Everyday Wellness with Cynthia Thurlow ™ (Everyday Wellness™)

In this very first episode, Cynthia and Kelly talk about how they became interested in wellness. They discuss their educational background and their roundabout paths to teaching, coaching, and empowering others to take care of their health. Send questions you'd like us to answer everydaywellnesspodcast@gmail.com. Please subscribe and leave us a rating. We appreciate it!

Dr. Perlmutter has written several books to educate people on the importance of the physiological connection between the gut and the brain. In this episode, he talks to us about his most recent book, Brain Wash, which he co-authored with his son, Austin Perlmutter, also a physician. The release of Brain Wash was very timely, given the current state of affairs with the growing pandemic, both in the United States and the rest of the world. Find out what motivated Dr. Perlmutter and his son to write Brain Wash and what you can expect to learn from reading it.  IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN Dr. Perlmutter talks about what inspired him and his son, Austin, to write the book, Brain Wash. We need to recognize that there is hard-wiring in the brain, which relates to how we make our decisions. Dr. Perlmutter describes the two fairly distinct areas of the brain that deal with each type of decision-making. Dr. Perlmutter explains the interesting fact that was discovered about the pre-frontal cortex area of the brain. Dr. Perlmutter explains the detrimental effect that electronics and some other factors have on the evolution of the pre-frontal cortex of the brains of children and teenagers. Dr. Perlmutter talks about how we can go about reconnecting and bringing the pre-frontal cortex back online. That information forms the heart and soul of the book, Brain Wash. As a global community, we need to cultivate the ability to remain open-minded and have cognitive empathy. We need to accept and embrace the notion that people will change their views and their position on things over time. Dr. Perlmutter explains how the quality of our sleep impacts our decision-making. The impact that social media has on our notion of connectedness as humans. Dr. Perlmutter explains how the stress of the pandemic has impacted our brains and the outcome of the pandemic. Our biological age can differ from our chronological age. Dr. Perlmutter explains how that could impact our immune system and our risk for the outcome of Covid. Dr. Perlmutter talks about the powerful benefits of exposing ourselves to nature and the profoundly positive impact it has on our brains. Dr. Perlmutter talks about the importance of getting enough exercise, and why a bit of stress is good for the body. He also shares a way to calculate your ideal heart rate. The three foods that Dr. Perlmutter feels are most beneficial for the brain, to keep the amygdala at bay and serve the executive function of the pre-frontal cortex. Dr. Perlmutter talks about the book that he is working on currently, due for release in 2022. Bio:  Dr. Perlmutter received his M.D. degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine, where he was awarded the Leonard G. Rowntree Research Award. He serves as a member of the Editorial Board for the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed scientific journals, including Archives of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and The Journal of Applied Nutrition. Also, he is a frequent lecturer at symposia sponsored by institutions such as the World Bank and IMF, Columbia University, Scripps Institute, New York University, and Harvard University. He serves as an Associate Professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Dr. Perlmutter’s books include the #1 New York Times bestseller Grain Brain: The Surprising Truth about Wheat, Carbs, and Sugar, with over 1 million copies in print. Other New York Times bestsellers include Brain Maker, The Grain Brain Cookbook, The Grain Brain Whole Life Plan, and Brain Wash,.  Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Dr. Perlmutter On Facebook       On Instagram On his website  

I am delighted to have Dr. Ken Berry returning to the podcast for his fourth appearance today. He is a physician, bestselling author, and passionate advocate for health, known for his no-nonsense approach to wellness. Dr. Berry has practiced at the Berry Clinic since 2003 and is an active community member. He has a YouTube channel with more than 2 million subscribers- one of my favorite go-to resources for patients.  In our discussion today, we explore a recent Time news article and the growing concerns around the declining trustworthiness of media sources. We dive into the limitations of observational research, the problem with celebrity endorsements of ultra-processed foods, rising obesity rates in children and teens, and whether genetic factors are actually behind obesity, as highlighted recently in a 60 Minutes segment. We also discuss the impact of sugar, grains, and seed oils and the significance of visceral fat. You will not want to miss this invaluable discussion with Dr. Ken Berry. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Berry breaks down some deeper issues surrounding the recent Time article, where a lone registered dietician claimed that ultra-processed foods are acceptable. How media sources are losing their credibility The vital part social media plays in changing the narrative and holding media sources accountable Why consumers must stay informed and be proactive in their health choices  The health implications of eating ultra-processed foods Dr. Berry shares his concerns about the American Academy of Pediatrics recommending drugs like ozempic for children.  The benefits of eating whole foods  Dr. Berry shares his three rules for a healthy diet. Why we need to avoid sugar and seed oils How following a low-carb diet can help to reduce visceral fat. Dr. Berry introduces the American Diabetes Society and explains its mission. Bio:  Dr. Ken D. Berry, MD, is a licensed family physician, best-selling author, and leading advocate for the Proper Human Diet (PHD). With over two decades of clinical experience, Dr. Berry specializes in helping patients improve their health through low-carbohydrate, nutrient-dense eating. His best-selling book, "Lies My Doctor Told Me: Medical Myths That Can Harm Your Health," and his popular YouTube channel, which has over 3 million subscribers, provide accessible, evidence-based guidance on nutrition and wellness. Dr. Berry's mission is to empower individuals to reclaim their health by debunking common medical myths and promoting sustainable dietary and lifestyle changes. He is also a member of the Diet Doctor low-carb expert panel and an active participant in the keto and low-carb communities. Dr. Berry lives with his wife Neisha, and their children on a farm in Holladay, Tennessee. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on  Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Ken Berry On his website YouTube The American Diabetes Society Dr. Berry has three books available on Amazon: Lies My Doctor Told Me, Kicking Ass After 50, and Common Sense Labs

Today, I have the honor of connecting with Juraj Kocar, the CEO of Somavedic Technologies. Somavedic is a groundbreaking frequency therapy device providing practical and easily accessible solutions for EMF exposure, improved sleep, and energy revitalization.  Juraj is a perpetually optimistic and forward-thinking entrepreneur motivated by a profound passion for developing and expanding products that significantly impact the lives of others, and he is currently propelling his dream project to new levels of success. In our discussion today, we meticulously define the role of EMFs, diving into how they affect our health, discussing proactive protection measures, and sharing strategies for mitigating EMF exposure while traveling. We also explore how the revolutionary Somavedic device works, my experience using it, how to choose the correct model, the effects of structured water, and biohacking strategies that Juraj uses daily. Join us for an enriching conversation where we provide valuable insights and practical strategies to enhance your health. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: What are EMFs? Juraj discusses the biological effects of chronic EMF exposure How to protect yourself from or minimize the impact of EMF exposure How to deal with EMF exposure when traveling Juraj explains how the Somavedic technology works What structured water is  Why it is beneficial for us to drink structured water Juraj discusses his daily health routine  Strategies for improving your health How to select the Somavedic device that best suits your needs Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Juraj Kocar On his website *Get a 10% discount on Somavedic products by using the code CYNTHIA (Discount code is valid all year long!) On Instagram Via email: hello@somavedic.com 

I am delighted to have Dr. Morgan Nolte joining me today! Dr. Morgan is a passionate board-certified clinical specialist in geriatric physical therapy. She is the founder of Weight Loss for Health, an online course, community, and coaching program to help women in c and postmenopause reduce insulin resistance for sustainable weight loss and disease prevention. Dr. Morgan is dedicated to helping women feel empowered, confident, and in control of their health. She teaches women how food, fasting, stress, sleep, exercise, and mindset all play a role in reducing insulin resistance.  The key to maintaining long-term weight loss and health is living a low insulin lifestyle. That requires unlearning old weight loss beliefs and overcoming self-limiting thoughts. Thoughts determine emotions. Emotions determine actions. Actions determine results. In this episode, we dive into maintaining weight loss, the role of insulin in the body, understanding macros, overcoming insulin resistance, and keeping your brain healthy after mid-life. Dr. Morgan also shares some actionable tips for overcoming limiting beliefs and maintaining weight loss. Stay tuned to learn what Dr. Morgan has to share in our interesting and informative conversation today! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Morgan unpacks the false dogmatic dieting principles with which many women struggle. Why do we need to change from the caloric model of obesity to the insulin model? What we need to understand about macros. Which macros are the most satiating? Why do you need to forget about the food groups? Lifestyle changes can help reverse insulin resistance. Some key roles insulin plays in the body. What happens in the body when cells cannot communicate with the insulin hormone? The benefits of a low-carb diet and intermittent fasting. Why it is vital to get enough sleep. How stress causes weight gain. What will happen to you if you fail to manage your blood sugar dysregulation? What women in their forties and fifties need to do to maintain their brain health. Understanding the limiting beliefs that could impact weight loss and some tips for overcoming those beliefs. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Dr. Morgan Nolte On her website On Instagram and YouTube Reshape Your Health Podcast Books mentioned: The Big Fat Surprise by Nina Teicholz The Obesity Code by Jason Fung Why We Get Sick by Benjamin Bikman The XX Brain by Dr. Lisa Mosconi

Today, I am thrilled to welcome Jeff Krasno, the Co-founder and CEO of the Commune well-being master class platform and the author of Good Stress, as my guest. Jeff also hosts the Commune podcast, where he has interviewed various luminaries, and writes a weekly personal essay called Commusings to explore spirituality, wellness, and culture.  In today’s discussion, we discuss the marginal decades, contrasting the allopathic and integrative medicine approaches, looking at the advantages of hormesis and intentional stress, the idea of balance, and the Goldilocks zone. We also dive into the effects of cold and heat therapies on emotional and thermal regulation, the role of heat shock proteins, the impact of distraction and dopamine foraging, the importance of relationships, and the benefits of xenohormetics, polyphenols, and more.  This conversation with Jeff Krasno is incredibly insightful, and his book is well-written and beautiful to read. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How the high prevalence of chronic diseases in the U.S. impacts individual and societal health The astronomical cost of chronic disease treatments in the U.S. How the chronic disease epidemic connects to political, invective, and societal issues How medical treatment has evolved from acute injuries to chronic diseases Why addressing chronic diseases in your 30s and 40s leads to better health outcomes How modern conveniences can affect people’s health What are the benefits of hormesis? How dopamine foraging impacts concentration Why it’s essential to be present and pay attention in all social interactions The role of polyphenols in stressed plants and their benefits for human health The importance of nutrition for maintaining health and preventing chronic diseases Bio:  Jeff Krasno is the co-founder and CEO of Commune, a masterclass platform for personal and societal well-being. He hosts the Commune podcast, interviewing a wide variety of luminaries from Deepak Chopra and Marianne Williamson to Matthew McConaughey and Gabor Maté. Jeff pens a personal weekly essay titled “Commusings” that explores spirituality, wellness, and culture and is distributed to over one million subscribers every Sunday. Jeff is the author of Good Stress, a collection of protocols he created to counteract the "chronic ease" that created our modern epidemic of dis-ease. Good Stress is available March 25, 2025, wherever books are sold. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Jeff Krasno On his website Instagram The Commune platform Jeff’s book, Good Stress

I am happy to have Dr. Robert Lustig joining me today! He is an Emeritus Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Endocrinology and a Member of the Institute for Health Policy Studies at UCSF. Dr. Lustig is a neuroendocrinologist with expertise in metabolism, obesity, and nutrition. He is one of the leaders of the current “anti-sugar” movement that is changing the food industry. Dr. Lustig graduated from MIT in 1976 and received his M.D. from Cornell University Medical College in 1980. He also received his Masters of Studies in Law (MSL) degree at the University of California, Hastings College of the Law in 2013. He is the author of the popular books Fat Chance (2012), The Hacking of the American Mind (2017), and the recently-released book Metabolical: The Lure and the Lies of Processed Food, Nutrition, and Modern Medicine. Many people assume that any food sold in the grocery store is healthy. But the truth is that most of the food-like substances that people are consuming today are far from real, and they do not metabolically support either a healthy body or a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Lustig lived in the ecosystem of modern medicine for forty years. Then, after doing some research, he saw that the data he was generating did not conform to the party line. So, in 2007, he started speaking out about what he thought to be the biggest problem in nutrition- sugar. Stay tuned to find out how Dr. Lustig is debunking modern medicine and chronic disease, and learn what you can do to navigate the modern-day nutritional battlefield. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: What Dr. Lustig discovered when he started doing research. Why Dr. Lustig wrote his first book, Fat Chance. The difference between nutrition and food science. How most food has become poison. Why the concept of calories should be disregarded. Dr. Lustig talks about leptin resistance and explains what you can do to overcome it. Why eighty-eight percent of Americans have metabolic dysfunction. Dr. Lustig explains what we need to eat to have a healthy diet. Dr. Lustig shares his proposed definition of healthy. The importance of fiber. The problem with Big Pharma. Dr. Lustig explains why food subsidies do not make sense. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Dr. Lustig On his website  Get his new book here!  On Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter 

I am thrilled to have Dr. Ken Berry joining me on the podcast for the third time today. He was with me before on episodes 111 and 139. Dr. Berry is a physician, best-selling author, and passionate health advocate with a no-nonsense approach to health and wellness. He has been practicing at the Berry Clinics since 2003 and is an active community member. He has written two books, Lies My Doctor Told Me and the recently published Kicking Ass After Fifty, in addition to various other resources, including Common Sense Labs Today. He also has a YouTube channel, serving over 2 million subscribers- one of my favorite go-to resources for my patients.  In our conversation today, we dive into the latest Lancet research on the impact of a diabetes diagnosis on life expectancy, along with insights from the American Diabetes Association regarding the costs of diabetes care. We discuss the need for proper diagnostic modalities to identify insulin resistance earlier and the labs Dr. Berry uses in his practice for identifying those at risk. We explore the recently recognized American Heart Association syndrome, CKM (Cardiovascular Kidney Metabolic Syndrome), and the role of GLP agonists, continuous glucose monitors, and glucometers. Dr. Berry also shares his views on plant-based diets, proper diets, and more.  IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Why does metabolic health continue to deteriorate in most of the general population?  The staggering amount of disposable plastic used within the healthcare industry The importance of fasting insulin levels when diagnosing metabolic disease Why are blood tests essential for determining metabolic health? The benefits of glucometers and continuous glucose monitors for metabolic health How Dr. Berry’s health improved after following a specific diet and measuring his lab results for a month How misinformation gets spread within the health and wellness industry Why are doctors not informing their patients about the absence of long-term studies and deluding them with false information? The long-term effects of Semaglutide on the body  How a proper diet can naturally lower lipid levels The limitations of the germ model for treating chronic diseases   Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Ken Berry On YouTube Instagram, Facebook Twitter Dr. Berry’s books Lies My Doctor Told Me  Kicking Ass After 50    Common Sense Labs  Dr. Berry’s Private Community Phdhealth.community Medical News article Mentioned Here’s What to Know About Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome, Newly Defined by the AHA   Previous Episodes Featuring Dr. Ken Berry Ep. 111 – Is The Keto Diet The Proper Human Diet? – with Dr. Ken Berry Ep. 139 – Hyperinsulinemia: What You Should Know About This National Health Crisis with Dr. Ken Berry

Today, I am thrilled to connect with Dr. Nick Bitz, a renowned naturopathic physician specializing in Ayurvedic medicine.  Dr. Bitz is an influential figure in the natural products industry, specializing in nootropics, anti-aging, medicine, biohacking, herbology, nutrition, and dietary supplements. He is currently the Senior Vice President of Product Development at Neurohacker Collective. In our discussion, we cover cellular senescence, zombie cells, and distinctions with autophagy, highlighting some hallmarks of the aging process. We discuss the gut microbiome and the significance of akkermansia, also exploring the impact of senomorphics and senolytics, brain aging, lifestyle factors, the challenges of sarcopenia, and anabolic resistance. Join us for today’s enlightening conversation with Dr. Nick Bitz as we journey into various aspects of holistic health and wellness. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How modern lifestyle factors exacerbate age-related cellular dysfunction Why it is critically important to consume enough fiber each day  Senescent cells and their impact on aging, health, and disease What is the difference between senolytics and senomorphics? How senolytics get used in a clinical setting to target different body parts Diet, lifestyle, and supplements for brain health How adaptogens are used in Ayurvedic medicine The role of senescent cells in muscle aging Dr. Bitz discusses the popular senolytic product he created with Neurohacker Collective Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Nick Bitz Neurohacker Collective Collective Insights Podcast Use the code EverydayWellness to save 15% on any Qualia formulation

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Kasia Kines. Dr. Kasia Kines is an Amazon best-selling author of Epstein-Barr Virus Solution, a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition from MUIH (Maryland University of Integrative Health), and a graduate of the first doctoral functional nutrition program created by Dr. Liz Lipski, PhD and CEO of Holistic Nutrition Naturally LLC and EBV Educational Institute.

Today, I have the privilege of connecting with an exceptional friend and colleague, McCall McPherson!  McCall’s profound expertise in thyroid health has paved the way for a revolutionary approach to functional medicine. As the visionary behind the cutting-edge Modern Thyroid Clinic in Austin, Texas, and a former TEDx speaker, she joins me to discuss the intricate differences between Grave’s Disease and Hashimoto's.  In this episode, we also delve into the unique treatment methods of the Modern Thyroid Clinic and the crucial role of comprehensive lab work support. Our conversation ventures into disordered eating, the detrimental effects of yo-yo dieting, and the starvation diet mentality, emphasizing the significance of metabolic potency. We also explore the impact of synthetic oral contraceptives, the importance of informed consent in hormone resets, and the merits of hormone replacement therapy.  My discussion with McCall encompasses a wide range of strategies that include the utilization of low-dose Naltrexone, GLP-one agonists, fasting techniques, and the pervasive effects of fear-driven food restrictions and weight loss resistance.  Join me as I share our enlightening conversation that promises to leave you informed and inspired! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: What is Grave’s Disease, and how is it treated? What are the symptoms of Grave’s Disease? What they do at the Modern Thyroid Clinic to reduce Grave’s antibodies. How Naltrexone acts in the body, and what it does for thyroid patients. McCall discusses the supplements she uses for thyroid and explains why she will not use compounded thyroid medication. How disordered eating has crept into the intermittent fasting space. How the hormonal shifts during perimenopause can lead to weight gain. Why is it essential to allow blood sugar to drop, retrain itself, and tap into your fat stores? McCall discusses the labs she prefers using for individuals with some degree of weight loss resistance or presumed metabolic inflexibility. What is the net impact of oral contraceptives? Some common reasons for women becoming weight loss resistant. McCall shares her perspective on iodine. About McCall McCall McPherson is the Founder of Modern Thyroid Clinic, a thyroid-centered functional medicine practice in Austin, Texas, and the owner and Chief-Hope-Giver of Thyroid Nation. She is a physician assistant, TEDx speaker, and thyroid expert by way of being a thyroid patient. Her passion is helping women rebuild their lives from the devastating effects of thyroid and hormonal disorders. Her philosophy is simple: There is no reason to still have thyroid symptoms. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Connect with McCall McPherson On her website On Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram Sign up for McCall’s courses

I am delighted to welcome Vinnie Tortorich back onto the show! Vinnie was with me once before, in episode 133. Today, he is joining me to talk about his impressive new documentary, Beyond Impossible, coming out soon. I was fortunate to be the first person outside of Vinnie’s team to see his new documentary. It homes in on plant versus animal-based protein and takes a deep dive into methodologies, what marginal land represents, and the net impact of methane and cows.  Vinnie Tortorich is a truth-teller and disrupter. He encourages people to think outside of their comfort zones in an informational yet non-confrontational way. He has connections with individuals like Nina Teicholz, who can easily articulate scientific ideas and research. Ten years ago, Vinnie launched his Fitness Confidential Podcast. It amasses more than a million downloads per month. The following year, he published his book, Fitness Confidential, which became an instant bestseller. In 2019, Vinnie wrote, produced, and starred in Fat, a documentary that rose to number one in several categories across iTunes and ranked well on Amazon and Amazon Prime. A sequel, titled Fat: A Documentary 2, was released earlier this year. Vinnie was one of the first people ever to talk about the benefits of low carb and ketogenic diets on the internet. In this episode, he and I talk about non-meat products, how our health and wellness have changed since the 1980s, and how much metabolic inflexibility we are currently seeing. We also discuss how some plant-based vegan scientists have influenced public policy and how common misnomers regarding health and wellness can affect our advancement, both as individuals and as a country. Stay tuned for more! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Why Vinnie decided to create his new documentary, Beyond Impossible. Why do we need to consume animal-sourced proteins? The issues with fake meat. Are cows truly an invasive species on earth? Why is veganism a social construct of wealthy countries? Why Vinnie describes the liver as a gangster. Some very wealthy corporate benefactors and investors do not take good care of themselves, yet they drive the public policies that impact everyone else. What happened in the 1980s that changed the narrative around fats? Why the EAT-Lancet Planetary Health Diet will not improve your health. What is driving the concept of the EAT-Lancet Planetary Health Diet, and what will happen as a result of the policies that have ensued from it? You can watch Vinnie’s new documentary, Beyond Impossible, on Amazon or iTunes, or you can pre-order it. It will be out in early January 2022. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Vinnie Tortorich On his website On Twitter and Facebook  Book mentioned: Eat to Win by Dr. Robert Haas

