What is Oligotherapy?

By Erin Froehlich

In the 1940s, as doctors began to better understand the way our bodies use minerals, oligotherapy was designed to balance them - removing excess minerals while supplementing any deficiencies. Minerals and trace minerals, we must understand, are required for the very functioning of biological processes in our bodies. Thus, when there is imbalance - whether excess or deficiency - health will suffer in a wide range of ways. Still new, oligotherapeutics are most commonly seen within homeopathy where they are utilized as a base, a means to promote enzyme function and a way to increase the bio-availability of the homeopathic ingredients. However, oligotherapeutics are useful stand-alone treatments in their own right. What is Oligotherapy? To put it simply, oligotherapy is the use of ionic and trace minerals for health.

Functional Pathologies

While allopathic, or conventional, medicine would have you believe that health is a black and white issue - you have it, or you dont - oligotherapy, as with other holistic methods, acknowledges an in-between state called functional pathology. This sort of dis-ease in the body is one that may only affect life quality in small ways - like the aches and pains we are trained to view as normal and acceptable. Yet, these acceptable discomforts may well be signs of a more serious dis-eases development. What many people dont understand about symptoms is that they are not the dis-ease itself. They are the result of our body trying to fend it off. They are signals from our body that something is wrong. Holistic practioners know that ignoring these signals is a mistake, because as dis-ease progresses, the body will become louder and more demonstrative in its distress and symptoms. It is this development that holistic treatment, including oligotherapy, aims to prevent. The body must maintain a specific internal balance called homeostasis to function properly. Disruption of our biochemical make-up or the enzymatic processes that control them will produce first pathology and then disease. Of these pathologies, there are four main types which oligotherapy identifies and uses to provide targeted treatment hyper-reactive, hypo-reactive, distonic and anergical.

Hyper-Reactive Pathology

Personality: Extroverted, tends to over-react.
Energy: Very low in the morning, but grows through the day with most energy at night. Often has trouble falling asleep.
Symptom Appearance: Symptoms appear suddenly and intensely.
Complaints: Disorders that are excessive or hyper - Allergic reactions and asthma, Cardiovascular problems palpitations, chest pain, hypertension, Dermatitis. Digestive problems gastritis, food intolerances, Arthritis, Endocrine problems.
Important Minerals: Manganese and Phosphorus

Hypo-Reactive Pathology

Personality: Introverted, mellow, not easily phased.
Energy: Energy tends to be lower, but best in the morning. They tend to need a lot of recuperative sleep.
Symptom Appearance: Disorders progress slowly, building, repetitive, and infectious in nature.
Complaints: Lowered metabolism, Recurrent infections -Bronchitis, Tonsillitis, Yeast infection, Skin affliction - Eczema, Acne, Teeth and bone calcification problems, Endocrine malfunctions.
Important Minerals: Manganese and Copper.

Distonic Pathology (Advanced Hyper-Reactive Pathology)

Personality: Extroverted, tends to over-react, irritable with an inability to handle stress. Extreme anxiety.
Energy: Intense fatigue primarily in the morning and early afternoon. Sleep pattern is disturbed with frequent waking.
Symptom Appearance: Gastrological, Cardiovascular and Arthritic disorders begin to appear.
Complaints: Parasthesia, Neuropathy, Vertigo, Tinnitus, Hypertension, Non-Allergic Asthma, Spasms, Irritable Bowel syndrome, Ulcers, Pancreatic Insufficiency, Menopause and osteoarthritis.
Important Minerals:Manganese and Cobalt.

Anergical Pathology (Advanced Hypo-Reactive Pathology)

Personality: Introverted, mellow, major anxiety and depression, disinterest.
Energy: Intense and chronic fatigue that is not relieved by rest.
Symptom Appearance: The most acute pathology. Moving into disease state as the immune system begins to shut down.
Complaints: Severe and chronic infections Pneumonia, Streptococcus, and Chronic Sinusitis. Resistance to antibiotics.
Useful Minerals: Copper, Magnesium, Zinc.

