Nutritional Medicine

Credentials: Nutritional medicine (also known as orthomolecular medicine) is usually practiced by naturopathic, medical, chiropractic or osteopathic physicians who have received additional and specialized training in orthomolecular medicine.

During the 20th century, new scientific methods made it possible to observe the inner workings of the human body more closely. We began to learn a lot more about nutrients—the building blocks of both body and brain, and the substances that are necessary for proper body functions. This research and knowledge gave birth to the relatively new science of nutritional medicine.

Linus Pauling, Ph.D, a two-time Nobel laureate, is considered by many to be the father of this field (6), and was the first to map the internal pathways of many nutrient functions and utilization. The original advocate of the health benefits of vitamin C, Pauling recommended taking large daily doses of vitamin C, for which he was heavily criticized by the allopathic medical community. Linus Pauling easily outlived all of his critics and detractors, taking large doses of vitamin C on a daily basis and living with full function and vitality to the age of 96.

Another founder of nutritional medicine is Weston Price, D.D.S, a dentist and outstanding medical researcher who was the first to study the negative impact of modern processed foods on the human body. By observing many native peoples in different countries and cultures at the beginning of the 1900s, he documented the rapid decline in health that began to occur when these native cultures started replacing their traditional foods and diet with processed sugars, processed grains and processed fats. Price’s photographic documentation, which appears in his book Nutrition and Physical Degeneration (1939), shows the dramatic and harmful impact that these dietary changes created in the facial features, bones, teeth, physique and overall health of these cultures and populations in the relatively short time span of one generation.

To apply nutritional medicine, the physician assesses both body and brain from a holistic perspective, determining which tissues, glands or organs are associated with the presenting symptoms or complaints. Through tests and evaluation of the various functions of the affected tissues, the physician can decide which vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids and enzymes will help these tissues and organs detoxify, rejuvenate and return to proper function.

Treatment Principles and Methods:

  • Evaluate the nutritional status of the individual through urine, blood, stool and hair analysis.
  • Determine if any imbalances, deficiencies or toxicities exist.
  • Provide specific nutrients (vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, amino acids, probiotics, enzymes and co-factors) based on the individual’s symptoms and associated test results.
  • These nutrients can target and strengthen tissues, organs, or pathways wherever the help is required.
  • Proactively supplement with antioxidants and other nutrients that protect the body against toxins and pollutants.
  • Give only those nutrients that already exist in the body, to decrease the risk of toxicity or side effects associated with pharmaceutical or herbal medicines.

Consequences:

  • The body’s own natural healing mechanisms have an opportunity to correct any underlying problems when given the correct support.
  • The body is detoxified and protected against the effects of environmental pollution and toxicity.
  • The body and brain receive the optimum amount of essential nutrients.
  • Health improvement, maintenance and prevention.

Pros:

  • There are usually never any side effects because only nutrients that already exist in the body are given.
  • The optimal amount of nutrients allows the internal organs and cells to function at their full potential.
  • It is a great way to optimize health, providing nutrients for optimal growth, development, maturation and longevity.

Cons:

  • Does not address any underlying emotional, mental or spiritual discord that may be contributing to the symptoms.

“The day is near at hand when the doctor will no longer be engaged to patch up the sick man, but to prevent him from getting sick. He will visit families, examine the premises, inspect factories and shops and give instruction to his patients how to keep from getting sick”. ­- Boston Medical Journal, 1908;