I am honored to reconnect with Amy Berger today! (She was with me before, in Episode 108, in 2020.) Amy has a Master’s degree in human nutrition. She is also a certified nutrition specialist and a US Air Force veteran. She is the author of many books, including a co-authored book with Dr. Eric Westman, called End Your Carb Confusion. Amy is a wealth of information! She specializes in helping people do “Keto Without the Crazy”, and keeping things sane and simple- a message that is sadly under-represented in our post-pandemic time frame.  Amy joins me today to dive into reducing nutrition-related fear, worry, and anxiety. We speak about food addiction, binge eating, and orthorexia, the emerging trend in medicine of metabolic psychiatry, brain health, blood sugar, different types of fuel substrates, and weight-loss resistance. We also get into bio-hacking gadgets, the scale, and the value of food budgets.  Amy’s YouTube channel is one of my favorites, and her brand and business are full of down-to-earth messaging. I hope you enjoy listening to my conversation with her as much as I did recording it! Stay tuned for more! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How Amy came up with her methodology of “keto without the crazy”. What can we do to overcome nutrition-related fear and anxiety? How Amy helps people navigate food addiction, binge eating, and orthorexia. The most effective way to overcome metabolic syndrome, obesity, type-2 diabetes, or PCOS. The importance of understanding the extent to which blood sugar and insulin problems affect cognition and the brain. How common mental health disorders associated with metabolic health, like depression, anxiety, or bipolar, can be easily corrected by changing one’s diet. How ketones can help improve mental health and clarity. Some less common reasons for weight loss resistance. Why do we sometimes need to step back and slow down? The pros and cons of bio-hacking devices. Why it is best not to weigh ourselves every day. Nutrients essential for mitochondrial health.  Bio: Amy Berger, MS, CNS, is a U.S. Air Force veteran and Certified Nutrition Specialist who helps people do “Keto Without the Crazy.”™ She writes about a wide range of health and nutrition-related topics, such as insulin, weight loss, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, thyroid function, and more. She has presented internationally on these issues and is the author of The Alzheimer's Antidote, The Stall Slayer, and co-author of End Your Carb Confusion, written with Eric Westman, MD. She is the Lead Nutritionist for Adapt Your Life Academy, where she helps create course content and coaches people through implementing low-carb keto diets safely and effectively. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Amy Berger On her website On YouTube  Consultations Online courses: www.adaptyourlifeacademy.com  Episode 108 with Amy Berger

Today, I am excited to connect with Sarah Milken, the creator and host of the side-splittingly superb Flexible Neurotic podcast, dedicated to women recreating themselves in the second half of life. Before she started the podcast, Sarah received a PhD in educational psychology at the University of Southern California and then taught at their Graduate School of Education.  This episode gets a little more personal than usual as Sarah and I dive into the challenges of living in a half-empty nest. We explore how our relationships evolve, the challenges of children gaining independence, initiating and sustaining tough conversations, and staying connected with our significant other. We also look at people-pleasing and self-expansion in midlife and discuss whether or not we should opt for HRT.  Whether navigating an empty nest or wondering what lies ahead, you will love this conversation with Sarah Milken. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: The emotional challenges parents tend to face when their children leave for college Redefining your roles as a parent  How practicing self-care and finding new hobbies and interests helps fill the void  The difficulties associated with parenting independent children Why you need to create a safe space for your children to share their concerns and challenges Maintaining a relationship with your partner while navigating changing family dynamics Why we must be open and honest about boundaries  The importance of being present and available for your children as they navigate their independence The pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy  Embracing midlife as a time for self-discovery and self-care Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Sarah Milken On her website  The Flexible Neurotic on YouTube Instagram TikTok

I am excited to connect with Dr. Lara Briden today! She is one of my favorite naturopathic doctors and the author of the bestselling books Period Repair Manual and Hormone Repair Manual. She has 25 years of experience in women's health, and she currently has consulting rooms in Christchurch, New Zealand, where she treats women with PCOS, PMS, endometriosis, perimenopause, and many other hormone- and period-related health problems. Dr. Briden is a wealth of information! She brings a fresh perspective and a positive voice to the health and wellness space, and I often recommend her book, Hormone Repair Manual, to my clients and patients.  Today, she and I dive into her background as an evolutionary biologist and discuss how she became passionate about supporting women and advocating for them throughout their lifetime. We talk about perspectives on aging, what the second puberty (perimenopause) is, and the impact of histamine, mass-cell granulation, and estrogen. We discuss fat redistribution in middle age and the loss of insulin sensitivity. We speak about how using alcohol impacts brain health, sleep, the gut microbiome, appetite, cravings, and hinders estrogen metabolism. We also touch on ways to address dysfunctional uterine bleeding in middle age and explain how to advocate for your health, how middle-age impacts the nervous system, and the role of inflammatory foods, including dairy.  I hope you enjoy our discussion as much as I did! Stay tuned for more! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Briden talks about her background as an evolutionary biologist and how she changed her career and became an advocate for women’s health. Many women fear the process of aging. Dr. Briden and I talk about women’s mindsets and their perspectives on aging.  Why is there so little awareness about perimenopause? Dr. Briden defines menopause and discusses the timeframe in which some women experience perimenopause symptoms. How can ongoing hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause, or second puberty, increase the likelihood of women having issues with a histamine response? Dr. Briden talks about fat redistribution in middle age and explains why women need to stay on top of it from a metabolic perspective. How can our modern-day lifestyle make the metabolic shift women experience in menopause even more challenging? Dr. Briden talks about natural treatments and hormone therapies to lighten the flow of the extremely heavy periods that some women experience during perimenopause. Dr. Briden discusses the connection between cow dairy and an inflammatory reaction in some people. Women need to understand what happens in their bodies when they have either a partial or a full hysterectomy. Dr. Briden talks about estrogen and brain health. How does alcohol affect the body? What are the best options with the fewest side effects for hormone therapy for women? Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Dr. Lara Briden On her website   On Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaraBriden  Dr. Briden’s blog  Dr. Briden’s podcast Books mentioned: Period Repair Manual (for women in their 20s and 30s) by Dr. Lara Briden Hormone Repair Manual (for women of 40-plus) by Dr. Lara briden Free download of the first two chapters of both Dr. Lara Briden’s books The XX Brain: The Groundbreaking Science Empowering Women to Maximize Cognitive Health and Prevent Alzheimer's Disease by Lisa Mosconi, PhD

I am delighted to reconnect with Dr. Casey Means today. Dr. Means is the Co-founder of Levels, a health technology company dedicated to reversing the global metabolic health crisis. She is also the co-author of the book Good Energy, along with her brother Callie Means.  In our discussion today, we dive into mitochondria and metabolism, looking at the impact of cognitive dissonance and the reductionistic philosophies of medical specialization. We explore the effects of siloing, the challenges posed by our broken medical system, the Flexner Report, the role of RVUs, the effects of insulin resistance on metabolic health and mitochondrial dysfunction, and the symptoms commonly seen in women. Dr. Means also offers her insights on advocacy, continuous glucose monitors, and the labs she finds impactful, and she shares the incredible story of her mother's health journey.  Good Energy is an outstanding book that will benefit every listener and clinician, and I will often recommend it. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How energy gets created in the body The link between insulin resistance and acne How insulin resistance impacts fertility How underpowered parts of the brain and neurological system can show up as depression or anxiety, potentially leading to dementia The problem of our siloed, reactive, and specialist-obsessed culture The importance of getting your biomarkers tested and learning simple strategies to improve your metabolism, based on the results  What are the conditions encompassed by the metabolic spectrum disease?  The labs that Dr. Means finds most impactful Dr. Means shares her thoughts on continuous glucose monitors. The benefits of looking at your basic eating patterns in a non-judgmental and curious way before implementing any changes Dr. Means shares the powerful story of her mother’s health journey.   Bio: Dr. Casey Means Casey Means, MD, is a Stanford-trained physician and co-founder of Levels, a health technology company with the mission of reversing the world’s metabolic health crisis. Her book on metabolic health, Good Energy, comes out in May 2024 with Penguin Random House. She received her BA with honors and MD from Stanford, was President of her Stanford class, and has served on Stanford faculty. She trained in Head & Neck Surgery before leaving traditional medicine to devote her life to tackling the root cause of why Americans are sick. She has been featured in The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Women’s Health, and more.  Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Casey Means On her website Good Energy  Newsletter signup On Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn Good Energy, by Casey and Calley Means, is available from Amazon and most anyplace good books are sold.

I am delighted to have my friend and colleague, Dr. Tro Kalayjian, back on the podcast today! He was with me once before for episode 54.  Dr. Tro has a background in internal and obesity medicine and is a founding member of the Society for Metabolic Health Practitioners. He managed to lose more than 150 pounds by challenging conventional medical advice.  In our discussion today, we dive into the impact of food addiction and how our current medical framework has compounded the difficulties of so many patients. We explore the limitations of the calories in calories out model and explain why the term binge eating does not adequately describe food addiction. We go into the role of macronutrients and discuss surgical interventions and medications for food addictions, highlighting the need for patient autonomy and shared decision-making. We also scrutinize the influence of institutions like the CDC, FDA, and insurance companies on how physicians and other healthcare practitioners practice medicine and help their patients manage hunger cravings, social interactions, emotions, and more.  Dr. Tro's dedication to empowering practitioners to become strong patient advocates and oppose the conventional medical paradigm shines through in this impactful and thought-provoking episode. I truly admire him for his commitment to challenging traditional medical protocols!  IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Why should binge eating be called food addiction? How to address a food addiction proactively How most physicians and healthcare practitioners have failed people with food addictions The issue with surgical interventions and medications  What can physicians and healthcare practitioners do to build insight into addicted patients? Dr. Tro shares his take on shared decision-making and patient autonomy regarding flu shots Why licensed healthcare providers should be obliged to have continuing education How the CDC, FDA, medical organizations, and insurance companies have influenced the way that physicians and healthcare providers help their patients The problem with central planners and their followers  Why does a low-carb bias still exist within the medical community? Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Tro Kalayjian On his website Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Previous Episode Mentioned Episode 54: Losing Weight The Healthy Way with Dr. Tro Kalayjian

I am delighted to have my friend, colleague, and mentor, JJ Virgin, joining me on the podcast again today! She last appeared in Episode 112, back in August 2020.   JJ is a thriving and influential health and wellness expert. She is a multiple New York Times best-selling author and triple board-certified nutrition expert who earned a place in the Fitness Hall of Fame. In our conversation today, we debunk some common misconceptions around weight loss, discussing the role of muscle and examining the importance of macro management- particularly in the context of perimenopause and menopause. We explore the art of aging powerfully and share some great hacks for navigating middle age, including our favorite supplements, like creatine monohydrate. We also look into the value of doing flexibility work like Pilates and yoga, the latest research on grip strength and its implications for overall strength, and the impact of chronic stress, and we share some effective strategies for tackling cellulite. Stay tuned for more! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Where have we gone wrong with weight loss? The optimal amount of strength training for perimenopausal and menopausal women  How changing your macros in middle age is the key to mastering your metabolism, maintaining muscle, and maintaining insulin sensitivity Three things that must happen for you to age powerfully Why is it best to eat the protein in a meal first? Foods that positively impact the metabolism The benefits of taking a creatine monohydrate supplement How Pilates and yoga help with flexibility, strength, and muscle-building  How grip strength correlates with overall strength The importance of thinking strategically about how we move as we get older How to counter the effects of stress and chronic cortisol elevation during perimenopause and menopause How to deal with cellulite Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with JJ Virgin website   The Well Beyond Forty podcast Protein Calculator   Previous Episode Mentioned Ep. 112 – Your Body Is Not A Bank Account – with JJ Virgin

I am excited to connect with Dr. Nicola Sykes today.  Dr. Sykes received her Ph.D. in Computational Biology from MIT. After experiencing hypothalamic amenorrhea and discovering a shortage of information about the condition in the public domain, she wrote a comprehensive guide to help people understand it and recover. In our discussion today, we dive into the nature of hypothalamic amenorrhea and explore its physiology. We address the effects of amenorrhea on eating habits, discuss caloric restrictions, fasting, exercise, and chronic stress, clarify the distinctions between eating disorders and disordered eating, and examine the role of genetics. Dr. Sykes also explains why she does not believe in post-pill amenorrhea, and our conversation touches on differentiators with polycystic ovarian syndrome, symptoms, and lab evaluations.   Given the frequent concerns from listeners about losing their menstrual cycles, this conversation with Dr. Sykes promises to be particularly valuable for those affected by prolonged fasting and similar issues. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Sykes explains what hypothalamic amenorrhea is and why it is essential for women to understand it How a lack of exercise and energy deficits can impact menstruation Why we must support our bodies with exercise and proper nutrition rather than focusing on weight loss How stress impacts the body, particularly during perimenopause and menopause Why rest and recovery are essential when doing high-intensity workouts How we need to eat enjoyable foods and focus on moderation instead of striving for an ideal standard How disordered eating differs from eating disorders The difference between hypothalamic amenorrhea and PCOS Some common symptoms of hormone imbalance The benefits of tracking menstrual and ovulation cycles Bio: Dr Sykes (formerly Rinaldi) has a PhD in computational biology from MIT. After experiencing hypothalamic amenorrhea herself and finding a lack of information about the condition in the public sphere, she set out to write a comprehensive guide to understanding the condition and how to recover. Her book, "No Period. Now What?" has helped thousands of people recover from missing periods and better understand their bodies and hormonal systems. The book has been translated into multiple languages and serves as a guide for numerous dietitians and medical professionals helping those experiencing missing periods. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Nicola Sykes On her website Instagram  Support group Buy ebook: No Period. Now what? Schedule a one-on-one session with Dr. Sykes   

I have the honor of connecting with Dr. Jeffry Gerber today! He is a board-certified family physician, speaker, author, conference organizer, husband, father, and owner of a medical practice in Colorado, where he is known as “Denver’s Diet Doctor”. He is very savvy regarding low-carb, high-fat, ancestral health, paleo, primal, intermittent fasting, and whole foods. He gets frustrated with spiraling healthcare costs related to treating conditions like obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and others. Dr. Gerber has been a doctor since 1990. Even though many of his family members were overweight, he knew very little about nutrition for the first ten years and struggled with his patients not having any results. He has always been an independent thinker. So when some of his patients told him they intended to try non-standard diets, like the Atkins or the Suzanne Somers Diet, he supported them. Then he saw that they lost weight, and their metabolic markers improved. In this episode, he and I dive into his background, how he became interested in looking at metabolic health, the impact of our modern-day lifestyles, and the toxic food environment. We speak about deprivation versus mindfulness, common challenges in the current medical system, the role of mitochondria in longevity, and the impact of altitude on our metabolism, carbohydrates, and other macros. We also discuss perimenopause, menopause, andropause, weight loss resistance, the differences between insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance, therapeutic fasting, deep prescribing, and assessing cardiovascular risk. Stay tuned for more! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How Dr. Gerber evolved from running a family practice to becoming Denver’s Diet Doctor. Dr. Gerber dives into our toxic food environment and explains where things went wrong. The problem with the traditional approach to nutrition. What does shifting the focus from deprivation to mindfulness mean? Why keeping things simple is the best way to eat. Why do we need to avoid fructose and seed oils? How the mitochondria work. What can we do to avoid oxidative stress and improve our mitochondrial health? How does altitude affect metabolism? Some of the common metabolic challenges Dr. Gerber sees in his middle-aged patients. The difference between insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance. Dr. Gerber shares his perspective on heart health. Bio: Dr. Jeffry N. Gerber, MD, FAAFP is a board-certified family physician, speaker, author, conference organizer, husband, father, and owner of South Suburban Family Medicine in Littleton, Colorado, where he is known as “Denver’s Diet Doctor”. He has been providing personalized healthcare since 1990 and continues that tradition with an emphasis on longevity, wellness, and prevention. Nutrition and its effects on health are areas of interest for Dr. Gerber. Frustrated with spiraling healthcare costs related to the treatment of conditions like overweight, obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and heart disease just to name a few, Dr. Gerber has been focusing on prevention and treatment programs using low-carb high fat (LCHF), Ancestral, Paleo, Primal, Intermittent Fasting and Whole Foods diets along with a healthy lifestyle to treat and prevent these chronic conditions. Redefining healthy nutrition is a goal. Dr. Gerber speaks frequently about these important topics to patients, the community, and other healthcare professionals. Whether connecting one-on-one or with much larger audiences his passion and legacy is nutrition education. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Dr. Jeffry Gerber Low Carb Conferences website Denver's Diet Doctor website On Facebook or @LowCarbConferences (Group) Instagram: @JeffryGerberMD or @LowCarbConferences  

I am thrilled to welcome the extraordinary Dr. Stephanie Estima back to the show today to join me in facilitating many questions from listeners. She was with me last on Episode 272, and before that, on Episode 123. Dr. Estima’s perspective aligns very closely with mine within the health and wellness space. She is an exceptionally knowledgeable and well-informed clinician specializing in female metabolism and body composition. She authored the invaluable resource known as the Betty Body and hosts The Better! podcast, where I have had the privilege of being her guest.   Today, we answer questions from both our communities, covering topics ranging from managing hormones during breastfeeding while coping with insufficient sleep to issues concerning preconception and methods for cycle tracking. We dive into the best contraceptives for younger women, strategies for supporting detoxification, addressing fibrocystic breasts, navigating autoimmune conditions and fibromyalgia, and determining the intensity of workout routines. There were also many questions about weight training, preferred pre-workouts, favorite supplements tailored for perimenopause and menopause, hormesis, and much more.  Dr. Estima's insights are as enlightening as ever, making today’s conversation a must-listen for anyone on a journey toward optimal well-being. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How breastfeeding can delay menstrual cycles without causing infertility Dr. Stephanie discusses fertility and the importance of evaluating both male and female factors Contraceptive options for younger women The importance of understanding the side effects and implications of long-term oral contraceptives The benefits of green leafy vegetables for fibrocystic breasts Supplements for breast health  The potential drawbacks of mammograms Perimenopause and autoimmune conditions, including Hashimoto's, thyroiditis, and fibromyalgia How trauma contributes to the dysregulation of the immune system and autoimmune conditions Supplements for middle-aged women How cold plunges and saunas benefit physical and mental well-being Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Stephanie Estima On Instagram  On her weekly podcast, Better! With Dr. Stephanie, where she explores the human potential, hormones, metabolism, and a life well-lived. Get a copy of Dr. Stephanie Estima’s #1 bestselling book, The Betty Body: A Geeky Goddess’ Guide to Intuitive Eating, Balanced Hormones, and Transformative Sex Previous Episodes featuring Dr. Stephanie Ep. 123 – Menstruation, Muscle, Maternity, & Metabolism: What Every Woman Should Know with Dr. Stephanie Estima Ep. 272 Understanding Women’s Health: Answering Your FAQs featuring Dr. Stephanie Estima

I was happy to connect with Todd White today! Todd is the founder of Dry Farm Wines, a company from which I have frequently sent gifts from to friends and family over the last few years.  Todd has always taken his health and fitness seriously. He is a wine lover, but it used to make him feel bad. Looking for low-alcohol wine led him to accidentally discover natural wines via the natural wine revolution, which was starting to happen in France at the time. Todd and I dive deep into the differences between conventional and biodynamic wines. We speak about government regulations, the lack of transparency in the wine industry, the components of organic, biodynamic, and natural wines, the alcohol content of natural wines versus that of conventional wines, and how age and gender differences relate to alcohol consumption. We discuss the toxins, herbicides, and pesticides found in conventional wine products, the impact of irrigation on grapes, and what comprises sugar-free wine. We also get into why wine consumers need to educate themselves on the significant differences between conventionally produced wines in the United States and biodynamic wines.  I hope you enjoy listening to my conversation with Todd White of Dry Farm Wines! Stay tuned to learn all you need to know about the difference between conventional wines and biodynamic wines.  IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Todd discusses his background and lifestyle choices.  What brought about the invention of Dry Farm Wines? Todd dives into the lack of transparency in the wine-making business. How are conventional wines made, and how does that differ from biodynamic wine-making? Why are natural wines rare, and why are they better for you? Todd is passionate about educating people on how to drink better and more consciously. Natural wines are lower in alcohol than commercially produced wines.  The benefits of drinking natural wines from a health standpoint.  Why do Dry Farm Wines independently lab-test every wine they sell? Todd talks about the problems with irrigation and explains what dry farming means. Todd talks about polyphenols in wine.  How does wine get sugar in it and how does it become sugar-free? What do sulfates and other additives do to wine? The difference between organic wine and natural wine. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Todd White Dry Farm Wines website @dryfarmwines on all social media Go to www.dryfarmwines.com/cynthiathurlow to get an extra bottle of wine in your first box when you sign up for a subscription.   Recommended documentary:  The Biggest Little Farm directed by John Chester

