Radio Naturopath Episode 392: Overdoing It; Statins, Side Effects, Anti-Inflammatory Alternatives

We talked about how it can be easy to overdo it when the weather gets nice all of a sudden. Make hay while the sun shines, right? We get really industrious and want to take care of our WHOLE yard. Or we go from riding one hour at a time on our indoor bike trainer to riding 62 MILES. And then we wonder why we're sore all over, hurt our back, or are super exhausted! It's OK to take it easy and ease into the outdoor joys of the season. 

We also continued our series on cardiovascular health. Today we focused on statin drugs: how they work, their side effects, and how to reduce inflammation in other ways. Cardiovascular health is a very rich topic so we'll be getting into this for a few more weeks!

Radio Naturopath Episode 334: Are Eggs, Red Meat, Red Wine, and Saturated Fat Good For You?

Today we talked about food! There ARE actually health benefits to eggs, red meat, and red wine, and it looks like saturated fat isn't really the thing that raises your LDL cholesterol. Naturally, if eggs are free range, if beef is grass fed, if you drink wine in moderation, they are likely good for your health! There are some reasons that are NOT directy eggs or meat that may skew the numbers in the wrong direction. And saturated fat is generally not going to affect your cardiovascular health. Because it's saturated, it doesn't tend to oxidize and therefore damage your blood vessels!

Radio Naturopath Episode 306: A Month After Bypass Surgery: Ron's Experience

This week, we talk to Ron at length about his progress, just one month past his coronary artery bypass graft surgery. We specifically ask him about his healing scars, healing bones, how he's doing with exercise, meds, and most importantly, his mental state. People who have undergone cardiac surgery can go through many varied feelings and psychiatric issues, and it's important to attend to those as they are occuring.

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 290: Rest After the COVID-19 Vaccine, Sea Buckthorn, Qi Gong, Heart Healthy Food and Exercise

I found that lots of people getting the COVID-19 vaccination are having some symptoms afterward, and are taking anti-inflammatories and going on with their lives. I encouraged avoiding those if possible, and getting rest to maximize the effects of the vaccine.

We had a question about sea buckthorn oil, which is great for cholesterol and skin health. We also had a question about the benefits of qi gong, a Taoist meditative movement form that is linked to the meridians.

We also talked about heart-healthy foods and exercise, and how lipoic acid can be helpful for tinnitus.

Radio Naturopath Episode 286: COVID-19 Vaccine Symptom Report; Get Some Rest; How Exercise Improves Metabolic Health

Today I talked about the upcoming New Year and how we're looking forward to 2021 being a better year than 2020. I also wished my mom a Happy Birthday since her birthday is broadcast day, December 30. I reported on side effects that people I know who have had the COVID-19 vaccine have gotten (minor to none). I also talked about graduating from my orthopedic office because my fracture is healed! Still some soreness and reduced ROM but mostly better.

Then I talked about a nice study on the metabolic effects of exercise, There is this protein, DICER, It helps to amplify the effects of ATP and AMPK in fat metabolism, and exercise causes people to produce more. I talked more about metabolic syndrome and the importance of sleep, taking breaks from eating in fat loss, and varying the intensity of exercise that you do.

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!

Bicycle Talk Episode 130: Indoor Cycling for Winter Fitness; Go Slow to Go Fast; Saddle Height; Winter Weight Loss; Swimming for Cyclists

Fran guest hosts today! I talk about how ANY indoor training class can be good for you, whether focusing on classic cycling styles or fitness classes such as Soul Cycle. You gotta go slow to go fast; it’s good for your head and actually boosts your cardiovascular system! Get the right saddle height for comfort and efficiency. Some tips on getting that weight down in the winter. Plus, why SWIMMING should be your next cross-training sport!

Radio Naturopath Episode 196: Erectile Dysfunction: Cardiovascular and Hormones Naturally

Here are the facts about erectile dysfunction and improving sexual health for men. Of course, I talk about improving cardiovascular health with diet, exercise and stress reduction, and improving hormonal health in the same way. There are some supplements and herbs that can be helpful. But it's like a lot of things, diet, exercise, and stress reduction!

Radio Naturopath Episode 179: Prevention in Health, Lichen Sclerosus, Healthy Produce

This week we talk about PREVENTION, the 6th basic principle of naturopathic medicine. You want to try to prevent an illness before it occurs! So you look at a person's medical history, family history, environment, resources. You also want to make sure that the person lives in an healthy environment, and that there are COMMUNITY and WORLD resources so that person can be outdoors, eat good food, exercise, and reduce their stress. Prevention is about the personal and also about the community!

I also talk about lichen sclerosus, an inflammatory skin condition that mostly happens to menopausal women. I've seen a rash (!!) of cases lately! There are some conventional and natural ways to treat it. 

Also a good reminder to eat that summer produce!