Biochemical Individuality and Nutrient Therapy
Each of us has innate biochemical factors which influence personality, behavior, mental health, immune function, allergic tendencies, etc. Scientists tell us that the number of different genetic combinations possible in a child from the same two parents exceeds 42 million. It's interesting to note that we do not possess a combination of characteristics from our parents, but instead have a diverse collection of characteristics from many ancestors on both sides of the family.
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Except for identical twins, each human being has unique biochemistry resulting in quite diverse nutritional needs. Shakespeare was correct when he wrote "One man's meat is another man's poison." For example, some of us are genetically suited for a vegetable-based diet and others are not. Some persons can satisfy their nutritional needs by diet alone and others must have nutritional supplements to overcome genetic aberrations.
Because of genetic differences in the way our bodies process foods, most of us are quite deficient in certain nutrients and overloaded in others. Even with an ideal diet, most of us have certain nutrients that are at very low levels with many times the RDA required to achieve a healthy balance. |
The nutrients in overload must be carefully avoided in vitamin supplements or serious health problems can develop. After studying the biochemistry of 10,000 persons, we've learned that the greatest mischief is usually caused by nutrients that are stored in excessive amounts, rather than those at depleted levels. The most common nutrients in overload include copper, iron, folic acid, calcium, methionine, manganese, choline, and omega-6 fatty acids. Of course, these same nutrients may be in deficiency in other persons. This is why we are concerned by supplement manufacturers who attempt to develop the ideal combination of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for the general population. This is a bit like trying to determine the ideal shoe size for the population. The truth is that multiple vitamins and minerals are too indiscriminate, and may do as much harm as good.
Each of us should ask the question, "Who am I biochemically?" The answer to this question is important for all, but may be especially critical for persons with mental health problems.
Each of us should ask the question, "Who am I biochemically?" The answer to this question is important for all, but may be especially critical for persons with mental health problems.
Advanced Nutrient Therapy
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For the past several decades, treatment of mental illness has focused on imbalanced brain chemistry and the use of drugs to alter the activity of serotonin, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters. Back in 1970, drugs were the only method known to have a powerful impact on molecular processes in the brain. This approach proved to be highly successful and has benefited millions of persons diagnosed with depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, and other mental disorders. However, science has made great advances in the understanding of complex brain processes, and we are approaching an era in which psychiatric medications may no longer be necessary. An under-appreciated fact is that the primary raw materials for the synthesis of many neurotransmitters are nutrients - amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and other natural biochemicals that we obtain from food.
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Advanced nutrient therapy (vitamins, minerals and amino acids) offers an alternative treatment approach, which represents a natural method of correcting imbalances in neurotransmitter activity. The clinical challenge is to determine biochemistry of each patient and to develop an individualized treatment plan aimed at normalizing brain chemistry. This medical modality should be supervised by a licensed clinical practitioner experienced in therapeutic use of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and essential oils. For most patients, the benefits of advanced nutrient therapy result from the following:
A major advantage of advanced nutrient therapy is the absence of the serious side effects associated with psychiatric medications. This therapy uses natural chemicals rather than molecules that are foreign to the brain and induce an abnormal condition. Advanced nutrient therapy can used together with medication and counseling providing great flexibility to the mental health practitioner. As brain science advances, nutrient therapy may gradually replace psychiatric drugs as the treatment of choice for mental illness.
- Normalizing the concentration of nutrients needed for neurotransmitter synthesis
- Epigenetic regulation of neurotransmitter activity
- Reducing free-radical oxidative stress
A major advantage of advanced nutrient therapy is the absence of the serious side effects associated with psychiatric medications. This therapy uses natural chemicals rather than molecules that are foreign to the brain and induce an abnormal condition. Advanced nutrient therapy can used together with medication and counseling providing great flexibility to the mental health practitioner. As brain science advances, nutrient therapy may gradually replace psychiatric drugs as the treatment of choice for mental illness.