Medical practice of
Dr. Proesmans
Welcome to the website of Dr. Rudy Proesmans, orthomolecular physician at Boechout-Vremde.
You’ll find all the information regarding his medical practice, his views on preventive medicine and some specialized therapies here.
My approach goes back to the roots of medicine. Wholesome food is still the best remedy to become and stay healthy. A proper diet remains the best prevention against cancer, cardiovascular disorders, dementia, fatigue, rheumatism etc. Moreover, the right intake of proper nutrients is a fundamental basic requirement for optimal health. This is the principle of nutritional medicine, or ‘medicine through nutrition’, mostly referred to as orthomolecular medicine. The strength of the nutritional medicine lies in the way it stimulates you to take control of your health by opting for the correct nutrition, possibly supplemented with vitamins and mineral supplements, and to rely on classical medication as a last resort. In my medical practice, I help and advise my patients to obtain as many nutrients as possible through healthy unprocessed food. Food supplements are advised based on blood tests deficiencies with food supplements (vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids and plant extracts).
Medication plays a significant role but will only be prescribed if the self-healing power of the body – supported by orthomolecular means if needed – is no longer operative. Classical drugs, like antibiotics, are valuable but do have their strict indication. Next to their function, they always have side effects that will damage the body in the long run, this contrary to orthomolecular remedies that do not cause any harm at all.
‘The groundwork of all happiness is health’
The term ‘orthomolecular’ was first used in 1968 by professor Linus Pauling. Orthos is a Greek word for ‘correct, upright, healthy’ and molecular stands for ‘molecules’. In the orthomolecular medicine, one ensures that the body will constantly be supplied with the correct natural substances so that it can function properly.
Even centuries ago, it was known that nutrition can have a medicinal effect. On several occasions, Hippocrates (460-377 B.C.) mentioned the medicinal properties of food.
‘No disease which can be cured through diet needs to be treated in any other way.’
Maimonides (1135-1204)
A healthy diet, a balanced spirit, physical activity and the right supplements are at the basis of a good health. These four pillars are fundamental in preventing diseases, but also in treating existing conditions. This means that, up to a certain extent, you need to take considerable responsibility for you own health.
‘The greatest medicine of all is to teach people how not to need it.’
With each patient, we start with an extensive questionnaire on his/her dietary habits and we correct poor eating habits when necessary. Potential food intolerances are detected. What is healthy for one, can cause illness in someone else.
Next to this, a thorough blood test is always performed. Besides the regular testing (red and white blood cells, renal function, liver tests, cholesterol etc.), we also perform specific tests (oxidative stress; DNA oxidation; determination of minerals in the cell such as selenium, DHEA, melatonin, carnitine, co-enzyme Q10; urine test to determine the risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer) in the context of the prevention of cancer, cardiovascular diseases and aging processes.
In the anti-aging therapy (see Therapies), the hormone levels in 24-hour urine are important.