Biochemical Individuality
In 1956, Roger Williams, gained recognition for coining the term 'Biochemical Individuality' and for applying this to the way in which each individual has different nutritional needs.
By embracing biochemical individuality we can throw out the idea of 'normal and 'average' as these tell us very little of use in the diagnosis and treatment of the individual. Not only are we unique genetically but we are also unique biochemically.
The term 'biochemistry' refers to the chemical transformations taking place throughout our body in organs, tissues and cells and as such is inextricably linked with our anatomical make-up. Anatomical variations are just as great as the biochemic ones: For example, the human stomach varies greatly in size and shape and even position as does the liver and the heart and other organs.
The brain, blood, bones, muscles and glands are probably distinctive for each individual not only in anatomy but also in chemical composition. These chemical compositions are not fixed throughout life and they are effected by nutrition.
It is amazing how little research has been carried out into these differences. Yet studies (quoted by Williams) have shown that even identical twins differ in, for example, efficiency of enzyme function, hormones, and ability to tolerate drugs. Taking all this into account it has to be seen that finding drugs that will act with complete uniformity on all human beings is an extraordinarily difficult, probably impossible, task.
In the same way, finding a diet that works for all is also by no means straightforward - some of us will be lacking in enzymes for digestion of certain foods such as milk, be intolerant of certain foods and food chemicals, require more or less protein/carbohydrate than others, need more of some nutrients than others and so on.
We can change our lives. By altering the food we eat and the environment we live in we can dramatically alter our health for the better and so improve the quality of our lives. By ignoring our very individual needs we can race a long the road to health problems.
Biochemical individuality is all about variability and individuality. It's basic premise is that we are all unique and need to be dealt with as such. When looking at nutrition our needs must be assessed so that we can reach optimal health not just a state of getting by.
In respect of food intolerance this is a key premise. Although some doctors may have determined wheat or milk or caffeine as the cause of certain symptoms in some individuals they can not safely, or accurately, assume that these same foods will cause the same problems in another person. Just as virtually any condition can be influenced by food intolerance, and nutrition, so any food can cause any symptom - you are unique.
This uniqueness is the foundation of Change Your Diet and Change Your Life.
References
Roger J Williams
Biochemical Individuality
Keats Publishing 1998