Integrating gp care with naturopathic care for cvd prevention a case for collaboration

Research published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal has raised discussion in the integrative medicine community around the potential role of naturopaths assisting GPs in aspects of primary care. The year-long randomised control trial sought to determine whether naturopathic intervention helped to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in 207 participants[1]. The control group received enhanced usual care (EUC), and the intervention group received EUC plus additional naturopathic care 7 times during the 52 weeks of the study. The two primary outcome measures, change in prevalence of metabolic syndrome and a reduction in cardiovascular (CVD) risk, were improved in the treatment group at one year compared with baseline. Naturopathic doctors provided diet and lifestyle advice for patients to lose between 2.3 and 4.2 kg through a combination of caloric restriction and regular physical exercise, and dispensed natural health products such as omega-3 fatty acids, soluble fibre, coenzyme Q10, plant sterols, and other therapies.