Radio Naturopath Episode 387: Help for Colds and Flus 2023

This week we delved more into the cold and flu season, which is not over, and gave various recommendations for prevention and treatment. This doesn't get old, because we keep catching these things, COVID or not! One teaser: MUSHROOMS. Eat them!  They are great immune boosters.

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 372: Is the Pandemic Over? Flu Shot? Natural Cold/Flu Remedies!

Today we talked about the nice weather and the coming dark. Then we launched into whether the pandemic is really over, and it turns out it's not a simple answer. The World Health Organization and the CDC don't announce it. It's basically over when people start acting like it's over, whether or not there are still a lot of cases out there. In that sense, it's kind of over. But people are still catching COVID-19, and some are getting very ill with it. We're each left to our own discretion as to how we handle it. We discuss how one might do that.

Should you get a flu shot? Maybe. Probably. Are there natural ways to manage the cold and flu season? Of course. There are no guarantees but there are great ways to manage your path through the season. Hint: don't throw out those masks yet. Here's some natural remedies to help you through!

Radio Naturopath Episode 371: Help For Septic System, COVID-19, RSV, and Flu: Prevention/Care

The reason I didn't make a new show last week is because after a busy, somewhat stressful weekend, our septic system backed up! So, because stress reduction and using the bathroom are both definitely naturopathic topics, I discussed our lessons learned and remedies for prevention of septic backup. Hint: 3 and 4 ply, non-biodegradable, fluffy toilet paper used by cute bears is NOT good for septic!

Back to COVID-19. I talked about how mass gatherings are still spreading it, but how people are generally not getting as sick with the Omicron variants that predominate. With copious disclaimers, I discussed some basick naturopathic self-care that can help to prevent and reduce the severity of infection. I also began a discussion of influenza, including whether people might want to get vaccinated against it. More information next week!

Radio Naturopath Episode 230: More Help For Sprains, Preventing Colds and Flu, Genetic Testing for Psychiatric Meds and Conditions

Today we review my progress on healing my sore knee. It's going OK, but now I'm off the bike until Sunday! My chiropractor thinks I need more down time. And then I'll have to go slow and easy when I get back! But I want to heal so I can get in some good fall riding before I have to move indoors.

I've seen so many colds and coughs and so many people with lingering sinus infections and bronchitis that I felt I needed to remind everyone about their cold and cough hygiene! Even Savannah Guthrie on NBC went viral! Neti pots, nasal sprays, lozenges, gargling.

And finally, for people taking meds for depression, anxiety and other psychiatric conditions, I talked about genetic testing to help figure out the meds that will work best and which are contraindicated. I also have testing for which supplements might be more helpful than others, and for vitamin utilization.

Radio Naturopath Episode 169: Protect Yourself: Rest, Natural Sunscreen and Bug Spray; ORAC, Elderberry, STILL The Flu?, and Yogurt Parfaits!

It's suddenly summer! You CAN overdo it with the SUDDEN arrival of summer-like weather, that too much yard work or exercise can be too much of a good thing. Take good breaks in between! Stretch, drink water, tea, and fizzy stuff, relax. Also remember to break out the sunscreen and bug spray! I've got some ideas for some good natural ingredients. Plus, antioxidants and that ORAC value, elderberry and the Late Flu Season, and how to make a yummy yogurt parfait! HINT: VEGAN yogurt is AWESOME, especially coconut and my new fave, CASHEW! 

Radio Naturopath Episode 166: Second Flu Wave, Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria, Acrylamides in Coffee but It's Still Good For You

Unfortunately, there's a 2nd wave of flu, so I had to alert everyone. I have to remind you to wash and santize your hands, use neti-pots with sea salt and xylitol, nasal sprays, and gargle, and get the shot if you must. Also, some info about antibiotic resistant bacteria, and how natural medicine can help! But probiotics can be a double-edged sword. Then we find out that coffee contains acrylamides! But the level those in even the blondest roast, French-pressed cups still pale in comparison to potato and other kinds of chips. There really isn't enough to write home about, and coffee's benefits far outweigh the acrylamides. Of course, you still have to be careful if you get headaches, achy muscles, high blood pressure, or heart rhythm abnormalities from too much coffee.But it helps with diabetes, exercise performance, and cognition!

Radio Naturopath Episode 151: Hurray for Jones, Remembering Myron Storch, Flu Vaccine Only Gives 10% Protection??

Today's Radio Naturopath did a Hurray for Justice since we have No Moore and Yes Jones in Alabama. I also remembered my father a bit, since this is the first anniversary of his death on December 13, 2016, and a little about grief. Then I went on to rant about the 10% success rate of the flu vaccine, and reminded people that if they get a vaccination, it doesn't just give them a pass to be cavalier about catching stuff. You still have to neti, gargle, take elder, exercise, rest, and eat your veggies! 

Radio Naturopath Episode 149: Melatonin, Meningitis, Forskolin and Weight Loss, Eat the Peel, More Cold and Flu Prevention

This week was kind of a hodgepodge. We answered some listener's questions and went down roads they took us. Is sublingual melatonin helpful for sleep? How is meningitis spread? If you drop a forskolin capsule in organic apple cider vinegar, will it help you lose weight? Can you eat orange and banana peels, and are they good for you? Turns out, orange peels are great for reducing respiratory inflammation, and bananas are nutritional powerhouses, full of fiber, vitamins B12 and B6, plus potassium and magnesium! Plus once again, we review cold and flu prevention and treatment. Alwyas a great topic this time of year! 

Vitamin D: The Sunshine Vitamin That Helps With Mood, Pain, Cancer Prevention, and Much More!

Vitamin D is VERY important. There are Vitamin D receptors in every cell in your body. Of course, it's important for calcium and magnesium absorption and metabolism. But did you know it's important in mood, pain, immunity, and fighting cancer? Also, really it's a HORMONE, because our bodies make it from cholesterol, and it's converted to active vitamin D3 by sunlight! We address how much time you should spend in the sun vs. taking a supplement.