Trace Minerals Studies

Recent studies by the United States National Institutes of Health have found that the vast majority of people from both emerging and affluent countries do not get even 50% of their minimum RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) of nutrients. And this is very bad news. New research is constantly discovering new ways in which minerals (or a lack of minerals) can affect health. Recently, firm ties between minerals and protection from a variety of degenerative disease have been found. Some minerals have been suggested as a way to prevent and reduce the effect of environmental pollutants on human health. Others may be useful for work and learning ability. Though oligotherapy itself is just beginning to gain recognition, studies regarding the effect of trace mineral supplementation are many.

Jerry W. Spears, Department of Animal Science, North Caroline State UniversityThe addition of one or more organic trace minerals to cattle diets has increased growth, milk production, reproduction and/or immune response in some studies.

Carl L. Keen, Lynn A. Hanna, Louise Lanoue, Janet Y. Uriu-Adamas, Robert B Rucker and Micheal S. Clegg Developmental Consequences of Trace Mineral Deficiencies in Rodents: Acute and Long-Term Effectsa marginal zinc diet during pregnancy can result in persistent deleterious effects on immune function in the offspring even after zinc repletion.Infants of monkeys fed low-zinc diets are characterized by higher levels of DNA damageThese infants can also be characterized by persistent alteration in behavior.The feeding of a copper-deficient diet beginning in mid-gestation through lactation results in diminished auditory startle response, which indicates persistent neurobehavioral abnormalities despite copper repletion.Nutritional deficiencies during early development can result in malformations that are evident at birth and in biochemical abnormalities that persist into adulthood

Bruce N. Ames, Patricia Wakimoto, Nature Reviews Cancer Diet is estimated to contribute to about one-third of preventable cancers about the same amount as smoking. Inadequate intake of essential vitamins and minerals might explain the epidemiological findings that people who eat only small amounts of fruits and vegetables have an increased risk of developing cancer. Recent experimental evidence indicates that vitamin and mineral deficiencies can lead to DNA damage. Optimizing vitamin and mineral intake by encouraging dietary change, multivitamin and mineral supplements, and fortifying foods might therefore prevent cancer and other chronic diseases.

Trace Minerals

While most people have grown up hearing about the importance of vitamins (calcium for our bones, vitamin A for our eyes), many people do not realize what minerals do for our bodies or how important they are. In fact, without a proper balance of minerals, our bodies cannot even make full use of the vitamins we take in. In order to maintain our optimal health, our bodies require a wide variety of minerals. Among these are trace minerals, so called because they are needed only in trace or minute amounts - but dont be fooled into thinking that because the amounts needed are small, they are any less important to us. Our bodies rely on ionic and trace minerals to generate the electrical impulses that signal our muscles and brain. Our very cells rely on these nutrients to support osmosis, balance water pressure and absorb nutrients. Of utmost importance, are ions and electrolytes.

Ions and Electrolytes

Ion particles, made either of a single atom or group of atoms, work in the body by carrying an electrical charge. These come in one of two groups: cations, or positively-charges ions, and anions, negatively-charged ions. Substances that form them are called electrolytes. Common electrolytes include calcium, magnesium, chloride, bicarbonates, potassium, sodium, and hydrogen. Each type of ion has its own unique an important role within the body. Anion-forming electrolytes like bicarbonate, chloride and phosphate, work to maintain our bodys acid-base balance for optimal nutrient absorption and also to supporting digestion and cell membrane structure. Cation-forming electrolytes like calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and hydrogen, support our nerves ability to signal and conduct messages, the contraction of our muscles, and many other important functions. Ions and electrolytes are essential to maintaining a healthy balance in our bodies. Within oligotherapy, there are over 80 different elements that may be used depending on the intended purpose. Here are just six of the minerals used by oligotherapists for the pathologies manganese, cobalt, copper, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus.

