BackgroundA 63-year-old male with a 4-year history of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) safely and successfully integrated personalized nutrition and lifestyle modifications to improve the symptomatic outcome of his illness.Case/InterventionThe client presented to our nutritional practice with fatigue, acid reflux, joint pain, brain fog and skin rashes. During the nutritional intervention, he safely used a variety of nutritional interventions and supplementation, including dietary improvements, omega-3 fish oils, N-acetyl cysteine, prebiotics and intermittent fasting, along with stress reduction techniques. His symptoms decreased significantly, or disappeared, over 4 years of using these interventions.ConclusionThis case demonstrates the safety and potential benefits of personalized nutrition, stress reduction techniques and targeted supplementation in helping to decrease symptoms of SLE. Our client's energy levels and overall performance improved, skin rashes and acid reflux resolved, joint pain and stiffness decreased and brain fog gradually lessened over the 4 years he was in our care.
Context:One of the governing principles of naturopathic medicine is the concept of Unity of Disease and Unity of Cure (UDUC). Many naturopathic physicians and students find it challenging to provide a scientific basis for UDUC because conventionally every disease has varying etiologies. Objective:The review intended to explore the basis of UDUC, examining the available theoretical evidence around this fundamental tenet of naturopathic medicine, to promote its effective use when consulting new patients and planning the subsequent treatment. Design:The research team performed a narrative review by searching PubMed, PubMed central, Scopus, Google scholar databases, textbooks on naturopathy and websites of professional bodies representing naturopathic medicine. The search used the keywords 'Naturopathic Medicine', 'Naturopathy', 'Holism', 'Self-healing', 'Pyschosocial determinants and health', 'unity of disease and unity of cure', 'health and disease', 'Multi-model approach', 'whole-system practice' and 'Global naturopathic practice'. Setting:The review took place at Sant Hirdaram Medical College of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences for women in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India. Results:The present review provides a comprehensive overview of the scientific evidence behind UDUC under four layers: psychological factors, lifestyle factors, physiological alterations, and disease manifestation. The data presented in this review substantiate the presence of these four layers in the manifestation of various clinical conditions like musculoskeletal disorders, obstetric and gynecological disorders, cardiometabolic disorders, infectious disorders, and gastrointestinal disorders. Conclusions:It's very evident that the global naturopathic profession embraces traditional philosophies as the core of their practices. However, the field needs measures, such as the formulation of international working groups and the organization of continuous medical-education programs, congresses, and exchange programs, to facilitate crosstalk among practitioners from different parts of the world, which may assert the importance of philosophical tenets such as UDUC in clinical practice.
Background:Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) includes inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity as core symptoms and is associated with increased self-perceived stress. Primary Study Objective:This article evaluates the impact of acupuncture (provided in addition to regular pharmacological treatment with Atomoxetine) on self-perceived stress and ADHD core symptomatology, compared to atomoxetine (ATX) alone. Methods/Design:In-depth single case study, involving a mixed methods approach with questionnaires and interviews was used. The participant completed two rating scales. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were held. Qualitative data were subjected to content analysis and both sets of data were triangulated. Setting:Data collection/intervention (treatments) took place at an Acupuncture clinic in Hamburg, Germany, EU. Participants:One adult, atomoxetine-taking ADHD participant. Intervention:Acupuncture according to Chinese medicine-diagnosis twice/week, over the course of eight weeks, following a pre-defined but flexible point protocol. Primary Outcome Measures:1) The Current Symptom Scale (CSS) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). 2) Semi-structured interviews. Results:Acupuncture treatments in addition to regular ATX intake positively affected the participant's ADHD symptoms (PSS - 31%, total score of the CSS - 47%). There was a considerable decrease in subgroup scores (attention deficit - 39%; functionality impairment - 55%; hyperactivity/impulsivity - 53%; impulsivity - 30%). Post-interventional interviews showed perceived increased self-control, (self-) awareness and centeredness. Combined treatment was perceived as more beneficial than pharmaceutical treatment alone. Conclusion:Acupuncture treatment appears to have a positive impact on both self-perception of stress and ADHD core symptomatology. Findings were partially congruent with the reviewed research literature but due to limitations/risks of bias (ROBs) associated with the design, no concrete conclusions regarding a potential method-related specificity can be drawn. Further research with larger samples and a more robust design is recommended.
