Fran Storch, N.D., naturopathic physician, wants to share practical, everyday health information that can help you maximize your health! Learn about nutrition, weight loss, allergy management, healing your digestion, healing diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and much more!
Name: Fran Storch, N.D. and Ron Manizza
Storrs, Connecticut

This week, I talked about what it was like to get laser iridotomy surgery! As with most things, it wasn’t that bad. Still using drops for a few more days and will have the next one later in the month. I then talked about lots of ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day when you’re single, with […]

This week, I gave the update on my femoral nerve (may be over-exercising) and my narrow angles (going to have the iridotomies!) We talked about narrow angles and how they are treated. Looks like they’re more conservative in the UK and China; in the US, you get those iridotomies! We talked about natural ways to keep […]

This week, I talked about getting a PRP (platelet rich plasma) injection in my right knee to treat osteoarthritis. It was a fairly easy experience! I have minor swelling, and Dr. Zach said expect it to improve slowly over a couple of weeks. I also got diagnosed with NARROW ANGLES in my eyes WITHOUT increased eye […]

This week, I talked about lingering nerve issues for both myself and Ron since our respective surgeries. I have discovered that compression is helpful, specifically compression wear! I have most of my discomfort in my lateral left thigh, and when I wear a sleeve in that area, it significantly calms the discomfort, at least while I’m wearing […]

This week, I gave the wrapup for popular health news and topics in 2025. People were interested in longevity and healthy aging; those notorious GLP-1 and GIP drugs for weight loss; the best vitamins, minerals, and supplements for health. Big stories dealt with when the body starts aging rapidly; protein powders and lead levels; measles outbreaks […]

This week, I talked about this cold that’s going around, that prevented me from making a new show last week! It makes you tired, the mucus goes backwards and gives you a sore throat, and the thing sticks around for 2-4 weeks. Good times! Here’s all sorts of natural ways to address it. I also talked […]

This week, it was a hodgepodge of good stuff! First, we talked about Japanese fitness walking, or interval walking training (IWT). Gentler than high intensity interval training, and so many health benefits! Then we discussed how longer, sustained walks positively affect health. And the five essential Japanese morning exercises! We touched on red light therapy for […]

This week, I talked about the removal of the black box warning on hormone replacement therapy. Evidence shows that supplemental hormones overall provide more benefit than harm, for cardiovascular, sexual, and mental health. There is still a general warning about the risk of endometrial cancer. But it will be left to pharmaceutical companies to provide information, […]

This week, I talked about PRP, and how it’s a solution for joint pain that can make it so that you can hold off having a joint replaced, if it works. I’m definitely interested, so I’ll return to my orthopedic doctor and see what he thinks. Then I gave a big reminder about winter hydration, since people […]

This week, I talked about a number of timely subjects! We started with why bioflavonoids are good for you. It’s the antioxidants! We talked about the specific, precious herb saffron, which is turns out is good for mood, PMS, cardiovascular disease, and much more! Then we finished off menorrhagia, heavy menstrual bleeding, which affects so […]

This week, I talked about the pros and cons of fasted vs. fueled exercise. They both have their pros and cons, but if you want to perform, you gotta eat. Especially women. Studies on fasted exercise were mostly done on men! Here’s some ideas of what to eat, or how and when to NOT eat. I […]

This week, I talked about remembering the 5th of November, all about Guy Fawkes Day! Bonfires, burning Guy Fawkes in effigy, and a reason to get together and get warm around a celebratory fire when it’s cold and dark outside! I then talked about the main topic, heavy menstrual bleeding, which is alarmingly common. There’s […]

This week, of course we had to discuss healthier versions of Halloween candy, and also how to preserve the health of your teeth when indulging in sweets. Hint: drink water, brush your teeth and preserve your enamel! I didn’t know what sugar skulls were made of, but traditionally, they’re made of sugar! Surprise! You can […]

This week, we talked about the big news about how there could be too much lead in your protein powder, because Consumer Reports put out the results of their studies on brand names. My ultimate thought is it’s still possible to use these powders safely if you generally eat a healthy diet and don’t overdo the […]

This week, I talked about HUSK CHERRIES, also known as golden berries, which are grown in tropical areas, and also Mansfield. We have been scarfing them at our house! Turns out, they have a lot of great health benefits. I also talked about alternative therapies and breast cancer, since this is National Breast Cancer Awareness […]

