JARED L. ZEFF, ND, VNMI, LAC The following is not an article prepared for a medical journal. Not every statement of fact is cited or referenced. This is a commentary on the medicine, a running set of observations about practice in the field. It’s not meant to be...
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Table of Contents | 2021 | January
Medicinal Mushrooms: Their Role in GI Cancers
MICHAEL TRAUB, ND, DHANP, FABNO Medicinal mushrooms play an essential role in the treatment of cancer. In the past decade, the use of mycotherapy has attracted much attention in the efforts to understand various benefits and the possible mechanisms through which...
Digestive, Skin, Immune Issues: A Complicated Case
MATTHEW STRICKLAND, ND LW, a 22-year-old female, presented to my office with a problem list that included digestive issues, skin issues, weak immune system, food/allergy sensitivities, and hormonal imbalance. LW reported that all of her health problems started at...
Vitalism as the Standard of Care- Part 2
JAMES SENSENIG, ND LETITIA DICK, ND, VNMI This article joins a series of articles in NDNR that are based on transcripts of the Naturopathic Medicine Institute (NMI)’s Wednesday morning call-in program, The Vital Conversation. The program is hosted by...
Interoception & GI Disorders: The Importance of Mind-Body Therapies for Comprehensive Treatment
JOY NAUMAN, ND, MS Naturopathic physicians who work with patients with functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are well aware of the high prevalence of mental health comorbidities. We have been taught to treat patients...
Immunotoxic Effects of PFCs: Implications for the COVID Vaccine?
MITCH KENNEDY, ND Recent research shows that Perfluorinated Compounds (PFCs) impact the effectiveness of vaccines. Groundbreaking work done by Philippe Grandjean and his team from the Harvard School of Public Health, along with a team...
Water Quality: Science Fiction or Science Fact?
CHERYL KASDORF, ND Kurt Vonnegut’s idea of “ice-nine,” in his book Cat’s Cradle, has stuck with me over the years.1 His novels captured me, not only for their satire – which I appreciated as a teen – but also for their science...
The Endocannabinoid System: Interactions with Gut Flora and the GI System
JAKE F. FELICE, ND, LMP Addressing clinical features of the endocannabinoid system and its modulation offers a new opportunity for clinicians to explore complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies.1,2 The variable nature of...
Therapeutic Psychobiotics: Modulating Mood and More via the Gut-Brain Axis
JESSICA BRANDES, ND If microbes are controlling the brain, then microbes are controlling everything. (John F. Cryan) According to a recent 3-part study conducted on behalf of the American Psychological Association,1-3 US adults surveyed reported elevated...
Notes from the Field: August, 2020
JARED L. ZEFF, ND, VNMI, LAC The following is not an article prepared for a medical journal. Not every statement of fact is cited or referenced. This is a commentary on the medicine, a running set of observations about practice in the field. It’s not meant to be a...
Polarity Analysis Homeopathy: Two Women’s Health Cases
TIM SHANNON, ND, DHANP I began my naturopathic studies at NUNM (then called "NCNM") in 1996. Several years prior to starting my naturopathic education, I became intrigued with homeopathy. I recall several NCNM teachers describing homeopathy in...
Vitalism as the Standard of Care- Part 1
JAMES SENSENIG, ND LETITIA DICK, ND, VNMI This article joins a series of articles in NDNR that are based on transcripts of the Naturopathic Medicine Institute (NMI)’s Wednesday morning call-in program, The Vital Conversation. The program is hosted by...
IGF-1 and HER2+ Breast CA: A New Study Raises Questions
JACOB SCHOR, ND, FABNO Many of us have advocated that cancer patients should practice caloric restriction to lower insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). A recent study brings this premise into question. In April 2020, Yiwei Tong and...
Drugs & Hormones: How Common Prescriptions Impact the Endocrine System
CARRIE JONES, ND, FABNE, MPH Do medications affect hormones? Absolutely! Considering the escalating number of drugs prescribed in the United States, this relationship is a significant cause for concern. The National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey...
Iodine Regulation: A Way to Improve Thyroid Disease
ALAN CHRISTIANSON, NMD Women in their late 30s to early 60s make up most naturopathic patients. This article will give naturopathic physicians insights on iodine that may help them assist their patients even more. In this paper, I will show that...
Archived Case Studies and Featured Content
Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: An Evidence-Based Guide for Naturopathic Physicians
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy can persist long after cancer treatment, affecting pain, balance, function, and quality of life. This review examines evidence-informed strategies for CIPN, including Mediterranean-style nutrition, exercise, acupuncture, duloxetine, cryotherapy and compression, while identifying commonly used supplements that lack benefit or may worsen neuropathy.
Care Beyond the Cure: An Integrative Approach to Palliative Care
Palliative care is not about abandoning treatment or losing hope—it is about adding another layer of support. This article explores an integrative, interdisciplinary approach that introduces symptom management, quality-of-life support, advance care planning, and emotional and spiritual care early in the course of serious illness.
