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 326: 2021 NHAND Highlights Part 2: Natural Help for Viruses, Senior Fitness, Brain Fog, Hiatal Hernia

This week, we did Part 2 of the highlights of the 2021 NHAND conference. We talked about natural help for viruses and summarized a talk about one doctor's use of natural medicine for COVID-19; about why fitness is important for seniors; about brain fog; and about hiatal hernias. We also filled in with a few tidbits about cherries for gout and the Mediterranean diet.

Radio Naturopath Episode 325: NHAND Highlights Part 1: Diabetes Meds, Alcohol and Food Addiction, Calming Herbs, Repro Microbiome

This week, I did a highlight episode for the New Hampshire Association of Naturopathic Doctors convention. There was so much great information that I have to do a Part 1 and Part 2! This week, the topics were about new drugs for Type 2 diabetes; herbs for anxiety, sleep, and relaxation; the reproductive microbiome, beneficial bacteria that live in the vagina, uterus, and ovaries; alcohol's effect on women's health and evidence for reducing intake, and The Science of Food Addiction! All really great speakers and topics and I'll highlight more next week!

Radio Naturopath Episode 324: Supplements, Exercise, and Salt Water for Joint Pain

This week I started with a caveat about COVID-19, as I had two virtual visits with patients with acute cases of COVID-19. They were both vaccinated. I mentioned that if you're eligible, it's a good idea to get the booster, since it appears that immunity is waning from earlier this year and people are tending to spend more time together. It's probably still a good idea to wear masks when indoors, especially when it's hard to distance from people.

I went on to talk more about arthritis, supplements that are helpful such as curcumin, fish oil, and glucosamine, exercise, and salt water. Being in any kind of water is helpful, but salt water has particular benefits!

Radio Naturopath Episode 323: Natural Foods and Your Immunity

This week I talked about nutrition and immunity. There are so many great natural foods that we can eat that have constituents that support our immunity in so many ways. Some of them compete for receptor sites and protect cells against invasion from viruses. Others have antioxidants that protect from damage from cells. Others have anti-inflammatory components that work with various systems in our bodies. Others have compounds that increase the activity of immune cells and proteins. We can get all this from food!

Radio Naturopath Episode 322: Nuts, Collagen, Arthritis and Nutrition

This week, I had a question from a listener about whether it's better to soak nuts before eating. The answer: Ideally, yes, but it's better to eat un-soaked nuts than not at all, unless you have a sensitivity to them. I don't like to make it harder for patients to eat healthy foods if they're in the habit of eating a lot of processed foods. Once they're eating a good complement of healthy foods, then we can discuss whether it's a good idea to soak, sprout, or ferment nuts. For some people, that would be a deal breaker because of the extra time and effort!

I also have been frequently asked whether it's useful to take collagen supplements, and we discuss. For some people it can be very helpful! We distinguish between collagen and general protein supplements. Because collagen is so helpful for joint pain and arthritis, we discuss nutrition to reduce and help arthritis pain.

Radio Naturopath Episode 321: Dietary Fats and Your Health

This week I talked about fats. Essential fatty acids, saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsatured, medium chain triglycerides. Certain fats are really good for your health, and certain fats really aren't. You need to eat healthy fats for cellular and body structure and to prevent inflammation. We talk about the different kinds of fats and where they're found in your food.

We also started with an update on Ron and his health, and how reducing his dose of metoprolol helped him to feel better.

Radio Naturopath Episode 320: Chromium, Cinnamon, Berberines, and Your Blood Sugar

This week I talked about blood sugar. A listener wanted to know about the best for of chromium to use, so I compared chromium picolinate to GTF chromium, which is polynicotinate. I also talked about a number of supplements that can be helpful in regulating blood sugar, such as berberines, cinnamon, gymnema, probiotics, and more!

Radio Naturopath Episode 319: Migraines: Ocular, Common, Classic, and Help for Prevention and Treatment

This week, I talked about migraines, how they happen, what meds get used, how to help to prevent them and how natural medicine and lifestyle fits in. I'm so lucky, I had an ocular migraine that sent me to the ER thinking I had a stroke! But I didn't, I got diagnosed with ocular migraine. So, more rest, more hydration, more beach and nature, less sugar.

Radio Naturopath Episode 318: Move It or Lose It: Osteoporosis: Keep Your Bones!

This week I was on my own, and I focused on osteoporosis. I talked about what it is, incidence, prevalence and treatments. I talked about the different pharmaceuticals that are used to help it and how they work. I also talked a lot about lifestyle, especially exercise, diet, and supplements that can be helpful. It's not just all about calcium!