Bronchial asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory condition associated with wheezing, tightness of the chest, breathlessness, and cough, leading to a reduction in quality of life. Conceptional vessel 17 (danzong) is the influential acupuncture point for the respiratory system, widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine in combination with moxibustion (thermal stimulation) to manage respiratory problems. A 39-year-old male with bronchial asthma underwent the thermal stimulation of CV 17 acupuncture point 20 minutes daily for a period of 14 days. His pulmonary function was assessed at baseline and after 14 days using a spirometer. Pulmonary function test results showed significant improvement in FEV1/FVC ratio, PEF 25-75%, and PEFR. Further studies are indicated to establish the efficacy of dangzong with thermal stimulation for bronchial asthma.
Introduction:Vitamin C has been previously studied for use with acute and chronic Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and hepatitis C. However, it has never been evaluated for its impact on EBV induced hepatitis. In this case report, we present a patient's history with EBV induced hepatitis treated with high dose vitamin C.Methods:A 36-year-old female presented to the National University of Natural Medicine Health Center with reactivated EBV-induced viral hepatitis. She reported severe fatigue, brain fog, maintenance and initiation insomnia, periocular hyperpigmentation, blurry vision, and decreased concentration. The patient's diagnosis was confirmed with a diagnostic evaluation of her EBV titers and liver enzymes, all of which were elevated. After assessing for contraindications, the patient was treated with intravenous (IV) vitamin C starting at a 10g dose and increasing weekly for 3 weeks to a dose of 25g.Results:After 12 weeks of treatment with high dose IV vitamin C, as well as other immune-supportive nutrient therapy, the patient reported a decrease in fatigue severity, brain fog, vision disturbances, exercise limitations, and insomnia severity.Discussion:We recommend that physicians consider the administration of high-dose IV vitamin C for all concurrent cases of EBV and hepatitis in both acute and chronic conditions. As recognition of reactivated viral infections grows, high-dose IV vitamin C for other latent viral infections such as COVID-19, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex, varicella zoster, and HIV should be considered.
An otherwise healthy and active 42-year-old woman, undergoing In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF), developed a deep vein thrombus (a potential side effect of IVF) in her right lower leg after discontinuing the consumption of hibiscus tea. Hibiscus tea contains phytoestrogens which may affect hormone balance - on the one hand reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and on the other, interfering with the potential success of IVF-related hormone treatments.
In the late 1800s, treatment with thyroid extract caused dramatic improvement in patients with myxedema. Shortly thereafter, multiple other glandular extracts became available, both individually and in combinations. Their use gradually fell into disfavor, partly due to overpromotion by the manufacturers. The history of the use of thyroid, pancreatic, adrenal, thymus and liver extracts suggests that glandular extracts can be beneficial, especially when potential mechanisms of action and methods of preparation are considered.
Introduction:This case report reviewed a female client with numerous pre-existing conditions linked to gastrointestinal (GI) dysbiosis and systemic inflammation. Gastrointestinal ailments such as acid reflux/gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disorder (IBD), and increased intestinal permeability ("leaky gut") are on the rise and growing according to current research. Adjunctive therapies appear safe and are increasing in their use with the management of these conditions.Case Presentation:A 39-year-old female, currently using H2-Receptor antagonists (H2R), presented with long-standing signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal (GI) ailments. A nutritional approach (ReNew Food Plan) focusing on client education, increased consumption of foods associated with reduced inflammation, and decreased consumption of processed foods was recommended. These recommendations were made to improve intestinal permeability, balance gut microbiota, and reduce reflux symptoms while decreasing dependency on H2-R medications, restoring regular bowel movements, and increasing immune function, including IgA levels. As a result of the adjustments, the client reported outcomes (CRO) indicated a reduction in signs and symptoms of her gastrointestinal (GI) and immune system ailments from severe and frequent to mild and occasional.Conclusion:The ReNew Food Plan, a "food-first approach" integrated with other interventions, appeared to improve this client's gastrointestinal (GI) and immune system function safely and effectively. Further studies are needed, especially about the ReNew Food Plan to compare results and show how this specific food plan could work for others.
