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What Can Orthomolecular Medicine do for Us?

Orthomolecular medicine was create by Chemist Linus Pauling in an article published in the Journal of Science in 1968 titled “Orthomolecular Psychiatry.” The term orthomolecular was coined after Pauling and a few of his colleagues discovered that the cause of diseases such as sickle-cell anemia, which was the first disease to be considered molecular could be treated by adding natural substances in the body to medicine. This discovery began the era of molecular research and was the birthplace of experimentation for diseases today like cancer and AIDS.

The term orthomolecular medicine was defined by Pauling as “the preservation of good health and the treatment of disease by varying the concentrations in the human body of substances that are normally present in the body”. Pauling found with his research that the treatment of diseases and illnesses was more effective is the treatment included the substances that were already in the body. Instead of adding chemical substances to the body, Pauling believed that testing could be done to determine the substances that were lacking and treat them by raising the substances to a normal level.

Scientists today have worked hard to find treatments for individuals using Pauling’s research. Many scientists and doctors believe that there are some diseases and illnesses that cannot be cured by using orthomolecular medicine alone. However, they do believe that the survival rate of many terminal illnesses can be cured by using orthomolecular medicine along with medicine that helps fight the disease.

Doctors believe that a patient has a better chance of fighting a disease if the chemicals and substances present in the body are at a normal healthy level. If these chemicals can be stabilized by orthomolecular medicine, then the treatments that have been designed to fight terminal disease will be more effective.

Filed Under: Linus Pauling Tagged With: AIDS, Chemical substance, Disease, Health, Human body, Linus Pauling, Medicine, Orthomolecular medicine

Linus Pauling’s Son Weighs in on Politics

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The opinion of Linus Pauling Jr. just may make a difference in the 4th District race, and it may clear up some misguided marketing for one of the candidate’s campaigns. According to Art Robinson’s campaign and website, the Republican candidate boasts an association with Linus Pauling senior, the Oregon-based, Nobel-prize winning chemist.

While the website doesn’t go into details about the association, Pauling Jr. believes the information is misleading. He decided to speak out—and give his support to Democratic candidate Peter DeFazio—at a press conference hosted by the DeFazio campaign.

During the press conference, Pauling Jr. provided information on the alleged association between Pauling Sr. and Robinson. In the 1970s, the two men worked together to co-found the Linus Pauling Institute for Science and Medicine. What Robinson does not reveal is that Pauling Sr. fired Robinson.

While full-disclosure rarely plays a role in politics, people like Pauling Jr. often set the record straight. Pauling Jr. didn’t stop there. He went on to say he didn’t believe Robinson’s views on climate change and energy are in the best interest for the state. As the son of the chemist, Pauling Jr. felt qualified to say his father would not have endorsed Robinson.

Despite the press conference, Robinson has his own take on events. He countered that Pauling Sr. did not fire him. Rather, Pauling Jr. instigated the separation between the two colleagues. Robinson believes the dispute between himself and Pauling Sr. would have resolved itself if not for that interference.

Still, a third source, the Oregon State University Library, documents a different side of the story. It chronicles the dispute between Pauling Sr. and Robinson and indicates Pauling Sr. asked Robinson to resign. Robinson pursued legal action, and he eventually won over a half million dollars in a settlement.

For now, the candidates will have to wait to see whether the dispute will have any sway with the upcoming election.

Filed Under: Linus Pauling Tagged With: Democratic, Linus Pauling, Nobel Prize, Oregon, Oregon State University, Peter DeFazio, Republican Party (United States), United States

Do Vitamins Really Work?

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Take a look in your medicine cabinet. Aside from the pain relievers and cough suppressants, were there any other fascinating finds? It is said that one out of every three individuals take some sort of vitamins or supplement. Did you happen to find a bottle of those lingering in the midst? On average, people have at least three random bottles of vitamins around their house.

Many, take vitamins to make up for things they may be lacking in their diet. The claims are that vitamins make you feel more energetic and keep you healthier. They also seem to be used as a preventive measure to ensure a healthy mind and body.

Let’s just get to the question that’s on everyone’s mind. We stockpile them and consume them, but do they really work?

The answer is yes! But you have to make sure you are taking the right one. You must match your needs with the product.

Below is a list of vitamins you may take to help with a certain condition.

