Spring is an exciting and sometimes dramatic change in season that we all respond to a little differently. Allergy season is in full swing now, and many people are getting outdoors and exercising more. Seasonal produce is appearing, and our digestion may shift from the heavier, cooked foods of winter to the lighter, raw foods of spring. The days are getting longer, and the weather can shift from cold to warm within hours! Welcoming spring can be a challenge for some but starting new habits to support seasonal shifts is a great way to start fresh. This will keep your body and mind vibrant, healthy, and vital for this beautiful new season. 

Seasonal Supportive Habits | Spring

 

Morning Routine

After daylight savings time, try to awaken and get out of bed at the same time each day. This consistency will help to align your body to the time change. It will also support your circadian rhythm throughout the day and night, supporting your sleep quality. Ideally, wake just before sunrise and enjoy the morning sunlight on your face and skin. 

 

Read More: Seasonal Skin-Care Tips for Spring

 

Support Digestion

If your digestion is slightly off as spring approaches, try a gentle diet of kitchari and cooked vegetables. Kitchari is a fantastic way to support the digestive system with a 1-3 day gentle cleanse. This can enhance digestive function, balance the internal energetics of the digestive tract, and build up and nourish the lower digestive tract (large intestines and bowel). Many of the “detox kits” on the market these days focus on rapid cleansing and not the nutritional components that are needed by the body. Kitchari – with its hearty yet nourishing combination of rice, mung-dal, and cooked vegetables, builds the body up and provides grounding nourishment and alignment. 

 

Read More: Kitchari Spice Mix & Recipe

 

Combat Spring Allergies

Many people have difficulty with pollen and seasonal allergies in the spring. If you know this is a challenge, try drinking Nettle tea throughout the day. This can serve as a general anti-histamine support throughout the season. You can also consume one teaspoon daily of raw, local honey throughout the year to support your allergy response next spring. Adding in electrolyte support to your water can also be helpful. Saline nasal spray or rinses can also be useful. Finally, consider adding an air purifier to your home or bedroom if your allergies are intense during the latter part of spring. 

 

Read More: Allergy & Pollen Support for Spring 

 

Dress in Layers

The weather can be unpredictable in the early spring days, and our bodies do not generally like abrupt temperature changes. Wear layers of clothing in these early weeks to add warmth if there’s a chill, and shed a layer when it warms up. This will help protect your body from sudden temperature drops and sweats that challenge your immune system and digestion. 

 

Spend time Outside!

Take a short walk daily to experience the changes around you, feel the air on your skin, and connect with the seasonal shift. Every day offers new and subtle signs of spring’s gifts. This can range from emerging, budding flowers to sweet bird songs and warm breezes. These small, daily transitions allow your body to absorb the newness of the season.

 

Schedule an appointment with one of our Naturopathic Doctors at Richmond Natural Medicine for personalized support with your seasonal shift into spring!

A Holistic Approach to Digestive Health and Stress Management

Holistic Approach to Digestive Issues and Stress: A Balanced Solution

In the realm of health and wellness, it’s crucial to understand that no part of the body functions in isolation. Every organ system is interconnected, with a complex relationship with the central nervous system, the enteric nervous system, the mind, and external factors such as diet and stress. Often, digestive symptoms can be traced back to specific dietary choices. However, addressing only one symptom at a time can lead to an incomplete solution for chronic problems.

Digestive Health and Stress

A common example is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), where symptoms can vary from chronic constipation to urgent diarrhea, intestinal spasms, and stomach upset. These symptoms are often unpredictable and can be linked to food intake. However, the connection between digestive unpredictability and stress is undeniable. Stress can manifest in the digestive tract, leading to various symptoms, and conversely, digestive issues can contribute to stress.

So, what should be the focus of treatment – digestive issues or stress? In Western medicine, there’s a tendency to concentrate on one causative factor, leading to an incomplete solution for chronic problems. In contrast, holistic medicine and nutrition emphasize the equal importance of addressing digestive issues and stress, recognizing that one cannot be resolved without the other.

