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Orthomolecular is a term made up of ortho, which is Greek for "correct" or "right" and molecule which is the simplest structure that displays the characteristics of a compound. So the term literally means the "right molecules". Linus Pauling coined the term in 1968 to help express his belief that disease could be eradicated by giving the body the "right molecules" in the correct amounts.

 

Orthomolecular practitioners believe that individuals and infirmities are unique. Each of us eat distinctly different foods grown in varying soils yielding different nutrients. Each of us has a unique body composition which we exercise differently in varying work and play environments. And each of us has different physical and emotional stressors. So while everyone has the same list of required natural substances such as vitamins, minerals trace elements, amino acids, enzymes and hormones, the healthy amounts are uniquely determined by diet, lifestyle, environment, genetics and cellular biochemistry. It is the relative amounts of the "right molecules" that is critical to each of us as individuals. When they get out of balance, disease results.

 

Turning this around, disease manifests from excesses and deficiencies of the natural substances our bodies need to grow and repair tissue. Orthomolecular therapies are aimed squarely at bringing these natural substances into optimal balance.

 

This approach differs from conventional medicine which assumes one disease (the presenting illness) originates from a single cause and solved by one (or few) treatment. Where orthomolecular medicine utilize natural substances, conventional medicine often treat with synthetic drugs. Introducing these alien chemicals into our bodies may alleviate symptoms but has three drawbacks: drugs often erase valuable clues as to the underlying problem(s), they can be toxic and cause dangerous reactions and side effects, and they can create dependence.

 

Despite these fundamental differences, orthomolecular and conventional medicine are not in opposition to one another. They can be practiced simultaneously. A growing number of conventional health care providers are beginning to embrace orthomolecular medicine as an enhancement to their practices.