Radio Naturopath Episode 405: Supplements for Atherosclerosis; Spinal Stenosis and Disc Disease

Today we talked about a few supplements for atherosclerosis, then went on to discuss back issues. We're "back" to spinal stenosis, which is what my mom has, and herniated/bulging discs, which is what I have.  There's lots you can do shy of surgery. My mom is having minimally invasive injections to her spine; I'm trying to avoid that, and taking supplements like magnesium, curcumin, SPMs, and phosphatidylserine. I'm also having chiropractic and did a float tank, where you lie in a bath with 1100 lb. of Epsom salt and float for an hour! NO PAIN the whole time you're in there! It doesn't fix it immediately but it helps a lot. I also have been doing Yoga Nidra which reduces the pain through stress reduction. I'll keep us posted on all the things I try.

Radio Naturopath Episode 404: Evaluation of Chest Pain, All About Atherosclerosis

This week, we reminded people to stay hydrated because IT'S HOT OUT THERE. Water, electrolytes, salt, shade, AC, swimming, all good! We moved on to the differential diagnosis of chest pain and how patients are evaluated if they have it. Word to the wise: go straight to the ER. If you're having a heart attack, they are better equipped to treat you if you go to the hospital. It could be just a muscle spasm, but it might be a heart attack or blood clot, which are life threatening. Nobody will think you went unnecessarily! Just go! We then talked about atherosclerosis, what and where it is, and how it's treated conventionally. We'll talk about natural treatments next week.

Radio Naturopath Episode 373: The Pros and Cons of Sugar

This week we talked about SUGAR, because the eating season has started! Mmmm, Halloween candy. And now Thanksgiving is upon us and it's officially the holiday season. Sirius XM already has its holiday channels playing! So, we talked about the pros and cons of sugar. I've come to the conclusion that if you deprive people completely of sweets, they will crave them and want to eat more. Even people on ketogenic diets have chocolatey goodies with sugar alcohols in them! However, if you eat too much sugar, it can lead to various illnesses, ranging from fatigue and mood disorders, to acne, to heart disease and cancer! So, of course, moderation is key.

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.

Radio Naturopath Episode 305: Chest Pain, Stroke, and Pulse Rate

This week we continued the discussion about cardiovascular health, and checked in with Ron about his healing process. He is getting along great! However, the metoprolol is making him very sleepy, even though it's allowing him a good rest.

This week we talked about the various things that can present with chest pain, from as mild as a pulled muscle to as serious as a heart attack, and everything in between. If you have new chest pain that doesn't let up, it's a good idea to go straight to the ER.

We also talked about the signs of stroke and causes, from ischemic to hemorrhagic and thrombotic vs. embolic. High blood pressure is a major cause of stroke, and most strokes happen in women and are thrombotic or embolic.

We began to talk about heart healthy foods and will talk more next week! We also talked about variations in resting pulse and what that might mean.

Radio Naturopath Episode 304: Cardiovascular Disease: Ron's Bump In The Road

We talked about Ron's experience of chest discomfort and shortness of breath during exertion, and how that led us to have him go to first his primary care physician, then the walk-in, and then finally consult with cardiology. It turns out this healthy fit guy had cardiovascular disease! It was pretty severe, and he had no idea because he had no marked symptoms until his arteries were over 90% blocked. So, here's the saga of his surgery, his aftereffects, his recuperation and treatment! Couldn't happen to a nicer guy.

Radio Naturopath Episode 269: Atherosclerosis in the Aorta, Hip Bursitis

This week on Radio Naturopath I responded to two questions from listeners. The first was about reducing atherosclerotic plaque in the aorta: so the whole thing about reducing oxidative stress, eating less sugar and processed foods, drinking less alcohol, getting exercising, eating healthy fats and avoiding poor quality ones. 

I also talked about hip bursitis: what it is, how it's generally treated, and how to feel better.