How to Improve Your Nutrition Through Orthomolecular Medicine

In orthomolecular medicine, the adage 'you are what you eat' is considered to be true. In this form of medicine, the regulation of the body's chemicals and nutrients is used to treat many forms of sickness, like herpes, skin disorders and viral pneumonia. By working with an orthomolecular practitioner, you can form a nutrition plan that may help improve your health.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet access

Instructions

Familiarize Yourself With Orthomolecular Nutrition

1. Know that Orthomolecular nutrition has been used since the 1950s when doctors were used it to treat those suffering from mental disorders. Linus Pauling adopted it in 1968. He created the concept of using 'the right molecules in the right amounts,' through which psychiatric ailments could possibly be treated.

2. Understand that you may already be performing a type of modified orthomolecular therapy. If you take vitamin pills, you are following the tenets of this therapy. With the help of an orthomolecular nutritionist, you may improve your overall nutrition with supplements as varied as dietary fiber, amino and fatty acids, megadoses of vitamins, minerals and enzymes.

3. Feel comforted knowing that, while this practice may be somewhat controversial in the medical community, it is thought to be safe and natural. Only the chemicals and nutrients that occur naturally in the body will be manipulated. Nothing foreign will be introduced into your body.

4. Get your questions answered online. Visit Web sites like Orthomolecular.org for more information (see Resources below).

Find a Practitioner in Your Area

1. Locate a practitioner in your area by using search engines. Try the American College for Advancement in Medicine Web site (see Resources below). Facilitate your search by specifying specialty.

2. Use the Orthomolecular.org Web site to find links to practitioners in the United States and abroad. Only a small portion of the medical community prescribes orthomolecular nutrition plans. Therefore, finding a doctor near you may prove difficult.

3. Choose your doctor and develop a nutrition plan for your specific needs.

Tips & Warnings

• Costs for working with an orthomolecular nutritionist vary. The final price depends on how severe your nutritional deficiency is and what kind of plan is prescribed for you.

• The actual medical benefits of this practice are still in question among members of the medical community.

• Visit your doctor or an emergency room right away if you have experienced an unexplained seizure.

• Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners are licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider and keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.