This week, I updated about my postsurgical progress. Then we talked some more about whether acetaminophen can actually cause autism. Hint: probably not, and there’s some interesting points, such as the condition that caused the pregnant person to choose acetaminophen can be suspect for leading to developmental issues. That would be correlation, not causation. Many issues […]

Well, RFK Jr. and President Trump are trying to make sure that pregnant folks don’t take acetaminophen while they’re pregnant. Is that necessary? My feeling is that it’s probably OK if not done in excess. Is it a CAUSE of autism? Of course not! Autism has a lot of genetic components. It’s possible that the […]

This week, we talked about a few supplements to stop before surgery. Then we moved on to Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, a group of conditions that involve faulty ability to produce collagen in various parts of the body. Most commonly, people with EDS have hypermobile joints, but may also have dysfunction in the skin, heart, and blood […]

This week, I talked about my upcoming surgery, and why you have to stop your nutritional supplements beforehand. It has to do with whether the supplement causes blood thinning, as they’re concerned that you won’t heal as well. So, I have to go through my myriad supplements and decide which ones are anti-platelet aggregators, meaning […]

This week, I talked about my experience getting that dreaded mammogram callback! Thank goodness the spot they viewed is likely benign. It’s important to get those screenings so that you can treat anything early. We went on to finish out why eating Mediterranean style is so good for you. Fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, legumes, clean […]

This week, I talked specifically about how to lower triglycerides, since I have a number of patients who struggle with that. It’s the boring stuff: eating fiber, high quality fatty acids, reducing carbs, and getting regular cardio exercise. There’s not a lot of supplements that work better than lifestyle stuff for this, and the drugs have […]

This week, I talked about how ultraprocessed foods really aren’t good for you, and ow and why. Surprise. A:so, why whole, unprocessed foods ARE good for you. Your health will be a lot better if you eat less chemicals, more produce, fiber, clean protein, legumes, nuts and seeds! I also have a bit about some life habits […]

This week, I talked about yummy taro root, which can be used like a potato in soups and salads, or as a powder for part of your favorite latte. It has resistant starch and fiber which are great for gut health! I also talked about electrolyte drinks and their pros and cons. Mostly, I think […]

This week, I talked with Ron about our advancing health situations. I’m likely going to have a laminectomy (short procedure spinal repair) for my spinal stenosis. Ron is healing more and more every day, still getting sore but managing it, riding the bike mostly indoors! I also talked about how women get mammograms, have a finding […]

This week, I talked about my experience with having a lumbar spinal cortisone shot at UConn. Spoiler alert: it was a great experience! Just waiting for it to take full effect, but I already have a lot less overall nerve pain. It’s exciting! Maybe I’ll be back on the bike next weekend! I talked about the […]

This week I talked about my spinal stenosis, how I’m managing, what the MRI said, and how it’ll be treated. Let’s hope for the best! I also talked about the loneliness epidemic, how and who it’s affecting, and how to help. We finished with natural progesterone and other things to help with menopause symptoms.

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 […]

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 […]

This week we talked about how THE OTHER SHOE DROPPED for me. I am having a femoral neuralgia/spondylolisthesis flare! If you have nerve pain in your back and leg, like sciatica or femoral neuralgia, you’ll want to hear what I’m doing. Supplements, pharmaceuticals, cannabis, chiropractic, acupuncture, even a visit to the spinal surgeon! Plus how […]

This week, I talked about how you see this studies about how eating 2 cups of mango or 1 cup of blueberries or 1/2 cup pistachios EVERY DAY can affect this, that, or the other health parameter. I calmed the fire by letting you know that if the study says this, it might be a […]

This week, I was back on with Ron after a while so got to catch up with him on the air. He is VERY proud of his son who just got married in Chicago to a lovely woman! We talked about the joy of the wedding. Then he updated us on his cervical spinal stenosis diagnosis, and […]

This week I discussed how sucralose, the artificial sweetener, has been studied to INCREASE hunger even though it is basically non-caloric. It fools the brain into thinking it’s going to get calories so sets up hormones to receive food. Better to use other alternative sweeteners, or small amounts of sugar! We then discussed how poor sleep […]