I am delighted to have Lara Adler with me again today! Lara is a self-proclaimed environmental toxins nerd. She was on the show last year, in episode 159, where we spoke about the link between chemical exposure, weight gain, and other hormonal imbalances. I asked her to join me again today, to highlight the impact of the quality of our water on our health.  Lara Adler is an Environmental Toxins Expert & Educator and a Certified Holistic Health Coach who teaches health coaches, nutritionists, and other health professionals how to eliminate the number one thing holding their clients back from the results they are seeking – the unaddressed link between chemicals and chronic health problems. She trains practitioners to become experts in everyday toxic exposures so they can improve client outcomes without spending hundreds of hours researching on their own.  There have recently been so many questions about water! In this episode, Lara and I take a deep dive into the scope of the water issue. We discuss the problems around regulation, water contamination, and the crumbling water infrastructure in the United States. We discuss how differences in geography affect our exposure to certain types of industrial toxins and pesticides and talk about how our water gets disinfected with chlorine, chloramine, and fluoride. We get into the impact of biological contaminants, the role of industry and government, the effects of climate change and pollution, why we need to understand the water quality reports for our homes, and how micro-plastics can impair our health and longevity. We also talk about bottled water, water filters, and Lara’s favorite environmental health books, bottles, and reverse osmosis.  IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN The concerns expressed in the book Silent Spring started changing the tide around environmental pollutants. The United States still has very poor regulations around the number of industrial chemicals present in the water system. There might be traces of antibiotics, antidepressants, and other drugs in our drinking water. Lara explains why she purposefully does not promote any specific water filtration systems. Problems that exist in the American water infrastructure. Even though utilities in the United States are legally required to produce water quality reports (or consumer confidence reports) every year, they do not always do that. Why is it vital for you to obtain your water quality report, regardless of where you live? Lara explains the difference between groundwater and surface water. The pros and cons of disinfecting water. Why should you avoid drinking untreated spring water? The government and industry in America have not been good stewards of the country’s water supply. Lara talks about the intentional campaign run by the American government and industry to push the environmental responsibility onto the consumer. Why is chlorine added to our water supply? What does it do, and how does it impact our health? Lara shares her thoughts on fluoride. What are micro-plastics, and how do they impact our health? Some advice for re-mineralizing water purified by reverse osmosis. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Lara Adler On her website On Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Resources: Ecojarz Books mentioned: Silent Spring by Rachel Carson The Fluoride Deception by Christopher Bryson Slow Death By Rubber Duck by Bruce Lourie and Rick Smith Documentary mentioned: Seaspiracy

In this fresh episode, we are joined by one of the founders of “The Weekly Juicery,” Kimmye Bohannon. Kimmye explores and unravels her juicing journey and shares her top tips for chasing good health & aging in reverse. She also states how she began turning her hobby into her career, being able to provide a nutritious and organic beverage to over 200 Weekly Juice Customers. We discuss the important health benefits of juicing and discover what makes Cold Pressed Juice different than the rest.  

We are delighted and excited to welcome Dr. Ken Berry back as our guest. He is a board-certified family medicine physician based in Tennessee, and he has dedicated his practice to fighting to end the epidemics of chronic disease caused by hyperinsulinemia. Dr. Berry was one of our favorite guests from 2020, and we brought him back on the show because it is the start of a new year, and we would like to get a fresh perspective on how to get back on track. Today, he will be speaking to us about the recent USDA dietary guidelines, weight-loss stalls, and sugar addiction. Ken Berry is a certified physician, an Amazon Best Selling Author, and a passionate advocate of health on his YouTube channel where he has over one million subscribers. Along with his online presence, he is active in his community of Camden Tennessee where he has been practicing at The Berry Clinic since 2003. Dr. Berry is known for his direct, no-nonsense approach to health and wellness. After signing with Victory Belt Publishing House this year, Dr. Berry just released the second edition of his best-selling book Lies My Doctor Told Me. He is also writing his second book called Common Sense Keto for Type II Diabetes. He looks forward to working with the real people of the world in continuing his mission to bring an end to the obesity and Type II diabetes epidemics, along with bringing awareness to such issues as thyroid health and hormone optimization. Be sure to listen in today to find out what Dr. Ken has to share about fighting hyperinsulinemia with a proper diet. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Berry talks about the influence of the major food and beverage companies on the USDA dietary guidelines. How the big food corporations are taking advantage of our evolutionarily passed-on craving for sweetness. Why people are struggling with losing weight. Reclaiming control over your diet is a powerful step that can open many doors for you. Some people become more easily addicted than others to various things, including sweetness. That’s why you need to be honest with yourself if you think you have a problem. A national health crisis is evident due to the vast number of adults in the US who have at least one metabolic syndrome marker. There is a lot of value in using a CGM to monitor your blood sugar, to see your response to specific macronutrients. The kind of damage you cause to your body when your blood sugar spikes above 140. Dr. Berry shares his thoughts about various supplements, like Berberine and Chromium. Dr. Berry defines a proper human diet. A nutritional suggestion for those who don’t have much access to fresh fruit and vegetables. Dr. Berry discusses his position on sleep and stress. What Dr. Berry will be focusing on in 2021.  Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s Website  Connect with Ken On YouTube      On Facebook On Twitter Follow Dr. Berry on his rediscovery of the proper human diet. He goes live on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter, every Monday at 7 pm central standard time.  Books mentioned: Sugar Fat Salt by Michael Moss Sacred Cow by Diana Rodgers and Robb Wolf

I am honored to engage in a conversation with Dr. Sean Pastuch today. Dr. Pastuch spent more than ten years treating patients and training clients. He has worked with some of the most elite athletes in the world, guiding them toward success by seamlessly connecting fitness with healthcare.  In today’s conversation, we discuss the sustainability of New Year's resolutions, explain why strength training is essential, and talk about chronic cardio and muscular independence, the pitfalls of overtraining, and the impact of body image marketing. We explore advocacy within the current healthcare system, emphasizing the need for confidence-building to become effective advocates for ourselves and our children. Dr. Pastuch also explains the simplicity of his morning routine, highlighting the importance of uncomplicated habits for maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Stay tuned for simple-to-apply behavior changes, mindset shifts, and exercise protocols to help you live a life of freedom without compromise. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Pastuch shares his thoughts on New Year's resolutions How fitness planning in 5-year rather than 1-year chunks can make your progress feel less daunting and more achievable Why mindset is such an essential aspect of fitness Dr. Pastuch shares advice for finding a good trainer Some strategies for weight loss and fitness Why do we need to adapt to our body changes during perimenopause and menopause rather than relying on methods that worked in the past? The benefits of focusing on overall health and well-being instead of striving for a specific body ideal The importance of addressing underlying issues before focusing on exercise and nutrition for weight loss Why passive solutions are not enough to address generational problems How to become your own best health advocate  Bio: Dr Sean spent over a decade treating patients and training clients. He has worked with the most elite athletes in the world, the people who need the .01% edge on their competition, like professional baseball players, CrossFit games champions, and Olympic medalists. He found his success by bridging the gap between fitness and healthcare, using his expertise in both the gym and the clinic to create a new way to help people consistently get out of pain without going to the doctor or missing out on their active lives. Since leaving practice in 2017, Dr. Sean has taken the methods he used to help over 10,000 people perform at their best, free of pain, and made his methods and mindset shifts available to the masses through the founding of his company, Active Life, where his team not only help people from around the world to get out of pain without going to the doctor or giving up their active life, but they mentor fitness and healthcare professionals to do the same for their clients and patients.  Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Sean Pastuch Website    Instagram

Today, I am excited to have my friend and colleague, Dr. Aaron Hartman, joining me! Dr. Hartman is a triple board-certified physician in functional and integrative medicine.  Our immune systems can go into overdrive in response to many different environmental factors, including some of the things we get exposed to in our food and personal care products. Today, for the first time on the podcast, we will be talking about mold and micro-toxins and their resultant systemic inflammatory side effects. I like to think of Dr. Hartman as a medical detective because he takes the time to closely examine how and why various factors are present in his patients. In this episode, he and I dive deep into Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) and discuss how exposure to biotoxins can lead to a chronic inflammatory response. We talk about mold, contributors to mold exposure, and micro-toxins. We discuss the role of specific types of testing, provide clues for where to look for mold exposure, and explain how it can manifest. We touch on how CIRS can get triggered by seemingly benign things like too much exercise, post-traumatic brain injury, and breast implant illness. We discuss ways to treat those issues, focusing mainly on lifestyle, dietary recommendations, and adding things like specific types of filters to our environment. We also talk about how we can work with our local healthcare professionals to find people in our area to help us get to the root cause of many different chronic inflammatory symptoms.  I found this conversation very interesting because I believe that many people may be diving down rabbit holes when, in fact, their symptoms might be there as a result of an overwhelming chronic inflammatory response. Stay tuned to learn how to deal with the systemic inflammatory side effects that could result from chronic mold exposure.  IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Why is the medical community not talking enough about mold exposure and micro-toxins? We look at the symptoms associated with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). It can take many exposures over many years for those genetically more susceptible to micro-toxin exposure to become symptomatic. There is a case study at the University of Texas on curing POTS Syndrome by treating SIBO with low-dose naltrexone and IVIg. Healthcare providers get trained to think about each symptom separately. Dr. Hartman’s curiosity led him to see how many different things are interconnected. There are many different ways that people get exposed to mold- even from seemingly benign foods like coffee and peanut butter. We need to ask whether or not our innate immune system is activated to respond to the mold we get exposed to or if there might be something else within the CIRS world that could be causing the problem. Dr. Hartman created a blog series on his website to walk people through their symptoms to learn if they might have CIRS. Dr. Hartman talks about the often-overlooked melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH). Where should you start, and what should you look for with home-testing? Some ways that CIRS can get triggered. Everyone has different thresholds for a concussion. Overexertion can hurt the body, so you need to listen to what your body tells you. Dr. Hartman shares his thoughts on breast implant illness and its inter-relationship with CIRS. Some of the ways that Dr. Hartman addresses CIRS symptoms.    Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Dr. Aaron Hartman On his website CIRS eBook       Coffee link  https://squarefeetcoffee.com/discount/IF\

Today I have the honor of connecting with Dr. Sharon Melnick! Dr. Sharon is a leading Executive Coach and Speaker in the area of resilience, power, and women’s leadership. She was intricately involved in research at Harvard Medical School and is a Marshall Goldsmith Top 100 Coach who has coached and trained at over 60 Fortune 500 organizations and numerous equity-owned and startup companies. She is the author of In Your Power. In today’s episode, Dr. Sharon shares her background, and we dive into trauma, intergenerational trauma, triggers, how to change a definition and narrative, how to distinguish between being in your power and feeling powerless, regaining a sense of control and confidence, the metaphor of the thermostat versus the thermometer, ways to align more closely with your power, strategies for dealing with intrusive people, and more. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Why do we tend to create unhealthy self-soothing behaviors to cope with the uncomfortable feelings associated with unhealed trauma? Dr. Sharon defines triggers. The power of reframing and changing the narratives of triggering situations. How to regain a sense of control when you are in an acutely emotional or reactive state. How to reconnect with yourself and regain your power after moving through difficult emotions. Dr. Sharon shares a technique for moving from being reactive to becoming intentional. What it means to be in your power, and how being in your power differs from having power. Dr. Sharon explains why she wrote her book. How our built-in protective mechanism prevents us from feeling good enough and taking control of our lives. How to become more resilient. How to re-establish your power and use it effectively. How to align with others and influence them to do as you ask.  How to stay in your power when your boundaries get disrespected, or when dealing with narcissistic people. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Connect with Dr. Sharon Melnick Dr. Sharon's Website Get Dr. Sharon’s resources: www.inyourpowerbook.com

I am thrilled to have Dr. Olivera Bogunovic and Holly Hardman with me on the show today. Dr. Bogunovic is an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and the medical director of the alcohol, drug, and addiction outpatient program at the McLean Hospital, and Holly directed the documentary As Prescribed. In today’s discussion, we dive into the ongoing benzodiazepine crisis in the United States, with over 92 million prescriptions written each year for medications like Ativan, Valium, Xanax, and Klonopin. We discuss the origin of those drugs in the 1970s as treatments for anxiety and how they lead to tremendous physical dependency. Holly shares her experience with the neurological effects she suffered after long-term use of Klonopin, and we examine challenges in psychiatric care, the need for informed consent, and the impact of social media. We also cover the role of lifestyle, the need for psychotherapy and psychosocial support, and the significance of hope. This conversation is truly invaluable! Given how frequently benzodiazepines get prescribed, everyone must understand their associated risks and considerations. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How prescribing practices have evolved over the last two decades The significant consequences older adults face when they suddenly stop using benzodiazepines  Holly shares how doctors misinformed her when she began taking Klonopin.  Holly describes the benzodiazepine-induced symptoms and cognitive issues she experienced Why people must get informed about the long-term effects of benzodiazepines when consenting to take them How benzodiazepines work in the body and impact the brain Why benzodiazepines are ineffective when used long-term for insomnia The challenges certain people face when accessing psychiatric care What is BIND, and what are its symptoms? The significance of diet and holistic approaches for managing mental health and why community support is essential in the recovery process Why As Prescribed is an educational documentary for everyone Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Olivera Bogunovic The McLean Hospital (in Boston) The documentary, As Prescribed, is available in the United States and Canada on Prime Video, Apple, Kanopy, Tubi, and Google.

I’m delighted to connect with Dr. Izabella Wentz today! She is a PharmD, an internationally acclaimed thyroid specialist, and a licensed pharmacist who has dedicated her career to addressing the root causes of autoimmune thyroid disease. She is also the author of three books. Her most recent book is The Adrenal Transformation Protocol. Dr. Wentz joins me to dive into how to identify what is going on with our adrenal health and why adrenal issues tend to occur along with thyroid issues. We speak about her background and how it influenced her life’s work, the myth of adrenal fatigue, and HPA dysfunction. We also discuss the physiology of the adrenals, acute versus chronic stress, signs of a dysregulated HPA axis, lifestyle, the impact of trauma, and how Dr. Wentz’s protocol works.  IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Wentz explains what led her to write The Adrenal Protocol. What happens in the body when we experience significant amounts of fatigue? How the physical impact of acute stress differs from that of chronic stress. Symptoms of adrenal dysfunction (other than chronic fatigue). How does sleep apnea tie to Hashimoto’s and mitochondrial health? Lifestyle factors that may contribute to adrenal fatigue. Adaptogens and supplements that can assist in balancing cortisol levels. How to know when to cut back on exercise. Foods that support thyroid and adrenal health, and foods that could negatively impact thyroid and adrenal health. What is molecular mimicry? How does trauma impact adrenal health? Dr. Wentz talks about her latest book, The Adrenal Transformation Protocol. Something you can do right now to improve your adrenal health. Bio: Izabella Wentz, PharmD, FASCP, is an internationally acclaimed thyroid specialist and a licensed pharmacist who has dedicated her career to addressing the root causes of autoimmune thyroid disease after being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in 2009. She is the author of three books on Hashimoto’s: Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Lifestyle Interventions for Finding and Treating the Root Cause, Hashimoto’s Food Pharmacology, and Hashimoto’s Protocol, which became a #1 New York Times bestseller. Dr. Wentz currently lives in Texas with her husband, Michael, and their son, Dimitry. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Connect with Dr. Izabella Wentz On her website On Facebook and Instagram Get Dr. Wentz’s adrenal healing guide: The ABCs of Adrenal Support Find Dr. Wentz’s new book, The Adrenal Transformation Protocol  Books mentioned: From Fatigued to Fantastic by Jacob Teitelbaum

In this episode, we are joined by a true renaissance woman, Sara Russell NTP, who believes that the healing arts of nutrition are an expression of a love of food and a passion for sharing food and health with others. She shares insights into how her dynamic background has helped shape her perspective on health and wellness and how that impacts her work with her clients and community. https://buildnurturerestore.com/sara-russell-ntp/ Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us a rating. We appreciate it!

I am delighted to have my good friend and fan-favorite, Dr. Tabatha Barber, joining me again to share her wisdom on the podcast!  Dr. Tabatha is a triple board-certified OB/GYN specializing in menopause and functional medicine. She has a wonderful podcast called The Gutsy Gynecologist Show and is often referred to affectionately as the Gutsy Gynecologist. Dr. Tabatha was with me in two previous podcast episodes, #206 and #212, and both are in the top twenty downloaded podcasts in the last 18 months! Many women suffer unnecessarily when going through perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Tabatha and I have an AMA (Ask Me Anything) episode today. We discuss weight gain related to perimenopause and menopause, issues with estrogen replacement therapy, how libido can be impacted by many different factors, how to address a partial hysterectomy and HRT, and bioidenticals versus synthetic hormones. We also get into lab work, skin reactions relative to perimenopause and menopause, emotional eating, leptin resistance, and many other topics.  I’m grateful for all the great questions and have no doubt this episode with Dr. Tabatha will be another fan-favorite! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Why do too much estrogen and too little estrogen both cause weight gain?  How fragrances and plastic contribute to the imbalance between estrogen and progesterone. How changing to organic tampons and pads, or using a Diva cup, can be a game-changer for women. Should women who have had a partial hysterectomy and are on HRT still check progesterone and testosterone levels and fast like a post-menopausal female? Dr. Tabatha shares her thoughts on plain estradiol versus Biest and Triest. Dr. Tabatha offers her recommendations for a healthy 48-year-old female with zero libido. What can a 17-year-old with high testosterone do to get her testosterone level within the normal range? Is there a biological or mindset issue at play if you never feel full and always want to eat, irrespective of how healthy or satisfying the foods you eat are? The benefits of fasting.  What can we do to support our pelvic joints? How do our hormones affect our skin? Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Connect with Dr. Tabatha Barber On her website The Gutsy Gynecologist Show Previous Episodes Mentioned: Episode 206 Pt 1: A Deep Dive into Perimenopause- Hormonal Imbalances and Birth Control with Dr. Tabatha Barber Episode 212 Pt. 2: A Deep Dive into Hormonal Imbalances and Menopause with Dr. Tabatha Barber Books mentioned: The XX Brain by Lisa Mosconi

We are joined today by Dr. Shawn Tassone a dual trained functional and Western med OB/GYN who discusses how to support female hormonal health. You will learn key strategies to help support your body and stay attuned to changes you may see as you age gracefully. Learn more about Dr. Tassone here: http://tassonemd.com/ Send questions you'd like us to answer to everydaywellnesspodcast@gmail.com. Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us a rating and review. We appreciate it!