The Enteric Nervous System

A quick lesson in physiology: The Enteric Nervous System (ENS) in your gut can function almost independently but relies heavily on the Central Nervous System (CNS) for nearly every bodily function. What affects the CNS also impacts the ENS and vice versa. For example, acute stress can heighten the sensitivity of the CNS, leading to increased cortisol levels. The gut also feels this heightened sensitivity, influencing its function and potentially leading to symptoms like spasms or diarrhea. Over time, elevated cortisol levels can damage the gut, hindering digestion.

It’s important to realize that there’s no one-size-fits-all “healthy diet.” Health encompasses everything from food to lifestyle, environment, and spiritual practice. A perfect diet cannot counterbalance the effects of a highly stressful job or lifestyle. This is why focusing on individualized nutrition and stress management is essential.

Actionable Steps for Digestive Health and Stress Management

Digestion: Start by identifying areas of strain in your digestion. Note any specific foods that consistently cause discomfort, and observe how eating rapidly on the go compares to eating slowly and mindfully. Identifying external triggers that cause digestive discomfort is also crucial. Once you understand your digestion, you can make positive changes to support it by eliminating these triggers.

Stress: Recognize how your body reacts to stress and identify stress triggers daily. Observe how you deal with stress and consider making changes to reduce your body’s reactivity. This could involve choosing a more peaceful route to work, distancing yourself from stressful individuals, or learning breathing techniques or meditations to handle challenging situations.

By consciously calming the central nervous system, we can support every area of the body, including our digestive function, over time.

Experience Holistic Care at Richmond Natural Medicine

At Richmond Natural Medicine, our team of naturopathic doctors brings years of clinical experience and a deep commitment to holistic healthcare. We believe in empowering our patients through education, understanding, and true partnership. We listen deeply, explain thoroughly, research extensively, and support your whole body holistically. If you’re ready to take control of your health with a compassionate and experienced team, schedule a consultation with us today and embark on a journey towards a healthier, more balanced life.

Embracing a Holistic Approach to Women’s Wellness

At Richmond Natural Medicine, our team of Naturopathic Doctors is dedicated to enhancing women’s wellness by addressing the root causes of illness. We understand that their health issues are unique and require specialized attention.

Understanding Health Concerns for Women

Their health encompasses a wide range of issues, including reproductive health, hormonal balance, mental health, and chronic conditions. It is essential to recognize that their health needs change throughout their lives, from adolescence to menopause and beyond.

Addressing Hormonal Imbalances and Beyond

While hormonal imbalances can be significant, they are not the only factor. Diet, stress, environmental toxins, and lifestyle choices can also impact their well-being. At Richmond Natural Medicine, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and supporting health issues, ensuring that all aspects of their health are considered.

Overcoming Caretaker Burnout

Caretaker Burnout is common among those who balance caregiving responsibilities with their personal and professional lives. They must prioritize self-care and seek support when needed. By managing stress and practicing self-care, they can maintain their health and continue to care for their loved ones effectively.

The Role of Naturopathic Medicine in Women’s Health

Naturopathic medicine offers a holistic approach, focusing on natural remedies and lifestyle changes to promote healing and balance. Our Naturopathic Doctors work closely with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that address their unique health needs.

Addressing Common Health Concerns for Women

• Menstrual irregularities
• Hormonal imbalances
• Fertility issues
• Menopause symptoms
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Endometriosis
• Thyroid disorders
• Osteoporosis
• Mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression

Interested in exploring naturopathic solutions for your health? Visit our practitioner profile page or contact our office at (804) 977-2634 to schedule an appointment.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease where the immune system attacks myelin in the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerve. Myelin is the protective substance that coats our nerve fibers (axons), and when these are damaged, it can lead to disability over time. Nerve cell bodies within the brain’s gray matter can also be damaged. This leads to visual impairment and a gradual shrinking of the cerebral cortex, known as cortical atrophy. As of 2019, nearly 1 million people in the US are living with MS. MS typically presents its symptom onset between the ages of 20-40. Keep reading to learn more about the Naturopathic Approach to Multiple Sclerosis (MS). 

