This branch of medicine deals with the effects of our diets. Orthomolecular means to 'straighten the molecules' or something like that. The argument goes simply that the human body's nutritional needs haven't changed in 50,000 years. Yet in the last 100 years our diet has changed immensely. Mostly moving in the direction of processed, nutrient/mineral deficient foods.
The result of these changes can be subtle effects like altered energy levels and moods, or profoundly obvious effects - cancer, alzheimer's schizophrenia, learning disabilities, depression, bi-polar disorder, etc.
These afflictions are not solely caused by diet, obviously two people can eat the exact same foods yet be affected differently. Some people are genetically prone to certain ailments. The idea that there is a Daily Value for nutrients and minerals is flawed - some people need large or small amounts of different things.
The bottom line is this: Orthomolecular doctors have had success treating people for all kinds of illnesses both mental and physical. Obviously using nutritional therapy is much cheaper that buying drugs/paying for psychiatric treatment.
Here is a link to a great book on the topic. Check out pages 6-8 to see how our diets have changed.
Putting it all together: The new orthomolecular nutrition, Abram Hoffer and Morgan Walker
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