I am honored to have Samantha Harris joining me today!  Samantha is a best-selling author and prominent figure in the television world, having graced our screens as an Emmy Award-winning TV host. At age forty, her life took a shocking and unexpected turn when she received a breast cancer diagnosis, moving her far beyond the glamor of the entertainment industry. In our conversation today, Samantha shares her remarkable story, explaining how her persistence and intuition guided her toward identifying and understanding ductal carcinoma. We discuss the value of seeking second and third opinions and why you should trust your intuition when navigating medical decisions. Samantha also sheds light on the critical role of raising awareness and empowering individuals in their healthcare journeys, and we examine the risk factors associated with breast cancer, looking at lifestyle choices and how they affect our health and well-being. Samantha is a wellspring of hope and inspiration! I trust you will find my conversation with her as captivating and enlightening as I did while recording it! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How Samantha made the leap into entertainment journalism Samantha dives into her journey to health after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis How her persistence allowed her to receive an earlier diagnosis   How she learned to listen to her inner voice Why is it important to get second and third opinions on treatment options? What prompted Samantha to change her personal care products and makeup? Nutritional changes Samantha made that impacted her health the most The importance of taking things one step at a time to avoid becoming overwhelmed when making changes How her exercise routine has changed over the last eight years Why is it essential to keep your body flexible? The three pillars that helped Samantha get through her illness Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Samantha Harris On her website On Facebook and Instagram (@SamanthaHarrisTV)

I’m excited to connect with Dr. Bill Schindler today! He is the author of Eat Like a Human: Nourishing Foods and Ancient Ways of Cooking to Revolutionize Your Health. He is also an internationally known archaeologist, primitive technologist, chef, and co-founder of Modern Stone Age Kitchen.  Dr. Schindler is all about helping people understand ancestral approaches to maximizing safety, nutrient density, and bioavailability. In this episode, we dive into his background and discuss what we should eat, milestones related to ancestral health perspectives, nutrient density, bioavailability, and how technology has impacted how we eat today. We also discuss plant toxins, organ meats, dairy, bug protein, and more. I loved Dr. Schindler’s book, Eat Like a Human: Nourishing Foods and Ancient Ways of Cooking to Revolutionize Your Health, so do check it out! I hope you enjoy listening to our fascinating conversation. Stay tuned for more! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Schindler went from being a wrestler to having an evolutionary perspective on food, how we interact with it, and living a paleolithic lifestyle.  How important evolutionary milestones have impacted the way most people eat. Most of us have become severely disconnected from our food system. What plant toxins do to our bodies, and what we can do to make them less toxic so that we can consume them safely The biggest problem with oxalates. Changes that have occurred that may contribute to people becoming intolerant to dairy. What is the difference between raw milk and pasteurized and homogenized milk? How to get the maximum nutrition most safely from dairy. Ways to prepare organ meats and offal to make them more appetizing. We can benefit from including insects in our diet. Dr. Schindler explains what he and his family are doing at the Modern Stone Age Kitchen. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Dr. Bill Schindler On his websites: www.eatlikeahuman.com or www.modernstoneagekitchen.com  The Eastern Shore Food Lab Non-profit Follow Dr. Schindler online: @Dr. Bill Schindler and @Modern Stone Age Kitchen Eat Like a Human: Nourishing Foods and Ancient Ways of Cooking to Revolutionize Your Health is available in print, audio, or digital from any major online book supplier. Or order a signed copy from Dr. Schindler’s website.

Today, I am thrilled to reconnect with my friend and colleague, Dr Amie Hornaman. She is a popular and frequent guest on the podcast.  Dr. Hornaman, known as the Thyroid Fixer, helps 1000s of individuals optimize their thyroid and hormones. She joins me today for a mini thyroid master class where we discuss the miscommunication surrounding thyroid health, the role of empowerment, and the impact of hormone replacement, and we dive into the physiology of the thyroid, the effects of thyroid pause, Hashimoto’s, and autoimmune conditions. We explore labs you need, elimination diets, molecular mimicry medications, and why iodine is essential for those with thyroid health issues. We also look into various supplements, including vitamin D, magnesium, iodine, and creatine, and the research surrounding black cumin seeds and T2.  Today’s discussion with Dr. Amie Hornaman is invaluable as it will set you up for 2025 with all the information you require regarding the thyroid. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Why doing due diligence and understanding your body is essential for making informed health choices How thyroid dysfunction impacts overall health Why proper thyroid hormone replacement is vital to prevent long-term health issues How hypothyroidism increases during perimenopause and menopause The importance of regular thyroid testing and proper management  The most effective tests for thyroid function The antibodies play when autoimmune conditions get diagnosed How lifestyle and diet impact thyroid health The various options available for thyroid medication and the need for personalization What are the benefits of compounded thyroid medication? Dr. Hornaman introduces her supplement line. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Amie Hornaman On her website The Thyroid Fixer podcast Better Life Doctor.com

Step into the world of metabolic health and fasting as we embark on a captivating journey with the renowned Canadian clinical educator Megan Ramos! In an era when chronic illness and obesity have become alarmingly prevalent, and dieting has become a lifelong struggle for many, Megan is on a mission to revolutionize our understanding of metabolic health. Known for her expertise in therapeutic fasting and low-carb diets, she co-founded the revolutionary Fasting Method alongside the renowned Dr. Jason Fung and co-authored the bestselling book Life in the Fasting Lane. Now, she returns with her latest work, delving into the untold stories of women and fasting.  In today’s captivating discussion, Megan and I explore the staggering statistics that reveal a nation plagued by chronic illness and weight issues, where even the average person has tried 126 diets in their lifetime. Megan shares her groundbreaking insights on women and fasting, unveiling the truth behind misdiagnosis, the myths surrounding intermittent fasting, the role of macros and insulin secretion, and the profound impact of the pandemic on our hormones, sleep, and stress levels.  Prepare yourself for a thought-provoking episode as we tackle pressing questions from listeners, covering the dawn effect, gout, insomnia, and invaluable strategies for achieving fasting success! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: My journey with PCOS Why does body composition matter so much? PCOS, the number one endocrine disorder in Westernized countries Common myths about intermittent fasting The fertility aspect of postmenopausal women The slippery slope of perimenopause Is fasting just an extreme form of calorie restriction? The impact of sleep and stress on glucose and insulin levels How to integrate intermittent fasting into your lifestyle Magnesium supplementation for insulin resistance How to deal with gout Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Connect with Megan Ramos The Fasting Method Find Megan on social media @Megan J. Ramos Purchase a copy of Life in the Fasting Lane  Purchase a copy of The Essential Guide to Intermittent Fasting For Women Previous Episodes Featuring Megan Ep. 116 – Using Intermittent Fasting to Reverse Chronic Illnesses – with Megan Ramos Ep. 188 – Troubleshooting Your Fasting Method with Megan Ramos

Join me today in stepping into the world of nutrition science and exploring the fascinating realm of dietary oxalates alongside renowned expert Sally Norton! Armed with a nutrition degree from Cornell and a Master's degree in Public Health, Sally has dedicated her life to unraveling the mysteries of plant-based oxalic compounds. In her groundbreaking new book, Toxic Superfoods, she untangles the intricate web of oxalic acid, oxalate salts, and oxalate crystals, shedding light on their affinity for binding to essential minerals and disrupting the delicate balance of glutathione and oxidation. In today's conversation, Sally and I explore the prevalence of oxalates in modern lifestyles. We dive into the alarming deficiency of essential vitamins and minerals in the American diet and the impact of consumer demand for so-called superfoods. We also uncover the fascinating connections between genetics, lifestyle, and symptoms and get into how to address the consequences of consuming oxalate-laden foods.  Prepare yourself for an enlightening discussion that will give you a fresh perspective on health and well-being! You will be captivated by the depth of knowledge and insights Sally reveals about the pressing health issues surrounding dietary oxalates! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How Sally's health journey led to her passion for sharing information about oxalates. The difficulty of questioning basic cultural assumptions What are oxalates, and how do they impact the body? Why do we feel the symptoms of high oxalate exposure systemically? How our modern-day lifestyles are contributing to oxalate symptoms Many clinicians are unaware of how superfoods are contributing to the poor health of their patients. Sally dives into the problem of hyper-nutrition. The hidden pathology of eating disorders Sally explains how primary hyperoxaluria plays out. Foods that seem benign Dealing with constipation and kidney stones How to get enough minerals in the body About Sally: Sally K. Norton, MPH, holds a nutrition degree from Cornell University and a Master’s degree in Public Health. Her path to becoming a leading expert on dietary oxalate includes a prior career working at major medical schools in medical education and public health research. Her personal healing experience inspired years of research that led to her book, Toxic Superfoods: How Oxalate Overload is Making You Sick-and How to Get Better, which was released in January 2023 from Rodale Press and is available everywhere books are sold.  Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Connect with Sally Norton On her website  On Facebook and YouTube Order a copy of Sally’s book, Toxic Superfoods

In this episode, Cynthia spoke with Dr. Paul Saladino. Dr. Saladino is the leading authority on the science and application of the carnivore diet. He has used this diet to reverse autoimmunity, chronic inflammation and mental health issues in hundreds of patients, many of whom had been told their conditions were untreatable.

We are excited to welcome Susan Bratton back to the podcast today. (Her first podcast was Episode 64, from September of 2019.) Susan is our go-to expert on intimate wellness, sexual regeneration protocols, and ageless sexuality. She loves talking about all the misunderstandings and myths about our female sexuality and aging because, at the age of fifty-nine, she is having the best sex of her life! Susan Bratton is an expert in intimate wellness, sexual regenerative protocols, and ageless sexuality. She is a best-selling author and publisher of lovemaking techniques, bedroom communication skills, and sexual vitality advice that include Sexual Soulmates, Relationship Magic, Revive Her Drive, Ravish Him, The Steamy Sex Ed™ Video Collection, Hormone Balancing,  The Pump Guide, and Thrust-In-Time serve as examples of the exciting variety of her 34 books and programs. Be sure to listen in today to find out what Susan has to share about intimate wellness and having better sex as you age. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Susan talks about the benefits of douching with nascent iodine. Taking care of your vaginal microbiome. Susan talks about some of the things that can happen to the vagina that people might assume are unrelated. Women from different ethnic backgrounds have different cultures in their vaginal systems, and there are lead bacterias for each of those ethnic categories. Most women don’t realize that semen is full of serotonin, testosterone, and all kinds of luteinizing hormones that help to regulate menstrual cycles. You do have some control over how your aging process goes. Susan discusses what she learned from the journey of vaginal restoration treatments and protocols that she started on when she was about fifty-five. Susan shares a trick she learned about overcoming vaginal atrophy and having better orgasms. How the vFit device works, and how women can benefit from using it. Some products and therapies will aid holistic vaginal rejuvenation and help you have great sex for your whole life. Susan talks about bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. The benefits of having an O-Shot. What you need to have good, exciting sex for your whole life. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Connect with Susan: On her website     CEO, The20, LLC. LinkedIn @Do.The.20 @SusanBratton Better Lover The Sexual Soulmate Pact Relationship Magic  Links to the free gifts, products, and sites Susan mentioned on the show: FLOW organic nitric oxide supplement Hormone Balancing Hot To Trot (great pic on page 12 of women’s erectile tissue system)    Pump Guide for Men and Their Partners vSculpt At-Home Vaginal Rejuvenation Device (Canada)    vFit At-Home Vaginal Rejuvenation Device  Fun Factory Susan Recommended Pleasure Tools for Solo and Couples (USA) Susan’s videos and articles: Better Lover Videos Personal Life Media - Be A Better Lover Articles

I am excited to welcome Melanie Avalon as my guest for today! Melanie is a SAG-AFTRA actress, author of What When Wine: Lose Weight and Feel Great with Paleo-Style Meals, Intermittent Fasting, and Wine, host of the top iTunes podcasts The Melanie Avalon Biohacking Podcast, and The Intermittent Fasting Podcast with Gin Stephens, who has appeared on this podcast twice before. Melanie is certified as a wine specialist by the WSET and as a holistic nutritionist by the AFPA. She is a member of MENSA. Melanie developed the top iTunes app, “Food Sense Guide", to help those with food sensitivities, and she currently runs three rapidly growing Facebook groups. Melanie and I became friends when I appeared on her podcast last year, and we have stayed in touch since then. We are doing a biohacking block in April. Throughout April, we will be featuring on the podcast many of the people who I consider to be cutting edge in the biohacking space. Melanie is a powerhouse woman in the intermittent fasting space. She is one of the people helping to change the face of the health and wellness industry. She has no medical training. Yet, she is able to grasp some pretty heavy-duty concepts, and she fully understands the technology behind the various biohacking devices. Melanie is joining us today to talk about some of the biohacking devices and modalities and the benefits you can expect to experience from each of them. So be sure to listen in to find out what she has to say about the benefits of biohacking, supplements, and hormetic stressors. Show highlights: Melanie talks about what biohacking means to her, and she explains where you can start with that. Melanie walks us through the spectrum of biohacking devices, from those she considers milder or more benign to the more intricate ones, and explains what they do. Blue light-blocking glasses were the first biohacking thing that Melanie did. She has never stopped using them. Melanie explains the physical benefits of Near-Infrared Light Therapy and Near-Infrared Light saunas. Cold can do some amazing things for our bodies. We talk about challenging ourselves with hormetic stress and cold therapies. Melanie talks about the benefits of using the Apollo Neuro device for sound wave therapy. Melanie is a reformed insomniac. She discusses what has been the most helpful for her in terms of the quality of her sleep. Melanie talks about supplements that can be helpful for biohacking. The role that NAD+ plays in supporting our energy levels. Melanie talks about Vitamin D and explains why getting enough of it is vital for your health. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Melanie Avalon Follow Melanie on her personal Facebook page, Instagram, and Twitter, join her Facebook Group.            Recommended books: The Wim Hof Method by Wim Hof Lifespan by David A. Sinclair, Ph.D. and Matthew D. LaPlante  Breath by James Nestor The Switch by James W. Clement Recommended app: dminder

I am delighted to connect with Dr. Nathan Bryan, an international leader in Molecular Medicine, biochemistry, and nitric oxide today. He was the first ever to describe nitrites and nitrates as indispensable nutrients for cardiovascular health. Having been involved in nitric oxide research for the past 18 years, he has made many seminal discoveries in that area.  After hearing Dr. Bryan speak on the podcast of a colleague, I decided to bring him into the Everyday Wellness Community. In today’s discussion, we explore the role of nitric oxide as a signaling molecule crucial for communication within the body and examine how modern lifestyles affect nitric oxide production, looking at how to differentiate between the two nitric oxide pathways and understanding why our lifestyle choices significantly impact that. We discuss the importance of the oral microbiome and symbiosis, the harmful effects of fluoride, proton pump inhibitors, and mouthwash on our health, and cover the symptoms of low nitric oxide production, the impact of modern farming practices on the nutrient quality of our foods, and the differences between organic and conventional crops. Dr. Bryan highlights the importance of gender differences in nitric oxide production, particularly during perimenopause and menopause. We also explore various factors to avoid, the benefits of tongue scraping, the role of hydrochloric acid, and the importance of genetic testing for supporting nitric oxide production, and Dr. Bryan shares his view on how lifestyle choices and nitric oxide supplementation are as crucial as HRT in the aging process.  I am confident you will love this conversation with Dr. Nathan Bryan as much as I enjoyed recording it. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: What nitric oxide is and why it is essential Dr. Bryan explains the process of nitric oxide synthesis in the body. The importance of oral bacteria in nitric oxide production and blood pressure regulation. Why nitrate is essential nitrate in the oral microbiome, and how it impacts the digestive system How fluoride can harm the oral microbiome and lead to nitric oxide deficiency. Why should the use of proton pump inhibitors be avoided? Why nitric oxide, derived from green leafy vegetables, is essential for cardiovascular health  How nitric oxide production decreases with age, particularly in women after menopause The benefits of tongue scraping and why you should not do it with antiseptic mouthwash Lifestyle factors that impact nitric oxide production The benefits of nitric oxide supplements Bio: Dr. Nathan Bryan Dr. Bryan is a successful CEO, scientist and international leader in molecular medicine and nitric oxide biochemistry. His patented discoveries and inventions that have improved patient care worldwide and are responsible for more than one billion dollars in global product sales. By way of background, Dr. Bryan was recruited in 2006 by Ferid Murad, M.D., Ph.D., 1998 Nobel Laureate in Medicine or Physiology to join faculty at the University of Texas Health Science Center, at Houston after a two-year post-doctoral Kirschstein fellowship at Boston University School of Medicine in the Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute. Since then, he has been dedicated to nitric oxide research and has made many seminal discoveries in the fi eld resulting in dozens of issued US and International patents. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Nathan Bryan  On his website On the N101 website On YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X The Heartbeat Happy Hour podcast  You will find 100’s of peer-reviewed articles by Dr. Nathan S. Bryan on PubMed. Also, look out for his new book, coming out this fall, called The Secret of Nitric Oxide: Bringing Nitric Oxide to Life.

I’m honored to reconnect with Dr. Felice Gersh today! She is a multi-award-winning physician with dual board certification in OB-GYN and Integrative Medicine. We connected once before in Episode 221, where we spoke about PCOS and metabolic health. Today, Dr. Gersh joins me to dive into perimenopause and menopause. We discuss various issues surrounding the Women’s Health Initiative, and talk about estrogen as a family of hormones, estrogen-mimicking chemicals, synthetic hormones, and oral contraceptives. We get into the importance of thyroid function, the pro-inflammatory state of a loss of estrogen in perimenopause and menopause, and the importance of nutrition and exercise for the metabolism. We also speak about the lesser-known changes that occur in menopause, including changes in body odor, constipation, sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and vocal changes.  I intend to invite Dr. Gersh back to discuss women and mitochondrial health and to talk about her latest book, Menopause: The Fifty Things You Need to Know.  Stay tuned to find out what menopause really is and what it does to a woman’s metabolic system. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Gersh discusses the Women’s Health Initiative study and its devastating effects. The difference between synthetic and bioidentical hormones. How chronic diseases of aging can be delayed when hormones are incorporated along with other lifestyle refinements. What do hormones do? Why every immune cell in the body has receptors for vital hormones. Why menopause cannot be defined by a specific moment in time. Changes that occur physiologically during the perimenopause years. How hormones can change the perimenopause paradigm entirely. Why perimenopause translates into many sleep issues. Why phytoestrogens are nature’s gift to women. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Dr. Felice Gersh On her website: Integrative Medical Group of Irvine On Instagram All of Dr. Gersh’s books are available on Amazon Episode 221 on PCOS with Dr. Felice Gersh Resource Mentioned Go to www.toxicology.gov to see all the ingredients in birth control pills listed as endocrine disruptors.

I am happy to have Dr. Kyrin Dunston back on the show today! Dr. Kyrin was with me before in Episode 119: Master Midlife and Stop the Menopause Madness. I invited her to join me once again today to take a deeper dive into the topic of testosterone in women. Dr. Kyrin Dunston is a leading OBGYN & Functional Medicine Expert. She has been featured on numerous podcasts and summits on NBC, Fox, Great Day Washington, Reader’s Digest, The Huffington Post, Best Self, and more. She is the host of Her Brilliant Health Revolution Podcast and Her Brilliant Health Secrets YouTube channel, which gives women the knowledge, tools, and support they need to take control of their health and not only heal but to thrive in life. In this episode, we discuss the role of testosterone in women. Dr. Kyrin explains why there is so much ambiguity around testosterone and why it is a controlled substance. She talks about where testosterone is produced in the body, how we test for it, the signs of low testosterone, and how to treat it. She also talks about hormonal illiteracy in traditional allopathically-trained providers, explains how to advocate for your hormonal health, and shares some information about women who have had their ovaries removed in conjunction with a hysterectomy.  Testosterone is a misunderstood sex hormone that is intricately related to almost every system in the body. Tune in today to learn all you need to know about testosterone in women and find out why it is vital for you to advocate for your health when navigating midlife.  IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: What does testosterone do in the body? How medical gaslighting happens with women. Why you can no longer allow your health care provider to have all the control of your hormonal health. Why is there so much ambiguity and misinformation around testosterone for women? Some of the more common signs of low testosterone levels. Why a good sex life is vital for a woman’s health. The function of the ovaries. What happens to women who have had their ovaries removed in conjunction with their uterus? Why there is no shame in women taking hormone replacement therapy. Is there any benefit to women ten years into menopause taking hormone replacement therapy? The pros and cons of various forms of testosterone supplement administration. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Kyrin Dunston On her website On Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Book mentioned: The XX Brain by Dr. Lisa Mosconi 

I am delighted today to have Dr. Jade Teta as my guest! He is an integrative physician, author, and expert in natural health, fitness, metabolism, and self-development. He spent the last 25 years immersed in the study of strength and conditioning, hormonal metabolism, and the psychology of change and success. He recently started a new company, Next Level Human. It combines his medical and fitness knowledge with his expertise in self-development and mindset change. He writes and lectures extensively to healthcare professionals and the public about lifestyle medicine, natural health, and mindset change.  Hormonal health and metabolic issues are an enormous pain point for many of my followers and the women in my program. Making lifestyle shifts can be very valuable in helping us develop healthy metabolic habits and easing us through the changes that both men and women tend to go through in middle age. Join us on the show today to hear Dr. Teta’s story and learn about some lifestyle changes that you can make to improve your metabolic processes and better your hormonal health.    IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Teta talks about his journey that began at fifteen and his pivot into the hormonal health and metabolism space. How females were under-represented in the research community before 2001. Dr. Teta discusses some of the changes that occur in women who are older than thirty-five, which made him start second-guessing his original methodology and philosophies around weight loss and nutrition. How estrogen and progesterone affect what Dr. Teta refers to as SHMEC (Sleep, Hunger, Mood, Energy, and Cravings). A simple analogy to help you understand estrogen and progesterone. How biofeedback signals can help you to understand your metabolism. Dr. Teta shares what he has found to work best for most women as a different approach to exercise. Why calories matter. Dr. Teta shares his take on eating for satiety versus eating for calories and marrying macros. Most people only focus on diet and exercise without accounting for stress and movement. Dr. Teta talks about buffer foods and trigger foods. Dr. Teta discusses his strategy for helping women find the diet that works best for them. Dr. Teta talks about intermittent fasting. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Dr. Teta Teta On his website On Instagram        The Next Level Human Podcast

The amazing Megan Ramos was on the show with me in Episode 116, and I am delighted to have her join me again today! Megan is a Canadian clinical educator and expert on therapeutic fasting and low carbohydrate diets, having guided more than 14,000 people worldwide. She is the co-author of the New York Times Bestseller Life in the Fasting Lane and co-founded The Fasting Method with her colleague, Dr. Jason Fung. Modern agriculture and the processed food industry have led to the mass production of hyper-palatable, highly salted, and sugared foods designed to be addictive. That has resulted in millions of people becoming obese and developing inflammatory and metabolic disorders. Fasting is an effective method for overcoming those problems. Megan and I both feel that it is vital for women to know that and to understand that fasting is a sustainable lifelong strategy for maintaining optimum health. In this episode, we debunk the myths and misconceptions around women and intermittent fasting. We talk about the evolution of the agricultural processed food industry and the impact it has had on people’s health. We also discuss leptin resistance, how stress impacts hormones, different types of body fat, fasting in women who are still cycling versus those in menopause, PCOS, the impact of fasting on thyroid health, weight loss plateaus, and troubleshooting while fasting. Stay tuned for more! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Megan unpacks and busts the myths and misconceptions around women and intermittent fasting and explains how fasting enhanced every aspect of her health and the health of thousands of other women. How modern processed food was designed to be addictive. Why do we need to cut out snacking and start eating less? What   leptin resistance is, and how to overcome it with fasting. Megan explains why the fear-mongering around fasting is unfounded. The body is a whole system. So if there is one hormonal imbalance, that will probably trigger others. Megan talks about the success she has seen in women with PCOS who fast. The body composition of a tophi individual and the difference between visceral fat and subcutaneous fat. Why should healthy women fast? Megan explains why postmenopausal women find fasting easier than other women do. What are the benefits of using the DUTCH dried urine hormone test? What can women do to deal with weight-loss plateaus? Megan shares some tips for avoiding having diarrhea when breaking your fast. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Megan Ramos The Fasting Method website The Fasting Method Podcast@ the fasting method on all social media Books mentioned: Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us by Michael Moss

We follow-up on Cynthia's travel adventures and discuss how she overcame the unexpected (food poisoning) in a very short period of time. We also talk about the non-food parts of a meal that make it so enjoyable. Thanks for listening! Please subscribe and leave us a rating/review. We appreciate it. If you have questions you'd like us to answer on the podcast, send them to everydaywellnesspodcast@gmail.com.

