CAND Journal

Beyond the Biological Realm: A Multidimensional Lens for PCOS Management with Naturopathy and Yoga – A Comprehensive Narrative Review

2024-05-10T09:50:19-07:00

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a widely prevalent endocrine disorder. The multifaceted clinical presentation of PCOS requires a comprehensive approach, addressing not only the biological aspects but also holistic dimensions, encompassing psychological, emotional, social, and spiritual factors for optimal clinical outcomes. Current management primarily emphasizes the biological dimension, utilizing pharmaceutical interventions and some lifestyle modifications. Despite promising outcomes, the precise approach, rationale, and efficacy of naturopathy and yoga in PCOS management have not been thoroughly investigated. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using various databases to identify relevant studies. The evidence gathered was synthesized and organized around the following key themes: consultation, nutrition, fasting, herbs, elemental therapies, massage, yoga, acupuncture, and sustainable health principles. While this review provides insights that could enhance the understanding of the naturopathic approach in PCOS management, it emphasizes the need for future clinical trials and systematic reviews to validate these findings.

Editor's Letter: A Place at the Table

2024-05-30T11:46:04-07:00

Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Hemoglobin Improved by Intravenous Nutrient Therapy: A Case Report

2024-05-06T14:32:35-07:00

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) are variations of bone marrow failure disorders that lead to insufficient production of healthy blood cells culminating in some combination of low red blood cells, low white cells, or both. This case report presents a case of increased hemoglobin levels following intravenous (IV) nutrient therapy. J.B. is a 74-year-old male who presented with a chief concern of MDS. He was experiencing extreme fatigue and exhaustion, episodes of shortness of breath and a decline in hemoglobin levels. He was being followed by a hematologist who monitored his complete blood count (CBC) at regular intervals, with primary focus on blood hemoglobin. His hemoglobin levels were significantly lower than the normal range, but never met the threshold for a blood transfusion (< 75 g/dL), his only treatment option. Beginning in November 2021, weekly to biweekly IV nutrient therapy treatments were initiated. In all, 39 IV treatments were given until August 2023. Intravenous nutrient formulas included Myer’s Cocktail, high-dose vitamin C (25 g), Hydrating Myer’s Cocktail and Hydrating Myer’s Cocktail + glutathione. As IV treatments were administered, a trend was observed showing a consistent improvement of hemoglobin levels over time, with the greatest degree of improvement observed after the series of Hydrating Myer’s Cocktails. The patient also reported decreased overall fatigue and reduced recovery time from activity. Delivering a series of IV infusions may have resulted in an improvement of hemoglobin levels in this patient. Further investigation is warranted to understand the potential effects IV nutrient therapy could have on MDS patients with a similar prognosis.

Non-Pharmacological Approach to Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes: A Case Report

2024-05-03T10:37:56-07:00

Type 2 diabetes is a highly prevalent metabolic condition with significant long-term health risks. First-line therapy for managing diabetes includes pharmaceuticals alongside nutritional, physical activity, and weight management interventions. However, some patients do not adhere to these recommendations or decline them altogether. This case report aims to document a case in which non-pharmacological treatment had a beneficial impact on severe uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. The subject is an unmedicated 59-year-old male patient with a reported 15-year history of uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. He presented with physical symptoms (fatigue, cravings, polyuria), signs of end-organ damage (neuropathy, retinopathy), and baseline labs indicative of severe glycemic dysregulation including an elevated fasting glucose and an elevated HbA1c. Despite the practitioner recommending pharmaceuticals as per clinical practice guidelines, the patient opted for non-pharmacological naturopathic interventions. Individualized nutritional modifications, increased physical activity, and two herbal-nutrient supplements were recommended. Over 4 months, the patient’s diabetic symptoms improved alongside a corresponding significant improvement in lab markers (2.0% reduction in HbA1c from 10.1% to 8.1%; 5.7 mmol/L reduction in fasting glucose from 15.9 mmol/L to 10.2 mmol/L). This case demonstrates a significant improvement in symptoms and laboratory markers of glycemic regulation following 4 months of a multimodal, non-pharmacological treatment approach for a patient with uncontrolled diabetes who declined pharmacotherapy. This case adds to a body of literature suggesting that further research investigating non-pharmacological treatment options for managing diabetes is warranted.