Context:Anti-inflammatory drugs and biologics can effectively treat inflammatory conditions and diseases but can also cause burdensome side effects. Many patients prefer to use time-tested, traditional medicinal products and dietary supplements, but such products seldom receive the rigorous testing required for regulatory approvals of drugs and biologics. Thus, it is advantageous to demonstrate by experimentation the pharmacological and toxicological properties of unapproved natural products and compared to benchmark approved drugs or biologics.Objective:The studies intended to evaluate Samento®, a commercial hydro-alcoholic extract of the pentacyclic chemotype of Uncaria Tomentosa (Willd.) DC, for the prophylactic and treatment effects of irritant-induced inflammation and antigen-induced arthritic inflammation in two rat models. The studies were also intended to create a clinical bridge rationale for the use of Samento® in the treatment of inflammation in humans, with a suggested allometrically scaled starting dose.Design:The research team performed two in vivo animal model studies of induced inflammation in rats.Setting:The studies took place at the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia in Lima, Peru.Prophylaxis Model of Irritant-Induced Inflammation:Holtzman rats in five groups (five each per group) were administered 14 daily doses of Samento® at 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg of wet weight, or 40 mg/kg of naproxen sodium as a positive control, or nothing as a negative control. At 14 days the right legs of the rats were challenged by injection into the connective tissue by the chemical irritant carrageenan. Two hours thereafter the weight of the irritant-injected right leg was compared to the non-injected left leg of each rat, to determine the level of irritant-induced inflammation.Treatment Model of Antigen-Induced Arthritic Inflammation:Arthritic inflammation was induced in five groups of Lewis rats (five each per group) by intradermal injection of the tail with non-allogeneic, bovine type II collagen in incomplete Freund's adjuvant. A sixth group was not injected with collagen antigen as a non-induced control. Ten days after the induction of arthritic inflammation in the five injected groups, individual groups were treated with Samento® at 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg of wet weight daily for 21 days, or 0.2 mg/kg of methotrexate twice per week as a positive control, or nothing as a negative control. At 21 days the animals were assessed for antigen-induced arthritic inflammation and assigned an analog score ranging from 0 to 4.Results:The research team confirmed the presence of pentacyclic oxindoles and the absence of tetracyclic oxindoles within Samento®. In the prophylactic model, 14 days of pretreatment with oral Samento® produced dose-dependent, statistically significant reductions in inflammation in the rats' leg weights between the carrageenan induction and postintervention, for the 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg Samento® groups (P < .05 for all groups). The 1000 mg/kg group had a 74% anti-inflammatory effect versus 97% with the 40 mg/kg of naproxen sodium in the positive control group. In the treatment model, 21 days of oral administration of Samento® produced dose-dependent, statistically significant reductions in arthritic inflammation postintervention, for the 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg Samento® groups (P < .05 for all groups). Treatment with the highest tested dose of the extract (1000 mg/kg) yielded an 85% anti-inflammatory effect versus 90% with 0.2 mg/kg of methotrexate in the positive control group.Conclusions:The two rat models revealed that the Uncaria phytotherapy Samento® was an effective prophylactic as well as a treatment for induced inflammation in rats. The highest dose of the pentacyclic chemotype of Uncaria approached the anti-inflammatory activities of the established benchmark pharmaceutical positive controls. The results in the two rat models suggest an allometrically scaled starting dose of Samento® of 4 g daily in humans.
This paper discusses concerns with specific approaches in identifying and eliminating gastrointestinal (GI) pathogens, as well as detoxifying toxic metals, that may be misleading and harmful to a patient's health. These are non-scientific methods that claim to improve GI microbial balance and mineral nutritional status that persist in the nutritional and natural medicine market, and unfortunately many are actively promoted through specific products and protocols marketed by nutritional supplement companies that should know better. The potential toxicity and mucosal damage of the long-term use of aggressive laxative herbs such as Cascara sagrada, rhubarb and/or Senna, as well as potential adverse events from ingredients containing fulvic acids and/or humic acids are discussed.
For almost two centuries, disease-treatment medicine has dominated healthcare. This has resulted in many benefits, especially for acute infections, injuries, acute life-threatening disease, congenital malformations, etc. However, we have also seen a parallel and relentless increase in chronic disease. In fact, we now suffer the highest burden of virtually every chronic disease in every age group ever in human history. Why? It is not because disease-treatment medicine is wrong, but rather because it is incomplete. Today's healthcare is missing health care and is focused almost solely on disease. Through recorded history, there has been an ongoing philosophical dynamic between treating disease vs promoting health. Dominance by either side is insufficient. This editorial explores Health Medicine and why embracing this concept is critical for solving our healthcare crisis. It is organized as follows: a brief review of history, the rationale for "Health" medicine, what defines it, why organizing under it is important, how an optimal system could be organized, and the potential response of conventional medicine.