When Rib Pain Comes from the Spine: Thoracic Radiculopathy and Targeted Platelet-Based Treatment
After 2 years of persistent right costal-margin pain, negative visceral evaluations, and unsuccessful conservative treatment, neurodynamic testing and targeted examination localized a suspected T10 radicular source with additional thoracic articular and peripheral neural involvement. A single image-guided, multi-structure platelet-based intervention was followed by substantial and durable improvement in pain and function.
When Pain Was Where Shame Lived: Abdominal Pain and the Mind-Body Connection
After imaging failed to reveal a significant structural explanation for severe recurrent abdominal pain, attention shifted toward chronic stress, body image, and the mind-body connection. This case explores the patient’s experience with craniosacral therapy and integrative care as her relationship with her body changed and her abdominal pain ultimately resolved.
Serial ctDNA in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma: Bridging Naturopathic and Conventional Oncology Care
Serial ctDNA testing provided an evolving molecular picture of advanced ovarian cancer, helping inform treatment decisions as the patient moved between naturopathic and conventional care. This case illustrates how multiple liquid-biopsy platforms can complement CA-125 while adding molecular detail relevant to treatment response and progression.
The Future of Precision Oncology: Molecular Profiling and Personalized Treatment in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
How can precision oncology move beyond simply matching a mutation to a drug? Through a case of KRAS G13D metastatic colorectal cancer, this article demonstrates how serial molecular profiling can help clinicians interpret tumor evolution and integrate genomics with metabolism, nutrition, immune-directed strategies, natural medicines, repurposed pharmaceuticals, and conventional oncology.
The Naturopathic Therapeutic Order in Cancer Care: A Framework for Integrative Oncology
How can naturopathic therapies be thoughtfully integrated across the continuum of cancer care? This article applies the Naturopathic Therapeutic Order to oncology, illustrating through a breast cancer case how foundational care, self-healing strategies, system support, symptom management, and conventional treatments can be organized within a comprehensive integrative approach.
Topical Calendula Oil for Cancer Pain: An Opioid-Sparing Analgesic Approach in Recurrent Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Can topical calendula help manage severe cancer-related anal pain? This case report describes a rapid, sustained reduction in pain following topical Calendula officinalis oil in a patient with recurrent anal squamous cell carcinoma, highlighting its potential as a well-tolerated, opioid-sparing adjunct worthy of further clinical investigation.
Viscum album for High-Grade Cervical Dysplasia: A Novel Direct-Application Protocol
This case report describes a novel protocol using direct cervical application of Viscum album in a patient with persistent high-grade cervical dysplasia who was awaiting LEEP. Although causality cannot be established, treatment was well tolerated and was followed by an unexpected absence of residual dysplasia on the excised specimen, supporting further investigation of localized Viscum album therapy as a potential adjunctive approach.
Micronized Progesterone in Advanced Endometrial Cancer: Two Integrative Naturopathic Oncology Case Reports
Could micronized progesterone have a broader role in supportive care for advanced endometrial cancer? These two case reports describe its integration primarily for sleep support in women with high-risk disease, alongside naturopathic and conventional oncology therapies, and discuss its potential hormonal and anticancer relevance as an area for further investigation.
Optimizing Preoperative Nutrition in Cancer Surgery: The Role of Tumor Type, Glycemic Load, and Hydration
Preoperative nutrition in cancer surgery is not a one-size-fits-all intervention. This article examines how tumor metabolism and malnutrition risk can guide protein intake, carbohydrate selection, immuno-nutrition, pancreatic enzyme support, and hydration strategies to better prepare oncology patients for surgery and recovery.
Mebendazole and Fenbendazole for Cancer: Examining the Evidence, Risks, and Potential Harms
Mebendazole and fenbendazole have attracted attention as unconventional cancer therapies, but how strong is the clinical evidence supporting their use? This critical review examines proposed anticancer mechanisms, reported outcomes, potential neurotoxicity and drug resistance, and the importance of informed risk-benefit discussions with cancer patients.
Integrative Supportive Quality of Life Care in Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma Following COVID-19 Infection: A Case Report
This case report describes the treatment and recovery of a 45-year-old woman with Stage II Classic Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosed following COVID-19 infection. Alongside standard chemotherapy and immunotherapy, a structured integrative supportive care plan—including intravenous nutrient therapy, nutritional optimization, and restorative modalities—was implemented to reduce treatment-related toxicities, support immune resilience, and enhance long-term quality of life.
The Infection Nobody Thought to Look For: Post-Infection Autoimmune Conditions
Jaquel Patterson, ND, MBA, FMCP-M Emerging research links pathogens such as Epstein-Barr virus, SARS-CoV-2, Lyme disease, and other infections to autoimmune disease through molecular mimicry, chronic inflammation, and immune...