Manganese

Functions in the Body: Activates enzymes needed for the use of biotin, thiamin, ascorbic acid and choline. Supports fatty acid synthesis, protein and carbohydrate metabolism, and the production of sex hormones. Activates bone forming enzymes and is believed to support production of a thyroid hormone used to maintain nerve tissue. Important to blood sugar metabolism and special antioxidant enzymes.
Symptoms of Deficiency: Impaired growth, Skeletal abnormalities, Problems metabolizing fats and carbohydrates, Ataxia coordination and balance problems, Nausea, Vomiting, Poor glucose tolerance/high blood sugar, Loss of hair color, Bone loss, Low cholesterol levels, Dizziness, Hearing loss, Reproductive problems.
Helpful for These Health Conditions: Allergies, Asthma, Diabetes, Epilepsy, Heart disease, Learning disabilities, Multiple sclerosis, Osteoporosis, Premenstrual syndrome, Rheumatoid arthritis, Schizophrenia, Sprains and strains.

Cobalt

Functions in our Body: Supports red blood cell production. Prevents anemia. Supports nerve cell development and the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats.
Symptoms of Deficiency: Red or sore tongue, Tingling or numbness in the feet, Anxiety, Heart palpitations, Depression, Memory problems, Dandruff, Decreased blood clotting, Decreased reflexes, Difficulty swallowing, Fatigue, Menstrual problems, Paleness, Weakness, Weak pulse.
Helpful for These Health Conditions: Alcoholism, Atherosclerosis, Bronchial asthma, Cancer, Celiac disease, Crohns disease, Dermatitis, Epstein-Barr Virus, Fatigue, Leukemia, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, Neuropathy, Pernicious anemia, Rheumatoid arthritis.

Copper

Functions in our Body: Helps utilize iron. Reduces free radical damage. Supports bone and connective tissue health. Supports melanin production. Maintains normal thyroid function and the myelin sheaths that protect our nerves.
Symptoms of Deficiency: Iron deficiency anemia, Ruptured blood vessels, Osteoporosis, Joint problems, Brain disturbances, Elevated LDL and reduced HDL, Poor immune function, Frequent infections, Loss of pigment, Weakness, Fatigue, Breathing problems, Sores, Poor thyroid function, Irregular heart beat.
Helpful for These Health Conditions: Allergies, Anemia, Baldness, Sores, Heart Disease, HIV/AIDS, Hypothyroid disease, Leukemia, Osteoporosis, Periodontal disease and ulcers, Rheumatoid arthtritis, Stomach ulcers.

Magnesium

Functions in Our Body: Promotes nerve relaxation. Supports healthy bones and muscle tone. Prevents muscle tension, cramps, spasms and fatigue. Strengthens and forms bones. Required by over 300 different enzymes. Involved in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats.
Symptoms of Deficiency: Changes in Muscle and Nerve function, Muscle weakness, Tremors, Spasm, Arrhythmia, Increased Heart Rate, Soft, Weak Bones, Blood Sugar Imbalance,
Helpful for These Health Conditions: Alcoholism, Angina pectoris, Asthma, Autism, Chronic fatigue, Congenital heart disease, Congestive heart failure, Coronary artery disease, Diabetes, Eclampsia, Epilepsy, Glaucoma, Heart attack, HIV/AIDS, Hypertension, Hypertriglyceridemia, Inflammatory bowel disease, Migraine, Multiple sclerosis, Osteoporosis, Peptic ulcers, PMS, Pre-eclampsia, Raynauds syndrome, Lupus

