Cardiovascular disease is the second leading cause of death in Canada.
A recent study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal showed just how well Naturopathic Doctors can help reduce cardiovascular risk.
This study is the largest randomized clinical trial ever published on naturopathic medicine, and confirms the significant role that it should play in our health care system.
The researchers found that workers who received care from a licensed naturopathic doctor (ND) in addition to typical care with their medical doctor (MD), lost weight and lowered their blood pressure, compared with a group of workers who received only MD care.
Do you know of anyone who has had a heart attack or stroke?
How about anyone with high cholesterol? Are you a business owner looking to improve employee health and have less health costs?
Cardiovascular disease can be partially preventable through dietary and lifestyle-based interventions.
However, few individuals who are at-risk actually receive intensive dietary and lifestyle counseling.
This is where naturopathic medicine shines.
In the study, Canadian postal workers aged 25 – 65 years old from Toronto, Vancouver and Edmonton, who were at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, were invited to participate.
Participants in one group received care by a medical doctor.
The other group received care by both a medical doctor and a naturopathic doctor.
After one year, the naturopathic care group was 17% less likely to develop metabolic syndrome, a marker for heart disease that is determined by factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity.
The naturopathic group also had a reduced 10-year cardiovascular risk compared with participants who only received care by their MD.
Cardiovascular disease is just one of the many areas that naturopathic doctors attain significant results.
I am excited to see more and more studies come out in the future demonstrating the effectiveness of naturopathic medicine in other areas of health care, above and beyond cardiovascular disease.
Most employer health insurance covers naturopathic medicine.
There is no excuse to not take control of your health now.
Use a research proven form of healthcare and seek out a naturopathic doctor today.
Dr. Shane Johnson ND was born and raised in Red Deer and is the owner of Aspire Natural Medicine. He completed his naturopathic medical training at the prestigious Bastyr University, and is among only a handful of naturopathic doctors in Alberta to complete an additional one-year residency in family medicine. For more detailed information on naturopathic medicine visit www.aspiremedicine.ca.