Depression, moods: B-vitamins, Omega-3s, Zinc
Energy levels: B-vitamins, iron
Healing Antioxidants: Zinc
Heart Health: Folic acid, B-vitamins, Omega-3s
Inflammation: Antioxidants, Omega-3s
Pregnancy: Calcium, magnesium, Folic acid, Iron, Omega-3s, Zinc
Premenstrual health: B-vitamins, Calcium
Stress: B-vitamins, calcium/magnesium, zinc

As with anything, you should always consult your physician before taking vitamins and supplements. You want to make sure that you are not interfering with any medication or medical condition you may have. Safety is always the first priority.

When you are ready to purchase your own supply of vitamins, taking a visit to your local health food store is always your best option. They have a wonderful variety and assortment of products. In addition, their wealth of knowledge is impeccable. The can teach you how to take specific vitamins, as well as understand which vitamins are easily absorbed into the body.

So, if you want to increase the effectiveness of your supplemental rÃ©gime, take a closer look at your medicine cabinet, and then evaluate your life and needs. You just may be able to throw one of those extra bottles away.

Filed Under: Linus Pauling Tagged With: b-vitamin, Folic Acid, Health, Health food store, Nutrition, Omega-3 fatty acid, Vitamin, Zinc

Children and Vitamins

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You see them each time you go to the grocery store. There’s an entire isle dedicated children’s vitamins. From Flintstones to Animal Parade Shakes, how’s a parent suppose to make an educated decision?

The Fact is, if your child is eating a well balanced diet, there is no need to supplement with vitamins.

Vitamins and minerals are found in all of the foods that we eat. They help the body grow and develop properly. There are different vitamins found in different foods, so in order to get all the vitamins that are needed, offer your child an assortment of foods throughout the day.

Here’s a list of ideas to help feed even the pickiest of eaters.

Vitamin A: Eyesight (especially night vision) is directly related to the consumption of vitamin A. It also helps you to have healthy skin and grow properly. Foods that contain vitamin A are: orange fruits and vegetables (sweet potatoes, cantaloupe and carrots) dark green leafy vegetable (spinach and kale) and milk that’s been fortified with vitamin A.

Vitamin B: There are many types of B vitamins. These vitamins are responsible for making red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. They also make energy and set it free at the time you need it most. Foods containing vitamin B are: beans and peas, whole grains, poultry and meats, dairy products and leafy green vegetables.

Vitamin C: This vitamin is essential because it helps your body heal. It’s also instrumental in helping your body fight off infection. Cabbage, kiwi fruit, citrus fruits, strawberries, broccoli, tomatoes, and cantaloupe are just some of the foods rich in vitamin C.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D is responsible for making your teeth and bones nice and strong. It also helps in the absorption of calcium. Look for milk and cereals fortified with vitamin D. Another source of Vitamin D can be found in fish, egg yolks, and liver.

Instead of supplementing your children diet with vitamins, look to the meals that you’re preparing and help them to make wise food choices. It’s a practice that will sustain them throughout their lives.

Filed Under: Linus Pauling Tagged With: Flintstones, Food, Health, Leaf vegetable, Nutrients, Nutrition, Vitamin, Vitamins and Minerals

Natural Treatments for Autism

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Many of us have heard the word autism, but the majority of us don’t have an understanding of what really it means. One explanation for this is that there are so many different ranges within the autistic spectrum. Some may have an impairment in their communication and social skills, where others may simply have a sensory issue.

Autism is a developmental disorder that affects each person differently. Autism mainly hinders a person’s ability to live or interact in the world around them. Autism is a disorder that affects over 1.5 million Americans. That breaks down to approximately 1 out of every 110 children.

No one knows for sure how autism is developed. There is no known single cause. Recent scientific studies have indicated a genetic basis, however genetics can’t account for all the cases. Scientists are looking into different triggers that may be responsible; some of which are allergies to certain foods, environmental chemicals, problems in pregnancy and birth, and childhood vaccinations. While there is not a lot of research to substantiate the claim of vaccinations, the discussion seems to get more intense every day.

There is not any certain cure for Autism. Professionals do agree however that earliest treatment is best. As the degree of autism varies in individuals, the treatments will vary as well. Traditional medicine has been used in certain cases of autism, however there are also natural treatments that have yielded just as many successful results. Some of these treatments include educational and therapeutic approaches, dietary intervention, herbal and homeopathic remedies.

In the educational and therapeutic approaches specialized occupational, music, and speech therapies are developed specifically for the individual.