 

Symptoms Of MS

Symptoms of MS can vary in severity and depend on the body’s overall inflammatory reaction. Environmental inputs and other comorbidities or infections can also be present. MS can “flare” from time to time, causing debilitating symptoms of fatigue, muscle weakness, and spasms. It also can cause vision impairment, dizziness, cognitive dysfunction, and even loss of coordination and balance. Along with the flares, MS symptoms may lay dormant for years or months. There is currently no known cure for MS. However, some approaches can reduce and support the occurrence of relapse symptoms and flares. The naturopathic approach to MS takes a whole-body, collaborative approach. 

 

Read More: The Naturopathic Approach to Autoimmune Disease

A Whole Body Approach

Supporting an individual with MS requires thoughtful inquiry, a detailed health history, and astute attention to symptom presentation and lifestyle factors. Current therapies for MS, include beta interferon drugs. These are targeted to modulate the inflammatory response. A prescribing neurologist may suggest several options for therapy depending on each individual’s symptoms. Many of these options have side effects, and your naturopathic doctor can work alongside your neurologist to support and mitigate these. 

 

Your naturopathic doctor will also thoroughly assess your diet and lifestyle. With this they can pinpoint any areas contributing to chronic inflammation or challenges to your immune system. They will also look into genetic and environmental risk factors for MS, including low Vitamin D or viruses. From there they will work towards supporting the gut microbiome. In order to do this they will recommend a a tailored diet and attention to detoxification and elimination pathways.

Allergies and histamine pathways may also affect the severity of MS symptoms. Some flares are worse in the spring or with diets high in histamine-containing foods. Your ND might recommend that you add or remove certain foods from your diet and suggest supportive herbs, supplements, or minerals tailored to your individual needs. These recommendations will be continually updated as your health changes. Additionally, certain chemical and emotional exposures including stress may need to be addressed to provide more stability.  

Partnership and Collaboration

Supporting a diagnosis of MS takes time and individual attention. It is essential to have a supportive and collaborative relationship between your current healthcare team and your naturopathic doctor. Working together to align therapies and health protocols is necessary for each person to respond positively and thrive with a challenging health condition. If you have questions regarding how naturopathic medicine can support you with an MS diagnosis, contact our office.

 

Many women are on some form of birth control or have a long history of birth control use that may be directly or indirectly affecting their health in some way. We find that there can be a misunderstanding and mystery around the use of birth control, and how to make sure it is the best solution now and in the future. Here are a few questions we receive, along with general information about the use of popular birth control options:

 

How long should I be taking birth control, and does it have any side effects?

The length of time you take birth control mostly depends on how long you intend to prevent pregnancy or manage other symptoms for which it was originally prescribed. There are many reasons why a doctor may prescribe birth control as a form of health care, and as your body changes or family planning changes, then the discontinuation of birth control can be discussed with your doctor. 

 

Like any drug, birth control can have side effects, and each woman may experience some of these side effects while others may not. Common side effects include weight gain, mood swings, loss of libido, hair loss, fatigue, heavy menstrual bleeding and/or pelvic pain, skin changes, and PMS (including emotional ups and downs, headache, bloating, or irregular periods). However, even though birth control does come with these common side effects, it shouldn’t mean that you have to suffer.  There are options and support to assist with some of the side effects.

 

How do I know which birth control is the best option for me?

There are dozens of options for birth control today, and choosing the right one can be tricky and require precise questions to your prescribing doctor. Your reasons for taking birth control play a role in choosing the right one (ie, for hormonal regulation, acne, pregnancy prevention, etc). Also, your ability to metabolize and process birth control should be considered. Many people metabolize drugs differently, and pharmacogenomic testing is very helpful in determining if you can appropriately process some birth controls better than others. If you are having a poor reaction to starting a new birth control (such as mood swings, rapid weight gain, or headaches, for example), talk to your doctor about this and consider doing pharmacogenetic testing to inform your choice. 

