1.Introduction
In 2022, 17-year-old Dr. Aswitha was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) after two years of worsening symptoms, including joint pain, hair loss, and significant weight loss. Initial treatments like acupuncture provided no relief. Diagnosed through biomarkers by Dr. Rajmohan and confirmed by rheumatologist, she was hesitant about medication. Encouraged by her lecturer, she turned to SLNS Nature Cure Hospital, seeking holistic care for lasting recovery.
2.Patient information
Name: Dr. Aswitha
Age: 19 years
Sex : female
In 2022, Dr.Aswitha, a 17-year-old, was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, but her health struggles began long before that. In December 2020, she first noticed joint swelling and pain, which gradually worsened, leading to severe hair loss, paleness, and a sudden 10 kg weight loss. She sought help from Dr. Venkatesh, a Varma practitioner, who treated her with acupuncture and Varma Kalai for the joint pain, but her symptoms persisted.
Dr. Ashwitha turned to Dr. Rajmohan, a general physician in 2022. After thorough testing, he diagnosed her with SLE through biomarkers and referred her to a rheumatologist. Dr. Jaganathan, a specialist at Malar Hospital, confirmed the diagnosis and prescribed medications. However, Ashwitha, hesitant about medication.
In 2023, Dr.Ashwitha, already pursuing a naturopathy degree, was encouraged by Dr. Kavitha, a lecturer and longtime associate of Dr. Karthik Reddy, to visit SLNS Nature Cure Hospital, which had a strong track record of successfully treating autoimmune diseases. Seeking a holistic approach, Ashwitha took the step to try naturopathy, hopeful for the healing she had been searching for all along.
3.Medication History:
| S.No | Medication | After naturopathy treatment | Mechanism |
| 1 | Azathioprine 50mg (1-0-1) | Tapered | 6-mercaptopurine, which interferes with the synthesis of DNA and RNA, primarily by inhibiting the enzyme ribonucleotide reductase. This inhibition suppresses the proliferation of certain immune cells, particularly T lymphocytes, which are involved in the autoimmune response. |
| 2 | Hydroxychloroquine 300mg (0-1-0) | 0-1-0 | Inhibits antigen processing and presentation and also inhibits the inflammatory mediators such as IL -1 ,TNF alpha , prostaglandins. |
| 3 | Prednisolone 5mg (1-0-0) | 1/2-0-0 | Inhibiting function of t lymphocytes , l lymphocytes , macrophages and also supress histamine and substance of mast cells and it increases blood glucose levels promoting gluconeogenesis and reduces the glucose uptake in peripheral cells |
| 4 | Calcium carbonate, elemental calcium, vit d (0-0-1) | 0-0-1 | Multivitamins |
| 5 | Folic acid (1-0-0) | 1-0-0 | Supplementation |
| 6 | Panacid 40 (1-0-0) | Tapered | Reduce the pH of stomach |
| 7 | Mycophenolic acid 350 mg (1-0-0) | 1-0-0 | Inhibits inosine phosphatase dehydrogenese |
After naturopathy treatment, significant changes were observed in Ashwitha’s medication regimen, reflecting improved management of her condition. Azathioprine 50mg (1-0-1) was tapered, as its mechanism of suppressing immune cell proliferation through DNA/RNA synthesis inhibition became less necessary. Hydroxychloroquine 300mg (0-1-0) remained constant, continuing to reduce inflammatory mediators like IL-1 and TNF-alpha. Prednisolone 5mg (1-0-0) was halved to 1/2-0-0, minimizing its effects on immune suppression and blood glucose levels. Supportive supplements, including calcium carbonate, vitamin D, and folic acid, remained unchanged, while Panacid 40 (1-0-0) was tapered, as acidity management improved. Mycophenolic acid 350mg (1-0-0) was maintained to inhibit immune cell proliferation effectively. These adjustments underscore the complementary benefits of naturopathy alongside conventional treatment.
4.Naturopathic And Lifestyle Intervention
Dietary Changes: Anti-inflammatory foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains); avoidance of processed foods and refined sugars.
Herbal Supplements: Turmeric, ginger, and ashwagandha for inflammation and immune support.
Physical Therapies: Yoga and pranayama for stress reduction and flexibility improvement.
Detox Therapies: Herbal teas, fasting, and sauna sessions to remove toxins.
Stress Management: Yoga, pranayama, meditation, and proper sleep hygiene to reduce autoimmune flare-ups.
Hydration: To support kidney health and detoxification.