In dietary intervention, certain vitamin and mineral supplements are introduced as part of the treatment. Studies have also shown that certain food intolerances increase autistic symptoms. Foods such as gluten, dairy products and gluten have been removed from the diets of autistic children with great success.

By combining different therapies, it seems the best results are achieved.

Filed Under: Linus Pauling Tagged With: Autism, Autism spectrum, Disorders, Health, Mental Health, Neurodevelopmental, Social skill, United States

Understanding Science

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Lets face it; science can be a daunting subject for many individuals. Any random topic may be hard to understand or interpret. Even if you are otherwise brilliant in many other subjects, that does not make you a shoe-in for science.

So how can this subject become more satisfying to the masses? There are a few different avenues for students, to help unravel this conundrum.

One way is to request the help of a science tutor. A science tutor is a great way to help a student who is struggling or seems disenchanted with science as a whole. You may only need the assistance of a tutor part time or for a short while, to teach skills and give confidence, especially when conducting experiments on your own. Most of the time, a science tutor will be happy to assist for free. Who can argue with that?

Another way a student can acquire the help they need is to look online. With the invention of the Internet, came an entirely new world of wonder. There is so much information out there just waiting to be had. If there is a specific science question, just perform a simple search to find the answers that you need. Most of the time the problem will be too much information!

And how about this age old adage ask your teacher! So often, kids in today’s classrooms are intimidated or feel embarrassed by raising their hand and asking a simple question. The fact is, the teacher prepared the lesson plan; chances are they’ll know the answer to the question, and even explain it in a way that is understandable. Teachers are (or should be) experienced and educated in that specific field, and are usually more than happy to answer a question that is directed their way. Truthfully, they’d be pink as punch to realize that someone was actually paying attention in class.

By utilizing these three avenues, science in the classroom should be understandable for not just some, but all!

Filed Under: Linus Pauling Tagged With: Education, Educational Resources, Educators, Experiment, K through 12, Lesson plan, Student, Teacher

How to Lead a Healthier Lifestyle

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The word healthy can intimidate you even if you have a free prescription discount card. In addition to a proper healthcare plan, you can use several disease prevention methods. There are simple steps that you can take to be healthier and add this aspect into your family’s life. This can be a big adjustment at first, but it can also turn into a habit that will positively affect your health.

Find exercise that you enjoy. This could be a video game designed around keeping the players active. You can also go on walks or just use a trampoline. Exercise doesn’t have to be something that you dread. You can get the whole family into an exercise routine to promote good health.

Get all of the vitamins that you need. This is part of a balanced diet and can help prevent disease. Really examine the foods that you regularly eat to find out about the vitamins that you might be lacking. You can get a lot of these items by eating more fruits and vegetables or taking supplements.

Set goals to eliminate habits. This could be to stop smoking or lose weight. Really analyze what has stopped your success in the past and develop a plan to break through it. You can lose weight at a steady pace instead of trying to lose drastic amounts at once.

Change the way that you cook. Your kids might whine about this at first but you can still eat a lot of the foods that your family loves. Just substitute lower fat cheeses or use honey instead of sugar. Experiment with vegetable dishes beyond a basic salad to make meal time interesting. Get your kids to help with planning meals. You can even start a vegetable garden to teach your kids about eating healthy.

Filed Under: Chemistry, General, Linus Pauling Tagged With: Diets, Eating, Health, Physical exercise, Shopping, Support Groups, Vitamin, Weight loss

Science: Fun for Kids and Adults Alike

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Science experiments are not only fun for adults, but it’s a great way to get kids involved and thinking about the world of science too. There’s an amazing amount of projects to choose from. Actually planning and participating in project is a great way for parents, teachers and students alike learn new things together; especially related to the realm of scientific research.

Science experiments can involve simple or complicated subjects; such as bending air or chemical reactions. They can involve from the youngest of preschoolers to the most educated of students the parent.

Let’s get started!

First is the volcano. This experiment is one of the oldest in the books. It teaches children what happens when a volcano erupts. By mixing baking soda with vinegar, the two chemicals will cause the volcano to shoot straight up in the air. It will bubble up and as steam forms, the gasses will explode and spew down the sides of the volcano that you built. It may be messy, but it’s a quick and easy project, and its fun!

