AUDIO PODCAST –

We spoke with Heidi Fritz ND about naturopathic care for heart disease prevention – what new research says about its effectiveness, and how it differs from (and can build on) conventional care. Here are the three things you need to know:

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It’s more effective than conventional care alone.

A study she co-authored, Naturopathic medicine for the prevention of cardiovascular disease: A randomized clinical trial, looked at the effectiveness of add-on care for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. A group of approximately 250 people identified as being at high risk for developing CVD were split into two groups. Both groups continued to receive regular medical care through their family doctor, while the other half also received naturopathic care over the course of the year. During the year and at the end of the study period, the researchers measured cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose to measure any difference between the two groups.

At the end of the 12 months, researchers saw a 3% reduction in the 10-year risk for developing CVD, as well as a 16% reduction in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (people having 3 or more borderline risk factors for heart disease).

Results of the study were published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

It reduces costs.

A secondary study involving the same patients looked at the cost-effectiveness of delivering this naturopathic care. The costs associated with the 7 naturopathic visits, and any testing, were balanced against cost savings such as reduction in MD visits and medical costs, as well as productivity cost savings. Researchers found that there was approximately $1,000  in savings to society for each participant, and an additional savings to the employer of approximately the same amount.

It builds on conventional care with enhanced nutritional counselling and dietary supplements.

One of the distinguishing features of naturopathic care, says Ms Fritz, is that naturopaths are able to spend more time with the patient, taking them step by step through a plan for how they can implement a recommended diet.  This, she believes, leads to increased patient confidence and patient compliance.

One of the typical nutritional approaches naturopaths recommend to patients at risk of heart disease is the Mediterranean diet, which consists of increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, reducing intake of processed foods, reducing intake of saturated fat and red meat, and consuming extra virgin olive oil, nuts and seeds. Naturopaths might also amalgamate aspects of other diets such as the Portfolio diet (used for reducing cholesterol) or the DASH diet (used for reducing high blood pressure) into a cohesive plan for patients.

When it comes to supplements, omega-3 fatty acids, especially in the form of fish oil, is commonly recommended by naturopaths, because it has been shown to reduce risk of sudden cardiac death, as well as reduce cholesterol (particularly triglycerides), as well as blood pressure.  In certain circumstances, naturopathic doctors might also recommend plant sterols to help reduce cholesterol; cinnamon or chromium, sometimes used for reduction of blood glucose; Coenzyme Q10 and the herb hibiscus for reducing blood pressure; and/or some other antioxidant-based supplements that have been shown to protect arteries from damage or in patients with diabetes or high blood pressure.

Heidi Fritz has been a practicing naturopathic doctor since 2007. Her areas of clinical focus include: women’s health (including fertility & pregnancy, menopause, endometriosis and PCOS), children’s health (autism/ ASD, immune health, skin conditions, ear infections, allergies), and all types of cancer. Heidi serves as a Research Fellow at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM), responsible for conducting studies of natural medicine for various health concerns, with a focus on cancer therapy. She has also practiced as a registered practical nurse in Multi-Organ Transplant at Toronto General Hospital. To learn more, visit her website.