orthomolecular therapy

The term orthomolecular was introduced by Prof. Dr. Linus Pauling. Dr. Pauling, who twice received the honour of the Nobel Prize, is also known for his work with vitamin C. He discovered that megadoses of vitamin C activate the immune-system and help fight diseases like the flue, atherosclerosis and cancer.

Orthomolecular therapy tries to correct a vitamin, mineral or nutritional imbalance where it occurs. If the main cause of a disease is caused by a deficiency of some kind - it stands to reason that the main treatment should be to correct such a deficit. The unprofessional treatment of the symptoms with chemicals is the explanation for when treatment ends in failure and, in some cases, worsens the condition of the patient.

Orthomolecular therapy has its beginnings in the discovery that diseases, like schizophrenia, sometimes respond well to megadoses of niacin, also known as vitamin B3. Other vitamin deficiencies which require vitamin therapy include: Scurvy (Vit. C deficiency), Pellagra (Vit. B3 deficiency), Riboflavin deficiency (Vit. B2) characterized by cheilosis, glossitis, visual disturbances and skin inflammation, Osteomalacia (Vit. D deficiency) characterized by waisting and weakness of muscles, Nightblindness (Vit. A deficiency), Pernicious anemia (Vit. B12 deficiency).

Nutritional deficiencies may also result when consuming alcohol, nicotine, animal fats, sugar, chemicals and prescription drugs.

In 1992, The Lancet published an interesting study which suggested that patients who suffered a heart attack recovered faster when injected with megadoses of magnesium sulfate.

Any orthomolecular therapy must begin with proper diagnosis, thorough examination of the previous diet, and analysis of the blood and hair to help determine any deficiencies.

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