Oligos in Greek means "a very tiny quantity". Oligo-elements or trace elements are very minute doses of minerals. Most minerals come from metals, except for calcium, fluoride, iodine, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, and sulphur which are metalloids (non-metallic).
Tiny traces of elements indispensable to the normal function of our metabolism have been identified in the body. Trace elements are necessary as co-factors in enzymatic reactions. They act as catalysts, binding themselves to an enzyme, activating it, and then producing a chemical reaction without them being changed in the process.
Keeping the right balance of trace elements throughout the organism is essential for enzymatic function. A deficiency in any element will lead to a functional disorder - a condition in which body parts signal abnormality, although no physical cause can be identified. An individual may not feel well; yet blood tests give no substantial evidence. The individual's state of health is between imbalance and morbid pathology. There is always an intermediate period between the evolution of a simple functional disorder and an established morbid disease. If the individual is not treated during the transitory state between health and disease, when something can still be done, degenerative disease or organ damage will follow.
A functional disorder is an attempt of the organism to correct a metabolic imbalance. To reinstate homeostasis, the body requires the supplementation of the missing element. To understand this better, image someone driving a car. The car goes out of control and ends in a ditch. No matter how hard the driver tries to get the car out, he cannot do it on his own. He calls for aid. A tow truck arrives, removes it from the ditch, and puts it back on the road.
This analogy is applied to demonstrate the synergistic effects of catalysts. All the chemical reactions that go on in the cells, anabolic and catabolic, are made possible with the aid of trace elements. By supplementing the body with the missing trace element or elements catalyzes the enzymatic reaction of the organism, and as a consequence, health and balance are brought back to the system.
Diathesis
A diathesis is the disposition for an individual to get sick. In Oligotherapy, a patient is classified according to his diathesis. There are four diathesis: hypersthenic, anergic, dystonic, and hyposthenic. They are rarely used alone and are usually associated with unitary oligo trace-elements.
Manganese (hypersthenic)
This hyperactive syndrome is generally found in middle-age adults. A deficiency in this trace element will lead to the following conditions.
Allergies, venous and arterial disorders, arthritis, eczema, nervous disorders of the gastrointestinal system, alopecia, hyperthyroidism, migraines, asthma, hepatitis
Copper-gold-silver (anergic)
This non-reactive syndrome is caused by a low defense system. A deficiency in this trace element will lead to the following conditions.
Recurrent viral and bacterial infection, psychological fatigue, cancer, loss of coordination, insomnia, memory loss, suicidal tendencies, polyarthritis, cardiovascular disease, poor concentration, depression
Manganese-cobalt (hyposthenic)
This syndrome is generally found in people fifty and over. A deficiency in this trace element will lead to the following conditions.
Rheumatoid arthritis, chronic eczema, arteritis, edema, leg cramps, phlebitis, scleroderma, chronic urticaria, colitis, epigastritis, gastritis, kidney stones, nephritis, duodenal ulcer, hemorrhoids, oliguria, gout, memory loss, peri-menopausal discomfort
Manganese-copper (hyposthenic)
This hypo-reactive syndrome is generally found in people who are physically delicate. A deficiency in this trace element will lead to the following conditions.
Upper respiratory infections, seasonal allergies, asthma, otitis, rhinopharyngitis, bronchitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, laryngitis, cystitis, diarrhea, hives, urticaria, eczema, psoriasis, dysmenorrhea, atopic dermatitis, physical asthenia, arthritis, anemia, acne, headache, colitis, hypothyroidism
Unitary Oligo Trace-Elements / Trace Minerals
Aluminum
Children with scholastic difficulties, attention deficit syndrome, poor memory, encephalitis, insomnia
Bismuth
Respiratory disorders, tonsillitis
Cobalt
Important for the formation of hemoglobin, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, anxiety, poor circulation
Copper
Infections and viral illnesses, rheumatoid arthritis, influenza, pigmentation disorder
Fluoride
Dental caries, bone growth difficulties, tendon and ligament problems, loss of elasticity in the veins, osteoarthritis, tennis elbow, infantile scoliosis
Iodine
Hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism
Iron
Iron deficiency, fatigue
Lithium
Helps to distribute water throughout the brain, difficult children, maniac depression, anxiety, melancholy, nervousness, phobia, schizophrenia
Magnesium
Helps maintain water balance, colitis, brittle nails, muscle cramps, rheumatoid arthritis
Phosphorus
Asthma, important in calcium metabolism, circulatory disorders of the lower limbs
Potassium
Preserves alkalinity of the body, water retention, chronic arthritis, muscle cramps, polyarthritis
Selenium
Cancer, prevents toxicity of heavy metals, miscarriage, cardiovascular disease, viral and bacterial infections, arthritis, fibromyalgia
Silicea
For brittle nails, hair, and skin
Sulphur
Recurrent ear-nose-throat ailments, weak teeth, loss of skin elasticity
Zinc
Skin, hair, and nail conditions, action on gonads for both sexes, low libido, acne, low sperm count, prevents birth deformities, stimulates growth, prevents diabetes
Zinc-nickel-cobalt
Hormonal deficiency, pancreatic disorders, obesity, hypoglycemia