 

Are there any interactions or nutrient depletions from taking birth control?

One of the most important things to remember is that taking birth control depletes many essential nutrients that we need for healthy brain, digestive, kidney, and cardiovascular function. Common nutrient depletions of birth control include magnesium, zinc, selenium, B vitamins, and folate. This means we need to make an extra effort to consume plenty of foods every day that contain these nutrients or supplements appropriately. 

 

Regarding interactions, always check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure anything else you are taking is OK to take alongside your specific birth control, as certain drugs can reduce its effectiveness for contraception.

 

How long will it take to get my period back if I discontinue birth control?

Some women regain their cycles almost immediately while it takes other months or years to get their periods back on track. There are a lot of reasons for this fluctuation, including underlying hormonal dysregulation or issues such as PCOS or endometriosis; your stress levels, your diet, and even your exercise habits can impact this. Some girls are put on birth control almost immediately after they begin their periods and take it for decades, never really knowing what their “normal” periods should be. This can be further explored to assist with regulating your cycles post-birth control if this is a concern for you. 

 

If I don’t want to take birth control, what are my other options?

If you are taking birth control for health issues such as hormone regulation, acne, or skin issues, preventing menstrual migraines or extreme PMS, to regulating periods, or preventing anemia, talk with your medical team about other available solutions that are in alignment with your goals. They can help you get to the root cause of these issues and navigate other potential solutions. 

 

Birth control is extremely effective at preventing pregnancy, and for some women, this is the best option for their family planning or personal situations. If your goals are to prevent pregnancy without the use of prescribed birth control, make sure to educate yourself (through your own self-study and talking with your doctors) about how your menstrual cycle works and you are savvy and consistent with tracking your cycles. There are plenty of ways to track your cycles these days, but understanding how your body and reproductive system work is really key here. 

 

Resource: Taking Charge of your Fertility 

For many women, choosing to be on birth control during any phase of their life can be a challenging decision. Between the pill, intrauterine devices, contraceptive implants, and natural cycle tracking, you may have curiosities about where to start, or how to shift from one form to another over time due to your health goals. While we are fortunate to have options, there are considerations for each choice that you can discuss with your PCP, ob/gyn, or other providers to determine the best choice for you. If you want to further discuss individualized female health, please call our office and schedule an appointment with one of our naturopathic doctors.

Herbal teas are a staple in our office throughout every season, and they are one of our favorite ways to experience herbs in our daily lives. We keep a steady supply of delicious and flavorful herbal teas in our waiting room for our patients to enjoy before and during their appointments, and our practitioners here at RNM are usually sipping on hot or iced herbal tea throughout the day! Here are a few of our favorites and why we may reach for them:

 

Chamomile—light and aromatic. Chamomile is a sweet and ever-so-slightly bitter tea that relaxes the mind and body and eases tension. Although it is known to be a gently calming herb, it’s not too “sleepy” and can be enjoyed any time of day or night for a soothing and relaxing experience. We enjoy chamomile in its pure form, but you can also add a bit of honey and/or lemon to spruce it up. 

Our pick: Traditional Medicinals Chamomile Tea 

 

Lavender – aromatic and floral. Lavender is an herb that almost everyone enjoys and has that instantly recognizable uplifting and floral smell. Just a small amount of lavender is all you need for a strong flavor, and we enjoy adding lavender flowers to nearly any tea to give it a slight sweetness and floral note. Lavender is calming and relaxing, and especially aromatic to offer an aromatic and sensory calming experience. 

Our pick: Mountain Rose Herbs Lavender Flowers

 

Licorice – sweet and earthy. Licorice is one of the most widely used herbal remedies and the original herbal sweetener! It has so many beneficial uses we reach for licorice for a variety of reasons, some of the more traditional uses for licorice include anti-inflammatory, demulcent for sore throats and upset stomach, and adaptogen for building adrenal function and energy reserves. It is a deeply nourishing herb for the nervous system and tastes delicious all on its own, or combined with other herbs to make them more palatable. 