Today, I am delighted to connect with Caroline Alan, the Co-founder and CEO of Beam Minerals.  Coming from the corporate world, Caroline struggled until she discovered the incredible ability of plant-based minerals to support the body and restore its natural balance. She is now devoted to educating people about the benefits of mineral replenishment and the efficacy of plant-based humic and fulvic substances. In today’s discussion, Caroline shares her journey, and we dive into why we experience such significant mineral depletions in our modern-day lifestyles, looking at hidden hunger and the role of our mitochondria. We discuss the interrelationship between mineral storage and adrenal health, the extensive background of plant-based minerals, and the etiology of cramps and hydration. We also explore the signs and symptoms of mineral depletion and explain how to take mineral products for the best results. Join us to learn about the transformative power of plant-based minerals in our modern lives. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Why so many people experience mineral depletion at this time How soil health, food quality, and human health are all interrelated The fundamental role mitochondrial function plays in energy production and overall health Why adrenal health is critical for women during perimenopause and menopause The origins of humic and fulvic minerals How fulvic and humic acids help in preventing chronic diseases Why Caroline advocates for using fulvic acid products instead of salt-based electrolytes Caroline shares tips for managing Herxheimer reactions How do mineral deficiencies impact sleep and exercise performance? The benefits of magnesium spray for foot cramps and plantar fasciitis Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Caroline Alan On the Beam Minerals website  Find Beam Minerals on social media @beamminerals Caroline on social media @themineralgeek   

I’m delighted to have Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge back on the show again! She was with me before in Episode 174. Dr. Roseann is an incredible pediatric mental health expert who utilizes traditional and non-traditional modalities for her patient population. She joins me today to discuss the role of Myo-inositol from a mood and mental health perspective. We dive into what Myo-inositol does in the body, what depletes it, and how the gut and the brain connect with the vagus nerve. We talk about the mental health benefits of Myo-inositol and how it impacts mood disorders- specifically eating disorders and binge eating, as well as obsessive-compulsive disorder, stress and anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. We also get into Dr. Roseann’s unique ways of calming the autonomic nervous system and brain inflammation, the current medical model and its limitations, and the impact of trauma. I sincerely hope you enjoy listening to today’s interesting and informative conversation with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: The benefits of Myo-inositol. The impact of having low magnesium in the body. How to protect yourself from the depletion of the microbiome. Why it is essential to listen to your body. The connection between the gut and the vagus nerve. How the magic in mental health is in the micro-changes. Where to start when helping a teenager or young adult struggling with OCD, anxiety, or depression. Why is it important to reframe negative thoughts? What happens when the brain is dysregulated? What is going on in the brain when we’re under stress? The root cause of mental illness. What you can do to improve your brain health. The role of trauma in mood disorders. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Connect with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge On her website Dr. Roseann’s podcast, It’s Gonna Be OK! Ep. 174 – Identifying and Treating Your Children’s Mental Health: How We Can Be Their Greatest Support with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge

As founder of Redeeming Wellness, Leslie Bumpas helps women identify the underlying causes blocking their well-being and teaches them how to nourish their body. In this podcast, we talk all about one of Leslie's specialites, brain health. It's easy to overlook brain health until you notice a problem. Leslie gives us practical tools and strategies for improving brain health. Visit www.redeemingwellness.com for more information.

I am thrilled to have Dr. Mindy Pelz back on the show today! She was with me once before in 2020, on Episode 113. Dr. Mindy is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, nutrition, and functional health expert who has spent over two decades helping thousands of people successfully reclaim their health. She is a recognized leader in the alternative health field and a pioneer in the fasting movement, teaching the principles of a fasting lifestyle, diet variation, detox, hormones, and more. Her popular YouTube channel (which just celebrated 18 million lifetime views) regularly updates followers on the latest science-backed tools and techniques to help them reset their health. She is the host of one of the leading science podcasts, The Resetter Podcast, and the author of three best-selling books: The Menopause Reset, The Reset Factor, and The Reset Kitchen. Both Dr. Mindy and I have reached a point in our lives where we feel inclined towards women who are energetically on the same page as we are in terms of mindset and methodology. We would both like to help the women who follow us thrive as they approach middle age, and we want to inspire them with a sense of optimism rather than despair as they head into menopause.   Dr. Mindy offers hope for women and helps them navigate middle age authentically while staying true to themselves. In this episode, we discuss an article in the New England Journal of Medicine about how ill-equipped the new generation of primary health care providers is to manage the symptoms of menopause. We dive into the importance of gut health and escaping the mindset of the rushing women syndrome (a term coined by Libby Weaver), and explain what the estrobolome is. We discuss various gadgets, including the V-Fit, the Apollo Neuro, and the Hyperbaric Oxygen Brain Tap, and talk about ways to navigate middle age as proactively as possible. Dr. Mindy also shares her best strategies for navigating middle age. Be sure to stay tuned for more! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How to support women emotionally and encourage them to talk about their   feelings as they approach menopause. Dr. Mindy sheds some light on the changes in middle age that could cause anxiety and depression and impact sleep quality. Some tips for navigating early menopause and bringing sanity back into your life. Dr. Mindy talks about the conversation that permitted her to find her own journey. It is vital to work on the inner you rather than grasping for things outside yourself. What happens to your body as your progesterone starts to wane? Dr. Mindy shares what she encourages her patients to focus on when they are in an estrogen-dominant state. Dr. Mindy goes through five lifestyle changes that middle-aged women need to implement. Dr. Mindy explains how the V-Fit can help women balance their hormones. The estrobolome helps the body break down, detoxify, and rid itself of estrogen. Why is it vital to add diverse foods to your diet? Dr. Mindy talks about her favorite biohacking tools to strengthen the parasympathetic nervous system. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Dr. Mindy Pelz On her website    On Instagram On YouTube Book Mentioned: Rushing Woman's Syndrome: The Impact of a Never-ending To-do List and How to Stay Healthy in Today's Busy World by Libby Weaver

Today, I am delighted to connect with a personal friend and colleague, Todd Durkin. Todd is the CEO and Co-founder of Impact-X Performance, a fitness and coaching franchise featuring faith, fitness, recovery, and life coaching, and he motivates and inspires people daily through his inspirational keynote speeches, books, podcasts, and franchise.  Todd and I went to middle school together, so our conversation today is personal in addition to being inspirational. We explore the role of faith and family, looking at the benefits of sports, the importance of vision boards, the value of motivation, and transforming passion into purpose. Todd also discusses his philosophy, which centers on mindset, habits, and routine, shares his evening and morning routines, offers his take on big, hairy, audacious goals, and explains why challenges and adversity are crucial for growth.  Todd is one of the most inspiring, thoughtful, and intentional voices on social media today, and I have no doubt you will find this conversation as valuable as I did. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Being raised in a blue-collar town shaped Todd's values. Significance of having a strong sense of family and community The challenges Todd faced led to his personal growth Role of faith and divine guidance in overcoming challenges Morning and nighttime routines, quiet time, journaling, and prayer  Addressing mental health issues and supporting others who are struggling How coaches and mentors help people grow and achieve their goals Why we must set big, bold, and exciting goals and continuously challenge ourselves Todd shares his philosophy on winning each day and overcoming personal struggles How champions get made during tough times  Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Todd Durkin On his website Instagram and other social media: @ToddDurkin

I am delighted to have Jessie Inchauspe, the Glucose Goddess, joining me on the podcast today! Metabolic health is my passion! It is a huge area of focus in my work, and Jessie is truly a gift in the space! She is a rising star author and biochemist with a clear and accessible way of explaining the science behind glucose metabolism.  Jessie joins me today to discuss the impact of glucose metabolism and spikes. We dive into her background and how an accident created her pain-to-purpose story. We discuss the role of continuous glucose monitors and how glucose spikes impact our mitochondria, inflammation, and oxidative stress. We get into glycation and aging, how weight gain is a protective aspect of glucose spikes- or hyperglycemia, and the role of vinegar, movement, and fiber. We also talk about Jessie’s new book, her opinions on fasting, and so much more.  I loved interviewing Jessie! Her enthusiasm is contagious, and it is easy to understand why she is such a beloved author in the health and wellness space! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Jessie shares how an accident led her to where she is today. How a continuous glucose monitor changed everything for Jessie. How Jessie came up with her simple principles to steady glucose levels. What is the purpose of glucose in the body? How do glucose spikes impact our mitochondria? Jessie shares a fascinating vinegar hack for reducing side effects and symptoms of glucose spikes. How being metabolically unhealthy impacts the aging process. The benefits of having savory breakfasts and eating vegetables first with every meal. Jessie talks about her new book, The Glucose Goddess Method. How gaining weight protects our bodies from the impact of glucose spikes. How walking or moving after meals balances blood sugar levels. Why is blood sugar so important? Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Connect with Jessie Inchauspe On her website   On Instagram Jessie’s books The Glucose Goddess Method Glucose Revolution

I am honored and delighted to have Vanessa Spina joining me on the podcast today!  Vanessa is the best-selling author of Keto Essentials and a sports nutrition specialist whose expertise on the ketogenic diet has left a lasting impact on countless lives! With a background in biomedical science and a multifaceted career as an international stockbroker, her pioneering journey in the health and wellness industry has been nothing short of remarkable!  In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating realm of nutrition, from unraveling the mysteries of protein-recommended daily allowances and the leucine threshold to exploring the pivotal role of strength training in metabolic health. We dispel common misconceptions about the ketogenic diet, debunk the deceptive nature of the scale, and unveil the significance of DEXA scans in understanding changes in body composition. Vanessa also sheds light on the crucial importance of mitochondrial health and shares invaluable insights on various methods, including red light therapy, cold thermogenesis, micronutrients, and structured supplementation, to support our cellular powerhouses.  Join Vanessa and me as we embark on a knowledge-rich journey and uncover the keys to optimal health and well-being! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Common misconceptions about ketogenic diets Why a traditional ketogenic diet is not for everyone Why macronutrients are essential Misinformation regarding the recommended daily allowance for protein How to build muscle The relationship between metabolic health and muscle health The importance of DEXA scans for understanding body composition Why resistance training is a priority How to support the mitochondria The benefits of red light therapy and cold therapy Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Connect with Vanessa Spina On her website The Optimal Protein Podcast Vanessa’s book, Keto Essentials: 150 Ketogenic Recipes to Revitalize, Heal, and Shed Weight 

We are delighted to have Shawn Wells joining us on the show today. Shawn is the world’s leading nutritional biochemist and expert on Health Optimization. He is also a biohacker, and he has formulated over 500 supplements, food, beverages, and cosmeceuticals. He has patented ten novel ingredients and, as such, has become known as the Ingredientologist - the scientist of ingredients.  Shawn became a biohacker and a formulator because he had health issues. He has managed to overcome various autoimmune problems, including Epstein-Barr Virus, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Hashimoto’s disease, and Fibromyalgia, which all hit him at once because he was going so hard. Those issues shut him down for six months, and in all of that time, he could not even get out of bed.  This year, Shawn stopped what he was doing, went inward, and started working with various therapies and doing plant medicine. As a result, everything changed for him. Be sure to listen in today to find out from Shawn how to make your way back to optimum health.  IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT: Shawn’s journey to good health. Byron Katie’s tenets, what she embraces, and the transformative work she does. Where Shawn’s health issues stemmed from. How Shawn’s life-path changed and how he got to where he is now. Why Shawn feels so blessed as a result of all the health issues that have happened to him. What bio-hacking is, and how it can help you live a fuller life. Why you need to get enough sleep and have regular sleep patterns. How keto can help to prevent metabolic dysfunction. What you can do proactively to support your mitochondrial health. How micro-dosing can help you heal. How adaptogens help you to normalize. What Shawn recommends in terms of quality supplements. More about Shawn Wells Formerly a Chief Clinical Dietitian with over a decade of clinical experience, Shawn has counseled thousands of people on natural health solutions such as keto, paleo, fasting, and supplements. He has also personally overcome various health issues, including Epstein-Barr Virus, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, depression, insomnia, obesity, and a pituitary tumor. As a world-renowned thought-leader on mitochondrial health, he has been paid to speak on five different continents. His insights have featured prominently in documentaries, nationally syndicated radio programs, and regularly on morning television. His expertise can help any health-conscious individual to better manage stress and experience higher performance and more energy through utilizing his practical, holistic solutions. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Connect with Shawn Website Facebook Instagram        Twitter LinkedIn

I am delighted to have Dr. Tracy Gapin joining me today! Dr. Gapin is a board-certified urologist, world-renowned men’s health expert, best-selling author, and professional speaker.  Almost every day during his twenty years as a urologist, Dr. Gapin saw men grappling with issues of brain fog, difficulty in focusing, problems with physical performance, and remaining engaged and present as fathers. That inspired him to help men become the best husbands, fathers, and leaders they can be. Now, Dr. Gapin considers himself a recovering urologist because earlier this year, he formally exited traditional Western medicine to focus on men’s health.   In this episode, Dr. Gapin discusses his background and talks about what sparked his interest in integrative approaches to urologic problems and men’s health issues, the contributing factors to low testosterone, and why there is a growing low testosterone pandemic with men. We also discuss hormone replacement therapy that goes beyond just testosterone, the role of peptides, SARMs (Selected Androgen Receptor Modulators), biohacking, libido, erectile dysfunction, and more. You won’t want to miss this conversation, so be sure to tune in!   IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How Dr. Gapin developed a passionate interest in male hormones. The story of Dr. Gapin's vasectomy. Contributing factors to the escalating issues with low levels of testosterone. The factors that could hamper a detoxification process. How insulin resistance can drive testosterone levels down. Why it is vital to approach your health systematically. The optimal range for testosterone. Non-prescription treatments to improve testosterone levels versus prescription treatments. Lifestyle and nutritional factors that could negatively impact testosterone levels. Optimizing growth hormone levels. Some possible causes of erectile dysfunction. Are there benefits to using red light therapy for low testosterone? Common reasons for using peptide therapy. Dr. Gapin shares his thoughts about SARMs. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Dr. Tracy Gapin On his website Get your free copy of Dr. Gapin’s book, Male 2.0, here

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Nick Greiner. Dr. Nick Greiner has been in practice for 12 years and is the owner and operator of Greiner Health Solutions in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania together with his wife, Dr. Erin Greiner. Through his clinic, Dr. Greiner has been helping people all over the world with lifestyle, chiropractic, oxidative and regenerative therapy.

Everyday Wellness Podcast – Episode 265 – Love From the Inside Out: The Key to Living a Fulfilling Life with Robert Mack I have the honor of connecting with Robert Mack today! He is an Ivy-League-educated Positive Psychology Expert, Celebrity Happiness Coach, Executive Coach, and Published Author. He recently released the book Love from the Inside Out: Lessons and Inspiration for Loving Yourself, Your Life, and Each Other.  We dive into Robert’s background in applied positive psychology and the influences of experts like Byron Katie and Martin Seligman, the founder of Positive Psychology. We discuss happiness, the potentiality of partners, adversity, resiliency, and love. Robert also gets into daily habits that can help us become healthier and happier humans.  IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Robert dives into his motivation for getting into applied positive psychology. Most people believe that happiness comes from external circumstances. However, research shows it does not. How simplicity contributes to a happy life. Robert shares the formula for happiness. How inner work makes a meaningful, lasting, and sustainable change to our happiness score. How happiness tends to lead to and facilitate success. What contributes to the general perception that happiness comes from external forces? What love is, and how it relates to happiness. How to make college a happier experience. How to become more focused and present. How to remain present when triggered. Robert talks about surrender. Bio: Robert is an Ivy-League-educated Positive Psychology Expert, Celebrity Happiness Coach, Executive Coach, and Published Author. Robert studied under the direction of Martin Seligman, the founder of Positive Psychology, at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn). UPenn is the only institution in the world to offer a Master’s Degree in Applied Positive Psychology. Robert's work has been endorsed by Oprah, Vanessa Williams, and many others, and he has been seen on Good Morning America, The Today Show, Access Hollywood, E!, OWN, GQ, Self, Health, Cosmopolitan, and Glamour. Robert's first book, Happiness from the Inside Out: The Art and Science of Fulfillment, is celebrity-endorsed and critically acclaimed. His most recent release, Love from the Inside Out: Lessons and Inspiration for Loving Yourself, Your Life, and Each Other, is a best-seller. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Connect with Robert Mack On his website On social media: @robmackofficial  Find Robert’s books Happiness from the Inside Out: The Art and Science of Fulfillment Love from the Inside Out: Lessons and Inspiration for Loving Yourself, Your Life, and Each Other

I am delighted to have the remarkable Dr. William Li joining me again today. He was previously with me on Episode 260, which became one of the most popular podcasts in 2023.  Dr. Li is a world-renowned physician-scientist and New York Times bestselling author known for his role as President and Medical Director of the Angiogenesis Foundation.  In our conversation today, we dive into the vocabulary surrounding health and microbiome-supporting foods, exploring how to measure the microbiome, the benefits of fermented foods, and the role of the appendix. We also look at pre, and post-biotics, strategies for supporting the microbiome after a colonoscopy prep, foods to avoid, immune function, and metabolic nuances, and discuss the differences between subcutaneous visceral fat, brown fat, and white fat, and polyphenol-rich beverages.  I know you will find today’s conversation with Dr. William Li as enlightening as I did. I eagerly anticipate inviting him back to the podcast later this year. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Li explains the importance of the gut microbiome  The interrelationship between the microbiome, body fat, and the metabolism How to measure your gut microbiome Foods that promote gut health and support the microbiome The role of the appendix How a colonoscopy prep impacts the gut microbiome How excess body fat can fuel the metabolism rather than slowing it down Why sleep is crucial for metabolism The role of brown fat in weight loss The benefits of polyphenols in coffee and tea Bio: William W. Li, MD, is an internationally renowned physician, scientist, and New York Times bestselling author of “Eat to Beat Your Diet: Burn Fat, Heal Your Metabolism, Live Longer”. His groundbreaking work has led to the development of more than 30 new medical treatments and impacts care for more than 70 diseases, including cancer, diabetes, blindness, heart disease, and obesity. His TED Talk, “Can We Eat to Starve Cancer?” has garnered more than 11 million views. Dr. Li has appeared on Good Morning America, CNN, CNBC, LIVE with Kelly and Ryan, and the Rachael Ray Show, and he has been featured in USA Today, Time Magazine, The Atlantic, and O Magazine. He is the president and medical director of the Angiogenesis Foundation. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. William Li On Social media: @ Dr William Li On his website Sign up for Dr. Li’s free newsletter Ep. 260 Eat To Beat Your Diet: Achieve a Balanced and Healthy Lifestyle with Dr. William Li

