ORTHOMOLECULAR Meaning and
Definition
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Orthomolecular is an adjective that refers to a medical approach aimed at achieving optimal health by restoring and maintaining the balance of substances naturally present in the body. The term was coined by Nobel laureate Linus Pauling in the mid-20th century, and it encompasses the belief that disease and health conditions arise from imbalances or deficiencies in essential biochemical substances.
In orthomolecular medicine, treatment focuses on providing the body with the required nutrients in optimal amounts in order to promote well-being and prevent or alleviate various health conditions. This approach emphasizes the use of natural substances such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other essential molecules that are vital for the body's proper functioning. It aims to correct imbalances, restore cellular health, and enhance the body's self-healing mechanisms.
The central principle of orthomolecular medicine is that each individual's nutritional needs are unique and depend on factors such as genetics, environment, and lifestyle. Thus, treatments are personalized to suit the specific requirements of the patient. Orthomolecular practitioners employ a range of diagnostic tools and therapeutic interventions that include dietary modifications, nutritional supplements, and sometimes medications to achieve and maintain optimal levels of essential substances.
The primary goal of orthomolecular medicine is to support the body's natural healing processes and optimize overall health by ensuring the availability and proper utilization of the building blocks necessary for cellular and biochemical functions. Although the practice has faced some controversy and criticism, proponents argue that orthomolecular medicine can play a significant role in preventing and managing various conditions, promoting well-being, and optimizing health outcomes.
Common Misspellings for ORTHOMOLECULAR
- irthomolecular
- krthomolecular
- lrthomolecular
- prthomolecular
- 0rthomolecular
- 9rthomolecular
- oethomolecular
- odthomolecular
- ofthomolecular
- otthomolecular
- o5thomolecular
- o4thomolecular
- orrhomolecular
- orfhomolecular
- orghomolecular
- oryhomolecular
- or6homolecular
- or5homolecular
- ortgomolecular
- ortbomolecular
Etymology of ORTHOMOLECULAR
The word "orthomolecular" was coined by Nobel laureate Linus Pauling in his 1968 article "Orthomolecular Psychiatry" published in the journal Science. The term is derived from the Greek words "ortho", meaning "correct" or "straight", and "molecule", which refers to the smallest unit of a compound. Pauling used this term to describe the use of substances in the correct molecular concentrations in the body in order to maintain good health and treat illnesses.