Context:Worldwide, large numbers of people have Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis. Unfortunately, approved medications are highly ineffective and have costly, untoward side effects. One alternative for neurodegenerative disorders may be use of plasmalogens, a type of phospholipid. Objective:The objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of a unique extract of plasmalogen from scallops for older adults with concerns either about memory and cognition or some form of actual memory loss or cognitive dysfunction. Design:This pilot study was a 90-day intervention. Setting:The study took place in the homes of participants. Participants:Participants were nine older adults from South Florida. Intervention:Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups taking different amounts of Hokkaido Scallop Oil Plasmalogen (HSOP) per day: (1) one 0.5-mg capsule-five participants or (2) two 0.5-mg capsules-four participants. Outcome Measures:The participants completed the assessments at baseline and postintervention. To determine if HSOP would have an effect on cognitive function, participants completed the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). To evaluate issues with activities and depressive symptoms or disorders, participants completed assessments with the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Independent Activities of Daily Living (IADL) and the Center for Epidemiological Survey-Depression (CESD). The outcome measures were compared from baseline to postintervention, and the differences were assessed for statistical significance with paired-samples t tests. Correlation coefficients were assessed at baseline and postintervention between age and the outcome measures as well. Results:The average score of the MMSE at baseline was 19.1 (SD = 9.7), the average score at postintervention improved to 21.9 (SD = 10.2), and the difference from baseline to postintervention was statistically significant (t(6) = -2.7, P = .04). All other changes on the outcome measures were insignificant. For the MMSE, five subjects improved, one subject remained the same, and one subject worsened. For the CESD, one subject worsened, and five subjects improved. For the IADL and ADL, five subjects remained the same, and one subject improved. At baseline and as expected, age was inversely correlated with the MMSE (r = -0.88, P = .002), and the MMSE was inversely correlated with the ADL (r = -0.93, P = .002). No other correlations were significant. The correlations at postintervention showed a similar pattern to those at baseline. Conclusions:The pilot study showed that HSOP is safe to take and may provide some benefits for cognitive function and depressive symptoms, based on the clinically relevant changes in the MMSE and CESD over the 90-day period. Given the lack of efficacy of treatments for people with age-associated memory and cognitive dysfunction, HSOP may provide a natural and safe alternative for those faced with such challenges.
In Parts 1 and 2 of my editorials on "Unimportant Molecules," I reviewed the research on how modern agriculture has seriously distorted the food supply. In this editorial I showed how this oversimplification and lack of recognition of the importance of whole food molecules also illustrates the deep conceptual differences between the reductionistic medical interventionist model and the probabilistic nurturing model of health medicine. I believe we need both approaches, and by understanding the differences we can better integrate perspectives for the best patient outcomes.
An elderly obese male patient (60 yrs.) diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) presented to our clinic. He was on 94 units of insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents during his initial consultation visit. After obtaining informed consent, he was enrolled into intense lifestyle modification program for a duration of six months, with a three-year follow-up after the intervention. The patient underwent complete remission losing 13 kg of body weight and also successfully clearing oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) for three consecutive years. We present three unique features in the current case report: (1) Elderly age of the patient (2) OGTT clearance along with normalisation of HbA1c, and (3) High initial insulin dosage at baseline. A few of the common positive predictors of T2D remission documented in earlier studies include younger age and minimal or low doses of insulin. The current case study shows that older age and higher dosage of insulin, it is possible to undergo complete T2D remission along with OGTT clearance through intense holistic lifestyle modification. Future experimental studies with adequate sample sizes would help substantiate our observation.
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is only a recently recognized, multisystem disorder that has been historically underrecognized due its estimated high prevalence. Recognition, testing, and treatment all pose unique challenges to condition management. The condition warrants more concern due to its prevalence and under recognition. Of equal importance in this case is the overlap seen between conditions such as MCAS, gastric dysmotility often manifesting as small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), dysautonomia, joint hypermobility disorders such as hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (h-EDS) or other hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD), and autoimmunity. This case involves a 42 year-old female who initially presented to the clinic for chronic SIBO and associated gastrointestinal complaints. Upon further examination into the patient's history and unique presentation as visits progressed, important factors affecting treatment considerations were discovered. The patient was ultimately deemed to have other associated conditions including a mast cell-mediated disorder as well as joint hypermobility due to her response to antihistamine and mast cell stabilizing agents. Final outcomes include immense improvement upon mast cell stabilization with ketotifen, and remission of SIBO with low-dose naltrexone (LDN). Although the patient did not undergo testing beyond a serum tryptase test, this case represents the importance of careful history taking and the role of clinical suspicion on patient outcomes.
A 15-month-old patient, diagnosed with Molluscum contagiosum (MC), which began with a four-lesion skin rash, that spread across his upper torso (and scrotum) resulting in more than one hundred red, swollen, raised, and itchy lesions. MC is an infection caused by the pox virus and commonly heals without treatment, although this may take months or even years. In the pediatric population, infectious and contagious skin conditions which can spread through a daycare or school setting, are often treated. This patient's MC resolved over six weeks with Erchonia laser (low level violet light therapy) and oral and topical application of an herbal formula (Biocidin LSF). No side effects were noted or reported.