Learn why diets don't work, the barriers to successful behavioral changes and how to make changes effectively that positively impact your weight loss efforts with health psychologist, Dr. Robyn Pashby. You can find out more about Dr. Pashby at www.dchealthpsychology.com. Please subscribe and leave us a rating/review. We appreciate it. If you have questions you'd like us to answer on the podcast, send them to everydaywellnesspodcast@gmail.com 

I am delighted to connect with Angelo Keely today, the Co-founder and CEO of Kion.  Angelo started Kion in 2017, aspiring to create an unparalleled and healthy work culture within a high-growth consumer products company dedicated to motivating their customers to continue along their journeys to personal health. In our conversation, we explore the advantages of essential amino acids (EAAs), their role in muscle function, how they differ from branched-chain amino acids, and their impact on metabolic processes. We explain the importance of sourcing around essential amino acids, address concerns related to muscle loss, caloric restriction, and fasting, and discuss how EAAs support overall muscle health. Angelo also shares his insights on caffeine, creatine, omega-3s, stress management, and sleep.  Stay tuned for today’s informative and engaging conversation with Angelo Keely. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: What amino acids are and why they are essential for our bodies How essential amino acids differ from non-essential amino acids Why resistance training and consuming nutrient-dense meals are the key to stimulating protein synthesis  The reason branched-chain amino acid supplements are not as effective as EAA supplements Some factors to consider regarding loss of muscle mass in aging individuals How essential amino acids are lighter and more effective for protein synthesis in middle-aged individuals The importance of adequate protein intake when fasting intermittently How hormonal changes during perimenopause can lead to anabolic resistance, making essential amino acids more beneficial for women than men How creatine supports muscle energy, and why it is particularly beneficial for women in perimenopause The benefits of omega-3 supplements Why getting enough sleep is essential sleep for middle-aged women.  Bio: Angelo Keely Angelo is the co-founder and CEO of Kion, an active lifestyle, supplement, and functional food company dedicated to helping people fully experience a fun and active life by providing pure, energy-enhancing solutions.  Visit getkion.com/cynthia to save 20% Personal Highlights Raised in Austin, Texas — parents in the supplement and health food business He was stabbed and nearly beaten to death at 16 years old during a bad LSD trip He has been involved in nutrition, functional fitness, yoga, and meditation for over 20 years He was part of a small rescue party for a bus accident in the foothills of the Indian Himalayas at age 21 while doing advanced yoga study at an ashram Started professional career and lived in France and India for several years Speaks multiple languages Happily married with two kids — always focused on the balance between career and family Aminos were one of the most important supplements mom gave to Angelo as a small child Angelo started Kion in his garage — a classic entrepreneur story  Building Kion is an effort to build the best possible company for everyone it touches —seeking fun, a great life, and integrity in everything we do Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com

I am delighted to reconnect with Esther Blum today. She joined me once before for Episode 264, one of the most popular podcast episodes for 2023.  Esther is the bestselling author of many books, including See You Later Ovulator. She is a registered dietitian with a thriving virtual practice specializing in helping women balance their hormones, shed stubborn body fat, and address the root causes of their health issues. Today, Esther and I discuss the state of hormones in 2024. Our conversation covers lazy medicine advocacy, meno-washing, and meno-care, and we explore uncommon symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause and methods for obtaining testing. Esther also shares her recommended supplements.  You will love this engaging and insightful conversation with Esther Blum! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How safe is hormone replacement therapy? Why hormone testing and monitoring is essential  The importance of prioritizing romance and connection in a marriage The benefits of pelvic floor therapy How working with compounding pharmacies can reduce the cost of hormone replacement therapy How to work with doctors to address hormone imbalances Some uncommon symptoms of perimenopause and menopause How dietary changes and probiotics can improve focus and brain clarity  Hormone testing and menopause management  Esther recommends supplements for adrenal support during menopause Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Esther Blum On her website Instagram Get Esther’s 14-Day Metabolic Menopausal Meal Plan   Esther’s Books Esther’s book, See Ya Later, Ovulator!, by Esther Blum Cavewomen Don’t Get Fat, by Esther Blum Eat, Drink, and Be Happy, by Esther Blum Previous Episode featuring Esther Blum Ep. 264 Peri/Menopause are a Natural Function of Aging: See you later, Ovulator!

I had the honor of reconnecting with Chris Irvin today! (He was with me once before, on Episode 175.) Chris is a nutrition researcher, writer, and educator specializing in low-carb dieting for metabolic health and human performance. He is the author of Keto Answers, The Carnivore Diet for Beginners, and Mommy, Do I Have to Eat This? He is also the Chief Marketing officer at BioCoach, a company dedicated to taking down prediabetes and diabetes. Chris is an incredible resource on the value of keto and low-carb diets! His book, Keto Answers, is one of my favorite keto resources to recommend to clients! In this episode, Chris and I get into the differences between micro and macronutrients. We talk about the therapeutic uses of keto, low-carb, hormesis, and carnivore diets, the role of metabolic health, the value of protein, balancing longevity and sarcopenia, and the results of over-fasting, over-restricting, and creating too much stress on the body. We also dive into questions from listeners about the impact of low-carb and ketogenic diets on cholesterol panels and endurance, how to troubleshoot digestive distress, protein excess, and Chris’s favorite gadgets and supplements.  I hope you enjoy listening to this podcast as much as I did recording it! Stay tuned for more! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: The therapeutic benefits of keto, carnivore, low-carb diets, and fasting. The value of protein. How much protein should you eat? The importance of having muscle. The benefits of eating grass-fed red meat. The problem with over-restricting, over-exercising, and over-fasting. Changing things up occasionally and using reverse dieting for optimum health. Adding more protein to your diet will make you feel better, and you won't gain weight. How will a low-carb or keto diet impact your overall cholesterol? Chris explains how a low-carb or keto diet affects the performance of endurance athletes. Products you can use to optimize endurance performance. Chris explains why digestive distress could occur with keto and shares his recommendations for overcoming it.  The impact of a low-carb diet on thyroid function. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Chris Irvin On his website On Facebook Instagram Twitter Thinking Health Newsletter  The Keto Answers Podcast

We are delighted to have Gary Taubes joining us today. Gary is an award-winning science and health journalist, and a co-founder and director of the Nutrition Science Initiative (NuSI). He is the author of The Case Against Sugar, Why We Get Fat, Good Calories, Bad Calories, and most recently, The Case For Keto. Gary is a former staff writer for Discover and correspondent for Science. He has written three cover articles on nutrition and health for The New York Times Magazine. His writing got featured in The Atlantic, Esquire, and numerous "best of" anthologies, including The Best of the Best American Science Writing (2010).  As a science writer for Discover Magazine, Gary became obsessed with “bad science” and how hard it is to do science writing. After he had written his second book, a physicist friend suggested that since he was interested in “bad science”, he should look into public health because it was terrible. Gary then moved into public health, writing mostly for the Science journal in the early 1990s. By the late 90s, he had stumbled onto the world of nutrition and did a series of investigative articles. Gary found that the evidence supporting certain basic notions, like salt causing high blood pressure, and dietary fat being the cause of heart disease, did not pan out. That got him interested in obesity and what causes it, and ever since then has not stopped writing about nutrition. Be sure to listen in today to hear what Gary has to say about why the established rules about eating healthy might be the wrong approach to weight loss, and how low-carbohydrate, high-fat/ketogenic diets can help many of us achieve and maintain a healthy weight for life. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Gary explains how after starting as an engineer, he ended up writing about science and health. Gary explains why calories are irrelevant. Gary discusses the roles of insulin in the body, and how it impacts your ability to utilize and store fat for energy. Looking at what leads to fat-shaming. Fat accumulation is caused by hormones. Gary gives his perspective on Ancel Keys’ policies. Gary talks about satiety and hunger. The health benefits of the ketogenic diet. The eating of carbohydrates after being on a ketogenic diet. Why certain carb-rich foods will cause cravings and spike your insulin significantly after you have been on a ketogenic diet for some time. Gary discusses the possibility of having long-term physical damage from your blood sugar levels going above 140. Gary explains the difficulties that surround writing a book about advances in nutrition. Gary discusses the reality of carbohydrate addiction. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Gary's Links: Visit his website, like him on Facebook, follow him on Twitter, connect with him on LinkedIn, and purchase his book, The Case for Keto! Books mentioned:  What We Don’t Talk About When We Talk About Fat by Aubrey Gordon Calories Don’t Count by Herman Taller The Atkins Diet by Robert Atkins Protein Power by Mike and Mary Eades Sugar Busters by Leighton Steward, Morrison Bethea M.D., Sam Andrews M.D., and Luis Balart M.D.

Everyday Wellness Podcast – Episode 322 – Dr. Brooke Scheller Today, I am honored to be in conversation with Dr. Brooke Scheller. She is a doctor of Clinical Nutrition, a nationally recognized health expert, and the founder of Functional Sobriety, a nutrition-based program for alcohol reduction. She also wrote How to Eat to Change How You Drink.  In our conversation today, we discuss the stigmatization of alcohol use and explore the nuances of curiosity and sobriety. We dispel common misconceptions, examine the research on alcohol consumption, tackle the definition of moderation, scrutinize the influence of industry ties, and unravel the issues linked to excessive alcohol consumption. Dr. Scheller also sheds light on how poor absorption impacts the gut microbiome and causes a leaky gut, offering insightful nutritional strategies to address those concerns. Our conversation also extends to fertility, blood sugar, and the challenges posed by initiatives like Dry January and sober challenges.   Stay tuned for today’s comprehensive exploration of the relationship between nutrition and alcohol use. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How the stigma surrounding alcohol use is changing How does alcohol affect the brain and body? How alcohol impacts the gut microbiome, intestinal permeability, and nutrient absorption Dr. Scheller shares her personal experience with alcohol  How alcohol consumption in middle-aged women could increase inflammation and oxidative stress How alcohol impacts blood sugar The link between alcohol consumption and male infertility  Some suggestions for navigating a Dry January How alcohol use impacts mental health Overcoming alcohol addiction through self-awareness and wellness Bio: Dr. Brooke Scheller DCN, CNS Dr. Brooke Scheller is a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition, the founder of Functional Sobriety, and the author of How to Eat to Change How You Drink. After finding freedom from alcohol in 2021, Dr. Brooke took her experience in sobriety and applied her expertise in nutrition and functional medicine to help others change their relationship with alcohol. Her approach results in improved brain health, mood, energy, focus, gut health, and hormone balance.  Her launch of Functional Sobriety led to the development of her online community, the Functional Sobriety Network, and several online programs with members across the globe. Functional Sobriety offers the first-ever custom supplement program for the sober and sober-curious. As a motivational speaker, Dr. Brooke helps to spread the word about functional nutrition, alcohol-free wellness, and the power of sobriety.  She currently resides in NYC.  Follow Dr. Brooke on Instagram @drbrookescheller. Learn more at www.brookescheller.com or www.functionalsobriety.com  Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Brooke Scheller On her website Instagram (@drbrookescheller) Functional Sobriety How to Eat to Change How You Drink will be available in US bookstores on December 26th. It will be available around the world from January 4th.

I am happy to reconnect with Dr. Carrie Jones today! (She was with me before in Episode 106, in July of 2020.) Dr. Jones is an internationally-recognized speaker, consultant, and educator on the topic of women's health and hormones. She has her Master's in Public Health and was one of the first to become board certified through the American Board of Naturopathic Endocrinology and currently serves on the board. I like to think of Dr. Jones as the Queen of Hormones! In today’s episode, we dive into common hormone imbalances that occur in perimenopause and menopause. We discuss the difference between healthy and non-healthy mitochondria, the impact of toxins on our hormones, and thyroid function. We talk about the impact of puberty, pregnancy, post-partum, and perimenopause on our immune system. We also get into non-thyroidal illnesses, the role of skeletal muscle, things that no longer serve us in middle age, and why we tend to become more weight loss-resistant with age. I hope you enjoy listening to my conversation with Dr. Carrie Jones as much as I did recording it! Stay tuned for more! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Understanding our changing hormones as we approach perimenopause or menopause.   What happens to our mitochondria as we transition to menopause? Ways to support mitochondrial health. How hormonal shifts affect thyroid function. Why do we need to test for the less common autoimmune markers? Why we may still feel terrible after taking medication for an underactive thyroid. When to start advocating for additional thyroid testing. Why is the DUTCH urine test helpful as we approach menopause? Things, other than medications that may impact the ability to process estrogen properly. The most popular tests for gut health. The truth about testosterone. Why is it essential to have a healthy amount of skeletal muscle as we age? Three weight loss-resistant issues most people do not know about. Bio: Carrie Jones, ND, FABNE, MPH is an internationally recognized speaker, consultant, and educator on the topic of women's health and hormones with over 20 years in the industry. She has her Master’s in Public Health and was one of the first to become board certified through the American Board of Naturopathic Endocrinology and currently serves on the board. She was the Medical Director for the DUTCH Test for several years, and currently, she is the Head of Medical Education at Rupa Health and host of the Root Cause Medicine podcast. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Dr. Carrie Jones On her website On Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok 

In this episode of the Everyday Wellness Podcast, host Cynthia Thurlow and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Vonda Wright, delve into navigating perimenopause and menopause, emphasizing the importance of menopausal literacy, particularly for younger women, and we also discuss generational differences in understanding menopause. Andrea Donsky joins us to discuss her ongoing research on the 103 reported symptoms of menopause.  I am confident you will enjoy the informative conversations with Dr. Vonda Wright and Andrea Donsky and find them as engaging as I did. Show Highlights: Importance of menopausal literacy and education for women Generational differences in understanding menopause and its implications The role of estrogen in bone health and the risks of osteoporosis during menopause Musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause and its associated symptoms Common symptoms experienced during perimenopause and menopause, such as fatigue and brain fog The significance of weight-bearing exercises for maintaining bone density The necessity of early education about menopause for younger women Addressing gaps in healthcare provider knowledge regarding menopause The impact of hormonal changes on muscle mass and insulin resistance Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Vonda Wright On her website Facebook Instagram X.com LinkedIn Leave a message on VIP Phone Number (407)-232-2334 Connect with Andrea Donsky On her website TikTok and Instagram

I am honored to have Dr. Stephen Hussey joining me today. He is a chiropractic doctor with an interest in and a methodology related to cardiovascular disease.  Dr. Hussey suffered from a large STEMI, a type of myocardial infarction or heart attack, and he has been diabetic since childhood. In this episode, we dive into his background and the open-minded curiosity with which he views the world. We talk about statistics related to cardiovascular disease, mitochondrial dysfunction, the impact of Ancel Keys and his research, how cholesterol and statins work in the body, and the causes of heart attacks. We also discuss ways to navigate cardiovascular health proactively and the impact of fasting. I hope you enjoy listening to our discussion as much as I did recording it!  IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Hussey shares his background and his journey to figuring out how to manage the various physical conditions he suffered from since childhood. Why Dr. Hussey believes heart disease is not just about diet.  The vast number of Americans currently affected by vascular disorders proves that a different and better treatment approach is required. Dr. Hussey discusses the frustration he experienced trying to navigate conversations with traditionally-trained providers. What may prevent western physicians and practitioners from investigating other effective treatment options? What causes mitochondrial dysfunction? Dr. Hussey explains the metabolic theory of cancer. Why is cancer of the heart so rare? How Ancel Keys profoundly impacted American nutritional guidelines and the health of the American population. The benefits of cholesterol and LDL, and the problem with statins. What causes heart attacks? Dr. Hussey shares his take on meal frequency and snacking and how that relates to heart health. Bio: Dr. Stephen Hussey MS, DC, is a Chiropractor and Functional Medicine practitioner. He attained his Doctorate of Chiropractic and a Master's in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine from the University of Western States in Portland, OR. He is a health coach, speaker, and the author of two books on health; The Health Evolution: Why Understanding Evolution is the Key to Vibrant Health and Understanding The Heart: Surprising Insights Into The Evolutionary Origins Of Heart Disease - And Why It Matters. Dr. Hussey guides clients from around the world back to health using the latest research and health-attaining strategies. In his downtime, he likes to be outdoors, play sports, read, write, and travel.  Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Dr. Stephen Hussey On his website On Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn Dr. Hussey’s book, Understanding the Heart, is available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and the publisher’s website.

I have the honor of connecting with Gabby Bernstein today! Gabby is a spiritual teacher, motivational speaker, and catalyst for profound inner change. She recently launched her latest book, the New York Times bestseller, Happy Days.  Gabby has been transforming lives- including her own for more than sixteen years. She is a number 1 New York Times best-selling author. She has written nine books, including The Universe Has Your Back, Super Attractor, and her latest, Happy Days. In her weekly podcast, Dear Gabby, she offers real-time coaching, straight talk, and conversations about personal growth and spirituality with unique and inspiring guests. In this episode, Gabby and I dive into undoing the patterns that made us feel unworthy of love. We discuss the impact that big and little T traumas have on the brain, how our coping mechanisms could reflect the traumas we experienced, and the value of supporting the autonomic nervous system- specifically the sympathetic overdrive, which is a chronic state of hyper-arousal. We also discuss the effects of shame and how it clouds our perspective on the experiences we have had, and talk about using compassion as the antidote.   I hope you enjoy today’s conversation with Gabby Bernstein! Stay tuned for more! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Noticing the patterns that keep us stuck in our lives is the first step to undoing those patterns. Why is it easier for people to stay stuck in their patterns than change them? How shame keeps us locked into painful patterns in our lives. Gabby talks about trauma and explains why everyone in the world today is traumatized. Using compassion as the antidote to shame. Creating a boundary of distance can help us view people through the lens of compassion rather than the lens of shame or blame. Addiction is an extreme way of managing impermissible trauma. How can those who grew up in traumatic circumstances change the course of their children?  The most important thing we can do for our children is to create a secure environment in which they can grow up. The book, Happy Days, is about re-parenting yourself so that you can heal the traumas of your past and undo the generational cycles. Gabby discusses tools and proactive practices for addressing trauma or uncomfortable feelings you may be experiencing from your past. About Gabby’s new book, Happy Days Gabby has long been loved by her readers as a spiritual teacher, motivational speaker, and catalyst for profound inner change. Her new book presents her most powerful teaching yet: a practical plan for transforming the pain of your past, whatever that may be, into newfound strength and freedom. It will answer your questions about why you feel blocked, scared, anxious, depressed, or alone. It will guide you to become the best version of yourself.  Happy Days may not look like Gabby’s other eight books on manifesting, spirituality and connecting to the Universe. But it’s actually her greatest spiritual book of all. The journey she underwent to overcome addiction, trauma, and depression has guided her to become the woman she is today.  The methods she was led to for healing, and her remarkable path of recovery, are nothing short of a miracle. “This isn’t a book filled with self-help tools offering a quick fix for your discomfort,” Gabby writes. “Instead, it’s a journey toward lifelong transformation filled with stories of resilience.”  Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Gabby Bernstein On her website www.deargabby.com/happydaysDear Gabby Podcast  Find out more about Gabby’s book, Happy Days  On Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

Today, I am delighted to connect with Caroline Alan, the Co-founder and CEO of Beam Minerals.  Coming from the corporate world, Caroline struggled until she discovered the incredible ability of plant-based minerals to support the body and restore its natural balance. She is now devoted to educating people about the benefits of mineral replenishment and the efficacy of plant-based humic and fulvic substances. In today’s discussion, Caroline shares her journey, and we dive into why we experience such significant mineral depletions in our modern-day lifestyles, looking at hidden hunger and the role of our mitochondria. We discuss the interrelationship between mineral storage and adrenal health, the extensive background of plant-based minerals, and the etiology of cramps and hydration. We also explore the signs and symptoms of mineral depletion and explain how to take mineral products for the best results. Join us to learn about the transformative power of plant-based minerals in our modern lives. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Why so many people experience mineral depletion at this time How soil health, food quality, and human health are all interrelated The fundamental role mitochondrial function plays in energy production and overall health Why adrenal health is critical for women during perimenopause and menopause The origins of humic and fulvic minerals How fulvic and humic acids help in preventing chronic diseases Why Caroline advocates for using fulvic acid products instead of salt-based electrolytes Caroline shares tips for managing Herxheimer reactions How do mineral deficiencies impact sleep and exercise performance? The benefits of magnesium spray for foot cramps and plantar fasciitis Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Caroline Alan On the Beam Minerals website  Find Beam Minerals on social media @beamminerals Caroline on social media @themineralgeek   

