An Explanation of Nutrient Medicine

Integrative medicine combines the best of conventional and complementary medicine. The latter encompasses a broad spectrum of treatment methods, some of which are based on different models of disease aetiology and treatment to those used in conventional medicine. In integrative medicine, diagnostic and therapeutic methods from both fields complement one another, and the range of options available to patients is expanded for their benefit.

One branch of complementary medicine is vital substance medicine, also known as orthomolecular medicine. This form of treatment is based on the assumption that a large proportion of so-called lifestyle-related diseases and chronic conditions are caused by deficiencies in vital substances. Accordingly, these conditions are treated by administering high-dose supplements containing the missing vital substances.

Many lifestyle-related illnesses and chronic conditions arise because we are deficient in essential nutrients.

Dr Heinz Lüscher, MD

A high percentage of lifestyle-related diseases can be attributed to modern diets and lifestyles, and to an associated deficiency in essential nutrients. Essential nutrients (also known as micronutrients) act as building blocks in over 100,000 complex metabolic processes in the human body, and deficiencies can consequently lead to a wide range of problems. These may manifest as non-specific symptoms such as tiredness, a lack of energy and reduced performance; problems with concentration, depressive moods or frequent infections are also typical signs. In the long term, deficiencies in vital substances play a significant role in the development of conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, rheumatic diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, dementia, depression, burnout and cancer.

Today’s fruit and vegetables no longer contain nearly as many nutrients as they did 100 years ago.

Dr Heinz Lüscher, MD

Many experts still maintain that people who eat a ‘healthy’ diet do not suffer from a deficiency in essential nutrients, but unfortunately this has not been the case for a long time. There are many reasons why our fruit and vegetables no longer contain the amounts of vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and so on that the body needs; for example, mass production, artificial fertilisers, pesticides, harvesting whilst unripe, long transport routes and long storage times in shops. Organically grown vegetables from your own garden actually still contain just as many essential nutrients as they did 100 years ago; otherwise, opt for fresh, seasonal and consistently organically grown produce.

Of course, it is always best to try, as far as possible, to prevent illness. This can be achieved by making a conscious effort to eat as healthily and balanced a diet as possible and, where necessary, taking dietary supplements to provide any additional nutrients you may need. Moderate exercise, a healthy work-life balance, a positive outlook on life, etc., also play an important role in physical and mental health.

However, essential nutrients only work if you also eat a healthy diet. Simply taking dietary supplements whilst continuing to eat fast food won’t get you where you want to be — and it is precisely this honesty that distinguishes reputable nutritional medicine from empty promises. As this is a complex field, you need expert guidance to make the right decisions.