Radio Naturopath Episode 386: You May Still Want To Protect Yourself From COVID-19

This week, we talked about our update coming out of COVID-19, and how we might still want to protect ourselves from getting it. People are not as concerned about it as they once were, since more people who get it now how some kind of immunity, whether through vaccination or past infection. But if you DON'T want to catch it because you're concerned about your health or for someone you care about who you'll be around, you still may want to protect yourself! Here's some things to consider.

Radio Naturopath Episode 385: What We Did When COVID-19 Came to Our House

This week we talked about our FIRSTHAND EXPERIENCE with COVID-19. How we think we managed to finally catch it, our symptom course, how we treated it, how we are easing back into our exercise. Hint: you can't just jump back into your normal exercise routine, and it's not just because you've lost fitness. You have to go SLOWLY and really listen to your body. It's also a good idea to make sure you don't have any excessive clotting factors, or at least eat foods and take supplements that aid in blood thinning. It took three years but here we are! I think for most people, unfortunately, it's just a matter of time. 

Radio Naturopath Episode 384: Happy Valentine's Day 2023! Chocolate, Vanilla, and Love Hormones

This week Ron and I commemorated our Valentine's Day anniversary, and then talked about more health benefits of chocolate. We even talked about the health benefits of vanilla, which are somewhat similar! And who knew that Richard Cadbury, the 19th century English chocolatier, started the tradition of chocolate gifts on Valentine's Day. He also created the first chocolate that was affordable for the masses! Milton Hershey and Russell Stover followed soon behind. We also touched on some feel-good hormones, like oxytocin and phenylethylamine. 

Radio Naturopath Episode 383: Too Much Sitting is Bad For You and How to Fix It

This week we talked about how much SITTING people do, at desks, computers, and on couches. It's just not good for your cardiovascular health, and it raises your blood sugar. Conversely, if you sit a lot and get up periodically, you can mitigate these effects! A little stretching, exercise, and walking around has been found to DRAMATICALLY decrease the health risks associated with sitting. So walk up the stairs, down the hall, outside, or just get up and stretch!

Radio Naturopath Episode 382: Help for Seasonal Affective Disorder, Embrace the Darkness

So, of course, the topic of the week is Seasonal Affective Disorder, since those who suffer, probably are right now. We talked about diagnosis, possible medications, melatonin, exercise, and lightbox therapy. We also talked about embracing the season, like the Danish tradition of Hygge, hunkering down and getting cozy! I've been doing plenty of that. We also talked about why it's important to actually embrace darkness, the ways that it's good for your health. 

Radio Naturopath Episode 381: Journaling for Health, Easy Ways to Reduce Stress

We talked about the health benefits of journaling. From organizing your thoughts, to objectively stepping back from things that upset you, to planning for your upcoming life, it can really help with your health! Journaling has been studied to reduce stress. It's a simple thing to do help with your life!

We also talked about all kinds of ways to reduce stress. Like, journaling! Also, some unsurprising things like deep breathing, yoga, massage, napping, time with pets, cuddling. 

Radio Naturopath Episode 380: Welcome to 2023! Now Let's Sleep Better!

This week, after talking about how Ron and I and my friends at the Herd virtual bike club prefer spending New Year's Eve in jammies with Ryan Seacrest or Miley and Dolly, I talked about SLEEP again. It is so important. I want people to make sure they get good sleep to help their immunity, mental health, exercise performance and even INITIATION, and body composition! And I'm going to order some blue light glasses without magnification for TV watching. I talked about nutrition, blue light, room temperature, and making sure your bed is comfortable!

Radio Naturopath Episode 379: Happy New Year! Easy Resolutions for 2023; Weight Loss 101

Today, of course, I talked about New Year's resolutions, things people can resolve to do but aren't gargantuan and you don't feel like you've failed at them after two weeks. They are more things that take a little effort once in a while, like volunteering at a food pantry, creating a gratitude journal and writing in it only when you feel like it, and resolving to exercise because it feels good and not because you feel like you have to. Doing bite-sized self-improvement actions can be really helpful! Another one I emphasized is that it's OK to rest MORE, take some down time and do less stuff. Restoration and rejuvenation are really important this time of year!

I also reviewed the basic principles of fat loss, as I like to do periodically, and people are definitely interested in that this time of year. The most important thing? REST! It lowers cortisol, reducing blood sugar and insulin and making restorative hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone more available. The LEAST? Supplements. Fat loss happens in an enviroment of caloric restriction and hormonal balance. Supplements can only go so far in helping with that; you have to change what you do.

Radio Naturopath Episode 378: Happy Hanukkah 5783! Better Sleep, Natural Light for Health

This week we talked about the history of the festival of Hanukkah in honor of the holiday. All about the history of latkes, the miracle of the oil, and how to play dreidl. it's a fun little celebration, bringing light in the time of darkness!

I went on to talk about getting better sleep, so important this time of year when we feel like catching up on extra. Hint: if you can't sleep, it's NOT a good idea to have caffeine! We also discussed the positive effects of getting natural light. 

Radio Naturopath Episode 377: Winter Hydration, Healthy Natural Sweeteners

A patient came in recently and talked about how she forgets to drink water, especially this time of year. I reminded everyone how important that is, and encouraged keeping water around, flavoring it, choosing a temperature that works for you, and more. I also reminded people of a few healthy tips for dry hair!

Then we finished the topic of sweeteners, and talked about the health benefits of some natural caloric sweeteners. You still need to keep your added sugar consumption low, but there are actual nutrients in sweeteners like coconut sugar, real maple syrup, raw honey, and blackstrap molasses.