5.Result And Follow Up
| S.NO | PARAMETERS | 11/04/24 | 28.04.2024 |
| 1 | VITAMIN D | 12.91 | 80.67 |
| 2 | ANTI NUCLEAR ANTIBODIES | 305.26 | 199.69 |
| 3 | CORTISOL | 11.8 | 8.4 |
| 4 | URINARY MICROALBUMIN | 243.7 | 237.5 |
| 5 | URI.ALB/CREATININE RATIO | 170.3 | 115.3 |
| 6 | STRONTIUM | 100 | 35.7 |
| 7 | MANGANESE | 150 | 9.19 |
| 8 | BARIUM | 50 | 0.7 |
Vitamin D levels show a significant increase from 12.91 to 80.67, supporting enhanced immune function, bone health, and overall wellness. A reduction in anti-nuclear antibodies from 305.26 to 199.69 signals a positive shift in autoimmune activity, aiding in managing conditions like SLE. Cortisol levels dropped from 11.8 to 8.4, which indicates improved stress tolerance and adrenal resistance, potentially reducing inflammation and adrenal gland stabilization. The urinary microalbumin and albumin-to-creatinine ratio show slight improvement, moving from 243.7 to 237.5 and from 170.3 to 115.3, indicating better kidney function. Strontium levels decreased from 100 to 35.7, manganese dropped from 150 to 9.19, and barium reduced from 50 to 0.7, suggesting improved mineral balance and better overall detoxification, which is essential for bone health, energy, and cellular function.
Symptom Tracker
| S.No | SYMPTOMS | BEFORE | AFTER |
| 1 | Head ache | 4 | 1 |
| 2 | Faintness | 4 | 2 |
| 3 | Trouble sleeping | 4 | 2 |
| 4 | Insufficient weight | 3 | 0 |
| 5 | Mood swings | 4 | 1 |
| 6 | Lethargy | 4 | 1 |
| 7 | Restlessness | 5 | 2 |
| 8 | Arthritis | 4 | 2 |
| 9 | Muscle stiffness | 5 | 1 |
| 10 | Muscle pain | 5 | 2 |
| TOTAL | 42 | 14 |
Before treatment, Aswitha experienced significant symptoms, with a total score of 42 across various conditions. She reported severe headache, faintness, trouble sleeping, mood swings, and lethargy, all scoring 4, indicating high levels of discomfort. Additionally, she experienced restlessness, arthritis, muscle stiffness, and muscle pain, all of which scored 4 or 5. After treatment, her symptoms improved dramatically, with the total score dropping to 14. Headache, faintness, trouble sleeping, and mood swings reduced to 1 or 2, while other symptoms like arthritis, muscle stiffness, and muscle pain also showed considerable improvement, indicating a positive response to the treatment and a significant reduction in discomfort.
EULAR Scale
| Category | Parameter | Score Before Treatment | Score After Treatment |
| 1 | Joint Involvement | 6 | 3 |
| 2 | Alopecia | 2 | 2 |
| 4 | Fever | 2 | 1 |
| Clinical Score Total | 16 | 6 | |
| Immunological Scores | Anti dsDNA antibody | 6 | 4 |
| Immunological Total | 6 | 4 | |
| Total EULAR Score | 22/51 | 10/51 | |
6.Discussion
Her journey took a pivotal turn when she sought naturopathy care at SLNS Nature Cure, guided by Dr. Karthik Reddy. Known for treating autoimmune conditions, SLNS helped her incorporate a holistic treatment with naturopathic methods. This approach included tapering the use of immunosuppressive drugs while introducing supportive therapies aimed at managing inflammation, improving immune function, and promoting overall well-being.
7.Conclusion
Aswitha’s case illustrates the potential benefits of combining conventional medical treatments with naturopathy for managing autoimmune diseases like SLE. By tailoring her treatment, she was able to reduce her reliance on medication while effectively managing the disease. The success of her treatment underscores the importance of a holistic, patient-centered approach, which takes into account both the psychological and physical aspects of managing a chronic condition. With ongoing care and monitoring, Dr. Aswitha’s case offers valuable insights into how integrative healthcare can lead to improved outcomes for individuals with autoimmune disorders, promoting both symptom management and quality of life.
Aswitha’s health journey showcases a remarkable recovery, aligning with international guidelines such as the EULAR criteria. Initially, her symptom tracker revealed a high discomfort level with a total score of 42, highlighting issues like severe headaches, faintness, and muscle pain. Her EULAR score of 22/51 further indicated significant clinical and immunological involvement. Following targeted treatment, her symptoms improved dramatically, with the tracker symptom score dropping to 14 and the EULAR score improving to 10/51. This transformation underscores the efficacy of the treatment and its adherence to global standards for monitoring and managing patient progress.