Orthomolecular Medicine Revisited

[Guest guest]

http://www.orthomed.org/wund.htm

Orthomolecular Medicine Revisited

 

Ray C. Wunderlich, Jr., M.D.'

 

 

Orthomolecular treatment of clinical conditions amounts to only a small

percentage of total medical care rendered in North America. Persons with health

disorders who seek treatment from their physicians are li kely to receive a wide

variety of drugs. " The use of pharmaceutical agents has not only become a reflex

for most allopathic physicians, it has become a standard upon which judgements

are made about " proper doctoring " . In recent years, however, a concerned

citizenry, uneasy, perhaps, about the ready use of powerful drugs, has

increasingly sought alternatives to drug therapy for medical disorders, Largely

as a result of population pressure; nutritional education, prudent eating, and

physical fitness are fast becoming first-line measures within and without the

medical fraternity.

 

Despite this strong trend, however, the toximolecular approach (the use of

xenobiotics, substances foreign to the body) remains strong whenever patients

consult physicians for illness. Persons with hypertension are usually given

antihypertensive drugs. Infected patients usually receive anti-infectious drugs.

Hyperactive and attention-deficit children usually receive Ritalin or similar

drugs. Peptic ulcer patients nearly always receive Zantac or Tagamet, Neurotic,

psychotic, and character-disordered patients usually receive tranquilizers

(neuroleptics) of one sort or another.We are privileged to live at a time when

effective medications are available for crisis-care and some longterm

conditions. The calcium-channel blocking drugs appear to be clinically effective

agents and are helpful in promoting understanding about basic cellular

physiology. Nevertheless, alternative methods of nutritional and orthomolecular

disease management are available, " These methods are employed by orthomolecular

physician CD The components of these treatments include dietary manipulation,

nutrition supplementation, herbal remedies, homeopathic treatments,

detoxification, hype bane oxygen, intravenous chelation, a lergy management,

attitude adjustment ecological manipulation, and safe forms of megavitamin

therapy. Newer method of treatment such as ozone therapy, intravenous hydrogen

peroxide therapy, magn o therapy, and the like may be utilized but must be

considered experimental at this time.Scientific discovery employs the scientific

method and has been responsible for accurate scientific information for hundreds

of years. Although double-blind studies are an important part of the scientific

endeavor to find the truth, so, too, are observations. The scientific

achievements of the 20th century have been based upon the successful descriptive

work of the 19th century. Then, too, in a broad sense science incorporates

philosophy. Some point out that science, too, must recognize that experiments

once observed by a observer, become changed by the act of observation. The

character of scientific procedures places restriction on the relevance of

results. Philosophers of science are obliged to consider not merely nature in

isolation but also the manner in which man, himsel perceives and interprets

facts. Recognizing that the problems posed by the interaction of man and nature

are complex, we may conclude that all information can be valuable when placed in

proper perspective. Despite the limitations of anecdotes accepted science, they

are quite valuable a means of communicating to others how some of us get people

well. Accordingly, anecdotal reports can be a valuable didactic tool. In this

spirit, a number of clinic anecdotes will now be presented. The subject matter

is Orthomolecular Medicine.

 

Hypertension

A 50-year-old man had a history of elevated blood pressure for at least 10

years, Thorough medical evaluation had disclosed no evident cause for the

hypertension. He was not overweight. He had been treated with antihypertensive

medications with " moderately good control " of the blood pressure. The man sought

orthomolecular treatment because of medication side effects that he had

experienced through the years. Body chemical analysis identified low levels of

most minerals, especially magnesium, He was placed on mineral supplements with

particular attention to magnesium. He was also treated with an herbal mixture

that had been formulated specifically for hypertension.Within a 6-month period,

without change in diet or exercise, the man was free of prescription medications

and his blood pressure remained entirely in the normal range.

 

Middle-Aged Depression

A 45-year-old executive had become restless during the day. His attention

wandered, He couldn't sleep at night and was constipated. His thinking was beset

by notions of inferiority and disillusion. His physicians had treated him with

antidepressant drugs for several years with moderately good results. He sought

another treatment option.The man was placed on a program consisting of

L-tryptophan at bedtime (1000 mgms.) and L-phenylalanine (1000 mg.) in the a.m.

At noon he took phosphatidyl choline (1200 mg.) along with supporting vitamins

and minerals. Among these were 6 grams of vitamin C and 150 mgms. of niacin

daily.

The man remained on this regimen for a year with good results. With good sleep

at night and markedly improved bowel pattern, his days were no longer restless

and he was able to focus on his work. Furthermore, his thoughts became

distinctly " upbeat " and his self-confidence greatly improved.

 

Teenager with Low Blood Sugar

Suzy was flagging in high school. She had difficulty staying awake in the

afternoon despite obtaining 8 hours of sleep at night. She often awoke in the

morning with suboccipital headaches. Suzy described her thoughts as fuzzy or

spacey most of the time. Her weight was increasing at an abnormal rate.

