Radio Naturopath Episode 426: Too Much Caffeine and Sugar, Maintaining Healthy Bones and Osteoporosis

This week, I talked about how overdoing caffeine and sugar can be problematic, as it is for me. I explained the mechanism, how the neurotransmitters and the energy-slowing compound adenosine play into the highs and lows of caffeine use. Some people break down caffeine quickly, and don't have a problem. But some break it down slowly and can have a variety of symptoms. If you have autonomic dysfunction, like POTS, it can make the whole thing worse!

Then I moved on to more topics on aging, in honor of my just-passed 60th birthday. Today I focused on bone density and how to healthfully protect yourself from osteoporosis and fractures. Good nutrition and exercise are where it's at!

Radio Naturopath Episode 400: Starch, Sugar, Fat and Cholesterol; Two Newer Drugs

This week, I talked about how starch, sugar, saturated and hydrogenated fats affect cholesterol. It's not as simple as you think! Saturated fat is NOT shown to be that bad for cholesterol, and too much starch and sugar are what mostly raise it. Hydrogenated fat too! We help you sort through that. We also talk about two newer cholesterol lowering meds, bempedoic acid and the PCSK-9 inhibitors. Are they any better than statins? Hmmm.

Radio Naturopath Episode 376: Added Sugar and Health, Natural Sugar Alternatives

This week I talked about how added sugars can affect your health. Mostly, it's not good. However, if you ask people to avoid them completely, they usually have difficulty with compliance. So, we talked about how sugar can adversely affect you, what an optimal amount of added sugar looks like, and even some myths around sugar. Then we talked about some healthy natural sugar substitutes. Avoiding them completely is not practical, so here's some guidance!

Radio Naturopath Episode 373: The Pros and Cons of Sugar

This week we talked about SUGAR, because the eating season has started! Mmmm, Halloween candy. And now Thanksgiving is upon us and it's officially the holiday season. Sirius XM already has its holiday channels playing! So, we talked about the pros and cons of sugar. I've come to the conclusion that if you deprive people completely of sweets, they will crave them and want to eat more. Even people on ketogenic diets have chocolatey goodies with sugar alcohols in them! However, if you eat too much sugar, it can lead to various illnesses, ranging from fatigue and mood disorders, to acne, to heart disease and cancer! So, of course, moderation is key.

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 359: Healthy Coke? How To Save Your Tooth Enamel And Whiten Your Teeth

Today I talked about Healthy Coke, an on-line viral entity that may not be so healthy. It has balsamic vinegar and seltzer, and may not be so good for your teeth, just like regular Coke. So, we talked about ways to save your enamel and help you to have whiter teeth. This includes brushing, other tooth cleaning practices, and foods that are great and not so great for oral health. Probiotics too!

Radio Naturopath Episode 318: Move It or Lose It: Osteoporosis: Keep Your Bones!

This week I was on my own, and I focused on osteoporosis. I talked about what it is, incidence, prevalence and treatments. I talked about the different pharmaceuticals that are used to help it and how they work. I also talked a lot about lifestyle, especially exercise, diet, and supplements that can be helpful. It's not just all about calcium!

Radio Naturopath Episode 277: Should You Get The Flu Shot? Feeling Down? Maybe It's Acedia

This week, Ron really wanted to know if he should get a flu shot, since Medicare and the media are marketing to him that he's high risk and should absolutely get one. I discuss the pros and cons of getting one, and remind everyone that a flu shot is NOT a pass, you still have to take care of your immunity and follow COVID-19 and other hygiene and nutrition precautions!  I talk about some supplements to take for possible flu prevention. 

I also talked about that feeling that a lot of people have during the pandemic, ACEDIA. There was a great article posted by Jonathan Zecher. It's a kind of spiritual ennui, a deep directionlessness and angst. GREAT.

Radio Naturopath Episode 242: Normal and Abnormal Body Temperature; Is Food Addiction Really a Thing?

This week we talk about normal body temperature, since a recent study from Stanford University collected 20th century data and found that Wunderlich's data from 1851 was outdated. Body temperature has decreased due to factors like less ongoing infection, sedentary lifestyle, gum disease, and always hanging around in temperature-controlled environments! We also talk about fevers and how to handle them. Also, is food addiction really a thing, given that you HAVE to eat to live, but you don't HAVE to ingest cocaine, heroin, nicotine, or the other substances that addict people? My opinion: the answer is Yes and No.

Radio Naturopath Episode 235: Eat Less Starch and Sugar, Wilson's Sydrome and Hypothryoid, Herbs for Cognition

I kept hearing these PSAs about eating meat as a condiment instead of the main part of your meal, but I have observed that most people overeat starch and sugar, not meat! Use THAT as a condiment! More great topic review from the NHAND Conference! This time, we discuss highlights from Denis Wilson, M.D.’s talk on Hashimoto’s and hypothyroid. We talk about raising body temperature and a few details I didn’t know about how the thyroid works, and some treatment options. Also, Mary Bove, N.D. has some recommendations for herbs to help with cognition.