Practice Dr. Proesmans

My approach goes back to the fundamentals of medicine. A healthy diet is and remains the very best medicine for becoming and staying healthy. The right diet is and remains the best prevention against cancer, cardiovascular disease, dementia, fatigue, depression, rheumatism, and so on. Moreover, consuming the right nutrients in the right amounts is an absolute prerequisite for optimal health. That is the principle of nutritional medicine, or “medicine through nutrition,” usually referred to as orthomolecular medicine. The power of nutritional medicine lies in the fact that it encourages you to take control of your own health by choosing the right diet, possibly supplemented with vitamins and minerals, and only resorting to conventional medications as a last resort. In my practice, I help and advise my patients to obtain as many nutrients as possible through healthy, unprocessed foods and to address any proven (based on blood tests) deficiencies with dietary supplements (vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, plant extracts).

Medications are important tools but are only prescribed when the body’s self-healing capacity—supported by orthomolecular agents if necessary—is no longer effective. Conventional medications, such as antibiotics, are valuable but have strict indications. In addition to their therapeutic effects, they always have side effects that cause long-term damage to the body, unlike orthomolecular remedies, which cause absolutely no harm.

“The foundation of all happiness is health”

The term “orthomolecular” was first used in 1968 by Professor Linus Pauling. “Orthos” comes from Greek and means “correct,” “straight,” or “healthy,” while “molecular” refers to molecules. Orthomolecular medicine aims to ensure that the body is always supplied with the right natural substances so that it can function optimally.

Centuries ago, people already knew that food could have healing properties. For example, Hippocrates (460–377 BC) mentioned the healing properties of food on several occasions.

He said: “Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food”
Maimonides (1135–1204)

A balanced diet, a healthy mind, and physical activity are the foundation of good health. These three pillars are essential for preventing illness and for treating existing conditions. This means that you must take personal responsibility for your health to a very significant degree.

“The greatest medicine of all is to teach people how not to need it.”

For every patient, we begin with a detailed questionnaire about their eating habits and correct any unhealthy habits as needed. We also identify potential food intolerances. What is very healthy for one person may make another sick.

In addition, a comprehensive blood test is always performed. Alongside standard blood tests (red and white blood cells, kidney function, liver function, cholesterol, etc.), specific tests are conducted to help prevent cancer, cardiovascular disease, and the aging process (oxidative stress, oxidized DNA, measurement of cellular minerals such as selenium, DHEA, melatonin, carnitine, coenzyme Q10, and a urine test to assess the risk of premenopausal breast cancer).
In anti-aging therapy (see Therapies), hormonal measurements in 24-hour urine are important.