Peer-Reviewed Articles
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a disorder characterized by social, communication, and behavioral impairments, has increased dramatically in recent years. The conventional medical paradigm defines ASD as a neurological disorder. Conventional treatments rely on behavioral therapies and psychotropic medications but have limited success and tolerability. A new paradigm is emerging that views ASD as a multisystem disorder accompanied by metabolic and mitochondrial impairments. A clinical approach to assess and treat metabolic dysfunction in ASD is reviewed here.
Depression is a common mental disorder that presents with some or all of the following symptoms: a depressed mood, a loss of interest in things that once brought pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep patterns, changes in appetite, a lack of energy, and poor concentration. These symptoms lead to impairments in an individual’s ability to take care of his or her everyday responsibilities and can become chronic or recurrent.
This review highlights inositol, specifically in the forms of myo-inositol and d-chiro inositol, in order to provide up-to-date information that can be applied to a clinical setting for the naturopathic treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Studies have consistently demonstrated that cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common debilitating side effects of radiation and chemotherapy, as well as the malignant process itself. Quality of life can be significantly and negatively impacted in cancer survivors who experience fatigue and other common symptoms, including sleep disturbance, pain, depression, and anxiety. Presently, pharmacological options are limited and are often associated with further side effects. An integrative approach that, in addition to optimizing lifestyle, employs specific natural agents can safely and effectively enhance energy levels after conventional cancer treatments.
The purpose of this trial was to determine if a combination of naturally occurring antimicrobials can allow reduction and suppression of the invading microorganisms under physiological conditions, so when the combination is given to a patient before eating, the nutrients will be broken down and used by the body, the body will have time to heal, and the probiotics will establish control over the pathogenic bacteria.
This review summarizes the pathophysiological connection of galectin-3 and cancer presently in the literature, as well as the potential clinical value of galectin-3 as a prognostic oncology biomarker. Based on the preliminary data, the galectin-3 assay could become a contributing tool to help clinicians monitor treatment response and tumor progression, but further clinical studies evaluating galectin-3 levels and cancer progression are warranted.
New information has become available about the clinical use of intravenous vitamin C in recent years, particularly in its application in cancer. However, great variability in practice persists, reflecting a lack of knowledge of how this treatment should be most safely and effectively employed. This article reviews the forms of nutrients that best balance changes in blood chemistry inherent in this therapy and the appropriate use of B vitamins and glutathione.
Osteoporosis is estimated to affect more than 10 million Americans, with postmenopausal women at particular risk. Osteoporotic fractures can lead to postural changes, emotional distress, and chronic pain. Currently all medications approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of osteoporosis carry slight to modest risks depending on the individual, the duration, the dosage, and the drug being used. Estrogen replacement therapy is not currently indicated for the treatment of osteoporosis, but it is approved for osteoporosis prevention. Interest in bioidentical hormone replacement as an alternative to conventional hormone replacement has increased in the last 12 years, although not always for logical or scientific reasons. The purpose of this review is to bring clinicians up to date on current information on the efficacy and safety of bioidentical hormones for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is subdivided into nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In the United States, prevalence of NAFLD is 10% to 46% of the population. Worldwide prevalence is 6% to 35% (median 20%). There is a need to increase understanding of liver disease and its many causes, which will help to improve patient outcomes and reduce the stigma many patients experience. This article discusses epidemiology, etiologies, suspected pathogenesis, and risk factors, along with conventional and naturopathic therapeutic treatment options.
