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Proactive Heart Health: A Naturopathic Approach to Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Healthy Ageing

September 26, 2024

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in Australia, responsible for 1 in 4 deaths annually. With over 16.7 million prescriptions for statins (such as rosuvastatin) in 2022-23, it’s clear that conventional medicine focuses heavily on treating symptoms. However, a naturopathic approach seeks to address the root causes of CVD before it takes hold during the often silent early stages of disease development.

By emphasizing lifestyle changes, stress management, diet, gut health, and blood sugar control, naturopathy offers a powerful path to preventing CVD.

What is CVD?

CVD refers to disorders of the heart and blood vessels, primarily caused by atherosclerosis—the build-up of plaque in arteries, leading to high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes.

A naturopath addresses the underlying causes of CVD, especially for those with a family history of the disease. They focus on identifying and correcting imbalances before issues like stiff arteries, high blood pressure, and bad cholesterol worsen. Fortunately, many of the risk factors for CVD, such as poor diet, weight gain, and insulin resistance, can be managed with a proactive approach.

How a Naturopath Can Help Prevent CVD: 11 Holistic Steps

  1. Cholesterol Management A naturopath will help balance good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol through dietary changes, such as increasing soluble fiber and reducing trans and saturated fats. Plant-based medicines may also be used to lower LDL and promote cholesterol elimination.
  2. Blood Pressure & Nutritional Support Hypertension strains the cardiovascular system. Calcium and magnesium play vital roles in regulating heart function. Foods that promote nitric oxide production can help dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Bioflavonoids, derived from colourful plants, protect blood vessel linings and reduce inflammation. A naturopath can help you with this.
  3. Blood Sugar Control Elevated blood sugar damages small blood vessels, increasing the risk of arterial stiffness. A naturopath will recommend dietary changes and supplements to stabilize blood sugar, improving glucose metabolism and reducing CVD risk.
  4. Weight & Visceral Fat Management Visceral fat increases inflammation and arterial damage. A naturopath provides strategies for healthy weight management, reducing CVD risk factors like high blood pressure and bad cholesterol. Waist measurements over 94 cm in men and 80 cm in women indicate elevated CVD risk.
  5. B Vitamins & D-Ribose High homocysteine levels, often linked to CVD, can be reduced with B vitamins (B6, B12, and folate). D-ribose, a sugar that supports ATP production, may improve heart energy levels and exercise tolerance.
  6. Systemic Inflammation & Diet Chronic inflammation contributes to atherosclerosis. Naturopaths identify dietary triggers and use food sensitivity testing to create personalized meal plans that reduce inflammation. SPMs (Specialized Pro-resolving Mediators), derived from omega-3s, can also help resolve inflammation. It is important to seek professional medical advice before taking any supplements and herbal medicines as they can often interfere with cardio vascular medications.
  7. Stress Management Chronic stress constricts blood vessels and raises blood pressure. Naturopaths incorporate stress-reduction techniques and adaptogenic herbs to lower cortisol levels and support heart health.
  8. Exercise Regular exercise strengthens the heart and improves circulation. Naturopaths can help tailor an enjoyable fitness plan that fits your lifestyle, aiding in weight management and reducing CVD risk.
  9. Sleep Apnoea Sleep apnoea increases CVD risk by causing nightly blood pressure spikes. A naturopath will investigate underlying causes such as allergies, weight gain, and poor respiratory health to address sleep issues and reduce CVD risk.
  10. Smoking Cessation & Toxin Reduction Smoking, vaping and exposure to toxins such as mould accelerate atherosclerosis. Naturopaths offer support to quit smoking and reduce environmental toxin exposure, helping to lower CVD risk.
  11. Oral Health Poor oral hygiene, especially gum disease, is linked to heart disease. Regular dental check-ups, electric toothbrushes, and flossing can improve gum health, while addressing gut health can resolve underlying issues like bad breath, benefiting both oral and cardiovascular health.

Take Control of Your Heart Health

While CVD remains a leading cause of death, focusing on prevention can significantly reduce your risk. Naturopathy tackles the root causes of heart disease by addressing diet, inflammation, stress, and lifestyle factors. For more information, feel free to reach out to Kath McFarlane.