Radio Naturopath Episode 472: Immune Health and the Holidays; Jews and Christmas; Hanukkah, Kwanzaa!

Today I wanted to not talk too much about health, but went ahead and gave advice about how to stay healthy and support immunity during the holidays. All the usual stuff, like eating well, getting good sleep, getting exercise, doing restorative practices like yoga and meditation. We also talked about neti pots and nasal sprays, and foods, herbs and vitamins for the season. Then we moved on to What do Jews do on christmas? The answer: it depends! It's not our holiday, so sometimes it's Chinese and a movie. Or, we'll attend celebrations of people that we love. Or celebrate Hanukah if it's at the same time! I then started on Hanukah and Kwanzaa traditions. We'll pick up on that next week because on New Year's Day, it will still be Hanukkah and Kwanzaa!

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 394: 2023 CNPA Conference: Allergies, Psoriasis, Acne, mTOR and Aging, MK-4 for Osteoporosis

This week, I am fresh from the 2023 Connecticut  Naturopathic Physician's Association Conference (CNPA). My brain is full and I'm beat! But now I know more and feel inspired, so here's a little bit of what I learned. It'll likely take a few shows to get through the information! This week: Todd Borne and allergies; Eugene Zampieron and psoriasis; Peter Bongiorno and mTOR and aging. Plus, MK-4 is the only form of Vitamin K2 studied to both increase bone density and prevent fractures. Thanks, John Neustadt!

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 356: Choice, Food Intolerances, Toenail Fungus!

Today I talked about Canada Day, since Canada is the first place I practiced naturopathic medicine! Then I moved on to talk about my views on choice in light of the landmark overturning of Roe vs. Wade on Friday, June, 24, 2022. For me, it's about bodily autonomy and the safety and health of pregnant people. When access to abortion is denied, it negatively affects the health of pregnant people in many ways. I also talked about ways to help your toenail fungus, a great summer topic! And how to approach your food intolerances. Being a detective is the best plan!

Radio Naturopath Episode 340: Craniosacral Therapy; Natural Help for Cervical Dysplasia

This week, I talked about cranio-sacral therapy, its origins in osteopathic medicine, how it works, how it's helpful. A great, non-invasive, relaxing therapy that can benefit most people! ESPECIALLY great for headaches.

In advance of International Women's Month, I talked about one women's condition, cervical dysplasia and how natural medicine can be helpful. It's fairly common, can be easily treated if caught early, and natural medicine can really help!

Radio Naturopath Episode 316: Neti Pots, Nasal Sprays and Gargling; Help for Diverticulosis-Itis

This week we talked about the benefits of nasal rinses, such as neti pots and nasal sprays with salt and xylitol. These can be helpful in preventing and treating respiratory infections. Although they are not strictly proven, it does make sense to have good respiratory hygiene. I think it's a useful practice during the pandemic.

We also talked about diverticulosis and diverticulitis. This is a very common problem so I get frequent requests to discuss it. Acutely, you need bowel rest, probably antibiotics, probiotics, and a liquid diet. For prevention, it's fiber, fiber fiber! Fiber improves bowel tone and makes it so that food does not get stuck in the diverticular pockets.

Radio Naturopath Episode 313: Vaccine Mandates At Work, Tea Tree Oil and Your Oral Health

This week, I talked about mask mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic for workplaces. Currently due to the sharp increase in cases across the country, indoor mask mandates are being reinstituted. I got asked what if someone is vaccine hesitant and there is a mandate at their place of business. I talked about how it is currently legal for private employers to fire or not hire people who are unvaccinated. A course of action might depend upon whether the mandate is absolute or there are exceptions. I was also asked how to detox from the vaccination. The bottom line was, it's not a good idea to try to do major "detox" in the two weeks following the vaccination, as you don't want any components to leave your body. By all means, you can use some medicine to make yourself more comfortable, but if you feel the need to detox it's a good idea to wait until at least two weeks after vaccination.

I also talked about how great tea tree oil is for oral health, and basic things you can do to improve oral health.

Radio Naturopath Episode 241: Neem the Antifungal, Body Lotion, Microbiome Food Test, Genetic Testing

All about NEEM, an ayurvedic herb that cured my athlete's foot, I'm so excited! Plus other things Neem helps, like hair, skin and nails, and reducing inflammation and infections. Body lotion can be nice as long as it has natural ingredients. There's this new test, Viome, where you send in a stool sample and it gives you diet information based on your microbiome, very interesting! We talk about the benefits of IgG food allergy testing, and also the pros and cons of genetic testing.