Orthomolecular Medicine Defined
The term orthomolecular medicine was originally coined by Dr. Linus Pauling. Most people know Dr. Pauling for his theory of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) as a treatment for the common cold. He defined orthomolecular as “the preservation of good health and the treatment of disease by varying the concentrations in the human body of substances that are normally present in the body”. Ortho molecular is used to express the idea of the “right molecules in the right concentrations”. Orthomolecular is a term that comes from ortho, which is Greek for "correct" or "right," and "molecule," which is the simplest structure that displays the characteristics of a compound. So it literally means the "right molecule". Linus Pauling (1901-1990) Dr. Pauling was the son of a pharmacist from Portland, Oregon. He received three Nobel prizes (2 in 1954 for Chemistry and Peace prize in 1962). Although his work is largely unknown today, he spent years in research and used intuitive energy in understanding the nature of cells, and how to keep them healthy. He received the Presidential Medal of Merit after World War II for his work on the Research Board of National Security. But by 1950 he became a supporter of peace movements, and as a result restrictions were put on his eligibility for a passport by the U.S. State Department. His Nobel Peace Prize in 1962 was given for his analyzing of the dangers of radioactive fallout from nuclear testing and war. Adjunct To Conventional Medicine Consider orthomolecular medicine as an adjunct and not replacement for conventional medicine. What can produce the best health and protection against disease should be the primary objective. Vitamins, phytochemicals, and micronutrients are all vital to our health, and determining the body’s optimal concentration of each, will go a long way toward creating and maintaining health and vigor.
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