Australasian College Nutritional and Environmental Medicine
Introduction ACNEM (Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine) is a post-graduate medical college established in the early 1980s. It is independent of all governments, government agencies and other organisations and relies on no other body for funding. It is a non-profit organisation, funded from membership fees, subscriptions, courses and other programs, book sales and donations. The College is set up as an incorporated association.
Full Membership is open to all registered medical doctors. Educational Programs The College conducts post-graduate Courses and workshops for medical doctors in the application of the principles of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine. The intensive, residential course can be taken in isolation or as an entry into the College's Fellowship Program. ACNEM also convenes public meetings at which medical nutritional experts speak on all aspects of nutritional medicine. Journal A peer reviewed Journal is published to keep members informed of up-to-date research. Referral Service A public referral service is provided on this site. Those unable to access the Internet may call the College to be placed in touch with an appropriate health practitioner in their locality. This service is available throughout Australia and New Zealand. Those using the service are asked to contribute a small amount towards keeping the service going, where they are able to. Mail Order Book Sales A wide range of books and audio tapes is available from the College. These may be ordered by mail, e-mail, fax or phone. Book lists are available on request. Nutritional and Environmental Medicine is defined as the study of the interactions of both nutritional and environmental factors with human physiology, biochemistry, pathology and anatomy and the clinical application of these interactions in the optimisation of health and the prevention and treatment of disease. This may involve the removal of certain foods or chemicals from the patient's environment, the use of rotation diets and the provision of vitamins, minerals, trace elements and essential fatty acids or other nutritional supplements. Excesses or deficiencies of any nutrient or the presence of basic chemicals or electromagnetic radiation results in cellular dysfunction and illness. Tests Some metabolic tests are available which may indicate imbalances within the body. These include: hair analysis, which gives an assessment of minerals and heavy metals; the prolonged glucose tolerance test, which analyses blood sugar levels; urine samples and various blood tests designed to evaluate vitamin, mineral or hormonal excesses or deficiencies. The evaluation of prostanoids and free radical activity is relatively new. Lipid Peroxidation and antioxidant status are rapidly becoming important clinical investigations. Treatment Treatment is aimed at correcting the basic imbalance and its cause, as well as providing symptomatic relief. Proper balance is achieved by providing the molecular environment that allows the body to heal itself. This is done by attention to basic nutrition, providing those nutrients that are found lacking or reducing those found in excess. Mineral and vitamin supplements are added where diet cannot satisfy the individual need for nutrients. (see remedies used) (see conditions treated) Environmental Medicine is concerned with those physical and psychological symptoms that result from allergy or sensitivity to various inhalants, foods, beverages and numerous chemical substances in air, water and food. The central nervous system, with its rich blood supply, is particularly susceptible to the effects of allergens and toxins. Consequently, individuals exhibiting physical or mental illness are suspected of having a sensitivity to some environmental factor that is upsetting the balance of nutrients within the body. Environmental toxins are eliminated as far as possible. For optimum results, a regular program of physical exercise and relaxation is advised. Stresses of emotional, psychological and social origin must also be dealt with, as part of a total treatment program. Specialising Nutritional and environmental medical doctors have specialised in many areas. Among these are psychiatry, paediatrics, women's health, oncology and lifestyle management. Each is concerned with providing the proper and optimum molecular environment for the body and mind in the most natural way possible. (see modalities used) Connections ACNEM has, over the years, been involved with the establishment of a number of other organisations. These include: the Australian Integrative Medicine Association (AIMA), the Graduate School of Integrative Medicine (GSIM) at Swinburne University of Technology (SUT), the John Stroh Cancer Research Fund (JSCRF), Australian College of Herbal Medicine (ACoHM), Natural Healthcare Alliance (NHCA). For more details on Acnem, click on the link below, which takes you to the ACNEM website [Last updated Sunday, 02 May 2004]
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