1.Introduction:
Rama Devi, a spirited 36-year-old, has faced a challenging health journey marked by resilience and determination. Diagnosed with hypothyroidism in 2010, she managed the condition for over a decade before encountering more severe health issues in 2021. Persistent joint pain, swelling, and discomfort led to a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus, confirmed through an antinuclear antibody (ANF) test. Despite conventional and Ayurvedic treatments, her condition remained unchanged until she discovered hope through holistic care at SLNS Nature Cure Hospital.
2.Patient Information:
NAME: Ramadevi
AGE: 36 years
Rama Devi, a vibrant 36-year-old woman, had been battling systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) for three years. Her health odyssey began in 2010 when she was diagnosed with hypothyroidism at Durga Bai Deshmukh Hospital and Research Center in Hyderabad, Telangana. For over a decade, she managed her condition with prescribed medications, but her journey took a challenging turn in 2021.
That year, Rama Devi began experiencing severe pain in her finger joints. The pain soon spread to her shoulders, neck, jaw, and wrists, accompanied by swelling. Concerned, she sought help at KIMS-Sunshine Hospital in Begumpet. The doctors ran an antinuclear antibody (ANF) test, which came back positive, confirming the diagnosis of SLE. She was prescribed Prednisolone 5 mg to manage the inflammation.
Despite her efforts, including a year of Ayurvedic treatment, her condition showed no improvement. Hope came in an unexpected form when she met a former SLE patient who recommended SLNS Nature Cure Hospital. Desperate for relief, Rama Devi decided to give it a try.
On June 14, 2024, Rama Devi arrived at SLNS Hospital, ready to embrace a holistic approach to her health. Her stay was scheduled for 20 days, during which she would undergo various naturopathic treatments designed to rejuvenate her body and mind.
3.Medication History:
| S.No | Present medication | Medication (After treatment) | Mechanism of the drug |
| 1 | Prednisolone 5mg (1-0-0) | Tapered | It binds to the glucocorticoid receptor inhibiting proinflammatory signals and promoting anti-inflammatory signals. |
| 2 | Hydroxychloroquine Sulphate 200mg (0-1-0) | 0-1-0 | Inhibits protein synthesis is susceptible organisms by inhibiting DNA & RNA polymerase. |
| 3 | Thyroxine Sodium 75mcg (1-0-0) | 1-0-0 | Replaces deficient thyroid hormones, alleviating hypothyroidism |
Ramadevi’s health took a remarkable turn for the better with the addition of naturopathy and yoga to his treatment plan. Prednisolone 5mg was tapered, and Hydroxychloroquine and Thyroxine continued as prescribed. Her inflammation and autoimmune symptoms significantly improved, showcasing reduced reliance on medications. Yoga and naturopathy enhanced his overall well-being, balancing his immune system and boosting energy levels. Her story exemplifies the profound benefits of integrating holistic practices with conventional treatments, leading to an optimistic prognosis and a vibrant, healthier life.
4.Naturopathic And Lifestyle Intervention:
Dietary Interventions : Anti-inflammatory diet rich in antioxidants: fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, flaxseeds, and walnuts.Eliminated inflammatory foods such as processed items, sugar, and gluten. Herbal teas with turmeric and ginger to strengthen immunity.
Therapeutic Practices: Hydrotherapy, mud therapy, and acupuncture to reduce joint pain, swelling, and improve circulation. Yoga asanas and pranayama for improved flexibility, reduced stress, and mental relaxation. Meditation sessions to support emotional well-being and prevent stress-induced lupus flare-ups.
Physical Activity and Sun Therapy: Daily walking and mild stretching exercises to maintain joint mobility without strain. Sunbathing sessions to optimize vitamin D levels for better autoimmune management.