Next up is a Coke Geyser. This one has been all over the Internet in recent years. If you haven’t seen it, your best bet is to look up on You Tube and watch the explosions all synchronized to music. Fascinating. Once you get the adrenaline flowing, you’ll want to take a crack at this yourself. What you’ll need is a two-liter bottle of Diet Coke and a package of peppermint Mentos. Clear a large area, preferably outside, and get ready to have a blast. Literally. Unscrew the bottle of Diet Coke and drop about four or five Mentos into the drink, and then run for cover. The soda will come shooting out of the mouth of the bottle upwards of three, four, or even five feet in the air. The eruption is caused by the release of carbon dioxide when it comes into contact with the candy.

So go. Play. And even learn. Science will open up another world for you, and you’ll even have fun doing it!

Filed Under: Linus Pauling Tagged With: Chemical reaction, Diet Coke, Earth science, Experiment, Mentos, Sodium bicarbonate, Volcano, YouTube

Categories of Physical Science

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Physical science is a term that is used to explain the science of non-living systems, or non-biological fields. In terms that the average person may understand: it’s the study of rocks, stars, and gasses verses biology, which is the study of living things, such as; trees, plants, and animals.

Within the realm of physical science you have earth sciences, physics, and chemistry.

Here’s an overview that may help you discover where your true interests lie.

In Earth Science there are many different sciences used to study the earth, however there are four main categories most studies are broken into; Geology, the science of the earth, Meteorology, which is the science of the atmosphere, Oceanography, is the science of the earths oceans, and Astronomy is the science of the universe. So “Earth Science” could be the study of anything from meteorological concepts about the weather to geological principles about the earth.

Physics is the study of energy and matter and how they interact with each other. Some examples could be the energy that makes your cell phone work or the light switch you turn on in the morning. Physics is the movement of a car, the energy that powers your TV and your I-pod. Understanding physics often times converts into new technologies. Physics covers an enormous area of study. Because of this physics is broken into many specific fields of research. Biophysics, quantum physics, astronomy and electronics, just to name a few.

Chemistry would also be defined as the study of energy and matter. Chemistry focuses more on the properties of substances, whereas physics focuses more on the nuclear part of the atom. Chemistry helps you to understand the world around you. Simple, everyday things measure up to to the knowledge of chemistry. When you understand chemistry you’ll comprehend how baking soda works, or how ice is made. All things become exciting and more thought provoking. Chemistry is not only used and understood by people in medical professions, but also by plumbers, hairdressers, truck drivers and chefs. That’s because chemistry focuses on things you can taste, touch, and smell.

Filed Under: Linus Pauling Tagged With: Chemistry, Earth science, Education, Geology, Meteorology, Oceanography, Physics, Quantum mechanics

Star Struck

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The night sky is so big and vast. Dark and daunting. Alive and inspiring.

When was the last time you snuggled yourself up in a favorite blanket and laid out on the grass while gazing up into the black abyss we know as our night sky? If this is a pastime you knew only as a youth, it’s time to channel your inner teen and return to those days of excitement and inhibitions.

If you were to look into the night sky, could you identify any of the constellations, or are the stars just a jumbo dot-to-dot looming overhead? Lucky for you there’s a science to it all. There are helps and guides for amateurs that make the science of astronomy fun and exciting for even the most novice admirer of the stars.

You start first with “The Big Dipper” The Big Dipper is not actually a constellation, but it is always visible in the night sky and helps you to locate many of the constellations surrounding it.

Here are some tips to help you in your star struck search.

1. Wear an eye patch while you’re getting ready and setting up equipment. This lets you have both eyes open, but keeps the eyes from getting fatigued, which ultimately allows you to see the stars clearer.

2. If you’ve purchased a new piece of equipment (i.e. telescope) set it up at home, prior to going out. That way you become familiar with how to use it, before you try and set it up in the dark.

3. Write a series of questions down before you start. This way, you have a purpose to your session. In addition to just “looking” at the stars, you have an opportunity to educate yourself and those around you.

4. Watch the weatherman! The atmosphere can alter the quality of actually seeing an image or object.

5. Go at your own pace. Some people like to ferociously scan the night sky while others like to look over things as to not miss any of the details. Whichever your style, do what feels most comfortable to you.

Filed Under: Linus Pauling Tagged With: Amateur, Astronomy, Big Dipper, Binocular Astronomy, Constellation, Night sky, Sky Maps and Atlases, Star

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