intravenous administration of the remedies, which naturally need to be in liquid form – something that guarantees their high absorption at the molecular level.

Here are the most important definitions in orthomolecular medicine, which, thanks to its 50-year history and progress, is now rapidly entering Bulgaria as well:

» In 1969 Linus Pauling introduced the word “orthomolecular” to describe the use of naturally occurring substances, especially nutrients, to maintain health and treat disease.

» Orthomolecular medicine is a practice of preventing and treating disease by providing optimal amounts of substances that are natural to the body.

» The key idea in orthomolecular medicine is that genetic factors are central not only to individuals' physical characteristics but also to their biochemical environment. The body's biochemical pathways have significant genetic variability, and diseases such as atherosclerosis, cancer, schizophrenia or depression are linked to specific biochemical abnormalities that cause or contribute to the disease.

» Orthomolecular treatment is used successfully when heavy metal accumulation is found in the body. Chelation therapy is carried out, which, thanks to absorbable formulas, removes heavy metals without stress or discomfort for the patient.

Orthomolecular medicine has 15 gold standards.

• Orthomolecules come first in medical diagnosis and treatment. Knowledge of the safe and effective use of nutrients, enzymes, hormones, antigens, antibodies and other naturally occurring molecules is essential to provide a reasonable standard of care in medical practice.

• Orthomolecules have a low risk of toxicity. Pharmacological drugs always carry a higher risk and are therefore the second choice if an alternative orthomolecular treatment exists.

• Laboratory tests are not always accurate, and blood tests do not necessarily reflect nutrient levels in particular organs or tissues, especially in the nervous system. Thanks to bioresonance diagnostics, deficiencies or accumulations of certain trace elements in the body can be determined.

• Biochemical individuality is a central principle of orthomolecular medicine. Finding the optimal doses of nutrients is therefore a practical matter. Megadoses, larger than normal doses of nutrients, are often effective. This can only be determined through diagnostic testing and a doctor's prescription.

• The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of the US Food and Nutrition Board is intended for normal, healthy people. By definition (according to them), sick patients are not normal or healthy and are unlikely to be adequately served.

• Environmental pollution of air, water and food is common. Diagnostic screening for toxic pollutants is justified, and a high “index of suspicion” is essential in every case.

• Optimal health is a lifelong challenge. Biochemical needs change, and our orthomolecular prescriptions must change based on follow-up, repeated tests and therapeutic trials to allow fine-tuning of every receptor and a degree of health never before possible.

• Nutrient-related disorders are always treatable. Ignoring their existence is tantamount to neglecting one's own health.

• Always seek several opinions. Look for the truth about your health – it is your responsibility! Do not let medical ignorance stop you from seeking adequate treatment. Hereditary, autoimmune and chronic disorders often respond positively to orthomolecular treatment.

• Orthomolecular therapies are known to be safe and highly effective. It takes time to restore the body's normal balance.

• Patients' reports are usually reliable. The patient should listen to their body's signals, and the doctor should listen to the patient.

• Denying a patient information about and access to orthomolecular treatment is like denying the patient informed consent for any other treatment.

• Inform the patient about their condition; give them access to all technical information and reports; respect their right to freedom of choice in medicine.

• Inspire your patient to realise that health is not simply the absence of disease, but the positive achievement of optimal function and well-being.

• Hope is therapeutic, and orthomolecular therapies are always valuable as a source of hope.