Radio Naturopath
Radio Naturopath Episode 520: PRP Injection, Narrow Eye Angles, The 2026 Food Pyramid
This week, I talked about getting a PRP (platelet rich plasma) injection in my right knee to treat osteoarthritis. It was a fairly easy experience! I have minor swelling, and Dr. Zach said expect it to improve slowly over a couple of weeks. I also got diagnosed with NARROW ANGLES in my eyes WITHOUT increased eye pressure, but I need to see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. I am at risk for acute angle closure glaucoma, which is vision-threatening. However, I think because I have normal pressure I'm at less risk. I'd be happier if I were seeing the ophthalmologist TOMORROW.
Then I discussed the new upside food pyramid from the USDA. I am mostly in favor of it! It encourages people to cut way back on processed food, starches and sugars, and to consume more protein and produce, things I have been encouraging my patients to do for years. Nutritionists complain that it encourages more red meat, but that advice is more nuanced and I discuss that.
Radio Naturopath Episode 519: Compression Sleeves for Nerve Pain, New Year’s Resolutions You Can Do
This week, I talked about lingering nerve issues for both myself and Ron since our respective surgeries. I have discovered that compression is helpful, specifically compression wear! I have most of my discomfort in my lateral left thigh, and when I wear a sleeve in that area, it significantly calms the discomfort, at least while I'm wearing it. Ron finds leg/foot sleeves helpful for his foot neuropathy. It at least feels better for a while! I also talked about, you guessed it, New Year's Resolutions. They mostly have to do with being kind to yourself, especially around food. More of that next week!
Radio Naturopath Episode 499: Ultraprocessed vs. Whole Foods, Healthy Habits, Triglycerides
This week, I talked about how ultraprocessed foods really aren't good for you, and ow and why. Surprise. A:so, why whole, unprocessed foods ARE good for you. Your health will be a lot better if you eat less chemicals, more produce, fiber, clean protein, legumes, nuts and seeds! I also have a bit about some life habits that can keep you healthier. I started talking about blood triglycerides, why it's important to keep them low, and how to do that.
Radio Naturopath Episode 497: Ube vs. Taro, Carbs and Protein for Menopausal Athletes, CLA
This week, I talked about the heatlh benefits of ube, the purple yam, and how it's NOT taro. They're similar, but ube is ALWAYS purple and taro is not. We'll discuss taro next week! Then we talked about the benefits of carbohydrates and protein for peri- and post-menopausal athletes, taking from Selene Yeager and Stacy Sims, two terrific researchers. We started with supplements for fat loss. Hint: it's the LEAST important thing to do. This week, we discussed conjugated linoleic acid, CLA.
Radio Naturopath Episode 496: Lumbar Spinal Cortisone Injection, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Menopausal Athlete Nutrition
This week, I talked about my experience with having a lumbar spinal cortisone shot at UConn. Spoiler alert: it was a great experience! Just waiting for it to take full effect, but I already have a lot less overall nerve pain. It's exciting! Maybe I'll be back on the bike next weekend! I talked about the health benefits of acetyl-l-carnitine, an amino acid that can help with nerve pain and function. I'm taking it for my nerve pain, and I'll see if it helps! I started to discuss peri- and postmenopausal women and nutrition. Low energy availability and relative energy deficit are totally a thing, and women tend to arrive their because they undereat due to a fear of gaining weight! We get some expert opinions on why older women, especially athletes, should eat more.
Radio Naturopath Episode 494: Get Your Leucine and Lysine; Do You Really Need Estrogen In Menopause?
This week, we talked about two essential amino acids that are harder to obtain in a vegan diet, but not impossible: leucine and lysine. They can be found in beans, nuts, seeds, and pseudograins like quinoa and amaranth. They're both important for building muscle and collagen. Lysine is also important for immune function. We also got started on whether it's really necessary to take estrogen as part of a natural hormone replacement protocol. Hint: maybe not! We continue to make estrogen into our menopausal years, even if you can't see it in blood work. It's in the organs!
Radio Naturopath Episode 463: Chia Seeds for Health, Help for Fall Allergies
This week, I talked about fall allergies, since lots of people have them right now! Mold and mildew from damp homes and plants dying back. Dust mites are prevalent especially now that we're moving indoors, but we'll get a break when there's a hard freeze. Pets can be problematic too! And there's still some ragweed outdoors. Here's some tips to help with the season! We also talked about chia seeds, and included a recipe on how to make chia pudding. Turns out they're amazing little powerhouses!
Radio Naturopath Episode 443: Lifestyle Changes to Lower Blood Pressure
This week, I started talking about the very important topic of hypertension, high blood pressure. Our focus this week was on basic lifestyle things to do to lower blood pressure. Some of it is SHOCKING! Stuff like: eat more vegetables and fruit, eat more clean protein, drink more water, get more exercise, stop smoking, do stress reducing activities like deep breathing, leisure walks in nature, yoga, and meditation, and get good quality and quantity of sleep. WHO WOULDA THUNKIT??? It's so important that we'll pick up on this next week, and include actual supplements that help with blood pressure.
Radio Naturopath Episode 428: Detox Preview: Sarcopenia: Keep Your Muscle Mass!
This week we previewed next week's talk, which will be about detoxification, especially as it relates to tick borne illness. We'll review everything from binders to epsom salt baths. Our focus for THIS week was on sarcopenia: muscle loss, especially due to aging. If you want to maintain muscle mass, you've got to move it or lose it! However, ANYONE can increase muscle mass at any age, and there are studies that show that. Retaining muscle mass is a predictor for healthy aging. So eat your protein, get your rest, and GET MOVING!
Radio Naturopath Episode 426: Too Much Caffeine and Sugar, Maintaining Healthy Bones and Osteoporosis
This week, I talked about how overdoing caffeine and sugar can be problematic, as it is for me. I explained the mechanism, how the neurotransmitters and the energy-slowing compound adenosine play into the highs and lows of caffeine use. Some people break down caffeine quickly, and don't have a problem. But some break it down slowly and can have a variety of symptoms. If you have autonomic dysfunction, like POTS, it can make the whole thing worse!
Then I moved on to more topics on aging, in honor of my just-passed 60th birthday. Today I focused on bone density and how to healthfully protect yourself from osteoporosis and fractures. Good nutrition and exercise are where it's at!