Arno Kreuer in an Expert Interview on the Topic: OPC & Naturopathy

Since 1992, Arno Kreuer has been working enthusiastically as a naturopath, specializing in the many fields of holistic medicine and naturopathy. In his daily work, Kreuer emphasizes comprehensive diagnosis and the interplay between psychosomatic aspects and phytotherapy to accompany his patients on their journey to greater well-being.

Inspiration and Experience

BioProphyl: Mr. Kreuer, could you tell us more about what inspired you to become a naturopath and how you apply your decades of experience in holistic medicine?

Arno Kreuer: Working as a naturopath was a natural choice for me as I have always had a strong interest in alternative healing methods and holistic medicine. During my training as a naturopath, I began to delve deeply into naturopathy, bioresonance therapy, and homeopathy. These experiences reinforced my desire to help others on their path to health and well-being. Over the years, I have continuously expanded my knowledge and experience, and I have been working as a naturopath for several decades. My focuses include orthomolecular medicine, phytotherapy, and the prevention of various aging-related diseases. The first step is crucial: a thorough diagnosis, not just treating a disease or symptoms. I believe the holistic approach is key to promoting the health and well-being of my patients.

Beliefs in Practice

BioProphyl: You emphasize being a naturopath out of conviction. Could you explain in more detail what these convictions are and how they are reflected in your practice?

Arno Kreuer: As a naturopath, I am firmly convinced that body, mind, and soul form a unit and that a holistic approach is necessary to achieve optimal balance and well-being.

In my practice, this conviction is reflected in several aspects. For one, I take enough time for each of my patients to understand their individual needs and make a holistic diagnosis. I don't just look at the symptoms but try to identify the underlying causes.

I also rely on natural, gentle, and low-side-effect therapies, such as the use of OPC (oligomeric proanthocyanidins). These secondary plant compounds (antioxidants) are derived from plant sources. Increasing research interest surrounds the potential health benefits of these secondary plant compounds like OPC. Personally, it’s important to me to use natural remedies in my practice to support the body's natural self-healing powers. Although there is no definitive scientific evidence of the health effects of secondary plant compounds, OPC and other phyto-compounds have long been popular in alternative medicine.

Moreover, I believe it is important to educate my patients and show them how they can actively contribute to their health. This includes not only therapy but also a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, exercise, and stress management.

Ultimately, my goal as a naturopath is to accompany my patients on their individual paths and give them the tools to promote their own health and well-being. This reflects my conviction that holistic medicine is the key to sustainable health.

Difference from Conventional Medicine

BioProphyl: In conventional medicine, there are clear protocols and procedures. How does a naturopath's approach, like yours, differ from conventional medicine, and what advantages do you see in it?

Arno Kreuer: The approach of a naturopath differs from conventional medicine in several key points. While conventional medicine primarily relies on evidence-based studies and scientific knowledge, naturopathy and holistic medicine draw from a broader spectrum of information, including individual needs, experience reports, and a holistic view of the person.

Another important difference lies in the therapeutic methods: while pharmaceutical drugs and invasive interventions often take center stage in conventional medicine, naturopaths focus more on gentle, natural, and holistic approaches, such as herbal medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture, and other alternative methods.

The advantage of this approach is that it allows for a more individualized and holistic view of the person. Naturopaths not only look at the symptoms of a disease but also try to find and address the underlying causes. By making therapeutic decisions based on individual needs and goals, a more comprehensive recovery can often be achieved.

Another advantage is that alternative healing methods are often less likely to have side effects and support the body's natural self-healing processes. Natural remedies are often well-absorbed by the body, minimizing undesirable side effects.

It's important to note that conventional medicine and alternative medicine should not be viewed as competing but rather as complementary. An integrative approach, combining the strengths of both models, can provide the best of both worlds and offer patients comprehensive and individualized care.

Naturopathic Concepts

BioProphyl: Can you tell us about your individual concepts and approaches to naturopathy? Are there any principles or approaches that you particularly value?