Our pick: Yogi Egyptian Licorice Tea

 

Nettles – earthy and rich. Nettle is a staple in every herbalist’s home apothecary and a go-to herb for daily use for its nutritious and robust flavor. Nettle is packed with nutrients including calcium, iron, and magnesium, and when enjoyed daily can support healthy skin and hair. We often suggest this herb for folks going through any kind of recovery or convalescence. It is also a widely used anti-histamine when used regularly, and for those with seasonal allergies, nettle can be a tried and true ally. In fact, it is one of our staples for Spring and Fall allergies. 

Our pick: Traditional Medicinals Nettle Tea

 

Hibiscus – tart and sweet. Hibiscus makes for a delicious tea in any season, but we especially like this herb brewed strong and enjoying it in the summertime with a dash of honey. It’s known not only for its tasty flavor profile but for its traditional use for cardiovascular support and lowering blood pressure (1). It also contains Vitamin D and many bioflavonoids. 

Our pick: Republic of Tea Hibiscus Tea 

 

Read More: Naturopathic Tips for Heart Health & Prevention

 

Peppermint – aromatic and fresh. Peppermint is a wonderful tea for an afternoon pick-me-up. It is rich in menthol, giving it the recognizable smell we all know and love, and is so easy to grow in your own garden. Peppermint has many benefits including digestive support, headache relief, and the aroma can give you a mental and emotional lift. Just smelling a hot cup of peppermint tea may perk your spirits and spark creativity.

Our pick: Mountain Rose Herbs Peppermint Tea 

 

Rose Tulsi – sweet, light & aromatic. Tulsi has a long and prestigious history of use in Ayurvedic medicine and many people today keep a tulsi plant in their home meditation spaces. Part of the mint family, tulsi is uplifting and clearing of stagnation – be it brain fog, low mood, or sluggish energy. When our mind is feeling a little slow or we need to put on our concentration hats for a while, we reach for tulsi for some extra mental clarity. Tulsi has a wonderful flavor on its own, and it is especially decadent with rose for additional nourishment!

Our pick: Organic India Tulsi Rose Tea

 

References:

Effect of sour tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) on arterial hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

 

As we transition from winter to spring, the seasonal changes can be unpredictable and erratic. Abrupt shifts in temperature, pollen, and seasonal allergies are common, making it difficult for the body to adjust. The sudden weather changes can lead to an increase in colds, cases of flu, and other illnesses, particularly when transitioning from heavier winter foods to lighter spring produce. However, an Ayurvedic approach to the seasonal change can benefit the body. With an Ayurvedic approach, we can help our bodies adjust to the changes in weather and diet. We can help maintain balance and harmony throughout the transition from winter to spring by paying attention to our body’s subtle changes.

Seasonal Shifts in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, the transition from winter to spring is perhaps the most difficult.  But this is also where balancing your diet can be so helpful to support the entire body, especially our digestion, through these abrupt seasonal changes. As the weather is changing, gradually begin adding in early spring foods into your batch cooking staples and consume these throughout the week. As a general rule, choose at least 2 new spring veggies, one whole grain, and fresh herbs and spices as they become available. Adding these to your meals daily helps your digestion to gently transition and maintain a gradual balance of seasonal attunement. 

 Read More: Ayurvedic Medicine Principles and Naturopathic Care

Recipe Inspiration

Early Spring Barley

Ingredients:

• 4 1/2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 2 cups pearled barley, rinsed and soaked overnight
• 1 tsp Celtic sea salt
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 cup spring onions, chopped
• 1 tsp ghee or coconut oil
• 1/4 cup hemp seeds or roasted sunflower seeds

Directions:
Bring broth to a boil in a medium-sized saucepan. Wash the barley and add to boiling water. Add salt, turmeric, coriander, spring onions, and ghee. Stir, cover, and simmer on medium-low heat for 45 minutes until the barley is very soft. Garnish with hemp seeds or roasted sunflower seeds and serve warm in addition to your meals.