Hello, everyone! It's that time again, and today, I am delighted to bring you AMA number six. In this edition of our AMA series, I dive into an eclectic mix of questions, all related to intermittent fasting, pregnancy supplements, working out, and what breaks a fast.  As I have mentioned before, I thoroughly enjoy this format. Your wealth of inquiries offers me valuable insight into your areas of interest and curiosity. So please keep those questions flowing!  IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How does age impact intermittent fasting? What vegans and vegetarians could consider incorporating into their diets to help meet their protein requirements How fasting while in consultation with a healthcare provider can benefit people with chronic illnesses I recommend longer fasts for deep cellular cleansing; but only with medical supervision. The benefits of night-time aids like medicinal mushrooms and golden milk while in a fasted state Why I advise against fasting while pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive Is it okay to take supplements during a fasting period? Why is it essential for perimenopausal and menopausal women to find balance in their exercise routines? Experimenting with feeding windows to find what works best Why is hormone replacement therapy essential for women who go into menopause before turning 45?   Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Recommended book: The XX Brain by Lisa Mosconi Related Podcast Episodes: Ep. 217 The Shocking Truth about Mold Exposure and Mycotoxin Illness with Dr. Aaron Hartman Ep. 95 – Why Muscle Is The Organ Of Longevity! – with Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Ep. 302 Protein’s Transformative Impact on Muscle and Aging Well with Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Ep. 94 – Reclaim Your Vibrancy, Sexuality, Health and Happiness! – with Dr. Anna Cabeca Ep. 221 Part 1- An Integrative Approach to PCOS and Menstrual Irregularities with Dr. Felice Gersh Ep. 237 Perimenopause and Menopause: What You Didn’t Know with Dr. Felice Gersh Ep. 297 Dr. Felice Gersh: Estrogen, Immunity & Menopause Mysteries

Dr. Thomas Dayspring joins me again today for the third class in our Lipid Masterclass Series. Dr. Dayspring brings a wealth of expertise as a certified specialist in internal medicine and clinical lipidology, holding fellowships with the American College of Physicians and the National Lipid Association. This hour-long class is devoted to women's health and abnormal lipids. We continue with our conversation about ApoB, discussing ways to look at other lipid abnormalities related to abnormal ApoBs and talking about our ideal lab values and lifestyle modifications, briefly touching on my lipid journey and the medication I have been taking for the past six months. We examine diagnostics and their limitations, getting into CACs, coronary artery calcification scoring, CIMT, the labs we need to look at, the role of Lp(a), and how it affects our heart. We look into the changes women experience from losing estrogen in menopause, clues women can use to predict future cardiovascular risk, how estrogen helps clear LDL from the body, and the changes occurring with menopause, including higher ApoBs. We also dive into risks women face for cardiovascular disease, the impact of the Women's Health Initiative study, and absorption and synthesis challenges with cholesterol. Stay tuned for more! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Why ApoB testing for inherited lipoprotein disorders is essential  Why hypo beta lipoproteins (HDL) are critical for maintaining good health The benefits of a holistic approach to treating high cholesterol The three stages of prevention for atherosclerosis How Lp(a) impacts heart health The importance of assessing early heart function through Lp(a) testing How your pregnancy history can help in predicting your risk for cardiovascular disease Why should women be more concerned about cardiovascular disease than breast cancer? How the Women’s Health Initiative led gynecologists to be more cautious about prescribing HRT How genetically mediated cholesterol abnormalities can impact our ability to absorb and synthesize cholesterol   Bio: Thomas Dayspring MD is a Fellow of both the American College of Physicians and the National Lipid Association and is certified in internal medicine and clinical lipidology. After practicing in New Jersey for 37 years, in 2012, he moved to Virginia to serve as an educational director for a nonprofit cardiovascular foundation until mid-2019 as a Chief Academic Advisor for two major CV laboratories. Since then, he has served as a virtual cardiovascular / lipidology educator. Career-wise he has given over 4000 domestic (in all 50 states) and several international lectures, including over 600 CME programs on atherothrombosis, lipids/lipoproteins (and their treatment), vascular biology, biomarker testing, and women’s cardiovascular issues. He has authored several manuscripts and lipid textbook chapters and performed several podcasts. For several years, he was an Associate Editor of the Journal of Clinical Lipidology. He was the recipient of the 2011 National Lipid Association’s Presidents Award for services to clinical lipidology and the 2023 Foundation of NLA Clinician/Educator Award. He has over 34K followers on his educational Twitter (X) feed (@Drlipid). He has Gold Heart Member status as a professional member of the American Heart Association, and he serves as a Social Media Ambassador for the European Atherosclerosis Society and the National Lipid Association. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Thomas Dayspring On Twitter (@DrLipid) LinkedIn

I am delighted to reconnect with Dr. Dave Rabin today. He last joined me for Episode 91 in April of 2020. Dr. Rabin is a board-certified psychiatrist and neuroscientist. He is the Co-founder and CMO at Apollo Neuroscience, the first scientifically validated wearable system to improve heart rate variability, focus, and relaxation, and helps attain meditative states. He is also Co-founder and Executive Director of the Board of Medicine and a psychedelic clinical researcher, currently evaluating the mechanism of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and treatment-resistant illness. Today, we examine the value of touch and sensory techniques, discussing the distinctions between sympathetic and parasympathetic vagal tone in the autonomic nervous system, changes in sex hormones during perimenopause and menopause, and how that impacts sympathetic dominance, the development of stress responses, and the concept of stress leading to personal growth. We explore the influence of the vagus nerve on systemic health, explaining what HRV is and how it can demonstrate bodily coherence, and we also dive into wearable technologies like Apollo, the disruption of psychedelic interventions, and the impact of trauma on physical and mental well-being.  I am confident that you will find today’s engaging discussion with Dr. Dave Rabin eye-opening and enlightening. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How touch helps us connect, bond, and support our autonomic nervous system How finding balance between the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems can help us manage stress and anxiety Techniques for quickly restoring balance to the nervous system Why women experience more anxiety, depression, and heart arrhythmias during perimenopause How breathing techniques can improve heart rate variability  The significance of HRV metrics for understanding physical and mental health How the Apollo device activates a healing response within the body The potential of MDMA and other psychedelics hold for trauma healing Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Dave Rabin On his website Apollo Instagram Twitter (X) The Psychedelic Report Podcast Your Brain Explained Podcast Previous Episode Mentioned Ep. 91 – How To Listen To Your Body and DE-STRESS During COVID-19 – with Dr. David Rabin

Today, I am delighted and honored to be talking to Dr. Philip Ovadia. He is a board-certified Cardiac Thoracic Surgeon and Founder of Ovadia Heart Health. His mission is to help people stay off his operating table by optimizing their metabolic health to lower the risk of heart disease and other chronic illnesses.   In this episode, we take a deep dive into clinical medicine. We explain how it is possible to reverse conditions like high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes and become healthy without taking any medications. Dr. Ovadia defines metabolic health, talks about his journey from being morbidly obese to losing more than 100 pounds, discusses Gary Taubes’s influence on his health journey, and his seven principles for health and wellness. We also get into metabolic health markers, the hyper-palatability of processed food, metabolic syndrome, and the metabolic inflexibility of most Americans.  Dr. Ovadia’s approach to nutrition is all about bio-individuality and having enough protein in your diet to ensure satiety. I really enjoy connecting with other western medicine-trained health care professionals who have pivoted towards optimizing metabolic health and flexibility! Stay tuned for more!  IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Problems that exist within the medical system. Dr. Ovadia shares his health journey and talks about his mission. Why much of Dr. Ovadia’s current education is coming from non-physicians. Dr. Ovadia talks about metabolic health. The physical effects of eating hyper-palatable processed foods versus eating nutrient-dense whole foods. Take control of what you eat rather than letting food control you. What metabolic syndrome is all about. The benefits of using a continuous glucose monitor. Why no one diet will serve everyone. Using metabolic health as a system to guide you to good health. The benefits of pushing for nutrient density to feel satiated. Bio: Dr. Philip Ovadia is a board-certified Cardiac Surgeon and founder of Ovadia Heart Health. His mission is to optimize the public’s metabolic health and help people stay off his operating table. As a heart surgeon who used to be morbidly obese, Dr. Ovadia has seen firsthand the failures of mainstream diets and medicine. He realized that what helped him lose over 100 pounds was the same solution that could have prevented most of the thousands of open-heart surgeries he has performed—metabolic health. In Stay off My Operating Table: A Heart Surgeon’s Metabolic Health Guide to Lose Weight, Prevent Disease, and Feel Your Best Every Day, Dr. Ovadia shares the complete metabolic health system to prevent disease. Dr. Ovadia grew up in New York and graduated from the accelerated Pre-Med/Med program at the Pennsylvania State University and Jefferson Medical College. This was followed by a residency in General Surgery at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey and a Fellowship in Cardiothoracic Surgery at Tufts-New England Medical School. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Dr. Philip Ovadia On his website  At The Stronger Heart Society  On Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn,   and Twitter A simple calculator for metabolic syndrome  Dr. Ovadio’s book, Stay Off My Operating Table Books mentioned: The Unhealthy Truth by Robyn O’Brien     The Case for Keto by Gary Taubes Salt Sugar Fat by Michael Moss

We’re thrilled to have Alisa Vitti joining us on the show today! Alisa is a women’s hormone and functional nutrition expert, and a pioneer in female biohacking and femtech. Her company is called FLO Living, and it is helping to change the narrative for women's hormonal and menstrual healthcare. Through FLO Living’s digital programs, telehealth coaching, and supplements, women everywhere can naturally treat their hormonal issues like PCOS, PMS, Infertility, and Perimenopause.  Many women struggle with their health and managing all that they have to do in their busy lives. Alisa is a wealth of knowledge, and she believes that it is long overdue for an end to women’s unnecessary hormonal suffering. Diet, fitness, and medical research has historically been done on men and postmenopausal women, but there is a lack of research being done on women's health. As a result, women are eating, working out, and living in a way that does not work for their female biochemistry. In this episode, Alisa discusses the infradian rhythm and explains what women need to know to optimize their health during their reproductive years. Be sure to stay tuned today to find out what Alisa has to share about optimizing women’s hormonal health. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: The origin story of Alisa and her company, FLO Living. Alisa explains what femtech is. What the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists decreed about women’s cycles, in 2015. Why women need to ovulate in every menstrual cycle. The kind of information that is vital for women from early on in life. About women’s INFRADIAN biological rhythm, and how changing a few things can set women up for a completely different experience of their health and hormonal issues. The methodology that Alisa created to help women in synching with the infradian rhythm in their bodies. A biohack to help women modulate their food and fitness with what is happening to them metabolically, across their cycle. The toxic mythology that keeps women ill. Taking care of yourself like the champion that you are. How Alisa suggests that women should look at perimenopause. About the MyFLO app that Alisa created. Alisa has graciously offered a free month of FLO 28 to you, the listener. More about Alisa Vitti Alisa Vitti is also the creator of the MyFLO period app - helping you have a better period the more you use it. It is ranked consistently in the top 10 of paid apps in the highly competitive health and fitness category on iTunes. She has written two bestselling books: WomanCode and the newly released, In the FLO - the first book to discuss the female infradian rhythm. It describes her IG-loved Cycle Syncing Method(TM)— the first and only diet, fitness, and lifestyle program that is based on female hormonal patterns. A graduate of Johns Hopkins University, Vitti and her company have been featured in the New York Times, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and more. She is a course instructor for Mind Body Green and on the council for Well + Good. She is passionate about ending the long-standing gender bias that excludes women from medical, fitness, and nutrition research. She is also dedicated to improving workplace equality for women by increasing biological rhythm sensitivity and awareness. Vitti gets invited regularly to train teams on how to use her Cycle Syncing Method(TM) for greater creativity, productivity, and wellbeing at work. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Alisa You can find Alisa on social media @ FLO Living and @ alisa.vitti FLO Living FLO Tracker In The FLO Book Cycle Syncing Membership Get a free month of FLO 28 here.  Recommended movie – Hysteria with Maggie Gyllenhaal

In episode 54, we are joined by Dr. Tro Kalayjian. He grew up obese in an obese family with multiple complications brought by their condition. He went through college, medical school, and residency; and consistently gained pounds every year. His life changed when one day, he accepted his wife’s challenge to finally lose the weight so that he can better help his patients to get off medication and start their weight loss journey the healthy way.

I am delighted to have Dr. Sonya Jensen joining me on the show today! Dr. Sonya is a Naturopathic Physician with a mission to change the way women understand their bodies and themselves. She believes that women are the center of their families and communities, and by supporting them, they create a ripple effect that supports the whole. Dr. Jensen is a mother of two boys, an author, a yoga teacher, a podcaster, and a workshop and retreat leader. She runs her practice with her husband, and they help their community move into a state of thriving from surviving. Her background in cell biology and her lived experience with Ayurvedic Medicine in her home have given her insights into the human body that help her serve the women and families she works with from multiple different lenses. She is the co-founder of Divine Elements Health Center, The Longevity Lab, and The Health Ignited Academy, alongside her husband, Dr. Nicholas Jensen. Dr. Sonya believes it is everyone’s birthright to live a happy, healthy, joyful, and abundant life. Younger women often tend to pressure themselves to be perfect, both personally and in their professional lives. That sometimes occurs unknowingly. It usually happens because of peer pressure and the expectation, influence, and conditioning they get from their families. In this episode, Dr. Sonya talks about her new book, Woman Unleashed: Release Your Story. She discusses the effects of stress, talks about contraception, and explains how synthetic hormones like oral contraceptives can influence women's lives. She also shares some tips for coping with the changes that occur as women approach menopause. Stay tuned for more! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Sonya explains what motivated her to write her book, Woman Unleashed: Release Your Story. The conditioning we get from our families starts in the womb, and it affects many of the choices we make in our lives. Most children experience traumas, micro-traumas, and stresses that impact them in profound ways. What happens in a woman’s body when she is under stress and in survival mode? Dr. Sonya shares strategies for bringing women out of the fight, flight, freeze, or please mode and back to the calm parasympathetic reproductive physical state. The effect that synthetic hormones like oral contraceptives have on women’s bodies. Dr. Sonya talks about various contraceptive options that will allow you to honor your body and stay connected with it. The physical and emotional changes women can expect to experience as they approach menopause. Dr. Sonya shares some tips for dealing with the changes that occur as women transition into perimenopause. Dr. Sonya explains how fasting is a strategy for supporting your hormones, becoming more aligned, and honoring your life. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Dr. Sonya Jensen On her website  On Instagram  Buy a copy of her book (The book is also available from Amazon and other booksellers) Books mentioned: The Body Keeps Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing by Bessel van der Kolk Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor  The High 5 Habit: Take Control of Your Life with One Simple Habit by Mel Robbins This Is Your Brain on Birth Control: The Surprising Science of Women, Hormones, and the Law of Unintended Consequences by Sarah Chapman Hill

I am delighted to reconnect with my good friend, Vinnie Tortorich, today, who was a guest on episodes 133 and 191. For those who may not be familiar with Vinnie, he is a truth-teller and disrupter who prompts people to think outside of their comfort zones in an easy and non-confrontational way. He is host of the Fitness Confidential Podcast, author of Fitness Confidential, and documentary film expert. His most recent documentary is Dirty Keto. In our conversation today, Vinnie and I dive into the impact of the processed food industry on metabolic health, looking at the issue with net carbs, the dangers of sugar and artificial sweeteners, and their role in the ongoing metabolic health crisis. We discuss the consequences of instant gratification, sedentary lifestyles, and the addictive nature of processed sugars and grains, also exploring various medical therapies, including GLP-1s.  I am confident you will enjoy this discussion with Vinnie Tortorich as much as I did. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How the processed food industry created the term net carbs to make processed foods appear healthier The importance of addressing sugar addiction The lack of discussion around the health risks associated with society celebrating obesity How instant gratification has impacted people’s food choices and health The importance of recognizing true hunger versus boredom or stress-induced cravings How uncomfortable feelings can lead to food addiction Why it is essential to make exercise a daily habit Why it is crucial to avoid non-vegetable carbohydrates for metabolic health A strategy for enjoying sweet treats while maintaining a ketogenic diet How food influences metabolism and brain function Weighing up the risks and benefits of GLP-1 therapies for metabolic health Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Vinnie Tortorich On his website Instagram and Twitter (@vinnietortorich) Vinnie’s documentaries on Amazon (Not Dirty Keto) Previous Episode Mentioned Ep. 191 Benefits of an Animal-Based Diet vs a Plant-Based Diet with Vinnie Tortorich

I have the honor of talking to Dr. Michael Breus today! Dr. Breus is the author of The Power of When, and his latest book is called Energize. He is a double board-certified Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Sleep Specialist. He is one of only 168 psychologists in the world to have taken and passed the Sleep Medicine Boards without going to Medical School. After completing his undergraduate studies in psychology, Dr. Breus did all of his pre-meds in one year. Then he went to the University of Georgia to do a P.h.D. in Clinical Psychology. He wanted to do a sports internship at the University of Mississippi Medical Center after getting his P.h.D., but he could not get into the program. They were offering graduate students a sleep track, so he decided to do that initially and then get into the sports internship program through the back door. However, things did not end up working out quite how they thought they would! Most people do not think much about sleep until they experience sleep problems. In this episode, Dr. Breus shares his background and explains how he pivoted into becoming a sleep specialist. He talks about the impact of chronotypes and genetics. He discusses how movement and other lifestyle strategies can influence our chronotype and talks about melatonin and other hormones, including cortisol, serotonin, dopamine, leptin, and touches on biohacking and intermittent fasting. He cautions us about orthosomnia and discusses how napping can influence sleep scores. He also talks about some of his favorite items for sleep modalities. I hope you enjoy this thought-provoking podcast as much as I did! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Breus tells his story and explains how he became The Sleep Doctor.  How he managed to take and pass the Sleep Medicine Boards without going to Medical School. When he began doing chronotype research and personalizing it as part of his brand and work. Looking at the four chronotypes and what Dr. Breus refers to as chrono-longevity. Dr. Breus talks about melatonin and shares his thoughts on melatonin supplementation. Dr. Breus explains his concept of body habitus. Intermittent fasting is the best way to supply the body with clean energy. Dr. Breus discusses the five different types of energy and describes his movement program.  Dr. Breus unpacks sleep tracking, the physiology of sleep, the sleep stages, and REM sleep versus deep sleep. What is orthosomnia? How does the quality of our sleep affect our hormonal balance? Dr. Breus is a fan of naps. (Unless you have insomnia.) Why is a good pillow vital for a good night’s sleep? Some devices provide a solution for snoring. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Dr. Michael Breus On his website On Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter The ChronoQuiz

Today, I have the privilege of connecting with Dr. Sara Gottfried! Dr. Sara is a board-certified physician who graduated from Harvard and MIT. She practices evidence-based integrative, precision, and functional medicine. She is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Integrative Medicine and Nutritional Sciences at Thomas Jefferson University and Director of Precision Medicine at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health. She has written four New York Times bestselling books, including her latest book called WOMEN, FOOD, AND HORMONES.  Dr. Sara is one of my favorite doctors in integrative medicine and GYN! In this episode, we dive into the infodemic, how stress impacts hormones, the impact of age-related changes on hormonal regulation, alcohol, and gender differences with ketogenic lifestyles. We discuss some of the lesser-known hormones, including growth hormone, and how to support it properly. We touch on disordered eating, how trauma influences our relationship with food, epigenetics, and the role of a lifetime relationship with food. We also look at methylation, glutathione, detox reactions, supporting physical detoxification, and our toxic diet culture. I hope you benefit as much from this episode as I did!  IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Sara explains what the infodemic is and discusses the impact it has had on how she communicates with her patients.  What happens to our hormones as we age? The impact of stress on hormone regulation. Dr. Sara busts the myth that testosterone is a male hormone and discusses what testosterone means for women. How does alcohol consumption impact women’s hormones? Why do men tend to have an easier time with the ketogenic diet than women? The dramatic changes that occur in women’s bodies as they transition from perimenopause to menopause. Looking at the interrelationship between trauma, stress, and autoimmunity. The changes that occur with growth hormones as we age. How trauma affects the genes. How disordered eating impacts metabolism. How to support physical detoxification naturally, without going to extremes. How to address weight-loss plateaus.   Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Dr. Sara Gottfried On her website On Facebook, Twitter, Instagram Dr. Sara’s books are available at all bookstores.

