What is orthomolecular medicine?

The American Linus Pauling is considered the founder of orthomolecular medicine. He was a two-time Nobel Prize winner and was mentally and physically fit well into old age. In the USA, orthomolecular medicine has been recognized as an official healing method since 1978. We at nutri+ also rely on orthomolecular medicine, because Hippocrates (around 460 - 370 BC) already knew:

"Your food shall be your medicine. Your medicine shall be your food."

What does “orthomolecular” mean?

The orthomolecular approach assumes that many diseases are the result of an imbalance of nutrients in the body. The term “orthomolecular” is made up of the Greek wordortho(right) and the Latin wordmolecular(particle). This is intended to express that the “right particles” (nutrients such as Vitamins and minerals) are the focus. In contrast to conventional medicine, which often only addresses the symptoms of illnesses, orthomolecular nutritional medicine focuses on combating the causes and thus eliminating the nutrient imbalance through optimal nutrition and with the help of food supplements  in the foreground. An important role is played by the fact that the use of synthetic drugs that are foreign to the body is avoided and only substances that occur naturally in the organism are used. Dietary supplements are taken preventively or therapeutically - i.e. in addition to conventional medicine.

Do I need orthomolecular products?

Orthomolecular products do not replace a complete diet, but rather simply supplement it. Although we in Germany actually have a sufficient supply of whole foods, there are still deficiencies in the supply of some nutrients such as iodine, calcium, vitamin D or iron. In addition, in certain life situations the need for nutrients can be increased and can no longer be adequately covered by the diet. For example, the skin's own synthesis of vitamin D decreases from the age of 50.

Therefore, you have to consume more of the vitamin with your food. The nutrient requirement is increased for pregnant and breastfeeding women because the child's organism is also supplied. An increased need can also be the result of a chronic illness or higher physical strain. However, with some intolerances or alternative diets, the choice of food is severely limited. Certain nutrients are then no longer supplied sufficiently (e.g. Vitamin B12 in a vegan diet).

Adapted to different situations in life where there is an increased need for nutrients, they offer all the micronutrients that the body needs to stay healthy. The nutrients contained are present in a form that the body can optimally absorb and use and their composition corresponds to the body's physiological needs.

Orthomolecular sport – influence of certain nutrients on athletic performance

Sports activities are very strenuous for the body. The energy requirement is increased in people who do sports (depending on the physical exertion). Physical exertion increases the body's performance. This means that various metabolic processes in the body occur more frequently. In addition, many vitamins and minerals are excreted in sweat or urine. In order to cover the increased requirement, some of these nutrients must be consumed more with food or in the form of supplements.

If you want to get the most out of yourself while exercising, you have to pay attention to an appropriate diet. The supply of nutrients is one of the most important factors for strength, endurance and speed. Competitive athletes in particular are particularly dependent on the additional requirements. By covering this additional requirement, optimal performance  can be guaranteed and regeneration as well as defenses of the body can be promoted in the best possible way.

nutri+ Sport Essentials was developed specifically for these special needs .

L-Carnitine is found in 98% of skeletal and cardiac muscle . It is responsible for the transport of long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria of the body's cells, where they are then burned into energy. However, a lack of L-carnitine can lead to disorders in fat metabolism.

L-Arginine Base

L-Arginine is a conditionally essential amino acid, the need for which is often increased in certain situations such as stress or sport. It is the only precursor of nitric oxide, which leads to vasodilatation and increased blood flow, among other things, to muscle tissue. In contrast to L-Arginine HCL, L-Arginine Base consists of almost 100% pure L-Arginine.

Physical stress leads to an increased formation of free radicals in the body due to the increased metabolic turnover. That's why a well-functioning, antioxidant defense system is extremely important for athletes. Even if the body can quickly adapt to high levels of stress, it is still necessary to ensure an adequate supply of antioxidants. Vitamin C is considered one of the most important antioxidants .

It captures the free radicals formed in the body and renders them harmless. It is therefore essential for the normal functioning of the immune system. Vitamin C also promotesollagen formationand therefore plays an important role in healthy bones.

But: It doesn't mean that sport weakens our immune system: Regular training improves the body's own protection. The activity of antioxidant enzymes is upregulated and antioxidant vitamins are increasingly released from the tissues.

Approved statements about vitamin C (Health Claims):

Ironis primarily for the Responsible for the formation of red blood cells. As a component of hemoglobin, it plays an important role in the transport of oxygen to the muscle and the provision of energy there. Since women lose large amounts of iron during menstruation, women in particular should make sure they get enough iron.