Because of her symptoms along with a positive family history of diabetes

mellitus, a 6-hour glucose tolerance test was ordered. The values were:

 

Fasting 62 mg present

1/2 hour 80 mg present

1 hour 76 mg present

2 hours 74 mg present

3 hours 64 mg present

4 hours 34 mg present

5 hours 48 mg present

6 hours 58 mg present

 

The glucose tolerance curve was abnormal (low, flat curve with abnormally low 4

hour nadir). The diagnosis of low blood sugar was established. Suzy was placed

on a microalgae supplement and treated with glucose tolerance factor derived

from yeast. She was instructed in proper diet and commenced eating fish,

shellfish, vegetables, whole grains, and some fresh fruits. In between meals she

snacked on soy cheese, tofu and brown rice wafers, seeds, or nuts.

She promptly ceased gaining weight and soon was losing weight at the rate of 1-2

pounds per week. She became more alert, lost her afternoon somnolence and had no

further headaches. Whenever she ace sweets or missed meals she noted a return of

" brain fog " . After 6 months, however, she was able to consume an occasional

sweet without adverse effects.

 

Jekyll-and-Hyde Child (Mood Swings)

A 4-year-old boy was incorrigible. The mother called him a Jekyll and Hyde. One

day he was an angel - cooperative - the next, a devil - destructive. At his

worst he stuck out at others, threw things, held his breath, and was defiant to

everyone, Sleep habits were very poor. He either prowled all night or rocked

back and forth " incessantly " . Laboratory testing of hair showed high levels of

lead and cadmium. Blood mineral analysis indicated low levels of calcium,

magnesium, and zinc and corroborated an excess of lead. No evident source of

heavy metals was able to be found in the environment.Supplements of calcium,

magnesium, and zinc were administered. Vitamin C, administered by means of a

buffered, neutral pH powder, was increased in dosage gradually to bowel

tolerance. The lad was able to consume 5 grams daily. Other supporting vitamins

were also taken. A prompt improvement in the youth's behaviour occurred. Fewer

bad days were noted and on those days the boy was able to be dealt with by his

parents whereas previously there was no control. As time passed, the mood swings

abated. Six months after the institution of treatment, follow up tests showed

improved levels of calcium, magnesium and zinc. Lead excess was found again but

the levels of lead were only half of the original levels. Cadmium was not found

to be excessive at this time.Continued supplementation was carried out. The

source of heavy metal excess was never found but the boy's behaviour was steady

at a good level as long as he took his supplements.

 

Teen-Age Menstrual Cramps

An 18-year-old girl came to me to placate her mother. The girl had no particular

complaints except severe menstrual cramps. She did, however, admit to poor

eating habits and irritability one week before each menstrual period. Her mother

added that her daughter was indecisive, hypersensitive, chronically fatigued and

insecure. All her symptoms were improved, the mother noted, whenever the

teenager consumed a good breakfast.Nutritional laboratory testing documented

abnormally low levels of vitamin A A and deficits of many minerals including

iron. When appropriate nutrient supplements were taken she lost her irritable

nature. She herself agreed that life was better. Her menses became much more

comfortable. She became amenable to dietary counsel. ling whereas previously she

had eaten as she wished according to no particular guidelines, often skipping

meals.

 

Depression

A 38-year-old woman felt that the world was closing in on her. Although happily

married with 2 children, she had become progressively depressed over the past

few years. She performed her household chores in a perfunctory manner and

engaged in her sexual marital obligations with no enthusiasm, to say the least.

She dragged through each day and offered little in the way of conversation with

her family. She preferred to be alone. In an attempt to lift her spirits she

consumed copious quantities of coffee on a daily basis. Laboratory testing

revealed multiple abnormalities of body chemistry, Deficit minerals included

calcium, magnesium, manganese, chromium, and cobalt. Levels of vitamin B12 and

folic acid were depressed and vitamin B1 was also low.Treatment was commenced

with intravenous vitamin C, 12 1/2 grams, with added calcium, magnesium, B

complex, and B,,. Intravenous treatments were rendered daily for 5 days then 3

times the next week, and gradually less thereafter. Oral supplements of B

complex, B, and minerals were taken.The response to treatment was prompt and

gratifying. The woman " came alive " . Her energy returned. Gradually she reduced

her consumption of coffee and eventually was able to function very well with no

dietary source of caffeine. She became a responsive family member. Her sexual

interest and responsivity grew as she became less and less depressed.From time

to time, whenever the " pressures of life'' became too great for her, a booster

treatment consisting of intravenous vitamin C, B vitamins, and minerals was

necessary. For the most part, however, the previously depressed woman was happy

and fulfilled.