Lifestyle Approaches

Practice conscious lifestyle practices that follow Prajnaparadha – the Ayurvedic concept of imbalance. Prajnaparadha means that you innately know what is right but knowingly do the opposite. This is obviously a major contributor to disease and imbalance in the body. Examples include knowing you need to exercise but not doing it. Knowing you need to eat more vegetables you keep eating “junk foods”. Knowing you need to decrease your stress and remove stressful things in your life, but you keep working yourself into the ground. The body innately knows what is right, so we often choose to do the opposite. Practicing prajnaparadha helps to keep us aware that we can make these changes and produce positive shifts in our health.

 

Bring it to Life: Make a list of 4-5 things that you know you would like to improve upon within your lifestyle or daily routine. These can be as small as drinking more water daily or flossing regularly, to bigger shifts like committing to a 30+ minute walk every day or removing evening screen time before bed. Practice incorporating one of these every week before adding on another. This is a great way to sustainably implement new habits. 

 

A significant number of Americans deal with cardiovascular issues each year.

The American Heart Association estimates that in 2020, nearly half of Americans had hypertension, and the CDC reported that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in men and women in the US. Cardiovascular disease is also known as “the silent killer” because the signs and symptoms leading up to the diagnosis (and heart attack or strokes) are almost unnoticeable. Prevention is really key for supporting and preventing cardiovascular issues especially later in life. Our naturopathic doctors work closely with people who have been diagnosed with cardiovascular conditions and also with people looking for daily preventative measures to support heart health for decades to come. Here are a few common questions we receive from clients regarding tips for heart health and prevention:

Q: What are some common cardiovascular issues that you see with patients? What are common signs and symptoms?

1. High blood pressure, or hypertension, which may lead to stroke or kidney damage
2. Coronary Artery Disease which may lead to a heart attack or angina
3. High cholesterol
4. Peripheral Vascular (arterial or venous) Disease which may lead to pain, numbness, or weakness

These conditions have very few symptoms until they are well-advanced and have already caused injury. Screening and prevention are highly important. People who receive regular conventional medical care are screened at every visit for high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which is important to keep up with. Conventional cardiology has effective tools for diagnosing and treating advanced cardiovascular disease. Naturopathic medicine can work alongside conventional care in cases of advanced disease to mitigate future events and any effects of necessary medications.

Q: How do you approach cardiology health issues from a naturopathic perspective?

Our goal is prevention through focusing on lifetime lifestyle and dietary habits. We look for early signs of health issues contributing to the above conditions, including sleep, exercise, stress, and diet. Family history also plays an important part in the risk assessment of each individual. If a significant risk is identified, then additional investigation is appropriate, which may involve home monitoring, referral to a primary care doctor, or referral to a cardiologist for testing. Detailed health and family history, blood labs, and advanced testing reports are used to develop an individualized care plan that details naturopathic therapies (independently or in conjunction with conventional medication), lifestyle adjustments, and nutrition upgrades.

Research and experts agree that medication should not be the first step and instead, lifestyle modifications, including diet, exercise, and stress management, are imperative. Thus it is important to intervene before prescriptions are needed. However, in some cases, blood pressure medication may be warranted due to uncontrolled spikes in blood pressure or sustained elevated blood pressure. This is because elevations can remodel the heart and the vessels of the body, causing disease to set up.

Read More: 4 Tips for Heart Health

Q: What are some things recommended for patients for cardiovascular health prevention?

For healthy individuals, there is nothing better than exercise for prevention. High-intensity interval training on a bicycle, treadmill, or elliptical is very efficient. Attending fitness classes with others or scheduling a personal trainer is what keeps some people continuing to meet their fitness goals. If time and conditioning are challenging, start where you are; walking is awesome! The effectiveness of diet can’t be stressed enough. What we eat plays a huge role in what disease symptoms present in our lives later on. Following a heart-healthy diet – such as a Mediterranean-style diet – is effective in supporting long-term cardiovascular health, and generally, you’re consuming plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, phytonutrients, fiber, and various quality proteins while staying hydrated is key! Assisting with stress management is also important as it can alter heart rate and, over time, put a load on the cardiovascular system.

