1.Introduction:
Mrs. Gandhimathi, a 45-year-old woman, was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in 2008, after experiencing debilitating knee pain that eventually spread to other joints, affecting her daily activities. Her journey with this chronic autoimmune condition was challenging, requiring a range of treatments, including medications like HCQS, Omnacortil, methotrexate, and multivitamins to manage her symptoms. Over the years, with continuous care and adjustments to her treatment plan, her condition gradually improved. In 2024, after a thorough reassessment and medication tapering, she was declared non-SLE in SLNS Hospital, marking the culmination of her long battle with the disease and the beginning of a new, healthier phase of her life.
2.Patient Information:
Name: Mrs. Gandhimathi
Age: 45 years
Gender: Female
Mrs. Gandhimathi, a 45-year-old woman, had her life turned upside down when she was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in 2008. Her journey with this chronic illness began with knee pain, which soon spread to other joints, severely impacting her daily activities. Seeking help, she visited Ramachandra Hospital in Chennai, where her diagnosis was confirmed.
Her treatment started with medications such as HCQS, Omnacortil 40mg, multivitamins, folic acid, and vitamin D, which offered some relief from the relentless joint pain. However, the battle was far from over. In 2012, methotrexate (Folitrax) was added to her regimen, helping to manage her symptoms more effectively.
In 2020, seeking further improvement, she transferred her care to SLNS Hospital. The dedicated medical team fine-tuned her treatment plan, and gradually, the joint pain that had plagued her for years began to fade away. Her Omnacortil dosage was tapered, marking a significant milestone in her journey.
In June 2024, Mrs. Gandhimathi returned to Ramachandra Hospital for a reassessment. Her Folitrax medication was tapered over 15 days, a hopeful step towards reducing her dependency on medication. Following this, she revisited SLNS Hospital, where she received the incredible news—she was declared non-SLE. This declaration marked the end of a long, arduous journey and the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
3.Medication History:
| S.No | Present medication | Medication (After Treatment) | Mechanism of the drug |
| 1 | Hydrochloride sulphate 200mg (0-0-1) | Tapered | Inhibits protein synthesis in susceptible organisms by inhibiting DNA and RNA polymerase. |
| 2 | Folic Acid 5mg(Weekly twice) | Weekly twice | Supplement |
| 3 | Methotrexate 7.5mg(Weekly once) | Tapered | It promotes adenosine release and inhibits transmethylation reactions which reduces inflammation, alleviates pain, and slows disease progression |
Hydroxychloroquine sulfate (200 mg, 0-0-1) was tapered, inhibits protein synthesis in susceptible organisms, targeting DNA and RNA polymerase. Methotrexate (7.5 mg, weekly once) was tapered, reduces inflammation, alleviates pain, and slows disease progression by promoting adenosine release and inhibiting transmethylation reactions. Including Folic Acid (5 mg, twice weekly) as a supplement supports overall health, compensating for nutrient depletion caused by Methotrexate. This tailored approach enhances treatment efficacy, patient comfort, and overall outcomes.
4.Naturopathic And Lifestyle Intervention:
Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Focus on omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, turmeric, ginger, and leafy greens to reduce inflammation and boost immunity.
Limit Processed Foods and Sugars: Helps manage SLE symptoms and reduce overall inflammation.
Herbal Remedies: Incorporate Ashwagandha and Turmeric for inflammation and joint health; adaptogenic herbs for stress management.
Regular Physical Activity: Engage in yoga, walking, or swimming to improve joint flexibility, reduce stiffness, and enhance energy levels.
Stress Management: Practice mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or journaling to minimize stress, a trigger for autoimmune conditions.
Adequate Sleep and Hydration: Maintain immune health and energy with consistent sleep schedules and proper hydration; avoid screen time before bed for better sleep quality.
Gut and Immune Support: Use probiotics and vitamin D supplements to strengthen gut function and immune response.
