Five Case Studies Explore How to Manage Chronic Disease with Integrative Medicine

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By Avery St. Onge

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 60 percent of adults in the United States have a chronic disease, impacting an outsize proportion of patient populations. And while chronic disease prevention is fairly straightforward—healthy eating, exercise, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco—managing them is a much more complicated task.

This July, Integrative Practitioner is taking a deep dive into holistic approaches to chronic disease management. Here, we’ve rounded up five of our most popular case studies with expert perspectives on integrative treatments for autoimmunity, long COVID-19, chronic inflammation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and depression.

Read more to learn about whole-person care for chronic disease management.

Addressing Autoimmunity: An Integrative Medicine Case Study

Autoimmune diseases affect millions of Americans each year, with a higher prevalence of cases occurring in women. Conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis have debilitating symptoms, but all too often go misdiagnosed or undiagnosed altogether or are completely mismanaged in conventional medical approaches.

In this case report, we review a patient diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, struggling to manage symptoms and maintain quality of life. Featuring expert perspectives from David Brady, ND, DC, CCN, DACBN, IFMCP, FACN, Kellie Blake, RD, IFNCP, and Carolina Brooks, ND, IFMCP, this report highlights integrative and natural approaches to evaluating, diagnosing, treating, and managing autoimmune diseases, as well as strategies to promote long-term health.

Included in this resource:

• Patient information and case study
• Integrative and functional medicine assessments and laboratory testing 
• Treatment plans addressing acute symptoms and chronic care
• Case approaches, including nutrition, supplementation, environmental, and lifestyle recommendations
• Long-term goals and maintaining patient engagement

Click here to learn more.

Integrative Approaches to Long COVID-19: A Case Study

Across the healthcare industry, long-term symptoms of COVID-19, known as Long COVID or Post-COVID, remain a mystery. As researchers rush to understand the full spectrum of these lingering effects, practitioners are developing innovative treatment strategies to support patients.

In this case report, we review a patient experiencing long COVID-19 symptoms. Featuring expert perspectives from Ashley Drapeau MPAS, MAC, PA-C, LAc, Jamie Oskin, ND, DHANP, and Joel Evans, MD, the report highlights how integrative medicine practices can offer not only symptom relief but long-term wellbeing.

Included in this resource:

• Patient information and case study
• Assessment strategies for long COVID-19
• Special considerations for diagnosis and treatment
• Whole-person approaches to symptom management and lifestyle modification

Click here to learn more.

Addressing Inflammation with Nutrition and Lifestyle: An Integrative Medicine Case Study

Personalized treatment plans help patients feel more empowered on their path to better health and wellness.

In this case report, experts work with a discouraged and frustrated patient to address chronic inflammation, weight management, and mental health concerns. Featuring expert perspectives from Lillie Rosenthal, DO, Robert G. Silverman, DC, DACBN, DCBCN, MS, CCN, CNS, CSCS, CIISN, CKTP, CES, HKC, FAKTR, and Ayla Barmmer, MS, RDN, LDN, this report highlights nutrition and lifestyle recommendations for healing chronic disease as well as strategies for greater long-term wellbeing.

Included in this resource:

• Patient information and case study
• Initial intake assessments and laboratory testing
• Treatment plans addressing chronic, ongoing symptoms
• Nutritional, supplemental, and lifestyle approaches to reduce inflammation
• Short- and long-term goals to enhance patient accountability and engagement

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Optimizing the Gut Microbiome: An Integrative Medicine Case Study

Gastrointestinal health issues can be a sensitive topic for many patients. Whether moderate symptoms or more serious conditions like small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), working with patients to improve their symptoms requires a comprehensive but compassionate approach.

In this case report, we review a patient struggling with her gastrointestinal health, and resulting significant unintentional weight loss. Featuring expert perspectives from Mary Purdy, MS, RDN, Melanie Dorion, AGNP, and Robert Silverman, DC, the authors walk the reader through gut microbiome-based protocols, addressing nutrition, supplementation, and overall lifestyle.

Included in this resource:

• Patient information and case study
• Treatment plans addressing digestive symptoms
• Case approaches, including diet, supplementation, and lifestyle recommendations
• Long-term goals and maintaining patient engagement
• Sample gut health intake form
• Sample gut optimizing meal plan

Click here to learn more.

Holistic Approaches to Whole-Person Health: An Integrative Medicine Case Study

The fall and winter months can be difficult for many patients. Whether someone experiences severe drops in energy and motivation, as seen in seasonal affective disorder (SAD), or simply wants to prevent the health-related setbacks often associated with this time of year, there are many recommendations practitioners can make to help their patients maintain or improve their physical and mental wellbeing.

In this case report, we review a patient who struggles with anxiety, depression, and chronic pain that worsens in the fall and winter but is ready to learn more holistic approaches to address her symptoms. Featuring expert perspectives from Carolina Brooks, ND, BA, IFMCP, Melissa Carr, BSc, Dr.TCM, and Bill Reddy, LAc, DiplAc, the authors walk the reader through whole-person, natural medicine protocols in practice.

Included in this resource:

• Patient information and case study
• Treatment plans addressing physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing
• Case approaches including nutrition, supplementation and herbal medicine, lifestyle recommendations, and manual therapies
• Long-term goals and maintaining patient engagement
• Recipes for whole-person health

Click here to learn more.

Stay tuned for our upcoming case study on approaching type 2 diabetes with lifestyle medicine. Email [email protected] to hear first when it’s available.