We all have a lot on our minds regarding managing our daily health. Diets, stress management, getting enough sleep, and exercise are usually top of mind. When you have routine visits with your naturopathic doctor, they always think of every organ system to make sure their suggestions support every part of your body. This can range from your mental health to your digestion to your bowel movements and even down to your kidneys’ essential health and functioning. 

 

The kidneys are part of the urinary tract and sit on either side of the spine below the rib cage. They filter blood and water into the byproduct of urine, which is then stored in the bladder. Your kidneys may not be at the top of your mind when you think of daily health and wellness, but did you know that your kidneys are a major player in maintaining your blood pressure and purifying waste products from your blood? Every minute, your kidneys filter through about half a cup of blood! Many things impact our kidney health over time, and small choices we make daily can either enhance or disturb our health. 

 

Read More: Your Kidneys and How They Work

Holistic Tips for Maintaining Kidney Health as You Age

1. Drink enough water. Your kidneys rely on adequate fluid intake to balance electrolytes and maintain the appropriate sodium, magnesium, and potassium balance to produce urine, maintain healthy blood pressure, and help prevent UTIs. The general rule of thumb is to consume half of your body weight (in ounces) daily, not to exceed 100 ounces for women and 120 ounces for men. For example, if you weigh 160 pounds, that’s 80 ounces of water daily. Herbal teas are a great way to get in extra water if you struggle to drink enough throughout the day. 

Read More: UTI Prevention: Naturopathic Approach

 

1. Remove inflammatory or allergic reactive foods from your diet. When your body is experiencing a chronic inflammatory response, every organ system can slowly suffer, including your kidneys. If the kidneys are particularly susceptible to chronic inflammation, you may be at an increased risk for hypertension, urinary tract infection, or kidney disease. Thus, identifying possible offending foods can be useful, especially in supporting the kidneys.  

 

1. Stabilizing and improving histamine responses. Histamines are chemicals released by our body that we typically associate with allergies. However, histamines can be made throughout the body, where you may not experience sneezing or a runny nose but can damage vital organs, including the heart, colon, brain, and kidneys. Additional investigation can be made into diet, environmental exposures, and emotional responses. Dry skin brushing and hydrotherapy, such as ending your shower with cooler water on your face, back, and chest, may assist with reducing histamines within core tissues.

 

1. Exercise daily, especially by taking brisk walks. Kidney health and blood pressure are intimately linked, and almost every recommendation that will support healthy blood pressure levels rings true for kidney health, too. Daily walks support healthy blood pressure levels, along with blood sugar support, enhancing mental health, and lowering cholesterol levels. Even if you only have 15 minutes in the day, step outside and take a brisk walk!

 

1. Maintain a diet that supports healthy blood sugar levels. Diabetes is one of the contributors to chronic kidney disease. Choose foods with little to no added sugars (and avoid “sugar-free” foods and artificial sweeteners as these have been found to be also damaging to the body. Aim for at least 25-30 grams of fiber per day through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, limit processed carbohydrates, and aim to consume at least 3 different colors of fruits and vegetables daily. If you need more tailored education on how to create a healthy nutrition plan for yourself, contact our office for an appointment with Dr. Thompson or Blair Douchette, MS.

 

1. Limit alcohol intake and no smoking. Both of these inputs are extremely stressful for the liver and kidneys to manage and cause excess inflammation. 

 

If you’re looking for personalized advice on kidney health or overall wellness, we’d love to help. Our experienced naturopathic doctors are available for consultations. Don’t hesitate to contact us today and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you!

Stress management and self-care do not have to take much time to be effective. Often, it’s the small habits and reactions that we implement throughout our day that make the biggest impact on our stress levels. For example, we can choose to get upset, stressed, and angry when sitting in traffic or when something starts to burn on the stove. Or we can start to notice our choices about how we react to micro stressors and, one at a time, choose a calm response. This is a challenging self-practice in mindfulness and shifting behaviors, but it can make a positive impact on our daily functioning and mental health. Here are a few of our tips for micro approaches to stress management that you can start to use throughout your week:

 

• Create ‘cues’ during your day to take deep breaths. We carry a lot of stress and tension in our chest, shoulders, and digestive tracts. When we stop for 10 seconds to take a long, deep breath, it’s remarkable to notice how tight our body is and how much looser it feels after that long breath. Take a deep breath to fill your lungs, hold it for three seconds, then slowly exhale for 5 seconds. Here are a few deep breath cues:
  • At every red light
  • Right after you brush your teeth
  • When you get a text notification from a specific person
  • The moment you start preparing a meal
  • The moment you turn the light off to go to sleep at night

• Notice one stressful trigger during your day and choose to respond a little differently. For example, if you feel stress when receiving email notifications when you have to make a phone call, or when you’re starting the bedtime routine with your kids, gently try quieting your thoughts and moving through these triggers with a bit more calmness. This can be very challenging at first, but it’s good practice to notice how quickly our body defaults into fight-or-flight mode and how much control we have to change it. Again, choose only one trigger to actively try moving through differently, then the next week, choose one more. 