 

Panic-Anxiety

A 14-year-old boy was overcome by nervousness and panic attacks. His parents

withdrew him from school because he could not face the demands of the school

day. He had seen a number of psychiatrists and had been treated with Navane,

Haldol, and Mellaril. The mother disliked the side effects of the drugs and

desired an orthomolecular approach to treatment.The lad was " afraid of his

shadow " . He frequently ran to his parents, wringing his hands, trembling inside,

crying or whining, and afraid of some morbid occurrence. Due to low finances,

laboratory investigation was curtailed. He was placed on an orthomolecular

program consisting of niacinamide, vitamin C, pantothenic acid, and vitamin B, A

substantial multiple vitamin was given, too.Within 3 months, the parents

reported good gains. The boy was now attending school and had begun to

participate in some social affairs. Addition of glutamic acid appeared to

accelerate the progress.He has now graduated from high school and holds down a

job. His treatment regimen currently consists of a highpotency multiple vitamin

each day.

 

Seizures-Carnosinuria

A 1 1/2-year-old boy sustained a grand mal seizure. There had been no head

trauma and there was no known illness and no high fever. CAT scan examination of

the brain was normal. The history revealed that the boy was hyperactive with a

short attention span. He had required very little sleep since birth. He was

considered to eat normally and consumed all foods.A metabolic investigation was

carried out. Abnormal protein metabolism was identified. Levels of the amino

acid, cystine, were very low in the blood and urine. Ta urine was also low. Two

toxic peptides, carnosine and anserine, were considerably elevated. Treatment

was commenced with a diet restricting the dietary sources of carnosine and

anserine, predominantly red meat. Careful survey of iron stores was carried out.

Since the enzyme subserving carnosine and and serine is zinc-dependent, he was

placed on supplemental zinc. Cystine and taurine were given,

No further seizures occurred. He is now 6-years old. Through the years, the lad

became hyperactive or attention deficit when he consumed meat. His intellect is

normal, Follow up laboratory testing shows minimal elevation of carnosine and

and serine with no other abnormalities.

 

Reading Disorder

A fourth-grade boy was evaluated due to severe reading problems characterized as

poor comprehension. He was 11/2 grade levels behind in reading comprehension.

Psychological testing showed depressed verbal score and normal performance

score.Despite an enormous appetite for food, the lad's weight was low for his

age and his rate of gain was slow. The stools were described as large and bulky

with chronic offensive odour. The dietary history showed a " normal " intake of

protein foods, that is, he ate eggs, hamburgers, milk, cheese, and other foods

of the culture.Biochemical testing revealed very low levels of amino acids in

the blood and urine. A urine indican test was strongly positive indicative of

incomplete digestive proteolysis with absorption of toxic chemicals. Stool

samples were sent for detailed exam (Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis).

Undigested protein fibers were found in the stool along with excessive amounts

of undigested fat.The boy was considered to have a chronic digestive and

absorptive disorder. He was placed on nutritional supplements including amino

acids and digestive enzymes. Within a few months his school performance

advanced. Within a year's time, he was performing at grade level in reading.

Moreover, the boy had gained several pounds of weight. He displayed an enhanced

level of self-confidence and a heightened self-image that contrasted sharply

with his former passive, retiring self.

 

Discussion

For better or worse, today, the " me " generation has become increasingly

aggressive about the pursuit of that which it is convinced is important, Thus we

witness progress in civil rights, personal rights, and environmental causes. In

some quarters, individuals are willing to spend considerable time and energies

in the pursuit of particular diets or exercise regimens. As the media have

become more responsible in conveying information about favourable lifestyles,

awareness has been fostered that alternatives in medical care may be desirable.

The likelihood is that Orthomolecular Medicine will increasingly be utilized as

a primary method of health care, as the potential hazards and high costs of

toximolecular medicine become more apparent to an increasing number of persons.

 

 

Hopefully, the physician of the future will first use orthomolecular concepts to

influence his patients to make longterm investments in health. Such a physician

may need to utilize pharmaceutical drugs for some persons some of the time.

However, when orthomolecular concepts are initially invoked the longterm use of

drugs will grow progressively less as the years go on. In contrast, initial use

of pharmaceutical drugs may create dependence upon such drugs for the

maintenance of normal behaviour (the tranquilizer syndrome, for example, may

create a permanent state of drug dependency and Tender recovery unlikely). When

physicians come to know the full range of therapeutic options, careful

assessment of the risk/benefit ratio will indicate the desirability of

Orthomolecular Medicine. When sophisticated high-tech diagnosis married with the

selective use of drug treatment, radiation, and surgery, and on a background of

Orthomolecular Medicine, the prospects for truly enlightened patient care become

most probable.

 

References

1.Nourishing Your Child by Ray C, Wunderlich, Jr., M.D., and Dwight K. Kalita,

Ph.D Keats Pub., Inc., New Canaan, CT, G684 1984.

2.Common Questions on Schizophrenia at Their Answers by Abram Hoffer, MD, Ph.D.,

Keats Pub., Inc., New Canaan, C- 0 06840,1987,

3.Orthomolecular Nutrition by Abram Hoffer,M.D., PhD, and Morton Walker, D.P.M

Keats Pub., Inc., New Canaan, CT, 06840, 1978

 

 

 

Gettingwell- / Vitamins, Herbs, Aminos, etc.

 

To , e-mail to: Gettingwell-

Or, go to our group site: Gettingwell

 

 

 

 

Tax Center - forms, calculators, tips, and more