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 509: Lead in Protein Powders, Monounsaturated Fats, Seed Oils

This week, we talked about the big news about how there could be too much lead in your protein powder, because Consumer Reports put out the results of their studies on brand names. My ultimate thought is it's still possible to use these powders safely if you generally eat a healthy diet and don't overdo the powders. Also, some types of powders have less lead than others. It's right here!

We then discussed more health benefits of monounsaturated fats, and whether seed oils are good for you. For seed oils, the problem is they degrade more easily, get oxidative damage when heated, and then incorporate into your cell membranes making them less functional. Avocados!

Radio Naturopath Episode 400: Starch, Sugar, Fat and Cholesterol; Two Newer Drugs

This week, I talked about how starch, sugar, saturated and hydrogenated fats affect cholesterol. It's not as simple as you think! Saturated fat is NOT shown to be that bad for cholesterol, and too much starch and sugar are what mostly raise it. Hydrogenated fat too! We help you sort through that. We also talk about two newer cholesterol lowering meds, bempedoic acid and the PCSK-9 inhibitors. Are they any better than statins? Hmmm.

Radio Naturopath Episode 365: Natural Help for Gallstones, Liver Friendly Foods

This week we went biliary! Lots of people have gallstones and pain from them, but may not be directed yet to have their gallbladder removed. So, we talk about natural ways to calm gallstone colic and possibly reduce them or allow them to dissolve and pass. Caveat: there is not great scientific support for this as a possibility, but it's worth a try, especially if your doctor has not scheduled you to have yours taken out. Plus, we move on to some foods that are healthy for your liver, arguably the most important organ in the body!

Radio Naturopath Episode 334: Are Eggs, Red Meat, Red Wine, and Saturated Fat Good For You?

Today we talked about food! There ARE actually health benefits to eggs, red meat, and red wine, and it looks like saturated fat isn't really the thing that raises your LDL cholesterol. Naturally, if eggs are free range, if beef is grass fed, if you drink wine in moderation, they are likely good for your health! There are some reasons that are NOT directy eggs or meat that may skew the numbers in the wrong direction. And saturated fat is generally not going to affect your cardiovascular health. Because it's saturated, it doesn't tend to oxidize and therefore damage your blood vessels!

Radio Naturopath Episode 327: Water: Alkaline and Cactus, Beta Blockers, Statins, Red Meat

Today we played Ask Dr. Fran! Ron asked me five questions:

1. What is alkaline water?

2. Is cactus water good for you?

3. Will I ever get off these beta blockers?

4. Why do statins make me sore?

5. Is meat REALLY bad for cardiovascular disease?

For answers to these important questions and more, listen to the show!

Radio Naturopath Episode 307: Statins: Pros and Cons, More Natural Help for Cardiovascular Disease

This week we have more discussion of cardiovascular health. We touch on how statins actually help to lower cardiovascular risk, but also the problems associated with them. We also suggest ways to mitigate these problems. We talk about supplements that help with healthy blood vessels and to keep plaque at bay. We also list some foods that can help with your heart health.