Radio Naturopath Episode 482: More on the Measles Outbreak, Daylight Savings Time: Can We Not?

This was the first week I'd actually BEEN to the Know Your Farmer's Fair so that I could talk about it! A great time was had by all, from getting SO many coasters, to mushroom salt and jerky, to gluten free cookies, to giving Congressman Joe Courtney a hug! Ron got to schmooze the room in his role as co-director of the Mansfield Farm to Families program, and talk to Joe as the registrar of voters for the Town of Mansfield!

Today I talked more about the measles outbreak, and how we shouldn't be so hard on RFKJr. I explained the science behind his offering of vitamin A, cod liver oil, and antibiotics to folks in the outbreak. I also talked about the recent time change to Daylight Savings Time and why we, well, just shouldn't. It's not good for your health! 

Radio Naturopath Episode 477: Valentine's Day: Chocolate for Health, Home-Cooked Valentine's Day

It's almost Valentine's Day, which is also Ron and my 20th anniversary! 20 years, can you believe it? 20 years of chocolate, bicycles, love, support and healing. And also, food. We talk about appreciating each other! Then, of course, since it's valentines day, I talked about the health benefits of chocolate, a yearly tradition. I also gave some healthy alternatives to going out to eat on Valentine's Day, like making dishes at home with heart healthy omega 3s, and lots of produce. 

Radio Naturopath Episode 469: Happy ThanksBirthday to Me, Seasonal Affective Disorder

This week, I talked about how we BAILED from the Manchester Road Race, because Ron's circulation and leg pain and the chilly, pouring rain would have made it too uncomfortable. We may return to Manchester to walk the course on a sunnier day! And soon we'll have some diagnosis as to what's going on with Ron's health and get him back to walking, running, and mostly importantly, CYCLING! 

Also, it was all about Hello Darkness My Old Friend, the sun is setting at 4 PM. All about seasonal affective disorder! What it is, the neurotransmitters involved, and what vitamins and supplements can be helpful. And don't forget the light box, dawn simulators, and just plain getting outside! Basic healthy lifestyle stuff can help too. 

Radio Naturopath Episode 453: How Sleep Affects Hormones

Ron and I are happily improving! I'm back on the bike and we're both getting our strength back. Rest, treatment, smart training, the right supplements. I hope it all keeps progressing! 

This week I talked about the interaction of sleep and hormones. Ideally, we should generally get between 7-9 hours of sleep for good health and specifically hormonal function. In order to have a good interaction of melatonin and cortisol, one sleep-inducing, the other for energy, 7-9 hours is ideal! Also for healthy reproductive function, weight, mood, and immunity: all the hormones that manage these bodily functions benefit from adequate sleep. So don't skimp! Have a wind-down routine, make sure the room is dark and cool, don't overdo sugar and carbs. Sleep is one of the most healing things you can do!

Radio Naturopath Episode 449: Supplements and Herbs for Hypertension; Energy Drinks

This week we got a little more into herbs and supplements for high blood pressure. Lots of people struggle with it, even while on meds. There are so many causes and you can help it from a number of different directions, and these can help. So can basic lifestyle changes like more rest and sleep, eating lots of produce, and limiting sugar, caffeine, and processed foods. We also talked about Energy Drinks: yay or nay? 

Radio Naturopath Episode 432: Lyme/Bartonella and Antibiotics, Natural Help for That Winter Cold

This week I talked about how I went to The Dark Side, and added an antibiotic to my Lyme/Bartonella protocol. I wanted to go after the active organisms that were nagging at me and giving me more tremors. I am continuing to take my Buhner herbs and modified citrus pectin, and added saccharomyces boulardii for extra protection. So far so good! Somewhat less tremors and better mood. I still don't feel done but I understand this is a long haul. 

Ron has a cold, and so far I don't! I thought it was timely to discuss how to prevent and treat colds. The usual: rest, nutrition, hydration, Epsom salt baths, herbs and vitamins, neti pot, nasal spray, gargle, the Wet Sock Treatment and throat compress. Do less stuff and take it easy!

Radio Naturopath Episode 424: Sleep and Melatonin, Collagen and Joints, More LymeBytes

This week, I talked about how the best time to go to sleep is when your cortisol is lowest and your melatonin is highest, which for most people is somewhere between 8 and 11 pm, depending on when you get up and your genetics. If you go to bed too late, your cortisol is starting to rise and melatonin is starting to drop and it's harder to fall and stay asleep! I also talked about how collagen and natural anti-inflammatories are beneficial for joint and disc repair. Then I continued to review and give information gleaned from the LymeBytes conference. I'll do that for one more week and then we'll move on!

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 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 350: Sunshine and The Outdoors For Your Health

This week on Radio Naturopath, I talked about Why Being Outdoors is Good for you. First we discussed the benefits of sunshine, how it helps immunity, hormones, mood, and even FAT LOSS. Who knew??? We also talked about the health benefits of the mountains, forests, and desert. Did you know that there was a Japanese study that showed that spending at least 20 minutes in the woods at least 1x/week INCREASES THE NUMBER OF NATURAL KILLER CELLS YOU HAVE??? And that trees such as pine, cedar, and fir give off phytoncides, which kill infections? What a great reason to spend more time in my backyard, Mansfield Hollow!