Current Medications & Lifestyle
The patient was taking five medications, primarily to manage high blood pressure, fluid retention, and a heart murmur. Her lifestyle was active and health conscious. She participated in water aerobics multiple times a week and followed a diet low in starch and free of processed foods and alcohol. In addition, she was taking 15 supplements, though without a clear strategy based on lab data.
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On five medications for high blood pressure, fluid retention, and a heart murmur
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Taking 15 different supplements
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Active lifestyle (water aerobics 3–4 times weekly)
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Clean diet with limited starches and no processed food or alcohol
Key Lab Findings
Initial lab work revealed several red flags that explained the patient’s declining health. Elevated glucose and hemoglobin A1C levels pointed to poorly managed diabetes, while high cholesterol and triglycerides confirmed the presence of hyperlipidemia. Critically low vitamin D levels were impairing both immune response and metabolic function. Inflammatory markers CRP and ESR were significantly elevated, indicating ongoing systemic inflammation likely linked to an unresolved fungal infection. These findings highlighted the urgent need for a targeted, integrative approach to address the root causes rather than just the symptoms.
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Elevated CRP and ESR: Signs of systemic inflammation, likely related to fungal infection
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Elevated glucose and hemoglobin A1C: Poor diabetes control
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High cholesterol & triglycerides: Indicating hyperlipidemia
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Low vitamin D levels: Contributing to poor immune and metabolic function
Functional Medicine Assessment
A comprehensive blood analysis revealed that many of the patient’s symptoms were interconnected. Poor glucose control and chronic systemic inflammation were not only affecting her metabolic health but also contributing to the stubborn skin rash. The labs offered clear insights into how internal dysfunction was manifesting externally through the skin.
Root Issues Identified:
Despite avoiding medications for diabetes, the patient’s blood sugar remained elevated, suggesting that her diet alone was insufficient. Systemic inflammation—likely due to a lingering fungal infection—was aggravating her condition. A severe vitamin D deficiency was weakening immune function and repair mechanisms. Most notably, she was unknowingly consuming large amounts of sugar from fruit, exacerbating her symptoms despite her overall clean diet.
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Overconsumption of sugar (especially from fruit) exacerbating symptoms
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Poor glucose control despite dietary management
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Systemic inflammation likely linked to fungal infection
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Significant vitamin D deficiency
Initial Plan:
The treatment plan focused on restoring internal balance through lab guided nutritional support. Therapeutic doses of vitamin D3 were introduced to correct the deficiency. Anti-inflammatory supplements like turmeric and ginger were added to reduce systemic inflammation. A low glycemic, high protein diet was recommended to improve blood sugar control, and fruit intake was closely monitored to reduce sugar spikes without compromising nutrition.
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Introduce anti-inflammatory nutrients like turmeric and ginger
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Begin therapeutic supplementation with vitamin D3
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Implement a low-glycemic, high-protein diet
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Monitor fruit intake to prevent excess sugar spikes
Progress Update:
Three months into the new plan, the patient showed significant improvement. Her triglycerides dropped by 88 points, cholesterol fell by 43 points, and glucose improved by 13 points. Her vitamin D levels normalized, and she reported more energy and stamina. Her blood pressure consistently stayed under 100/70, and the chronic fungal rash had stabilized validating the effectiveness of the personalized approach.
Just Three Months Later:
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Triglycerides dropped 88 pts
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Cholesterol dropped 43 pts
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Glucose improved by 13 pts
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Vitamin D levels normalized
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Marked increase in energy and stamina
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Fungal rash stabilized
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Blood pressure normalized (consistently under 100/70)
The patient reported feeling significantly better overall, though she expressed frustration over dietary limitations particularly eliminating fruit.
Setback and Course Correction
Regression After Six Months:
Six months later, the patient returned with a relapse of symptoms. The rash had worsened, infections had returned, and glucose levels had climbed again. Upon reviewing her diet, it became clear she was consuming excessive amounts of fruit more than a quart of blueberries, a pound of cherries, and other fruits daily adding up to over 100 grams of sugar per day. This excess sugar was driving inflammation and fueling the fungal overgrowth.
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1 quart of blueberries
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1 pound of cherries
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2+ other fruits daily
This added up to over 100g of sugar per day. Extremely problematic for someone with diabetes.
Doctor’s Order:
The directive was simple but firm: eliminate all fruit for four days. This short elimination trial aimed to test whether high fruit intake was the main trigger for the patient’s skin flare ups and inflammatory symptoms.
Patient Response:
“OK, you won.” After cutting out fruit, the rash visibly subsided and her skin began to heal for the first time in years. The simple dietary change had a dramatic effect.
Final Analysis
This case highlights the essential role of lab guided nutritional programs, especially for complex cases involving:
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Inflammatory conditions
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Skin disorders
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Diabetes
Key Takeaways:
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Skin rashes often originate from internal imbalances, not external infections.
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Vitamin and nutrient levels play a critical role in immune defense and metabolic regulation.
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Even healthy foods like fruit can harm when not matched to a patient’s metabolic needs.
The Science Behind the Symptoms
High blood sugar fuels infections. In diabetics, excess glucose builds up in the bloodstream and is excreted through the skin and urine creating fertile ground for bacteria and fungal overgrowth. This triggers an immune response that releases more glucose, leading to a vicious cycle of inflammation and infection.
Breaking that cycle requires a precise approach:
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Support immune and liver function with targeted supplements
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Correct nutritional deficiencies (like vitamin D)
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Cut sugar and high-glycemic foods
Conclusion:
This patient’s transformation was not the result of medication, but of precision diagnostics and tailored nutrition. It’s a testament to the power of integrative, functional care where testing guides treatment, and whole body health begins at the cellular level.
