42 year old male has had a lifetime of very sub-optimal body function mainly in the form of frequent gastro-intestinal upset, along with severe depressive symptoms that were eventually made much worse with symptom-dampening medications from medical doctors.  Client is seeking relief as well as anti-aging therapies to live a longer, healthier life.

Case Study #10

Imagine a 42-year-old man navigating life's ups and downs, from tech work to personal health battles, all while seeking balance in a world of confusing dietary advice. This case study dives into his profile, exploring symptoms, family background, and a path forward through orthomolecular nutrition – tailoring nutrients to individual needs, much like botanists nurture plants by analyzing soil (Rogers, 1995). Let's break it down step by step, uncovering insights and actionable steps for vitality.

Patient Profile

• Age and Physical Stats: Male, 42 years old, 195 cm tall, weight fluctuating between 180-190 lbs.
• Lifestyle: Single, no children, never married. Part-time online IT worker and student. Enjoys occasional walks and bike rides; used to be a regular gym-goer.
• Health Overview: Generally healthy with minimal issues, though past "diagnoses" from MDs. History of tooth cavities treated with composite fillings (one replaced with amalgam due to cost). Sleeps 5-8 hours nightly. Childhood vaccinations typical for the 1980s; last vaccine (Twinrix) in 2015, now regretted. Prescribed antibiotics as an infant. Testosterone replacement therapy (2014-2016). Antidepressants (2004-2006), then stopped amid struggles. At age 31, psychiatric breakdown led to medications like lithium carbonate, risperidone, and forced Abilify injections.
• Dietary Changes: Eliminated most dairy, sugar, coffee, and tea.

Family History

Family health patterns offer clues to genetic predispositions:

Table Of Contents

• Father: Alive at 82, with undiagnosed psychiatric issues since 1980; later cardiovascular diagnoses.
• Mother: Multiple surgeries (wisdom teeth, hysterectomy, thyroid removal); diagnosed manic-depressive.
• Sister: TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder).

Current Supplements

To support cellular health, he takes:

• Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA): 500 mg daily
• Vitamin C: 5,000 mg daily
• B-Complex: Daily tablet + weekly injections
• HMF 500: For gut health

Main Symptoms

Despite efforts, challenges persist:

• Poor sleep: 5-8 hours, often broken (waking after 4-5 hours), feeling unrested.
• Lower back pain from scoliosis.
• Hiatal hernia (linked to scoliosis).
• Low motivation for outdoor walks.
• Brittle cuticles that break and bleed, worsened by detergents or weather changes.

Medications and Effects

• Mirtazapine (Remeron): Atypical antidepressant, used at low dose (3.5 mg nightly) for sleep and appetite stimulation (due to hiatal hernia). Suspected to alter biochemistry permanently. Side effects: Excessive appetite, weight gain, anxiety.

3 Main Concerns

1. Cravings and compulsions for hand-to-mouth actions, like constant vaping (low/no nicotine, but with propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavorings).
2. Low testosterone levels (MD dismissed as "fine").
3. Intermittent left knee pain when bending or lowering body.

5 Main Cellular Nutritional Issues

Based on analysis (scores indicate severity):

• Chromium Deficiency (50)
• Low Stomach Acid (54)
• Underactive Adrenals (42)
• Manganese Deficiency (48)
• Sulfur Deficiency (64)

Daily Food Diary (Samples 1-4)

He logged intake over days, noting feelings. Breakfasts repeat fruit smoothies with vitamin/mineral powders. Snacks often feature pasta or carrots with hummus. Meals emphasize veggies, tofu, rice, and minimal meat. Supplements consistent; feels "fine" but notes short sleep since 2015 post-psychotropics.

Here's a responsive table summarizing the diary:

(Note: Table is responsive; on mobile, it scrolls horizontally.)

Summary of Analysis and Contributing Factors

Key concerns: Short/broken sleep, sugar cravings (avoided), back pain/hiatal hernia from scoliosis, excessive vaping, low-dose mirtazapine + marijuana tincture for sleep.