Arno Kreuer: Certainly! In my individual approach to naturopathy, several important principles and approaches are key for me:

1. Holistic approach: I see the person as a unity of body, mind, and soul. My focus is not just on treating symptoms but on comprehensive anamnesis and the inclusion of psychosomatic aspects.

2. Individuality: Every person is unique and has different needs. Therefore, I create my therapy plans individually, based on the personal conditions, goals, and preferences of my patients.

3. Cause exploration: Instead of merely treating symptoms, I actively seek the underlying causes. This way, holistic recovery can be achieved by addressing the problems at their root.

4. Promoting self-regulation: The human body has remarkable self-healing powers. My goal is to support and strengthen these powers so that the body can regenerate and heal itself.

5. Natural remedies: I prefer natural remedies such as herbal medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture, and other alternative methods. From my perspective, these natural approaches can be effective and often have fewer side effects.

6. Health promotion: I support my patients in developing a healthy lifestyle that includes balanced nutrition, sufficient physical activity, stress management, and other aspects.

These concepts and approaches are fundamental for me in providing optimal care to my patients and helping them improve their health and well-being in the long term.

Importance of Supplements

BioProphyl: Mr. Kreuer, how do you assess the importance of supplements such as OPC, especially regarding your patients' health?

Arno Kreuer: I consider supplements like OPC to be a valuable complement to a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. In my many years of experience as a naturopath, I have observed that many people, due to their lifestyle and today's environmental stressors, often have an increased need for certain nutrients. Supplements can help in this regard.

Of course, it is important to emphasize that every person is unique, with different needs and responses to supplements. Therefore, it is advisable to always consult a professional, such as a naturopath or doctor, to determine individual supplement needs and adjust the dosage accordingly.

Overall, I value supplements like OPC as a supportive measure for my patients—especially when used responsibly and in combination with a healthy lifestyle.

It is also important for me to highlight the differences in product quality. Unfortunately, even traditional pharmaceutical companies have not yet switched to producing their products free from contamination. Alarmingly, many companies use additives that we would not expect in naturopathy. I recommend being particularly vigilant in this area!

OPC in Naturopathy

BioProphyl: Could you tell us more about how OPC is integrated into your naturopathic approaches and therapy plans? Are there specific health issues or conditions where OPC can be particularly helpful?

Arno Kreuer: OPC is an important part of my naturopathic therapy plans. When integrating OPC as a supplement or in the form of herbal preparations into my therapy plans, I first consider the individual needs and conditions of my patients.

It's important to note that OPC is not a cure-all. I use it as part of a customized naturopathic treatment that also includes nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and a holistic approach.

As always, it's advisable to consult with an experienced naturopath or doctor to determine personal needs and the optimal dosage of OPC or other supplements.

Advice on OPC

BioProphyl: Are there any final pieces of information or advice you'd like to share with our readers about OPC?

Arno Kreuer: Finally, I'd like to share some important information and advice on OPC:

1. Product quality: When choosing OPC products, it's important to focus on quality. Look for preparations derived from high-quality plant sources and containing standardized extracts. Certifications such as organic quality can be an indicator of good product quality.

2. Dosage: The recommended dosage of OPC can vary depending on the product and manufacturer. It's advisable to follow the dosage instructions on the packaging or consult a professional to determine the appropriate dosage for individual needs.

3. Combination with other supplements: OPC can be well combined with other supplements. However, it's important to consider potential interactions and individual needs, so consulting a naturopath or doctor is recommended.

4. Complement to a healthy lifestyle: Supplements, including OPC, should never replace a healthy lifestyle and diet. They are intended as an addition to a comprehensive healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management.

5. Individual consultation: Every person is unique and has different needs. Therefore, individual consultation with a naturopath or doctor is recommended to address personal situations.

Finally, I want to emphasize that, from my perspective, OPC holds promising potential within naturopathic therapy and a healthy lifestyle. I hope this information has been helpful, and I wish you all the best on your journey to greater well-being!