Zinc

Functions in our Body: Regulates genes. Supports gene-transcription or reading. Promotes blood sugar balance and normal metabolic rates. Important to sense of taste and smell. Important to white blood cell health and immune response.
Symptoms of Deficiency: Impaired sense of taste and smell, Depression, Anxiety, Lack of Appetite, Growth failure, Frequent colds and infections, Low-Libido, Skin Problems, Fatigue, Copper Toxicity, Adrenal problems, Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Helpful for These Health Conditions: Acne, Alcoholism, Alopecia, Alzheimers Disease, Anorexia Nervosa, Atopic Dermatitis, Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy, Cervical Dysplasia, Common Cold, Chrons Disease, Diabetes, Epilepsy, Graves Disease, Herpes simplex, HIV/AIDS, Infertility (male), Inflammatory bowel disease, Influenza, Macular Degeneration, Osteoarthritis, PMS, Psoriasis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Seborrheic Dermatitis, Senile cataracts

Phosphorus

Function in our Body: Supports the formation of bones and teeth. Helps utilize carbohydrates and fats. Support protein synthesis. Vital to the production of ATP molecules used to store energy in the body. Important for muscle contractions, kidney function, heart health and nerve conduction. Important to the growth, maintenance, and repair of all cells and tissues. Essential to the production of DNA and RNA. Helps utilize vitamin D, calcium, iodine, magnesium, and zinc.
Symptoms of Deficiency: Anorexia, Muscle weakness, Osteomalacia, Loss of appetite, Anxiety, Bone pain, Bone fragility, Joint stiffness, Fatigue, Irregular breathing, Irritability, Numbness, Weakness, Weight change
Helpful for These Health Conditions: Calcium based kidney stones, Constipation, Osteoporosis, Hyperparathyroidism, Renal tube failure, Alcoholism, Severe burns, Stress.

Contributing Factors to Mineral Imbalance

A variety of forces may work against a balanced mineral content in our bodies:

Diet and Nutrient Depletion in Soil

Today, food is cheaper and is processed for minimal effort in preparation. In some ways, this is wonderful, freeing up time we might have spent slaving away in a kitchen 50 years ago or slaving away in a garden and then in a kitchen 100 years ago. However, it is also a trend that has directly contributed to rises in the number of people suffering from both obesity and nutrient deficiencies. Ideally, our bodies would be supplied with these minerals by simply eating a balanced diet, but unfortunately, even those of us that make conscious efforts to ensure toward this, over-farming and consequent nutrient depletion in our soil the primary source of mineral content - has lead to meat and produce that, despite being bigger and more uniform in appearance, is actually less nutritious.

Aging

As we age, a decrease in the secretion of hydrochloric acid into our stomachs will often occur. This will lead to a body that is less able to break down and absorb the nutrients in the food we eat. Scientists speculate that this phenomenon may be a cause of age-associated degeneration.

Toxin Build-Up

While the majority of minerals are both beneficial and essential to our health, some like aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury are definitely not. Recurring exposure of these mineral pollutants in our air, water and food, can lead to toxin build-up and along with it, a wide range of negative health effects including trouble absorbing nutrients.

Bio-Availability

Minerals come in many forms - in food, in pills, and in liquids and each form requires the body to react in a slightly different way to absorb them. The easiest way oftentimes, and consequently, the preferred administration of oligotherapists, is an ionic liquid form. In their book, Nutrition: An Integrated Approach, Ruth Pike and Mrytle Brown agree:

Whatever the nutritional potential of a food, its contribution is nonexistent if it does not pass the test of absorption. Those nutrients that have not been transferred through the intestinal mucosal cell to enter the circulation have, for all nutritional intent and purpose, have never been eaten. The variety of nutrients from the organism's environment that have been made available by absorption must be transported through the circulatory system to the aqueous microenvironment of the cells. Water is compatible with more substances than any known solvent, and therefore it is an ideal medium for transporting nutrients in the cells and for the chemical reactions of cellular metabolism to take place."

Today, it is more difficult than ever to ensure the mineral balance our bodies need - and this is where oligotherapy can be of great benefit supplementing our diet with the minerals it may be lacking.

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