1. Introduction
A 65-year-old social activist, dedicated her life to advocating for others. However, her own health began to deteriorate, with symptoms like breathlessness and palpitations interfering with her ability to carry out daily activities. Despite managing long-term conditions such as hypertension and diabetes with conventional medical treatments, her symptoms persisted. In June 2023, she sought a holistic approach to her health concerns, embarking on a transformative journey with naturopathic treatment at SLNS Nature Cure Hospital. This report explores the comprehensive naturopathic approach that significantly improved her health.
2. Patient Information
Mrs. Vandita Rao’s chronic health issues, including hypertension, frozen shoulder, cervical problems, and diabetes mellitus, are compounded by symptoms such as frequent urination, pedal edema, and ulceration with foot discoloration, which indicate underlying kidney involvement. Elevated lead levels could be a contributing factor, as lead toxicity is known to damage renal function by impairing glomerular filtration and causing tubular dysfunction. This can exacerbate symptoms like polyuria (frequent urination) and fluid retention (pedal edema).
3. Medication History
| S.No | Medication | After Treatment | Mechanism |
| 1 | Metoprolol Succinate SR, 25 mg (0-0-1) | Reduced dose (1-0-0) | Beta-blocker that reduces heart rate, blood pressure, and myocardial oxygen demand, thus managing hypertension. |
| 2 | Cilnidipine, 5 mg (1-0-0) | Tapered | Calcium channel blocker that helps in reducing blood pressure and has additional vasodilatory effects. |
| 3 | Diltiazem HCl (morning: 60 mg, afternoon: 30 mg, night: 90 mg) | Reduced dose | Calcium channel blocker used for blood pressure control and angina management. |
| 4 | Metformin, 500 mg (1-0-0) | Tapered | Biguanide that lowers blood glucose by improving insulin sensitivity and decreasing hepatic glucose production. |
| 5 | Glimepiride, 2 mg (1-0-0) | Tapered | Sulfonylurea that stimulates insulin release from the pancreas to lower blood sugar. |
| 6 | Calcium Carbonate, 500 mg (1-0-0) | Continued (1-0-0) | Essential mineral supplement to support bone health and correct calcium deficiency. |
| 7 | Magnesium Citrate (1-0-0) | Continued (1-0-0) | Magnesium supplement that helps in nerve function, muscle relaxation, and metabolic health. |
| 8 | Biotin Forte (1-0-0) | Continued (1-0-0) | Vitamin supplement used to address hair health, skin conditions, and metabolic support. |
| 9 | Estriol, 1 mg (0-0-1) | Tapered | Hormone used for managing post-menopausal symptoms, including skin and bone health. |
| 10 | Cetirizine HCl (0-0-1) | Tapered | Antihistamine used for managing allergy symptoms such as skin hypersensitivity. |
Metoprolol Succinate SR, initially prescribed at 25 mg, was reduced as her blood pressure improved, with this beta-blocker working to lower heart rate, blood pressure, and myocardial oxygen demand. Cilnidipine, a calcium channel blocker, remained at 5 mg to help maintain blood pressure control with its vasodilatory effects. The dose of Diltiazem HCl, used for blood pressure and angina management, was reduced. Metformin and Glimepiride, used for diabetes management, were tapered as her blood glucose improved, with Metformin enhancing insulin sensitivity and Glimepiride stimulating insulin release. Supplements like Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Citrate, and Biotin Forte continued to support bone health, metabolic function, and hair health. Estriol, a hormone supplement for post-menopausal symptoms, and Cetirizine HCl, an antihistamine for allergy management, were also tapered as symptoms reduced.
4. Naturopathic and Lifestyle Interventions
Mrs. Vandita’s treatment plan at SLNS Nature Cure involved a combination of naturopathic therapies to address both her physical and emotional well-being. These included:
Yoga and Physiotherapy: Customized sessions designed to enhance flexibility, improve joint mobility, and manage pain associated with her frozen shoulder and cervical issues.
Dietary Adjustments: A whole-food-based, anti-inflammatory diet aimed at improving metabolic function, managing diabetes, and reducing weight.
Detox Therapies: Focused on eliminating toxins from the body to improve overall health and metabolic function, along with supporting kidney and liver detoxification.
Lifestyle Changes: A comprehensive approach including sleep hygiene improvement, stress management techniques, and daily physical activity to support cardiovascular and mental health.
5. Results and Follow-Up
| S.No | Biomarker | Before Treatment | After Treatment |
| 1 | Iron | 42.3 | 73.2 |
| 2 | GGT | 39.2 | 30.6 |
| 3 | Lead | 219.2 | 145.4 |
| 4 | Magnesium | 1.8 | 2.1 |
| 5 | Hs-CRP | 4.5 | 2.1 |
| 6 | Weight Loss | 75.2 | 71.2 |
| 7 | Polyuria | 90% | 10% |
| 8 | Energy Levels | Low | High |
The biomarker results for Mrs. Vandita Rao before and after treatment showed significant improvements. Her iron levels increased from 42.3 µg/dL to 73.2 µg/dL, indicating enhanced nutritional status. GGT levels decreased from 39.2 U/L to 30.6 U/L, reflecting improved liver function. Lead levels, which were elevated at 219.2 µg/L, dropped to 145.4 µg/L, showing successful detoxification. Magnesium levels improved from 1.8 mg/dL to 2.1 mg/dL, supporting better metabolic function. Additionally, her Hs-CRP levels decreased from 4.5 mg/L to 2.1 mg/L, signaling reduced inflammation and a positive response to the naturopathic treatments.
6. Discussion
The combination of naturopathic therapies and lifestyle interventions led to significant improvements in Mrs. Vandita’s health. Key biomarkers such as iron, magnesium, and Hs-CRP showed marked improvement, reflecting a decrease in systemic inflammation and enhanced metabolic function. Her blood glucose and weight were better controlled, reducing the symptoms of polyuria and edema. The reduction in lead levels further suggests that detox therapies played a crucial role in improving her overall health.
7. Conclusion
Mrs. Vandita Rao’s case demonstrates the transformative potential of naturopathic care in managing chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction. Mrs. Vandita Rao’s health showed significant improvement across several areas. Her hypertension was well-controlled through continued blood pressure management and lifestyle adjustments. Her diabetes also showed improved glycemic control, resulting in a reduced need for medication. Her weight has decreased from 75.2 kg to 71.2 kg, indicating successful weight management. The polyuria, which was initially severe, has reduced by 90%, with only 10% remaining, showing significant improvement in her condition. Additionally, her energy levels have increased substantially, from low to high, suggesting a marked enhancement in her overall vitality and well-being. Ongoing physiotherapy for her frozen shoulder and cervical issues led to continued improvements in joint flexibility and pain management. Overall, her health showed a positive trajectory, with enhanced energy levels, weight reduction, and better metabolic health, indicating a sustainable path toward long-term well-being.