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 322: Nuts, Collagen, Arthritis and Nutrition

This week, I had a question from a listener about whether it's better to soak nuts before eating. The answer: Ideally, yes, but it's better to eat un-soaked nuts than not at all, unless you have a sensitivity to them. I don't like to make it harder for patients to eat healthy foods if they're in the habit of eating a lot of processed foods. Once they're eating a good complement of healthy foods, then we can discuss whether it's a good idea to soak, sprout, or ferment nuts. For some people, that would be a deal breaker because of the extra time and effort!

I also have been frequently asked whether it's useful to take collagen supplements, and we discuss. For some people it can be very helpful! We distinguish between collagen and general protein supplements. Because collagen is so helpful for joint pain and arthritis, we discuss nutrition to reduce and help arthritis pain.

Radio Naturopath Episode 258: Black Lives Matter, Reopen with Caution, Glutathione, Glycine and Selenium

This week, I felt I had to address the recent killing of George Floyd and the riots that are going on. Racism is a public health crisis and puts the lives of black and brown people in danger every day. The pain and anger is compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, which is also disproportionately affecting people of color. I talked about feeling like I want to stand in solidarity as a white person to help with societal change, and also admonish that people of color should be controlling the narrative. 

I also talked about how since the state of Connecticut is in the first stage of reopening, many people are not taking distancing seriously. This could result in a second wave of illness. There are also those who are not comfortable with the level of relaxing guidelines and have to deal with defending their position. My position is to err on the side of caution.

I also talked about glutathione as it's helpful for coronavirus and general detox, along with glycine and N-acetyl-cysteine. You can mix them into applesauce or make a shake!

Preview for next week: sunscreen and bug repellant!

Radio Naturopath Episode 239: I Got a Kidney Stone for Hanukkah; Glycine for Anxiety, Sleep, and Liver Detox

Last week I got my first kidney stone! Not so unusual; there is about a 1 in 10 chance that anyone will get them, men around 19% and women 9%. Why am I so lucky? Probably a combination of age, dehydration from both dry winter air and sweating while working out indoors, and too many holiday sweeties! i talk about how kidney stones happen, why they hurt so much, and how to help to prevent and treat them naturally. I also talk about the AMAZING amino acid GLYCINE: my new best friend! Helpful for anxiety, sleep, and detox. A great thing to add for the holidays!

Whatever you celebrate, HAPPY HOLIDAYS, EVERYONE! <3 <3 <3

Radio Naturopath Episode 211: Protein and Collagen are Good For You!

I talked about the difference between protein and collagen, mostly the specific amino acids, and all the reasons they're good for you. Protein helps you build muscle, burn more fat, and feel fuller! Collagen helps to rebuild hair skin nails organs joints. What could be bad!