When patients have congestive heart failure (CHF), the goal of most medical systems is to decrease hospital returns and keep them stable. We have to keep in mind that congestive heart failure is a symptom of something else gone wrong, such as a weaker heart muscle and lack of oxygen.

Holistic Approaches to Congestive Heart Failure: Addressing the Root Cause

Simply put, the heart gets behind in pumping and is trying to make up for it. Congestive heart patients do need immediate help, but they also need to find and treat the real cause of why it is happening, or it will continue to be a problem with repeat visits to the hospital. The heart cannot tolerate too many episodes of CHF. In simple terms, we need to build a strong heart, and holistic approaches to congestive heart failure can help!

Preventing Congestive Heart Failure

Some of the factors that contribute to developing CHF include arterial disease, lung disorders or

damage, high blood pressure, valve disease, anemia, infection or drugs. It is worth mentioning that the health of both the kidneys and the blood vessels contributes to high blood pressure. Not everyone who has CHF has the same cause or problems. Each person is unique and deserves treatment options that fit their history and tendencies for effective results.

Early detection of risk factors and regular doctor visits for an experienced ear to identify any murmurs and cardiac exam can help prevent a debilitating episode of CHF. Treating hypertension is part of a holistic approach to congestive heart failure and an important part of preventing CHF from getting worse.

Lifestyle Treatments for Congestive Heart Failure

Treatment options and natural remedies for congestive heart failure really are vast. The simplest way to start is by addressing lifestyle options.

Sodium restriction of 2000 mg or less is important when regulating blood flow for congestive heart failure. Fluid restriction may be an important part of your treatment plan as well. The type of fluid is important too. Water, teas and high quality juices like berry, pomegranate are helpful for repairing vessels. This is usually around two quarts.

Exercise or movement is key to blood flow and getting stronger. Yoga and tai chi have some of the best outcomes for patients with CHF, making them a solid addition to holistically treating congestive heart failure. Weight management will have an impact on overall health and the amount of work the heart has to do. Smoking or exposure to smoking will prevent recovery so it must be kept to a minimum. Clean air and sunshine are an important part of a holistic approach to congestive heart failure. Consider an air filter.

Alcohol is just hard on all the organs, including the heart, and should be avoided. Stress management is so important! Heart health can be linked to how loved you feel, so those positive relationships and hobbies are an important part of your health strategy. Sleep in high quality, so our body has time to recover and heal. Some patients find using a tracker helpful for understanding how to improve their sleep. Your heart relies on proper sleep.

Supplements for Congestive Heart Failure

Omega-3s are sourced from fish and have the strongest research among complementary and alternative medicine tools for patients with congestive heart disease. CoQ10 helps to give the heart muscle energy, which is often depleted by medications such as statin drugs. Magnesium can help the muscle of the heart relax and loosen the muscle fibers so it can contract more easily. Magnesium has many uses in heart health, including treatment for high blood pressure, stress and most heart patients are deficient in magnesium. L-carnitine has plenty of research behind it showing symptom relief. Assessing for any nutrient deficiencies can be helpful too to target an individual’s needs.

Natural Remedies for Congestive Heart Failure

There are many options for natural remedies for congestive heart failure. Botanicals are very powerful and effective tools prescribed for individuals with specific goals and are monitored very closely. Some of the safer herbs we use are Cratagus also known as Hawthorne, garlic, and herbs aimed at the nervous system. One of the best tools in my toolbox for stroke victims or any clotting issue is homeopathy. I have seen remarkable changes in my heart patients with homeopathic treatment. It is significant when cognitive function returns, mini strokes stop and do not return, and patients have no more episodes of strokes or CHF.

Homeopathy for Congestive Heart Failure

Homeopathy changes the lives of many of my patients. Hormonal balance or toxicity can be a factor, so we thoroughly investigate the possibilities here. Heavy metals can be stored in the heart, brain, and endocrine glands, decreasing the function of the affected organ. We want to encourage the body to eliminate these dangerous elements with drainage techniques. Water therapy is another tool that can help with circulation and swelling.

Choosing Your Health Care Professionals

Some patients have expressed concern about how their cardiologist will feel if they are looking for complementary and alternative healthcare options that will help such a devastating disease as CHF. In my experience, cardiologists are very happy to see their patients get better. I receive regular referrals from MDs for their patients who are looking for natural options that will work for them. 

Naturopathic doctors are highly trained in the interactions of drugs, medicines, botanicals, supplements, and food, and how they interact with each other. Cardiologists are more aware of the benefits of naturopathic treatments for congestive heart failure than most specialties.

I take treatment for this CHF to heart, so don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment by phone.