Radio Naturopath Episode 256: Stop Calling It Lockdown; A View of the Bakersfield Doctors; Why Sourdough Bread is Good For You

This week, I first addressed the term "lockdown". I strongly discourage the use of the word because it magnifies the panic, fear, and drama present during the pandemic. At  no point in the US has anyone been manditorily "locked down" in their homes on pain of legal repercussion. We have all been able to leave our homes to exercise and access essential services. I recommend using calmer terms like "stay at home", "stay safe stay home", physical (not social) distance, and Wash Your Hands and Wear A Mask. Let's use word that bring us together supportively. Also, let's use words that accurately describe what we're doing!

I also addressed the two doctors from Bakersfield, California, and discussed their premises, the public reaction to them, and my own thoughts. I don't agree that there is no need for masks and modifying how we do business!

Also, sourdough is all the rage. Why is it good for you? Ron and I are going to try to make it gluten free!

Radio Naturopath Episode 255: Coronavirus and Masking; Where We Stand; Foods That May Block Corovirus Cell Binding

Today I talked about how people criticize folks who wear masks in their cars and encourage them to not be so judgy. I talked about my current position on the pandemic, which is basically to focus on everyday, practical information that can help my friends and loved ones, patients, and even me! I also talked about the studies on how reproductive hormone therapy may be helpful to fight the virus. And a number of natural compounds from food that compete for binding sites on cells and make protect people from serious illness! Also, is carbonated water good for you?

Radio Naturopath Episode 254: Coronavirus and Clots, Studies on Hydroxychloroquine and Azithromycin, WHO's Coronavirus Myths

I talked about some French studies on the use of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin together, which shows possible promise. I also went through the WHO's COVID-19 mythbusting page, which contained such food for thought as Taking Disinfectants and Bleach Internally are poisonous and don't cure coronavirus, and 5G EMF do not cause the coronavirus. (Really??) Most of those were somewhat humorous, but some, like eating garlic and nasal washing, are unproven but make sense.

Radio Naturopath Episode 253: Melatonin, Sleep and Coronavirus; Why Daylight Savings Time is Bad for You; Eat Your Veggies!

This week, I focused on sleep and melatonin. I talked about why they're helpful for fighting off the coronavirus, and how to get better sleep, including some supplements and herbs. I also talked about why daylight savings time is bad for you! Another good reason to live in Arizona. Also, remember to eat your leafy greens!

Radio Naturopath Episode 252: Happy 4/20! Cannabis, Coronavirus, Inflammation; Obesity in the USA

Well, TODAY is 4/20/20, so we thought we'd talk about CHOCOLATE. No, I'm kidding, of course it's Cannabis Day in the USA! So we talked about the benefits of CBD for pain and inflammation, and that it possibly calm the inflammation of the coronavirus. It also can help with anxiety during the pandemic. We also discussed weight during the pandemic, some suggestions to ease it, and the fact that we're up to 42% obesity in the USA.

Radio Naturopath Episode 251: Coronavirus: Basic Supplements and Possible Drug Therapies, Lifestyle Changes, Kindness

This week, I focused on the basic supplements that are thought to be helpful, emphasizing that there is no one thing that has been definitively proven to eradicate SARS-CoV-2. We are using common sense with things that work for viruses in general. The same goes for the use of pharmaceuticals, although there are some clinical trials on hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, and a new drug called APNO1. It's still necessary to wash, rest, and physically distance. 

I also discussed the importance of exercise, clean eating, and cleaning the nose, throat, and of course hands. I finished with the importance of kindness at this time.

Radio Naturopath Episode 250: Coronavirus and Telehealth; Your Health and Going Outdoors!

Ron and I are still recording in our state-of-the-art studio in the bustling metropolis of beautiful downtown Mansfield Hollow, CT, while simulcasting to the universe on @franstorchnd on Facebook Live. You can go to @franstorchnd which will take you to my Facebook page and you can watch the Facebook Live anytime, and comment on it too! Today I reminded people that they can use telehealth by phone or non-public-facing apps to have visits with their practitioners, whether naturopathic, M.D., counseling, and any other kind of practitioner, and insurance will likely cover it! The BIG thing I wanted to convey is how great it is for you to get outside. There are numerous studies on spending time outdoors and various health parameters. For example, being outdoors in nature lowers cortisol and therefore stress, lowers blood pressure, improves mood. Surprise! I speculate on the science behind why that might be.

Radio Naturopath Episode 249: Coronavirus and Cytokine Storm, Mental Health, Economics

More discussion of COVID-19.  I talked about Doing the 5: hands, arm, elbow, feet, feel. I also discussed the psychiatric impact the pandemic will have on people. Also, I discussed that there are many people, especially entrepreneurs and small business owners, as well as hourly workers, whose businesses will suffer terribly economically. Our beloved Coriander Cafe in Eastford, CT has shuttered its doors for good, and there's more to come. We talked about how the actual stress of the pandemic may increase the risk of some catching the virus due to stress! We also reminded people of all the great herbs that can calm the cytokine storm, the actual event that causes SARS. 

Radio Naturopath Episode 248: The Latest on Coronavirus; Elderberry for Nerve Pain, Cinnamon and Ginger for Diabetes and Inflammation

The 2020 Coronavirus outbreak is not only historic in its scope, but in the response to it. I’ve never seen such an intense global response to an illness. Conferences, sporting events, concerts, public events canceled. Universities and schools shutting down for the semester. People being encouraged to practice social distancing, stay home more, only go to the doctor if it’s a real emergency, change travel plans. Businesses being affected, including my own. And the big question: how long will we be in this status? We try to sort through the info glut for some basic practical information.

Also, elderberry is good for nerve pain, ginger for inflammation, and cinnamon for diabetes!

Radio Naturopath Episode 247: Yet More Coronavirus, Heart Healthy Foods

This week we reviewed the wonderful Know Your Farmer Fair, where I got a great pair of alpaca wool gloves, some fire cider, and a horse hair bracelet. We got to talk with local farmers about their wares! Ron and I both had a great time.

I talked YET MORE about the coronavirus, elaborated on herbs for different purposes: ginger and turmeric to reduce inflammation, marshmallow root, elecampane and mullein to stop viruses from sticking to mucous membranes, echinacea, mushrooms, and eleuthero to support the immune system. We also talked about whether you need masks, washing your hands, and resting. We just have to see what happens as more people contract the virus, or if efforts at containment are successful. 

I also talked about great heart healthy foods! Walnuts, olives and their monounsaturated fats; berries and cherries and anthocyanins; and COCOA FLAVONOLS. Yum!