5.Results And Follow Ups:
| S.No | Parameter | DAY 1 | DAY 20 |
| 1 | Blood Pressure | 100/60 | 112/60 |
| 2 | Weight | 47 | 44.80 |
| 3 | Vitamin B-12 | 166 | 381 |
| 4 | Vitamin D | 17.96 | 79.52 |
| 5 | HOMA-IR | 2.41 | 1.16 |
| 6 | ANA | 272.17 | 262.24 |
| 7 | Testosterone | 11.33 | 13.28 |
| 8 | Dehydroepiandrosterone | 25.22 | 57.9 |
| 9 | TSH | 7.722 | 0.711 |
The treatment resulted in remarkable improvements across multiple health parameters, showcasing significant benefits for overall well-being. Blood pressure improved from 100/60 to 112/60, indicating better cardiovascular stability. Weight decreased slightly from 47 kg to 44.80 kg, reflecting a healthier metabolic state. Vitamin levels showed significant enhancement, with Vitamin B-12 rising from 166 to 381 pg/mL and Vitamin D increasing from 17.96 to 79.52 ng/mL, supporting better immunity, energy, and bone health. Insulin resistance, measured by HOMA-IR, decreased from 2.41 to 1.16, signifying improved glucose metabolism. Thyroid function normalized as TSH reduced from 7.722 to 0.711 mIU/L and T4 increased from 3.64 to 9.21 µg/dL. Hormonal balance improved, with testosterone rising from 11.33 to 13.28 ng/dL and dehydroepiandrosterone increasing from 25.22 to 57.9 µg/dL. Overall improvements demonstrate a successful intervention in addressing key health challenges.
Symptom Tracker:
Rama Devi’s prognosis has shown significant improvement with her recent treatment. Her headaches, which were previously a recurring issue with a severity score of 2, have now been completely resolved, rating 0. Sleep troubles, once a persistent concern with a score of 3, have also been alleviated, allowing her to sleep soundly. While her dry skin, rated at 2 before, has shown improvement, it remains slightly dry with a score of 1. Her hair loss continues at the same level (score of 4), but the major relief has come in the form of arthritis, which was previously rated at 3. Thanks to the treatment, her arthritis has completely disappeared, now scoring 0. Overall, Rama Devi’s symptom score has dramatically decreased from 14 to 5, highlighting a substantial improvement in her health and quality of life.
6.DISCUSSION:
Rama Devi’s health transformation highlights the profound impact of integrating naturopathy and yoga with conventional treatments. The improvement in her blood pressure from 100/60 to 112/60 suggests better cardiovascular health, while her weight loss reflects a healthier metabolism. The normalization of her hemoglobin levels indicates enhanced red blood cell production, and the significant increase in Vitamin B-12 and Vitamin D levels demonstrates better nutrient absorption and overall immune function.
The reduction in HOMA-IR from 2.41 to 1.16 signifies improved insulin sensitivity, addressing underlying metabolic concerns. Although ANA levels showed slight improvement, this suggests ongoing management of the autoimmune aspect of her condition. Remarkably, her thyroid function also improved, with TSH levels dropping significantly from 7.722 to 0.711 mIU/L and T4 rising, signaling better thyroid regulation and reducing the impact of hypothyroidism.
Increased levels of testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone indicate improved hormonal balance, contributing to her overall well-being. This holistic approach not only enhanced her physical health but also provided a renewed sense of vitality and hope, demonstrating the effectiveness of combining conventional treatments with natural therapies.
7.CONCLUSION:
Rama Devi’s health journey underscores the remarkable benefits of integrating naturopathy, yoga, and conventional medicine in managing chronic conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus and hypothyroidism. Her three-year battle with SLE, marked by debilitating joint pain, swelling in her fingers, shoulders, neck, jaw, and wrists, and persistent inflammation, finally came to an end through a holistic and integrative approach. Through personalized naturopathic treatments, dietary changes, and lifestyle interventions, she experienced significant improvements in her blood pressure, thyroid function, nutrient levels, and insulin sensitivity. This holistic approach not only alleviated her physical symptoms but also enhanced her overall well-being, offering a sustainable path to better health. Rama Devi’s case serves as a powerful example of how combining natural therapies with conventional care can lead to transformative, long-term health outcomes.