Read More: Nutrition Services at Richmond Natural Medicine

If you are seeking support with cardiovascular health and would like to incorporate the principles of functional medicine and naturopathic medicine into your health plan. Request an appointment or call our office for more information at (804) 977-2634.

 When working with people for cardiovascular and heart health, our naturopathic doctors always take a holistic approach to individualized care, considering each person’s health history, genetic factors, diet and lifestyle habits, and any current risk factors. Prevention is essential to decrease the risk of heart-related issues in the future, and our doctors use various tools and education to support clients in managing their heart health for years or even decades. One of our favorite additions to a heart-healthy routine is incorporating herbs or targeted supplements alongside diet and lifestyle suggestions to support long-term cardiovascular health. There are several herbs to choose from, each with a unique role in supporting heart health. Here are some of our favorite herbs to choose from and why we may choose each one:

Herbs For Better Heart Health

Hawthorn berry (Crataegus spp). People often use hawthorn, a classic European cardiotonic, as an herbal preparation to actively support their cardiovascular system. Most notably, hawthorn works on dilating coronary arteries and helping the cells within cardiac muscles, reducing pressure and supporting the endothelium. Most hypertension medications can interact with hawthorn berry, and it is advisable to avoid using it when a client is currently taking statin or other cardioactive drugs. We often use this herb in solid extract or phytocapsule form.  

 

Linden leaf & flower (Tilia spp.) This is considered a “hypotensive” (blood pressure lowering) herb with an affinity for calming the nervous system associated with mild stress. It is gentle, uplifting, and beneficial as a tea infusion or combined with your favorite herbs for relaxing the mind and body, such as chamomile, tulsi, or lavender. When you sip on this beautiful tea, you can enjoy its delicate fruity and floral taste. 

 

Garlic (Allium spp.) You probably already have this powerhouse of an herb in your kitchen, and it is one of our favorites to incorporate into the daily diet for cholesterol and heart health support. Garlic has been shown to reduce LDL and total cholesterol levels and, like Linden, is considered a mild hypotensive. We like adding fresh, crushed garlic to most meals throughout the week for this effect.  

 

Assessing Vitamins and Nutrients for Cardiovascular Support

Research shows that many individuals with cardiac concerns lack specific nutrients and vitamins. This can occur over time due to activity level and, in some cases, from particular medications, injury, or surgery. The heart requires specific fuel for adequate function, including B vitamins, Vitamin D, CoQ10, iron, and electrolytes such as magnesium, potassium, sodium, and calcium. It may be necessary to assess an individual’s heart for specific proteins and essential fatty acids that can help to nourish it. Assessing vitamin, mineral, and crucial fatty levels is extremely useful when someone has cardiovascular risk or damage.

In some cases, low or high levels could put one at risk for cardiovascular vulnerability; thus, we want balance. Overall, we recommend assessing iron, ferritin, B12, folate, Vitamin D, total protein, and electrolytes as a starting place. If your vitamin levels are low, you may need to adjust your diet or take supplements. However, determining the appropriate dosage will depend on your medical history and lifestyle.

 

Approaching Each Case Individually

Holistic approaches can be effective in managing cardiovascular issues that can have varying symptoms. To manage hypertension, it is important to address various factors such as diet, lifestyle, stress, genetics, and herbal remedies. There are two types of hypertension: primary hypertension and secondary hypertension. Primary hypertension refers to high blood pressure with no apparent cause. While secondary hypertension is caused by an underlying pathology, such as kidney disease or endocrine imbalance. It is important to note that clients with secondary hypertension should be under the continuing care of their doctor.

It’s important to use multiple methods to support cardiovascular health and protect against high blood pressure. Herbal and nutrient approaches can support the epithelium, the inner lining of heart vessels. With each case, our NDs look for the underlying cause of what is potentiating the blood flow. This will help us choose a plan wisely and more precisely for the underlying cause of the problem.

If you have questions or concerns regarding your heart health and seek personalized support, consider making an appointment with one of our naturopathic doctors today.