Dr. Weeks’ Comment:
Thank the Lord for the naturopaths.
Orthomolecular medicine has caught on broadly (you know it as “alternative”, “holistic” “nutritional” or “integrative” medicine as all the docs in these natural medicine fields trace their lineage to Dr. Abram Hoffer, M.D., Ph.D. whose paradigm shifting research began in 1951 and continued until his death this past May 2009) But while the orthomolecular medicine has caught on, the very fulfilling field of orthomolecular psychiatry remains orphaned and, aside from myself, only a few naturopaths are willing to practice orthomolecular or “corrective” psychiatry.
Linus Pauling, Ph.D., the “Einstein of chemistry” and two time Nobel Laureate learned about orthomolecular psychiatry from Abram Hoffer and wrote the landmark article published in NATURE which laid out in clear and precise words the eminently common-sense aspect of this paradigm. His article is well-worth reading. (click here)
And now, an ND colleague, (welcome to the fray, Jonathan! … “We few, we happy few, we band of brothers…”) is practicing this approach. I don’t feel so lonely any more! I reprint an introductory article on this topic below and commend you, dear reader, to the excellent websites www.orthomed.org or www.orthomolecularhealth.org
Vitamin balance key to treating Schizophrenia
Mar 9, 2009 11:15:00 AM
At present, the origins of the disease are unknown, however it is believed the illness is caused by a biochemical imbalance. Neurologically speaking, schizophrenia is believed to be caused by a communication breakdown between nerve cells.
Some studies have shown that the predisposition to schizophrenia is inherited, and although there is little one can do about genetic factors that might lead to the onset of schizophrenia, nutritional modifications might help to enhance quality of life and slow down the progression of the disease.
According to research by Dr. Abram Hoffer, a psychiatrist with a lifetime of work and practice in the field of mental health, many people with schizophrenia have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and allergies. The most common food allergies found in individuals with schizophrenia are sugars, dairy products and wheat.
Hoffer believes orthomolecular treatment is effective in 80 per cent or more of schizophrenia patients and is the best treatment developed so far. An orthomolecular approach to treating schizophrenia looks at a person’s individual biochemistry, nutrient deficiency, and diet, as well as allergies and toxins.
“As a naturopathic doctor, I recommend an orthomolecular approach to preventing schizophrenia,” said Dr. Jonathan Prousky, naturopathic doctor and expert advisor to Orthomolecular Health. “It’s a science-based approach to healing the body which helps prevent the onset of illness by giving the body the nutrients it needs.” Literally translated, orthomolecular means “right molecule” and what’s right will differ for every individual.
Orthomolecular practitioners use nutrition plans customized to the health needs of individuals to ensure a diet has the appropriate amount of vitamins and nutrients required to prevent the onset of illness or to treat existing illnesses and imbalances. In the treatment of schizophrenia, an orthomolecular practitioner will typically prescribe a special diet along with vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin B3 in accordance with the individual needs of the patient.
For more information on orthomolecular medicine including how orthomolecular therapy works for schizophrenia, how it can cure disease, how orthomolecular treatment can be used in conjunction with prescription drugs, and a list of orthomolecular practitioners please visit: www. orthomolecularhealth.com.
About Orthomolecular Health
Orthomolecular Health educates the public and health professionals on the benefits and practice of the orthomolecular approach to health. It is dedicated to the advancement of orthomolecular medicine in Canada and internationally.