Radio Naturopath Episode 441: More on PCSK-9 Inhibitor Myopathy, Caffeine Health Effects

This week, we unfortunately found out that Ron had to get off his bike to help his legs heal further. The PCSK-9 inhibitor may still be in his body, and when he exerts himself his muscles hurt. We are doing everything we can to speed the process of healing, including proteolytic enzymes to break down the drug, milk thistle to rebuild liver cells, and resveratrol to protect his arteries from further damage. It's going to take TIME. As for me, I rode 32 miles yesterday and feel good! My femoral jnerve pain is greatly reduced since the ride. I am assuming the ride provided positioning and circulation to get the nerve out of the way. 

We then talked about negative effects of caffeine. As delicious as a good cold brew or your favorite coffee with creamer is, too much caffeine can lead to dependence, insomnia, heart rhythm issues, and digestive issues, to name a few. We get into it here!

Radio Naturopath Episode 439: Statin-Induced Myopathy in Athletes, Post-Exertional Malaise

This week, we talked more specifically about statin- and cholesterol-lowering medication induced myopathy. Ron is only a tiny bit better but still can't ride his bike outdoors. We talked about studies showing that athletes and people of lower body habitus tend to have more bad reactions to cholesterol lowering medications. My hypothesis is that doctors often don't dial in lower doses for these people, that they're using the same doses they would for larger people. We're still helping Ron with various natural medicine supplements. We also talked about post-exertional malaise: how it's a feature of chronic fatigue syndrome and other illnesses like autoimmunity, long COVID, and tick borne illness, and how to circumvent it Adaptogen herbs help too! We got started on the use of shilajit and will pick up on that next week. 

Radio Naturopath Episode 438: Musculoskeletal Side Effects of Repatha, Cordyceps, Sida acuta

Poor Ron. He had to get off his bike after less than 2 miles on a gravel ride. The evolocumab is still exerting its effects. We're thinking critically about the mechanisms of action of his musculoskeletal distress and responding accordingly. We are reducing inflammation, helping him to rebuild muscle, offering items to reduce the risk of atherosclerotic buildup, and something to help to break down any leftover drug in his body based on the pharmacokinetic of the compound. We are hoping he will be back to riding happily in a few weeks! Meanwhile, we also continue on the health benefits of cordyceps and my new friend, the mallow Sida acuta. 

Radio Naturopath Episode 436: Cholesterol Meds Side Effects, Benefits of Eleuthero, Spirulina, Chlorella

This week, we continued to review my ups and downs with chronic tick borne illness, and some new things that I learned, like the benefits of spirulina, chlorella, eleuthero, and other adaptogens. We also talked about Ron and how his latest cholesterol meds have likely dropped his cholesterol too low for his health, and what other options he has. Then we went on to find out the specific health benefits of spirulina, eleuthero, and got started on chlorella. Blue green algae! Great antioxidants!

Radio Naturopath Episode 430: Lyme, Bartonella, Lymphatic Cleansing; Supplements for Healthy Aging

This week we talked about how to keep the lymphatics flowing, especially with tick borne illness. Float tanks, epsom salt baths, lemon water, skin brushing, herbs, all great! Also getting back to cardio exercise. Move it! We also talked about a number of supplements that can be helpful for healthy aging. I am particularly impressed with EGCG from green tea which is a great antioxidant, helps with healthy gene expression, may be cancer protective, and improves mitochondrial function, which means it can improve energy. All good stuff! 

Radio Naturopath Episode 417: My Favorite Supplements: Magnesium, Curcumin, Fish Oil, Resveratrol, Olive Oil

This week I talked a little about the reunion, and updates on my progress with nervous system and orthopedic stuff, which right now are doing OK! Then we talked about some my Bill Gurley the expert, and my favorite supplements, and why. We both like curcumin. He likes tea tree oil and a multivitamin. I also like fish oil, magnesium, and resveratrol. Antioxidants are awesome!

Radio Naturopath Episode 414: Migraines, Epsom Salts Baths, Float Tanks

Today I updated on how I'm healing and the hypothesis that I have migraines, and some ways to help to prevent them naturally. Riboflavin and magnesium are awesome! I also talked about how Epsom salts can help you, whether in a bath at home or in a float tank. We started talking about the benefits of being outdoors but we'll save that for next show. 

Radio Naturopath Episode 393: Statins, Ezetimibe, PCSK-9 Inhibitors, Cholesterol and Health

This week I continued with my series on cardiovascular health. We explored how statin drugs work to lower cholesterol and how they cause detrimental side effects. We talked about another commonly used drug that also has side effects, ezetimibe. And there's the somewhat newer PCSK-9 inhibitors, which lower cholesterol by an alternate mechanism. For some people, they have less side effects, but not necessarily. We also began to discuss some of the natural ways to lower cholesterol, and some cholesterol testing besides the common LDL, HDL, and triglyceride testing that can go deeper into helping the decision on whether to medicate.

Radio Naturopath Episode 391: Back Pain: The Ol' Reach 'n' Seize; ApoB100 and Cardiovascular Health

Last week, I did the ol' Reach 'n' Seize with my low back. You know how you were just fine a minute ago, then you reached for the mayo in the fridge and your back just SEIZED UP and now it hurts to tie your shoes? Well, I did that a week ago, only I was on my bike trainer and reached for the iPad. I was very fortunate to be able to see the chiropractor that day. I talked about what can lead up to that, how to prevent it, and nutrition, exercise, and topicals to use to help it. 

We then finally got started on cardiovascular issues, and focused on Apolipoprotein B100. This is an important measure that most doctors don't do. Specifically, if your doctor is about to order you statins or you've already been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, it's important to know your ApoB100/ApoAOA1 ratio. The ApoB carries LDL, while A carries HDL, which is cardioprotective. If you have high cholesterol but also a low ApoB/A ratio, you have much lower cardiovascular risk! More on cardiovascular issues next week.

Radio Naturopath Episode 385: What We Did When COVID-19 Came to Our House

This week we talked about our FIRSTHAND EXPERIENCE with COVID-19. How we think we managed to finally catch it, our symptom course, how we treated it, how we are easing back into our exercise. Hint: you can't just jump back into your normal exercise routine, and it's not just because you've lost fitness. You have to go SLOWLY and really listen to your body. It's also a good idea to make sure you don't have any excessive clotting factors, or at least eat foods and take supplements that aid in blood thinning. It took three years but here we are! I think for most people, unfortunately, it's just a matter of time.