Radio Naturopath Episode 473: Happy 2025! Dental Care, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year's Traditions

This week, I did a bit of a companion piece to New Year's Day. We'll get to resolutions in the next weeks, but today I talked about fun New Year's traditions around the word. Eat lentils! Jump into the ocean in white! Jump off the couch! Throw pennies into the ocean! All sorts of stuff. Since it's still Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, I talked about those traditions too. I also talked just WHY I had a great dental visit with no new cavities. HINT: it's my special toothpaste! Listen to find out!

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 463: Chia Seeds for Health, Help for Fall Allergies

This week, I talked about fall allergies, since lots of people have them right now! Mold and mildew from damp homes and plants dying back. Dust mites are prevalent especially now that we're moving indoors, but we'll get a break when there's a hard freeze. Pets can be problematic too! And there's still some ragweed outdoors. Here's some tips to help with the season! We also talked about chia seeds, and included a recipe on how to make chia pudding. Turns out they're amazing little powerhouses!

Radio Naturopath Episode 442: Muscle Repair, Hypertension, Respiratory Allergies

This week, we found that Ron is plugging along and had a not-so-good day because yesterday he dared to work in the yard. His poor muscles just don't want to be disturbed! We are hoping that this will just take time and he'll be back to his favorite activities soon. As for me, my tremors have been quiet, and I'm hoping that's in part due to the low dose lithium orotate, and that the herbs are working to clear any remnants of tick borne illness! However, I have to face that I have hereditary hypertension. All the supplements and stress-reducing activities are just not working to get my blood pressure into a safe zone. So, I'm going to try a low dose of an angiotensin receptor blocker. My mom and sister are both on blood pressure meds and they work well for them. My mom is also on an ARB but my sister is on a pair of diurectics. I am taking an ARB because they are safer for athletes, in that they don't dehydrate you nor reduce your cardiac output. More about hypertension next week!

It's SPRING, and that means beautiful flowers, trees, and POLLEN! So we did a nice review of what to do for your respiratory allergies. Neti pots, supplements, nasal sprays, foods, we've got it all! 

Radio Naturopath Episode 409: Disc Bulge Update, COVID-19 Reminder, Anti-Inflammatory Foods

This week we updated about my injuries, the bulging disc, femoral nerve impingement, and sprain/strained knee. It's TIRING. But, onward with rest, PT, walking, swimming, craniosacral therapy, and supplements. I'm going to start Green Lipped Mussel! Anti-inflammatory and helps to rebuild joints! We also updated about COVID-19; at the moment, cases are pretty low in Connecticut but I have some patients who have been exposed or are catching it. I'm seeing some folks wearing masks in public places, I reminded us all about cleaning our noses and throats, good nutrition, rest, exercise, and a few supplements. Then we talked all about anti-inflammatory foods, like berries, cherries, oily fish, and broccoli!

Radio Naturopath Episode 387: Help for Colds and Flus 2023

This week we delved more into the cold and flu season, which is not over, and gave various recommendations for prevention and treatment. This doesn't get old, because we keep catching these things, COVID or not! One teaser: MUSHROOMS. Eat them!  They are great immune boosters.

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 349: Natural Help for Spring Allergies 2022

Happy Star Wars Day! May the 4th be with you! This week I talked about something that I don't even know if the 4th can help: respiratory allergies! I've been watching Ron sniffle and snort and get headaches and test negative repeatedly for COVID-19. I thought it was time to talk about healthy nasal sprays, neti pots, healthy eating, rest and restorative activities, indoor hygiene like HEPA filters and washing the bedding! WEIRDEST SUPPLEMENT: Quail egg extract! You can take it in a chewable for acute symptoms. Trypsin inhibitor extraordinaire, and great for symptoms!

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 230: More Help For Sprains, Preventing Colds and Flu, Genetic Testing for Psychiatric Meds and Conditions

Today we review my progress on healing my sore knee. It's going OK, but now I'm off the bike until Sunday! My chiropractor thinks I need more down time. And then I'll have to go slow and easy when I get back! But I want to heal so I can get in some good fall riding before I have to move indoors.

I've seen so many colds and coughs and so many people with lingering sinus infections and bronchitis that I felt I needed to remind everyone about their cold and cough hygiene! Even Savannah Guthrie on NBC went viral! Neti pots, nasal sprays, lozenges, gargling.

And finally, for people taking meds for depression, anxiety and other psychiatric conditions, I talked about genetic testing to help figure out the meds that will work best and which are contraindicated. I also have testing for which supplements might be more helpful than others, and for vitamin utilization.