Radio Naturopath Episode 437: Lyme-Bartonella Fatigue and Tremors, Cholesterol and Athletes

This week, we continued our saga of treating chronic fatigue of tick borne illness, and Ron's detox from cholesterol-lowering medication. I have found some energizing herbs like cordyceps and eleuthero, and that low dose lithium and the herb sida acuta are good for tremors. I talked what I'm doing to manage all these symptoms. We talked about how to help Ron with his ongoing healing from medication-induced muscle damage and cramping, including protein, magnesium, antioxidants, and milk thistle. Then I started to discuss cordyceps for energy and immune support and will continue next week!

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 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 435: Ron's Cholesterol and Thyroid Labs, Bicycle Positioning and Sciatica

This week, Ron handed me his recent blood work and had me talk about it. We talked about his elevated TSH and how his doc needs to adjust his thyroid medicine. We talked about his target-low cholesterol numbers, and how his Repatha drug is starting to give him a lot of side effects. We talked about the mechanism of that. We also answered a question from a listener about whether cycling negatively impacts sciatica, and how it's necessary to get the position right on the bike and also do stretch and strengthening exercises. 

Radio Naturopath Episode 399: More on Women and Cardiovascular Disease

This week I continued on with information about women and cardiovascular health. Lots of risk factors. I also spent some time on how microflora, the bacteria that live in your colon and the rest of your body, are correlated with cardiovascular health. There are certain species that are associated with lower risk, and the biggest thing is to have colony diversity. Eat organic!

Radio Naturopath Episode 398: More on Cholesterol, Cardiovascular Health and Women

This week, I talked more about cardiovascular health especially as it relates to women. Women can have different symptoms of cardiovascular disease than men, especially if they are having a heart attack. We try to help you understand the signs and symptoms! Lots of herbs for heart health. Also, some other cardiovascular markers.

Radio Naturopath Episode 362: Negative Ions, Best Magnesium Forms, Help for Statin Side Effects

This week I talked about a few topics! Not exactly a natural medicine thing, but I talked about how to preserve your fashion hair color if you like to go swimming, and what kind of shampoo to use! I also commended Dylan Dreyer on her piece on the Today Show where she made green pancakes containing SPINACH with her kids, and we talked about this and other things as a way to get your kids to eat vegetables. Then we talked about negative ions, how to access and why they're good for you, and why an indoor ionizer is NOT so good for you. We finished with Ron's current issue, muscle cramping from statins and how to help that.

Radio Naturopath Episode 327: Water: Alkaline and Cactus, Beta Blockers, Statins, Red Meat

Today we played Ask Dr. Fran! Ron asked me five questions:

1. What is alkaline water?

2. Is cactus water good for you?

3. Will I ever get off these beta blockers?

4. Why do statins make me sore?

5. Is meat REALLY bad for cardiovascular disease?

For answers to these important questions and more, listen to the show!

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.