Micronized Progesterone in Advanced Endometrial Cancer: Two Integrative Naturopathic Oncology Case Reports
Could micronized progesterone have a broader role in supportive care for advanced endometrial cancer? These two case reports describe its integration primarily for sleep support in women with high-risk disease, alongside naturopathic and conventional oncology therapies, and discuss its potential hormonal and anticancer relevance as an area for further investigation.
Optimizing Preoperative Nutrition in Cancer Surgery: The Role of Tumor Type, Glycemic Load, and Hydration
Preoperative nutrition in cancer surgery is not a one-size-fits-all intervention. This article examines how tumor metabolism and malnutrition risk can guide protein intake, carbohydrate selection, immuno-nutrition, pancreatic enzyme support, and hydration strategies to better prepare oncology patients for surgery and recovery.
Mebendazole and Fenbendazole for Cancer: Examining the Evidence, Risks, and Potential Harms
Mebendazole and fenbendazole have attracted attention as unconventional cancer therapies, but how strong is the clinical evidence supporting their use? This critical review examines proposed anticancer mechanisms, reported outcomes, potential neurotoxicity and drug resistance, and the importance of informed risk-benefit discussions with cancer patients.
Integrative Supportive Quality of Life Care in Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma Following COVID-19 Infection: A Case Report
This case report describes the treatment and recovery of a 45-year-old woman with Stage II Classic Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosed following COVID-19 infection. Alongside standard chemotherapy and immunotherapy, a structured integrative supportive care plan—including intravenous nutrient therapy, nutritional optimization, and restorative modalities—was implemented to reduce treatment-related toxicities, support immune resilience, and enhance long-term quality of life.
The Infection Nobody Thought to Look For: Post-Infection Autoimmune Conditions
Jaquel Patterson, ND, MBA, FMCP-M Emerging research links pathogens such as Epstein-Barr virus, SARS-CoV-2, Lyme disease, and other infections to autoimmune disease through molecular mimicry, chronic inflammation, and immune...
Paresthesias, White Matter Hyperintensities, and Possible Preclinical Multiple Sclerosis: The Emerging Role of Environmental Mycotoxin Screening
Saied Mushtagh, ND Patients with paresthesias and nonspecific white matter hyperintensities often present diagnostic challenges when imaging is inconclusive for multiple sclerosis. This review examines differential diagnosis, neurologic risk stratification, and...
Rethinking the Thyroid Panel: Thyroid Antibodies, T3, and Brain Fog
Andrea Sulyok, ND Can patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis experience persistent cognitive symptoms despite normal thyroid hormone levels? This article examines the potential roles of thyroid antibodies, tissue-level T3 activity, and objective brain...
Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) as an Adjunctive Therapy for Autoimmunity and Chronic Inflammation: A Collaborative Case Report
Fatima Hamade, PharmD, BCACP This case report explores the use of compounded low-dose naltrexone (LDN) as an adjunctive therapy for persistent autoimmune symptoms, highlighting its proposed immunomodulatory mechanisms, individualized dosing strategies, and the...
ClarityTx Launches Clinical Decision-Support Platform for Integrative Medicine
ClarityTx, a healthcare technology company, announced the launch of its clinical decision-support platform designed specifically for integrative and functional medicine practitioners. Created by a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, the platform helps practitioners...
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Mitochondrial Perspective on Recovery and Root Causes
Wiet van Helmond, Classical Homeopath Drawing from decades of clinical experience and a representative case study, this article explores how mitochondrial dysfunction, chronic inflammation, post-viral illness, psychosocial stress, and individualized homeopathic...
Custom Publishing
Co-Prescribing Probiotics with Antibiotics: The Case for Omni-Biotic AB 10
Omni-Biotic Human clinical trials demonstrate that functionally targeted Omni-Biotic AB 10 prevents diarrhea, reduces C. difficile risk, and eliminates multidrug resistant organism colonization in the gut. Introduction Antibiotics are among the most...
Quantum Energy Effects on Cell Recovery Rates
Robert Sheaff, PhD, and Ian Mitchell This study investigated whether quantum field exposure generated by Leela Quantum Bloc Technology influences cell recovery rates in human cell lines. A series of double-blind experiments were conducted using Human Dermal...
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Sports Medicine: Clinical Applications in Concussion and Musculoskeletal Injury
Joseph Thomas, MD, MBA, Fellow of Metabolic and Nutritional Medicine In collaboration with Oxygen Health Systems Abstract Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has gained traction as an adjunct in sports medicine, particularly in concussion management and musculoskeletal injury....
Featured News
ClarityTx Launches Clinical Decision-Support Platform for Integrative Medicine
ClarityTx, a healthcare technology company, announced the launch of its clinical decision-support platform designed specifically for integrative and functional medicine practitioners. Created by a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, the platform helps practitioners...
Naturopathic Medical Education: A Comprehensive Curriculum
Colleen Huber, NMD April 9 2026 The following is a comparison of my conventional medical education and subsequent naturopathic medical education. I wrote this in 2015, and now update it in April 2026, only with updated curriculum links and screenshots from the various...
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