5.Results And Follow Ups:
| S.No | PARAMETERS | BEFORE TREATMENT | AFTER TREATMENT |
| 1 | ANA | POSITIVE(>1.2) | NEGATIVE (0.41) |
| 2 | Anti ds-DNA Antibody | POSITIVE (>25) | NEGATIVE (19.3) |
| 3 | ANTI-CCP | 7.1 | 5.84 |
| 4 | SGOT | 36.7 | 27.3 |
| 5 | ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE | 156.6 | 127.1 |
| 6 | LEAD | 194.18 | 47.12 |
A naturopathy and yoga regimen significantly improved various health biomarkers in just 10 days. ANA levels dropped from positive (>1.2) to negative (0.41), indicating reduced autoimmune activity. Anti ds-DNA Antibody levels decreased from positive (>25) to negative (19.3), reflecting improved DNA integrity. ANTI-CCP levels reduced from 7.1 to 5.84, signaling lower inflammation. SGOT levels dropped from 36.7 to 27.3, and Alkaline Phosphatase from 156.6 to 127.1, both showing enhanced liver function. Lead levels dramatically decreased from 194.18 to 47.12, indicating detoxification. Overall biomarker improvements underscore the health benefits of naturopathy and yoga.
Symptom Tracker
| S.No | Symptoms | Before | After |
| 1 | Nausea | 3 | 0 |
| 2 | Belching | 3 | 0 |
| 3 | Indigestion | 3 | 1 |
| 4 | Weakness | 4 | 1 |
| 5 | Arthritis | 4 | 1 |
| 6 | Frequent urination | 4 | 1 |
| 7 | Difficulty breathing | 3 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 24 | 4 | |
EULAR Scale
| Category | Parameter | Score Before Treatment | Score After Treatment |
| 1 | Joint Involvement | 6 | 1 |
| 2 | Alopecia | 2 | 1 |
| 4 | Fever | 2 | 0 |
| Clinical Score Total | 10 | 2 | |
| Immunological Scores | Anti dsDNA antibody | 6 | 0 |
| Immunological Total | 6 | 0 | |
| Total EULAR Score | 16/51 | 2/51 | |
6.Discussion:
The results observed in Mrs. Gandhimathi’s case after 10 days of naturopathy and yoga-based interventions are promising, with significant improvements in her biomarkers. The marked reduction in autoimmune markers, such as ANA and Anti ds-DNA Antibody levels, suggests a substantial decrease in autoimmune activity, which is crucial in managing Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. The decrease in Anti-CCP levels further indicates reduced inflammation, which is a primary target in SLE treatment. Liver function also showed notable improvement, with SGOT and Alkaline Phosphatase levels decreasing, signifying better detoxification and a reduction in any hepatic strain. The dramatic drop in lead levels highlights the effectiveness of detoxification practices, which may be beneficial in mitigating the harmful effects of environmental toxins, often exacerbated by autoimmune conditions. While triglyceride levels showed a slight increase, this could be related to various factors, including dietary changes or natural fluctuations during the healing process, and should be monitored further.
7.Conclusion:
Overall, these results demonstrate the potential of incorporating naturopathic approaches like diet, herbs, yoga, and stress management alongside conventional treatments to enhance therapeutic outcomes, reduce symptoms, and improve overall health in patients with autoimmune disorders like SLE.The results observed in Mrs. Gandhimathi’s case after 10 days of naturopathy and yoga-based interventions are promising, with significant improvements in her biomarkers. The marked reduction in autoimmune markers, such as ANA and Anti ds-DNA Antibody levels, suggests a substantial decrease in autoimmune activity, which is crucial in managing Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. The decrease in Anti-CCP levels further indicates reduced inflammation, which is a primary target in SLE treatment. However, with dedicated medical care and lifestyle adjustments, she experienced significant relief. By 2024, her joint pain and stiffness had completely subsided, her medications were tapered. Overall, these results demonstrate the potential of incorporating naturopathic approaches like diet, herbs, yoga, and stress management alongside conventional treatments to enhance therapeutic outcomes, reduce symptoms, and improve overall health in patients with autoimmune disorders like SLE. She was declared non-SLE, marking her full recovery and the start of a symptom-free life.
The remarkable improvement observed in the patient’s symptoms and clinical parameters demonstrates the efficacy of the treatment, aligning with internationally recognized EULAR (European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology) guidelines. Notably, the total EULAR score decreased from 16/51 to 2/51 and symptom tracker decreased from 24 to 4 highlighting significant progress in joint involvement, alopecia, and overall symptom relief. This comprehensive evaluation underscores the value of systematic symptom tracking and adherence to global standards for effective patient management.