Orthomolecular medicine

Orthomolecular medicine is healing the body by using healthy, natural nutrients. Only substances that the body can use without harm are used. These substances are 'endogenous' rather than 'foreign' to the body. Vitamins, for example, are endogenous (medicinal) substances, as are minerals. But a better lifestyle can also restore the body to health. Examples include stopping smoking, exercising more, reducing stress, and improving sleep.

Where does orthomolecular medicine come from?

The term 'orthomolecular' was first used in 1968 by Professor Linus Pauling. Orthos comes from Greek and means: correct, right, or healthy, and molecular stands for: relating to molecules.

That nutrition has a healing effect has been known for centuries. Hippocrates mentioned it 2,300 years ago. Maimonides said 800 years ago: "No disease that can be cured by diet should be treated with other means".

When surgery became increasingly effective from about 1850, the healing effect of nutrition faded into the background. Antibiotics were discovered as an effective medicine. As a result, the influence of nutrition became subordinate.

Signals from the body

Pain or other physical discomforts are often a signal from the body that there is a deficiency or, on the contrary, a surplus of nutrients. Orthomolecular medicine searches for the cause of complaints. The treatment is aimed at eliminating those deficiencies or surpluses.

The treatment: how does it work?

The orthomolecular doctor or therapist asks questions about physical and mental health, about diet and lifestyle. It is important to know whether the body reacts overactively to certain foods. That may indicate an allergy. Sometimes blood or urine is examined to determine whether there is a deficiency or surplus of certain substances in the body.

A treatment plan is drawn up. This will consist of adjustments in diet and/or lifestyle. The orthomolecular doctor or therapist may also advise using one or more nutritional supplements for support.

Nutritional supplements: do I need them?

The goal is always to get enough good nutrients through diet. Getting everything in the right amounts and proportions through food is not always successful.

To prevent and treat diseases, nutritional supplements may be necessary, possibly temporarily. Supplements are tablets or capsules that contain a high content of substances known to the body. For example: vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, amino acids, essential fatty acids, enzymes, or bioflavonoids. The orthomolecular doctor or therapist will advise on this.