 

Read more: Taking Care of Parents: Seasonal Stress Support

 

• Spend 5 minutes outside every hour or two, at least. So many of us spend the entire day in front of a screen and our vision and mental state can feel constricted and frazzled. When possible, step outside to look at the sky, take a long breath, and feel the sun on your face and the fresh air. Again, even a small amount of time to shift our visual perception and feel more expansiveness can relax the nervous system and offer a brief sense of renewal. 

 

• When possible, delegate and step back. Understandably, we feel stressed because we have too much on our plates and sometimes no one else to share the load. However, notice if you take on too much because you want to control the outcomes to your liking. There is a fine line between relinquishing control to gain more time while appreciating the completion from another perspective. Practice with small things first.

 

Read more: Managing Stress While Working from Home

 

If you need support in managing stress in your life or the impacts of stress on your health, contact our office to connect with one of our Naturopathic Doctors. We would be happy to have an in-depth conversation with you about how best to navigate the impacts of stress in your life and offer personalized support. 

 

Additional Information: 

Stress & Health: Psychological, Behavioral, and Biological Determinants

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!

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

 

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.

When February arrives, we celebrate the return of the sun and the care and keeping of our emotional hearts through glittery red and pink hearts and streamers. However, amidst all the festivities, we often overlook the significance of heart health. This is a perfect time to remember the importance of caring for our physical hearts and showing them love. The CDC reports that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in men and women in the US and is a significant health issue globally. Cardiovascular disease costs the US healthcare system more than $200 billion per year. This highlights the importance of a robust preventive approach through patient education. At Richmond Natural Medicine, we see many patients with common diagnoses such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and high cholesterol. Our practitioners take a holistic approach to managing and treating these conditions. We focus on patient education, diet, and lifestyle recommendations, and personalized therapeutic suggestions that can work seamlessly with conventional care when needed.

Read More: Naturopathic Approach to Cardiovascular Health

Cardiovascular Health at Every Age

20s and 30s – Stay active and healthy with daily exercise, a vegetable and phytonutrient-rich diet, and maintain your annual visit to your primary care doctor to assess your blood work each year. We strongly encourage adopting a Mediterranean-style diet as a long-term approach to support heart health through healthy eating. It incorporates healthy fats, a variety of protein sources, whole grains, and plenty of fresh fruits and veggies. To maintain a healthy cardiovascular system, experts strongly recommend that you engage in group sports. They also advise taking long walks, swimming, and hiking to strengthen your bones and muscles. At the same time, it incorporates healthy fats, a variety of protein sources, whole grains, and plenty of fresh fruits and veggies. To maintain a healthy cardiovascular system and strengthen your bones and muscles, experts strongly recommend that you engage in group sports, take long walks, swim, and hike. Finally, avoid smoking and vaping, as this is a leading contributor to cardiovascular disease. 

40s – This is a time to assess your daily and weekly habits while continuing to track your annual blood work each year. 

• Monitor your total cholesterol levels and blood pressure regularly.
• Manage stress through counseling or holistic support.
• Watch your weight as metabolism and weight management can change in your 40s.
• Stay active with daily exercise, including weight training.
• Seek guidance from a qualified nutritionist for a heart-healthy diet.

50s to 70s

50s—Similar to your 40s, pay attention to any new sensations or symptoms you experience in any area. Don’t brush off any symptoms of sleep disturbance, overall sluggishness, heart arrhythmias or palpitations, or hormonal changes. Maintain the good habits you put in place in previous years, and as always, pay attention to your stress levels, maintain your exercise habits, and eat a colorful, phytonutrient-rich diet. 

The 60s- 70s – At this time, other conditions may arise that need to be addressed and cared for while making necessary adjustments to your lifestyle, supplement needs, and overall diet. As directed by your care team, do your best to maintain movement and exercise daily through weight training, walks, swimming or group classes. Stress management and mental health support are always encouraged to keep a strong mind and body. At the same time, nutrient needs may need to be assessed individually for any deficiencies or extra needs. Work closely with your naturopathic doctor, nutritionist, or primary care team to get the personalized support you need. 

How can naturopathic medicine be used alongside conventional treatment?

When cardiovascular disease is already present, naturopathic medicine can provide support before and after surgery, during cardiac rehabilitation, and in the following years to prevent a future event. Your team can guide you regarding appropriate exercise and incorporating a heart-healthy diet in real life. Some popular diets are not heart-friendly; genetics may also affect cholesterol management. Naturopathic therapies are useful when an individual’s blood pressure is not well-controlled on pharmaceuticals, managing early kidney disease resulting from hypertension or diabetes, and providing natural medicines if prescription medications are not well-tolerated.

For Cardiovascular Health, Prevention is Key

For healthy individuals, there is nothing better than exercise for prevention. High-intensity interval training on a bicycle, treadmill, or elliptical is very efficient. Even yoga or meditation to calm the nervous system can be useful for cardiac health. Paying attention to your overall diet is essential for heart health and cholesterol management, and having your yearly physical with your primary care provider should be a priority. If time and conditioning are challenging, start where you are; walking is awesome!

Read More: CDC Prevents Heart Disease

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