Orthomolecular Medicine Revisited
by 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 likely 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 judgments 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
long term 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. The components of these treatments include dietary
manipulation, nutrition supplementation, herbal remedies, homeopathic
treatments, detoxification, hyperbaric oxygen, intravenous chelation, allergy
management, attitude adjustment, ecological manipulation, and safe forms of
megavitamin therapy. Newer methods of treatment such as ozone therapy,
intravenous hydrogen peroxide therapy, magnet 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 an
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 himself 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 mg.) 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 mg. 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 sub-occipital 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 micro-algae 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
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
counseling 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, 12.5 grams, with added
calcium, magnesium, B complex, and B12. Intravenous treatments were rendered
daily for 5 days then 3 times the next week, and gradually less thereafter.
Oral supplements of B complex, B12, 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 responsiveness
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 multi-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
high potency multi-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 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 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 long-term 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 long-term
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 render 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
- Nourishing Your Child by Ray
C, Wunderlich, Jr., M.D., and Dwight K. Kalita, Ph.D Keats Pub., Inc., New
Canaan, CT, G684 1984.
- Common Questions on
Schizophrenia at Their Answers by Abram Hoffer, MD, Ph.D., Keats Pub.,
Inc., New Canaan, C- 0 06840,1987
- Orthomolecular Nutrition by
Abram Hoffer, M.D., PhD., and Morton Walker, D.P.M Keats Pub., Inc., New
Canaan, CT, 06840, 1978
|
Friendly
