Biochemical Pathways
The body is made up of billions of cells, each with millions of continuous life-generating chemical reactions. Biochemical pathways are the directions that different chains of chemical reactions take to produce the compounds and products essential for life (e.g. red blood cells, proteins, hormones, skin, hair, nails, etc.).
Biochemical Pathways Chart - Vitamin A Retinol
Biochemical Pathways are Blocked by Inborn Errors of Metabolism
We are all born with thousands of chemical reactions that do not work as efficiently as they should. These poorly functioning chemical reactions form partial or full blockages in the biochemical pathways of our cells. These blockages are scientifically referred to as inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs). IEMs create cellular stress and cause imbalances in our cellular chemistry. These imbalances prevent cellular reactions from flowing freely in the biochemical pathways. This puts a "stress load" on our entire body and may keep the immune system relatively weak, making us prone to sickness, disease and premature aging.
Overcoming Inborn Errors of Metabolism in Biochemical Pathways
Orthomolecular doctors discovered that optimal potencies of vitamins and minerals strengthen the immune system by helping to clear biochemical pathway blockages, improving the flow of the life supporting biochemical reactions, and favorably rebalancing cellular chemistry.
Biochemical "Friction" Is Reduced with Biochemical "Lubrication"
All of the chemical reactions in the biochemical pathways of the cell must be in balance to function efficiently. When this balance is disrupted, the entire chain of chemical reactions slows down as if from increased friction. This extra "friction" (cellular stress) wears us down prematurely and accelerates aging. Using orthomolecular potencies to help open block biochemical pathways is like "lubricating" the pathways. This improves the flow of life-supporting biochemical reactions. With proper "lubrication," the biochemical pathways are more open and perform better over a longer period of time.
