
Radio Naturopath
Radio Naturopath Episode 237: Obesity and Flu Susceptibility, HDL and Cholesterol Efflux Capacity, Why Thanksgiving is Good For You!
I read an interesting article about how obesity causes people to have more difficulty fighting influenza, and to make antibodies when given the flu vaccine, so I talk about other steps that you can take. It’s not just about how much HDL you have, but how efficiently your HDL removes cholesterol from your arteries, known as Cholesterol Efflux! Also, health benefits of all your favorite Thanksgiving foods.
Radio Naturopath Episode 236: Multiple Chemical Sensitivities: Genetics, Supplements, Stress Reduction
This week I reviewed Laura Chan, N.D.'s lecture about multiple chemical sensitivities from the NHAND conference. Lots of great information! I reviewed a couple of genetic changes and how they affect you, how stress is related to chemical sensitivity, some of the best supplements for treatment, and more. I had no idea that your HDL level is connected to how well you detoxify!
Radio Naturopath Episode 235: Eat Less Starch and Sugar, Wilson's Sydrome and Hypothryoid, Herbs for Cognition
I kept hearing these PSAs about eating meat as a condiment instead of the main part of your meal, but I have observed that most people overeat starch and sugar, not meat! Use THAT as a condiment! More great topic review from the NHAND Conference! This time, we discuss highlights from Denis Wilson, M.D.’s talk on Hashimoto’s and hypothyroid. We talk about raising body temperature and a few details I didn’t know about how the thyroid works, and some treatment options. Also, Mary Bove, N.D. has some recommendations for herbs to help with cognition.
Radio Naturopath Episode 234: Cardiovascular Health: Cholesterol, LDL, oxLDL
I went to the New Hampshire Association of Naturopathic Doctors conference, and it was AMAZING. I learned so much! In the next few weeks I'll use the various talks at the conference as a starting point for the shows. Today, we expanded upon Decker Weiss, N.M.D.'s great talk on cardiovascular health. We talked about who benefits from taking statins, is LDL really the "bad" cholesterol, and how to keep your blood thin and protect yourself from heart attacks and strokes, naturally. Especially with purple produce!
Radio Naturopath Episode 233: Middle Age Weight Gain, E. Coli, Blood Pressure Meds, Cruciferous Vegetables
Today I talked about all SORTS of stuff. I gave a history of Mischief Night and other assorted names for October 30. Apparently, Mischief Night is just a Jersey thing! There's a new study with ANOTHER reason why middle aged people gain weight. We got the update on Ron and his healing process. There's an easy way to prevent E. Coli infection. Always is taking the female symbol off its menstrual hygiene products! Here's why to take your blood pressure meds at NIGHT. Why you crave starchy, fatty foods when you're sleep deprived. And why cruciferous vegetables are good for you!
Radio Naturopath Episode 232: Estriol and Vaginal Dryness, Enamel-Building Toothpaste, Natural Help for Eye Diseases
This week, we once again checked in with Ron to see how his surgery is healing, and sounds like all is going well! We talked about what supplements he is taking and also SHOULD be taking. I answered a question from email about estriol and vaginal dryness, Also, are those enamel-building toothpastes really worth it? And all about eye disease and natural help, like macular degeneration, cataracts, presbyopia, and glaucoma.
Radio Naturopath Episode 231: Ron's Bout of Gastroenteritis and Hernia Repair, and How to Help
Ron had quite an ordeal! He got acute gastroenteritis while working at an event in the Berkshires, and wound up spending time in the local hospital for hydration. Then he went home, and after a few days of nothing staying down, went to Windham Hospital where they found a hernia and intestinal blockage. Time for emergency repair! He had that on Friday, 10/4 good buddy, and had to stay in the hospital until everything was working again the following Thursday, Meanwhile, I was in Florida until 10/6, and when I returned I had to scour the house of possible Norovirus, the most common and very virulent cause of gastroenteritis! Ron is well on the mend and all's well that ends well. I talked about the clinical aspects of Ron's adventure, how to prevent and treat gastroenteritis, and some things to do after surgery.
Radio Naturopath Episode 230: More Help For Sprains, Preventing Colds and Flu, Genetic Testing for Psychiatric Meds and Conditions
Today we review my progress on healing my sore knee. It's going OK, but now I'm off the bike until Sunday! My chiropractor thinks I need more down time. And then I'll have to go slow and easy when I get back! But I want to heal so I can get in some good fall riding before I have to move indoors.
I've seen so many colds and coughs and so many people with lingering sinus infections and bronchitis that I felt I needed to remind everyone about their cold and cough hygiene! Even Savannah Guthrie on NBC went viral! Neti pots, nasal sprays, lozenges, gargling.
And finally, for people taking meds for depression, anxiety and other psychiatric conditions, I talked about genetic testing to help figure out the meds that will work best and which are contraindicated. I also have testing for which supplements might be more helpful than others, and for vitamin utilization.
Radio Naturopath Episode 229: Natural Help for a Sprained Knee; Why to Not Vape
PHOOEY. I did a dance video that included jumping, and sprained my knee. Now, with all that great fitness I got over the summer, I have to back off on my exercise. I can do light spinning and swimming. I'm also going to the chiropractor and acupuncturist, taking natural anti-inflammatories and stuff to rebuild my ligaments, and (hopefully) getting more rest! I got into specifics on that.
I also talked about vaping today. I don't even think the jury is out; there's just too many health risks for me to recommend it. And it doesn't matter if you're vaping tobacco or cannabis; if you inhale oil, you risk getting lipoid pneumonia. Some people are dying of lipoid pneumonia from vaping. If you inhale oil, and then your lungs become inflamed, it's a vicious cycle of the body mounting an inflammatory response and you not being able to breathe it out! So, people, quit vaping.
Radio Naturopath Episode 228: Remembering 9/11, Eastern Equine Encephalitis
Today is 9/11, so we talked about our hearts going out to those who perished, survivors, people who became gravely ill and even died from inhaling toxins during the firefighting and search and rescue efforts. We talked about how blessed we are that in our country this is not an everyday occurrence and yet we would like to see peace on earth so NOBODY has to experience this. We shouted out to Jon Stewart for championing the rescue workers who became ill so that they could have lifelong federally funded heatlhcare. And we talked about how the town of Gander, Newfoundland hosted the people who were diverted from Europe because the American airspace was closed, and I reminisced about my time there!
We also gave a reminder that Eastern Equine Encephalitis has been found in mosquitoes in Connecticut, and everyone would do well to protect themselves from mosquitoes, although it's rare. I also reminded everyone that tick borne illness is much more common, and we need to protect ourselves from both. For mosquitoes, cover up, bug spray, and stay indoors at dawn and dusk! Bug spray is a good idea to help to prevent tick bites, too.