orthomolecular nutrition
During the 1960’s scientists and medical researchers coined the
term “orthomolecular medicine” to describe their work using
vitamins, minerals and amino acids in the treatment of psychiatric
and physical illnesses.
It means medicine using "the correct molecule" to restore proper
function. It relies on the principle that naturally-occurring
molecules, needed by the body for balanced function, can become
disrupted or depleted, leading to disturbed biochemistry and
symptoms. Therefore, by replenishing these naturally-occurring
molecules physiological balance can be restored and proper function
can return.
Nutritional Therapy is based on this same principle. Nutritional
therapists seek to restore lost or disturbed physiological function
by helping individuals understand the nutritional value and
function of foods and how to use nutritional supplements to
replenish or boost nutrient levels. With more vital and nourishing
foods and the careful use of nutritional supplements more of the
right nutrients can be made available to tissues for balanced
metabolism. This provides the foundation for tissues to function
optimally.
Nutritional Therapists who are registered with the
Nutritional Therapy Council have demonstrated competence in the
application of nutrition science and clinical evidence to the promotion
of health. This encompasses dietary manipulation, assessment
of need for nutrient supplements, counselling and lifestyle advice.
Depending on the unique needs of each individual, Nutritional
Therapy can encompass both general dietary and supplement
recommendations and help with more specialised approaches to
food such as exclusion diets, fasting, weight normalisation and
vegetarianism. This includes the use of nutritional supplements
targeted to more specific needs such as immunity, digestion and
cardiovascular health.
In addition to those essential nutrients originally used by the
orthomolecular doctors, Nutritional Therapy includes the use of a
variety of molecules and living organisms that are of primary
importance in our metabolism but that might not be provided by
modern foods or that we might not adequately manufacture for
ourselves. These include probiotic bacteria, plant fibres, digestive
enzymes, co-enzymes, herbs, algae, mushrooms and numerous
other plants and plant derivatives.
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