Radio Naturopath Episode 348: All About Irritable Bowel Syndrome

This week is for the folks with tender bellies. We reviewed irritable bowel syndrome, which is always worth a discussion. We talked about what it is, how food intolerances are involved, what supplements to take, and of course, the most important item, stress reduction. Stress reduction can really reduce symptoms!

Radio Naturopath Episode 316: Neti Pots, Nasal Sprays and Gargling; Help for Diverticulosis-Itis

This week we talked about the benefits of nasal rinses, such as neti pots and nasal sprays with salt and xylitol. These can be helpful in preventing and treating respiratory infections. Although they are not strictly proven, it does make sense to have good respiratory hygiene. I think it's a useful practice during the pandemic.

We also talked about diverticulosis and diverticulitis. This is a very common problem so I get frequent requests to discuss it. Acutely, you need bowel rest, probably antibiotics, probiotics, and a liquid diet. For prevention, it's fiber, fiber fiber! Fiber improves bowel tone and makes it so that food does not get stuck in the diverticular pockets.

Radio Naturopath Episode 283: Happy Hanukkah! Our COVID-19 Quarantine and Helpful Supplements, Pelvic Pain

Last Thursday, Ron had an acute GI bug, from which he recovered very quickly. However, unknown bugs are COVID-19 until proven otherwise. Here's how Ron and I handled it; it included getting tested and quarantining! I also answered a listener's questions about supplements to help to prevent or mitigate the illness.

Happy Hanukkah! I talked a little about that.

I also did a review of pelvic pain and natural treatment, as taken from Lise Alschuler's lecture at the NHAND conference.

Radio Naturopath Episode 271: COVID-19 Safety Reminder, Bowel Habits During Travel, Gout

I gave a review of good COVID-19 safety practices, reminding everyone that the way we're still spreading this virus is spending time with too many people in close quarters, especially indoors and without masks. This is not a great time to go to bars or attend parties, and probably not even to eat in restaurants! The virus will die out without hosts, so if we mask, sanitize, limit how many people we come in contact with, and do it in a safe way, the virus will eventually die out. We are by no means there yet, so all those practices still need to be followed. 

Ron asked a great question: why do my bowel habits change when I travel? Mostly because of the stress of not being in your own, safe bathroom! Also diet change to some extent, but I think it's mostly that we need to feel safe when we're in the bathroom, and the hotel or highway bathroom doesn't cut it!

I talked about gout: what it is, where it tends to occur, how to eat and drink to prevent it, and some meds and supplements that are used. 

Radio Naturopath Episode 231: Ron's Bout of Gastroenteritis and Hernia Repair, and How to Help

Ron had quite an ordeal! He got acute gastroenteritis while working at an event in the Berkshires, and wound up spending time in the local hospital for hydration. Then he went home, and after a few days of nothing staying down, went to Windham Hospital where they found a hernia and intestinal blockage. Time for emergency repair! He had that on Friday, 10/4 good buddy, and had to stay in the hospital until everything was working again the following Thursday, Meanwhile, I was in Florida until 10/6, and when I returned I had to scour the house of possible Norovirus, the most common and very virulent cause of gastroenteritis! Ron is well on the mend and all's well that ends well. I talked about the clinical aspects of Ron's adventure, how to prevent and treat gastroenteritis, and some things to do after surgery.

Radio Naturopath Episode 145: Tips for Staying Healthy While Traveling!

Traveling can pose some challenges to your health. Planes have recirculated air and people cough and sneeze in them! There's awesome health habits, like taking herbal sprays, elder liquid or lozenges, cleansing the nose and throat, sleeping, and drinking water, and much more! Stay healthy so you can enjoy what's on the other end of that journey!