Radio Naturopath
Radio Naturopath Episode 494: Get Your Leucine and Lysine; Do You Really Need Estrogen In Menopause?
This week, we talked about two essential amino acids that are harder to obtain in a vegan diet, but not impossible: leucine and lysine. They can be found in beans, nuts, seeds, and pseudograins like quinoa and amaranth. They're both important for building muscle and collagen. Lysine is also important for immune function. We also got started on whether it's really necessary to take estrogen as part of a natural hormone replacement protocol. Hint: maybe not! We continue to make estrogen into our menopausal years, even if you can't see it in blood work. It's in the organs!
Radio Naturopath Episode 493: Why Your Pollen Allergies Are Worse; Getting Adequate Protein for Vegans
This week we talked about WHY we're all seeing those massive clouds of yellow blowing off trees. There is more pollen! Blame climate change, warmer temperatures, longer warm season, more light. Did you know that the wind blowing pollen is much less efficient for pollinating trees and plants then animal pollinators? Pollen in the air is much less likely to land on the specific plant for which it's intended. However, a bee or dragonfly or butterfly will hop from flower to flower, carrying pollen to other flowers within a species. SAVE THE POLLINATORS! We also talked about how people on a vegan diet may not be getting enough protein, and how they can improve that.
Radio Naturopath Episode 323: Natural Foods and Your Immunity
This week I talked about nutrition and immunity. There are so many great natural foods that we can eat that have constituents that support our immunity in so many ways. Some of them compete for receptor sites and protect cells against invasion from viruses. Others have antioxidants that protect from damage from cells. Others have anti-inflammatory components that work with various systems in our bodies. Others have compounds that increase the activity of immune cells and proteins. We can get all this from food!
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.