This week, I talked a little about how important it is to drink water, especially with electrolytes if you’re feeling even a LITTLE off. Of course, if that doesn’t work, and you can’t figure out what’s going on, it’s time to access medical professionals! But electrolytes should be as natural as possible, and no artificial […]

This week, we talked about ADHD and food dyes, since RFK Jr. has been pressing for getting them generally banned. There are bills on the floor of a number of states, including West Virginia, Oklahoma, and New York. Interestingly, the studies aren’t definitive about whether food dyes aggravate ADHD or worsen behavior, but that may […]

This week, we reviewed healing from a cold, and then went on to more information about how menopausal weight gain happens. It’s possible to mitigate it but it’s not the most important thing. The most important thing is that YOU FEEL GOOD, get your rest, do things that make you happy, and not worry so […]

This week, we wrapped up osteoarthritis for a while, doing a deeper dive into green-lipped mussel extract. We also worked through a number of knee-strengthening exercises, great if you have osteoarthritis there and are trying to avoid surgery. Acupuncture can certainly be helpful! We also started in on some more weight loss issues, since there is […]

This week, we gave a little advice on the use of toothpaste with prebiotic to support healthy probiotic in the mouth. Then, we went on to discuss more about osteoarthritis. We gave more information about supplements. We also discussed the important topic of balance and how as the age, people have difficulty rising from seated and […]

This was the first week I’d actually BEEN to the Know Your Farmer’s Fair so that I could talk about it! A great time was had by all, from getting SO many coasters, to mushroom salt and jerky, to gluten free cookies, to giving Congressman Joe Courtney a hug! Ron got to schmooze the room in his […]

This week, we talked about caffeine withdrawal. What fun! But you CAN get through the symptoms if you want to. Then we talked about measles and the outbreak in Texas. Should you get vaccinated? We finished with whether potatoes deep fried in tallow are good for you vs. in seed oils. Steak ‘n’ Shake thinks […]

220-your age is NOT the best way to go! The Norwegian University of Science and Technology has figured out a way to estimate your ideal max heart rate that uses your age, weight, gender, and height. I used it and it felt much better than the 185 I was using from five years ago, and […]

This week, we talked about Ron’s experience with the chiropractor. He’s a fan! He knows it’ll take time but he’s on board. I also talked about the Know your Farmer Fair which will happen March 8, 2025 at the Willimantic Community Center; a great way to get to know our local farmers! And, without taking […]

This week I talked about B vitamins. Sometimes taking specific B vitamins can cause stomach upset, and you have to figure out which ones are bothering you. Sometimes it’s best to take a food based vitamin; sometimes a methylated blend; sometimes specific ones separately; and sometimes just get them from food! We help to sort […]

It’s almost Valentine’s Day, which is also Ron and my 20th anniversary! 20 years, can you believe it? 20 years of chocolate, bicycles, love, support and healing. And also, food. We talk about appreciating each other! Then, of course, since it’s valentines day, I talked about the health benefits of chocolate, a yearly tradition. I also […]

This week, I talked about green lipped mussel, which has a funny name. It’s a little mussel from New Zealand. The omega-3 fats and glycosaminoglycans are balanced in a way that helps joints to heal! I also talked about all the different forms of magnesium and their benefits, and many home remedies to help osteoarthritis. […]

Today I got reacquainted with Ron, with whom I haven’t made a show since November, as he was teaching a fitness class when we usually record together in December! So we’re able to make shows together again, well, most of the time. Today we reviewed his health issues, and it seems we’re getting close to […]

This week we talked about New Year’s Resolutions that are actually accessible, that you can keep. Stuff like: eating more whole foods, cooking more meals at home, finding exercise you enjoy, add in a little bit of meditation, get more good sleep. Notice that NONE of these are LOSE WEIGHT! Having weight loss as a goal just […]

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 […]

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, […]

This week I talked about Ron and my viewing of Wicked, but didn’t give away any spoilers! It was VERY exciting, dazzling, and emotional. You may want to take nervine herbs, L-theanine, or something else to keep calm, and then plan to do deep breathing or other calming activities afterward! And this was only Part […]

Today I reviewed my most recent naturopathic visit and my ongoing plan to help my chronic Lyme. I’m in it for the long haul! I reminded people not only to hydrate in the cold weather, but to apply sunscreen and lip balm with SPF, because you can still get wind and sunburned in cold weather. We also […]