Radio Naturopath Episode 382: Help for Seasonal Affective Disorder, Embrace the Darkness

So, of course, the topic of the week is Seasonal Affective Disorder, since those who suffer, probably are right now. We talked about diagnosis, possible medications, melatonin, exercise, and lightbox therapy. We also talked about embracing the season, like the Danish tradition of Hygge, hunkering down and getting cozy! I've been doing plenty of that. We also talked about why it's important to actually embrace darkness, the ways that it's good for your health. 

Radio Naturopath Episode 381: Journaling for Health, Easy Ways to Reduce Stress

We talked about the health benefits of journaling. From organizing your thoughts, to objectively stepping back from things that upset you, to planning for your upcoming life, it can really help with your health! Journaling has been studied to reduce stress. It's a simple thing to do help with your life!

We also talked about all kinds of ways to reduce stress. Like, journaling! Also, some unsurprising things like deep breathing, yoga, massage, napping, time with pets, cuddling. 

Radio Naturopath Episode 380: Welcome to 2023! Now Let's Sleep Better!

This week, after talking about how Ron and I and my friends at the Herd virtual bike club prefer spending New Year's Eve in jammies with Ryan Seacrest or Miley and Dolly, I talked about SLEEP again. It is so important. I want people to make sure they get good sleep to help their immunity, mental health, exercise performance and even INITIATION, and body composition! And I'm going to order some blue light glasses without magnification for TV watching. I talked about nutrition, blue light, room temperature, and making sure your bed is comfortable!

Radio Naturopath Episode 379: Happy New Year! Easy Resolutions for 2023; Weight Loss 101

Today, of course, I talked about New Year's resolutions, things people can resolve to do but aren't gargantuan and you don't feel like you've failed at them after two weeks. They are more things that take a little effort once in a while, like volunteering at a food pantry, creating a gratitude journal and writing in it only when you feel like it, and resolving to exercise because it feels good and not because you feel like you have to. Doing bite-sized self-improvement actions can be really helpful! Another one I emphasized is that it's OK to rest MORE, take some down time and do less stuff. Restoration and rejuvenation are really important this time of year!

I also reviewed the basic principles of fat loss, as I like to do periodically, and people are definitely interested in that this time of year. The most important thing? REST! It lowers cortisol, reducing blood sugar and insulin and making restorative hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone more available. The LEAST? Supplements. Fat loss happens in an enviroment of caloric restriction and hormonal balance. Supplements can only go so far in helping with that; you have to change what you do.

Radio Naturopath Episode 378: Happy Hanukkah 5783! Better Sleep, Natural Light for Health

This week we talked about the history of the festival of Hanukkah in honor of the holiday. All about the history of latkes, the miracle of the oil, and how to play dreidl. it's a fun little celebration, bringing light in the time of darkness!

I went on to talk about getting better sleep, so important this time of year when we feel like catching up on extra. Hint: if you can't sleep, it's NOT a good idea to have caffeine! We also discussed the positive effects of getting natural light. 

Radio Naturopath Episode 377: Winter Hydration, Healthy Natural Sweeteners

A patient came in recently and talked about how she forgets to drink water, especially this time of year. I reminded everyone how important that is, and encouraged keeping water around, flavoring it, choosing a temperature that works for you, and more. I also reminded people of a few healthy tips for dry hair!

Then we finished the topic of sweeteners, and talked about the health benefits of some natural caloric sweeteners. You still need to keep your added sugar consumption low, but there are actual nutrients in sweeteners like coconut sugar, real maple syrup, raw honey, and blackstrap molasses.

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 375: Practice of Stillness/Weight Loss, Eat More Cinnamon, Ginger. Pumpkin!

This week, I talked about something dear to my heart and very important to a lot of people. Many patients, especially peri- and post-menopausal women, are talking about difficulty in fat loss. The fat hangs out right around their midsection. It's known as MENOBELLY! I didn't make that up. It's because our reduction in estrogen and progesterone reduce activity of fat-consuming enzymes, and we become more sensitive to cortisol. In our stressful lives, we spend too much time in high cortisol, and that adds fat to our midsections! So the short answer is to lower cortisol. One simple way to do that: A PRACTICE OF STILLNESS. That's any activity that you can do that involves being still and deep breathing! Listen to find out how.

I also talked about some more yummy foods that we eat around Thanksgiving and why they're good for you: cinnamon, ginger, and pumpkin. Listen and eat up!

Radio Naturopath Episode 374: Gratitude and Health, Honoring the First Nations, Food!

This week, of course, had a Thanksgiving theme. I talked about how gratitude is good for you health. It makes you happier, reduces stress and cortisol, and helps you to enjoy your life more in general! Gratitude generates empathy, kindness, and healthy and happy relationships. Appropriate as it's the theme of the season!

I also discussed remembering that the First Nation peoples that encountered the Europeans initially were not necessarily met with friendship and cooperation, but genocide. It's important to recount that. It's good to honor the first nation people that lived in the area where you lived, learn about their culture, and even serve some traditional Native American dishes at Thanksgiving!

Then we reviewed some Thanksgiving foods and why they're good for you. More next week!

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.