This is the confusing propaganda that misleads us all

There's no such thing as a "balanced diet" & nutrition isn't merely food. Why is that? It's because we're all individuals. Orthomolecular nutrition is the individualized analysis application of the substances within the food which our bodies often do not obtain enough of and are often blocked by antagonists.

Root Causes and Effects:

• Low Stomach Acid: Mimics excess acid; caused by high-meat/dairy diets, chlorinated water. Effects: Poor mineral absorption, bad breath, flatulence (Rogers, 1995).
• Sulfur Deficiency: From toxicity or poor liver function. Effects: Dry skin, brittle nails, joint pain. Sources: Eggs, garlic, onions.
• Chromium Deficiency: Linked to sugar cravings, glucose issues. Avoid refined flours; sources: Nuts, beans.
• Underactive Adrenals: Stress-related; caused by nutrient lacks (e.g., Vit C, B5). Effects: Light sensitivity, stress intolerance. Manage with exercise, meditation.
• Manganese Deficiency: Interfered by excess calcium/phosphorus. Effects: Joint strains, weak ligaments. Sources: Nuts, greens.

Diet Summary

Strengths: Ample water, nutrient-dense foods, fiber, varied proteins. Areas for improvement: Increase fruits/veggies/enzymes, EFAs, probiotics. As blood type O, avoid grains (causes flatulence), legumes like kidney beans. Minimal processed foods/sugar/dairy – great! Eliminate aspartame drinks.

Root Causes: Lack of education, poor diet, emotional eating, stress from trauma/parental divorce/finances, possible heavy metals.

Diet Recommendations

Embrace practical changes: Prep meals weekly with frozen produce. Adopt Paleo diet for anti-inflammatory benefits (University of California, Davis, 2022). Cut chromium supps; add nuts/seeds for unrefined carbs. Boost EPA fish oil, sulfur (onions/garlic), antioxidants. Avoid junk, trans fats, sugars. Try 1 cup walnuts pre-bed for sleep. Increase HMF 500. Shun wheat/corn/caffeine/alcohol per blood type.

Lifestyle Recommendations

Get moving: Functional biking 30-60 min daily; arm swings while walking, gaze afar. Reduce screen time. Practice earthing (barefoot on soil 10-30 min). Yoga/meditation (e.g., Yoga with Adriene, n.d.); laughter yoga (Laughter Yoga International, n.d.). Use incense/infusers. Daily affirmations/gratitude on walls.

Session 1 Protocols

Objectives: Enhance digestion, curb cravings, improve sleep hygiene, reduce stress/inflammation.

Issues: Mirtazapine side effects, wean off wheat, address adrenals/exercise lack.

Supplements (with reasons):

• Digestive enzymes/HCl: Improve absorption, reduce inflammation.
• EFAs (Flax oil): Repair gut, reduce allergies.
• Probiotics (HMF 500, 1 sachet daily): Restore gut bacteria, B-vitamins.
• Water: Nutrient transport, detox.
• Vitamin C: Antioxidant, immunity.

Here's the protocol schedule:

Add Epsom foot baths nightly; increase potassium with Vit C mix.

Suggestions for Next Appointment

Track weekly: Food/drink/supplements (2 months), exercise, events. Note stool observations. Provide fingernail analysis info.

This journey highlights how personalized nutrition can transform health – small steps lead to big wins!

References

Laughter Yoga International. (n.d.). Laughter Yoga. https://laughteryoga.org/

Rogers, S. A. (1995). Chemical sensitivity: Environmental diseases and pollutants - How they hurt us, how to deal with them. Keats Publishing.

University of California, Davis. (2022, April). Paleo diet: What it is and why it's not for everyone. https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/good-food/paleo-diet-what-it-is-and-why-its-not-for-everyone/2022/04

Yoga with Adriene. (n.d.). Yoga with Adriene. https://yogawithadriene.com/