Today, the amazing, smart, and talented Melanie Avalon joins me once again! Melanie is a SAG-AFTRA actress, author of What When Wine: Lose Weight and Feel Great with Paleo-Style Meals, Intermittent Fasting, and Wine, host of the top iTunes podcasts The Melanie Avalon Biohacking Podcast, and The Intermittent Fasting Podcast with Gin Stephens, and she has appeared on this podcast twice before. Melanie is certified as a wine specialist by the WSET and as a holistic nutritionist by the AFPA. She is also a member of MENSA. Melanie developed the top iTunes app, “Food Sense Guide", to help those with food sensitivities, and she currently runs three rapidly growing Facebook groups. A few months ago, Melanie and I had a long conversation and decided to do two episodes at the same time. The first was Episode 143, which aired in April. In that episode, we focused on biohacking, for which Melanie is well-known. For today’s episode, we pivot and focus on blood sugar dysregulation. Melanie and I will bring you up to speed with everything you need to know about managing your blood sugar, tapping into the intrinsic hormonal regulation in your body, and ensuring that your blood sugar is well supported. Stay tuned for more!  IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How Melanie first became interested in the science of dieting. Melanie talks about metabolic flexibility, the amount of energy stored in our body fat, and the purpose of insulin. Why your bio-individuality needs to be taken into account when figuring out the best diet. What a continuous glucose monitor is, what it does, and the benefits of using it. Why Melanie decided to bring carbs back into her diet. Why Melanie feels that the definitions of low fat, high carb versus a high fat, low carb are so important. Dairy is a hormonal food designed for growth. Melanie talks about the Lumen, which is one of the easiest biohacking devices to use. Melanie discusses the Biosense ketone meter. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Melanie Avalon On Facebook or PaleoOMAD, or Clean Beauty and Safe Skin Care  On Twitter  On her website The Intermittent Fasting Podcast The Melanie Avalon Biohacking Podcast Books mentioned:  The Paleo Solution by Robb Wolf

I am delighted to have the opportunity to converse with Kristina Hess today! Kristina is a premier health coach, licensed dietician, and nutritionist with a functional and integrative approach. Everyone should feel free to experiment with different types of nutritional dogma. However, we should always stay open-minded and lean into whatever our bodies need. I love that Kristina has married the trajectory of her life with genetics and nutrition. So I asked her to join me on the podcast to discuss nutrigenomics.  In this episode, Kristina shares her backstory and talks about growing up and living all over the world, her history of veganism, and healing her body with a nutrient-dense, whole food, primal/paleo diet. She gives some examples of genetic tendencies and low penetrants. She and I dive into gene variants, nutritional choices that include the use of ethanol or alcohol, seed oils, lifestyle choices, and testing. Kristina also provides recommendations for working with individuals trained in the unique form of genetics and study of nutrition and gene expression, known as nutrigenomics. I hope you will gain a lot from today’s fascinating conversation with Kristina Hess! Stay tuned for more! Special announcement: I will be an honored guest at the Keto Symposium, a one-and-a-half-day event in New York City on the 23rd and 24th of September, to speak, along with others like the amazing Ben Azadi!  IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Kristina talks about the Keto Symposium, the very first low-carb conference on the ketogenic lifestyle and fasting. She explains why it is so special. Kristina shares her interesting backstory. How Kristina finally realized that the vegan lifestyle was damaging her body. Kristina explains what nutrigenomics is. Some gene variants are older and have not changed or adapted to more modernized food. Kristina explains how lifestyle choices can impact those variants.  What can people do to impact their gene expression? It is important to take your gene data to a qualified professional for interpretation and talk to them about your lifestyle. Kristina discusses some of the more common gene combinations she sees that could cause weight loss resistance. Kristina talks about isolated low penetrant gene SNPs. Be a detective and do some testing when in doubt. Kristina talks about alcohol and how it could impact epigenetic signaling.  Why should you avoid consuming seed oils? Some lifestyle habits everyone should adopt. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Kristina Hess On her website   The Keto Symposium will be taking place in Manhattan on September 23rd and 24th. Buy your tickets now because the space is limited. They are running a promotion for the whole month of June: Use the promo code KETO10 to get 10% off the ticket price!

In this episode, Cynthia and Kelly sat down with Bobbi Parker-Hall. Bobbi is a personal trainer, public speaker, author and founder and CEO of Modern Bodies. For over 20 years she’s been helping women get in the best shape of their lives and stay that way! She believes that no matter your age or current fitness level, you can start building your best version of yourself NOW.

We have Part 2 of our two-part series on progesterone with Dr. Lindsey Berkson today. Dr. Berkson is one of my favorite hormone experts. She has a talent for breaking complex ideas down to make them easily understandable for clinicians and the general public. She is a peer-reviewed, published researcher, bestselling author, educator, leader in thought, nutritional gastroenterology, and hormones, and a formulator and inventor. We continue our discussion today by diving into the disruptive effects of oral contraceptives on the endocrine system, looking at the impact of progesterone on thyroid health, leaky gut, and immune function during perimenopause and menopause. We explore the role of testosterone in gut health and lab ranges for breast protection, and we also discuss progesterone resistance and reactivity, and oxytocin.  You will not want to miss this informative conversation with Dr. Lindsey Berkson. She will return to the show toward the end of this year for Part 3 of our discussion. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: The intricate link between progesterone and thyroid function How endocrine disruptors impact thyroid physiology Why iodine is essential for thyroid health and cancer prevention How progesterone relates to thyroid health Why progesterone and estrogen are crucial for maintaining gut integrity and preventing leaky gut How testosterone helps to prevent autoimmune diseases What are the ideal progesterone levels for women in perimenopause and menopause? The role oxytocin plays in women with progesterone resistance How to overcome progesterone resistance or reactivity  The interplay between progesterone and oxytocin and their roles in bonding and pregnancy Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Lindsey Berkson On her website Find Dr. Berkson’s books on Amazon

I have the honor of connecting with Dr. Kelly Casperson today! She is a urologist with an unwavering commitment to empowering women to embrace their love lives to the fullest! As the host of the enlightening You Are Not Broken podcast and the author of the equally insightful book bearing the same title, she has become a beacon of knowledge and inspiration in the world of human intimacy and sexual wellness.  In our discussion today, we delve into the world of sexuality. We dissect the influence of Hollywood on the woeful lack of education around sexual intimacy, explore the role of parenting, the absence of comprehensive sex education in our schools, and the consequential impact on how society perceives female physiology. Dr. Kelly sheds light on the alarming lack of sexual education in medical school curricula, the intricate interplay of hormones, and the significance of hormone replacement therapy. Our dialogue also extends to the distinctions between oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy and the transformative potential of bridging behavioral gaps in the bedroom for enhanced lovemaking. Dr. Kelly also sheds light on the changes occurring in the genital urinary system with age and prompts us to rethink our approach to sexual health. This show has been one of the most captivating podcasts I have ever had the pleasure of hosting! Dr. Kelly Casperson emerges as an invaluable resource in human intimacy, offering a treasure trove of wisdom and insight through her podcast and illuminating TEDx talk. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: The poor state of sex education in the world today Why must parents step in and educate their children on sex and sexuality? The power of being a urologist versus being someone who cares for women How things are improving  Why teenagers need to be direct and clear about consent How you can use Hollywood films as a backdrop in conversations to call out the inequalities in society Why is the pleasure aspect of sexuality seldom spoken about? Hormone replacement therapy for women Hormone replacement therapy for men The importance of finding a connection and taking time for arousal in a relationship Reframing the heteronormative theory of low desire  Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Kelly Casperson On her website TEDx talk: Why We Need Adult Sex Ed Podcast: You Are Not Broken  Book: You Are Not Broken- Stop “Should-ing” All Over Your Sex Life

Today, I am delighted to reconnect with Dr. Sara Gottfried, a board-certified physician practicing evidence-based integrative precision and functional medicine. (She last joined me for Episode 211.) Dr. Gottfried graduated from Harvard and MIT. She is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Integrative Medicine and Nutritional Sciences at Thomas Jefferson University and the Director of Precision Medicine at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health. She is also the author of four New York Times best-selling books, including her recent publication, The Autoimmune Cure.  In our discussion today, we discuss the interrelationship between trauma and autoimmunity, highlighting its prevalence, particularly among women. We dive into the impact of trauma, explaining its correlation with autoimmune conditions and demystifying the role of the PINE network (the Psycho Immune Neuro Endocrine system). We explore triggers for perimenopause and menopause, gender differences specific to the changes in immunity and vulnerability in women, the consequences of burnout in various professions, the shortcomings of conventional allopathic methods in addressing mental health and trauma, and immunomodulation, including vitamins, polyphenols, low-dose Naltrexone, and somatic-based therapies.  With Dr. Gottfried’s invaluable insights into crucial health topics, this episode is a must-listen. Stay tuned for more! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How the traumas we experience as children could make us more susceptible to autoimmune conditions later in life How trauma impacts our immune, neurological, and endocrine systems Addressing trauma through gut health, heart rate variability, and hormone balance How the metabolic and immune system changes triggered during perimenopause and menopause can make women more susceptible to autoimmune issues  How men in combat and women with sexual assault show similar trauma responses  How childhood trauma can shape our direction in life The potential benefits of alternative therapies like LSD, MDMA, and Ayahuasca How measuring gut health can provide valuable insights for treatment options Using low-dose Naltrexone for sleep and immune system modulation The potential of somatic therapies and breathwork for stilling the autonomic nervous system and promoting body awareness Bio: Dr. Sara Gottfried: Sara Szal Gottfried, MD, is a physician, researcher, author, and educator. She graduated from Harvard Medical School and MIT and completed a residency at UCSF, but is more likely to prescribe a CGM and personalized nutrition plan than the latest pharmaceutical. Dr. Gottfried is a global keynote speaker and the author of four New York Times bestselling books about hormones, nutrition, and health. Her latest book is called THE AUTOIMMUNE CURE (March 2024). She is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Dept. of Integrative Medicine and Nutritional Sciences at Thomas Jefferson University and Director of Precision Medicine at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health. She takes care of executives and professional athletes. Her focus is on the interface of mental and physical health, N-of-1 trial design, personalized molecular profiling, use of wearables, and how to leverage these tools to improve health outcomes.  Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Sara Gottfried On her website    On Instagram Dr. Gottfried’s new book, The Autoimmune Cure, is available from most bookstores, including Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Previous Episode Mentioned Ep. 211 – Addressing the Root Cause of Hormonal Imbalances with Dr. Sara Gottfried

In this episode, we talk about our favorite tips for preparing for healthy travel. Cynthia prepares for her upcoming trip and shares what she takes on the plane and her plans for staying healthy while abroad. Whether you are traveling around the world or heading out on a day trip, the tips we provide can help you thrive! If you have questions you'd like us to answer on the podcast, send them to everydaywellnesspodcast@gmail.com.

We are excited to have Dr. Glenn Livingston joining us on the show today. Dr. Glenn Livingston is a veteran psychologist and was the long-time CEO of a multi-million dollar consulting firm that has serviced several Fortune 500 clients in the food industry. You may have seen his or his company’s work, theories, and research in major periodicals, like the New York Times, the LA Times, the Chicago Sun-Times, the New York Daily News, American Demographics, or any other media outlets. You may have also heard of him on ABC, WGN, and our CBS Radio or UPN TV.  Disillusioned by what traditional psychology had to offer overweight and/or food-obsessed individuals, Dr. Livingston spent several decades researching the nature of bingeing and overeating via his work with his patients and a self-funded research program. Most importantly, his personal journey led him out of obesity and a food-prison to a normal healthy weight and a much more light-hearted relationship with food. Be sure to stay tuned today to hear his story and find out how to stop overeating, stress eating, or binge eating and how to stick to any diet. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Glenn shares his story and explains how his journey influenced where he is today. How Dr. Glenn’s book, Never Binge Again, came about. Dr. Glenn dives into the concept of binge-eating and cravings-cycles and explains why some people are more susceptible to those types of behaviors than others. Dr. Glenn believes that decision-making wears down your will-power. Dr. Glenn talks about why people have different types of cravings related to different kinds of stress. Dr. Glenn looks at the idea of moderation versus abstinence. Dr. Glenn unpacks the societal pressures around sugar and alcohol. Dr. Glenn talks about why some people tend to binge-eat when breaking an intermittent fast and how they can overcome it. Dr. Glenn explains why you need to watch out for asking why certain things are the way they are. Why flour is so intoxicating. Dr. Glenn explains what the phenomenon of down-regulation is and how it works. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Connect with Dr. Glenn On his website - Click the big red button On Facebook On Twitter His blog On LinkedIn Books mentioned: Never Binge Again by Dr. Glenn Livingston Sugar Fat Salt by Michael Moss

I am delighted to reconnect with Dr. Felice Gersh today for our fourth discussion.  Dr. Gersh is a globally recognized expert on women's hormones. As the Medical Director of the Integrative Medical Group of Irvine, she often collaborates with numerous research organizations.  In our discussion today, we dive into cardiovascular disease risks and menopause, highlighting the metabolic transition that menopause represents and exploring risk factors like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and PCOS. We get into the use of oral contraceptives, particularly before the age of 20, early puberty, and premature ovarian failure, while examining the role of the RAS system, synthetic hormones, and the differences between estrone and estradiol. We discuss the optimal timing for starting hormone replacement therapy and explain why we should love our menstrual cycles, addressing the risks related to circadian rhythm disruption. We also look at arterial changes, cholesterol dynamics, the autonomic nervous system, gut health and cardiac wellness in menopause, and proactive ways to support our bodies.  I am confident you will find today’s conversation with Dr. Felice Gersh most enlightening and informative. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Why women need to understand basic female physiology  How pregnancy-induced insulin resistance and leaky gut can lead to cardiovascular issues later in life Dr. Gersh highlights the importance of metabolic health in pregnancy and menopause Why it is risky for young women to use oral contraceptives What irregular bleeding in perimenopausal women might indicate Why the inflammatory response is critical for survival, even though it may become problematic if not properly regulated How estrogen is a family of hormones, not a single hormone How estradiol differs from estrone Why should menopause be treated like any other hormone deficiency state? The optimal time for hormone replacement therapy Why post-menopausal women are more susceptible to heart attacks than men  Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Felice Gersh On her website: Integrative Medical Group of Irvine Instagram All of Dr. Gersh’s books are available on Amazon Ep. 297 Dr. Felice Gersh: Estrogen, Immunity & Menopause Mysteries Ep. 237 Perimenopause and Menopause: What You Didn’t Know with Dr. Felice Gersh Ep. 221 Part 1- An Integrative Approach to PCOS and Menstrual Irregularities with Dr. Felice Gersh

Jaime Pallotolo uses a mind-body-spirit approach to helping her clients take the next step in their careers and personal life to reach their potential. She helps clients give voice to their experience and remove blocks to change their maladaptive beliefs and improve their self-worth. She teaches clients how to be aware of their emotions, change their beliefs, and engage in new behaviors. Jaime also shares her personal self-care tips! Learn more about Jaime at https://www.jaimepallotolo.com/

I am honored to reconnect with Dave Asprey today! He is the renowned father of biohacking and a New York Times bestselling author.  Dave would like a world where we all have enough free time and peace to be at full power! In this episode, he and I have a no-nonsense conversation about his newest book, Smarter Not Harder, which is my favorite of all his books! We dive into the impact of the pandemic, the art and science of environment, the laziness principle, homeostasis, and the concept behind “slope with the curve” thinking. We discuss anti-nutrients, the biohacking pathway, REHIIT training, and various other cellular hacks, including hypoxification and specialized breathing, and how trauma pertains to becoming a more efficient human. I also ask Dave about his favorite supplements. I hope you enjoy listening to today’s conversation with Dave Asprey as much as I did recording it!    IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Why Dave chose to write his latest book now. How Dave’s book can help you achieve homeostasis. The 5 goals in Dave’s book that he recommends for people focus on, one at a time. A fundamental mistake that people in the world of health and fitness often make.  How the “slope with the curve” biology works. How you can save energy with biohacking. The benefits of REHIT (Reduced Energy High-Intensity Interval Training). Some foods that can negatively impact our health. Dave shares his thoughts on dairy. Using hypoxification as a cellular biohack. Dave sheds some light on his favorite supplements. The role of trauma resolution. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Connect with Dave Asprey On his website  Danger Coffee    To open an Upgrade Labs, go to www.ownanupgradelabs.com Books mentioned Men Are from Mars Women Are from Venus by John Gray Dave’s new book, Smarter Not Harder is available from most bookstores.

In this episode, Cynthia spoke with Dr. Eric Balcavage. He is the owner and founder of Rejuvagen, a functional medicine clinic in Chadds Ford, PA. He is a nationally recognized speaker and educator on thyroid physiology, bile physiology, detoxification, and chronic illness.

Get ready to venture into the realm of cutting-edge health and nutrition as I reconnect with Kara Collier, a registered dietitian and the co-founder of Nutrisense, the revolutionary continuous glucose monitor app!  Our paths last crossed back in January of 2021, and I am thrilled to catch up with Kara again! Today, we delve deep into the ever-evolving landscape of metabolic health in 2023, exploring the pivotal role of CGM labs and glucometers in understanding our bodies.  In today’s captivating conversation, Kara unravels the significance of measuring glucose against other metabolites, unveiling the profound impact of macros, exercise, supplements, sleep quality, life stage, and bio-individuality on our well-being. With a plethora of invaluable hacks to optimize your blood sugar, we invite you to join us on a captivating journey that will leave you empowered to take charge of your health and transform your life!  Gear up for an enlightening conversation packed with valuable insights you will not want to miss! Prepare to be inspired and informed as we uncover the secrets to unlocking your metabolic potential! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: The current state of metabolic health What is leading to obesity in the US? Getting your fasting glucose value below 90 The pros and cons of glucometers Glucose monitoring and the 8020 rule Tracking your data to learn about yourself Hacks to improve your diet The role of movement in metabolic health How important is Zone 2 training for mitochondrial health?  Follicular versus luteal phase and insulin sensitivity The importance of protein and carbohydrates Blood sugar and sleep quality About Kara Kara Collier is the co-founder and VP of Health at Nutrisense, one of America’s fastest-growing wellness-tech startups. After becoming frustrated with the shortcomings of the traditional healthcare system, she made it her mission to help others reach their maximum health potential using modern technology & expert coaching. She is the leading authority on the use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology for health optimization and disease prevention. Kara is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist (LDN), and Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC). Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Connect with Kara Collier On Instagram  Nutrisense Previous Episode Mentioned Ep. 132 – Continuous Glucose Monitors: Why They’re Not Just for Diabetics Anymore with Kara Collier

I am delighted to reconnect with Teri Cochrane today! Teri is the founder of the Global Sustainable Health Institute® and an international thought leader in longevity. Through her decades of clinical work, Teri has developed The Cochrane Method®, a future-facing, multisystem health and longevity model that examines the intersection of gene expression due to pathogenic and environmental causes, energy, and her clients’ unique personal blueprint. Teri specializes in solutions to complex health conditions and serves world-class athletes. She is the author of the Amazon best-selling new release book, The Wildatarian Diet: Living As Nature Intended. Teri’s perspective on health and longevity is fresh and unique, and she has her own quirky way of describing certain potentially intangible concepts. She understands that we are all different, so every individual requires a particular and very granular approach to their diet and lifestyle to achieve optimal health. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the role of bio-individuality and focus on women’s hormones and the endocrine system. We talk about applied kinesiology. We discuss the role of oxalates and the impact of genetics, SMPs, mycotoxins (mold), candida, and strep on our health. We get into methylation, gut health, estrogen detoxification, liver detox, and ways to support our bodies. We talk about why women tend to feel fluffy, the impact of cortisol, how sleep and stress affect our health, the importance of micronutrients- especially for thyroid function, and the role of neurotransmitters. We also discuss the quality of animal-based protein and explain why chicken is a dirty bird. I hope you love listening to this valuable conversation and learn a lot from it! Stay tuned for more! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Teri unpacks what bio-individuality represents. What makes women unique in terms of their hormonal makeup? Teri talks about some of the major contributors to dysbiosis. The impact of genetics, SMPs, mycotoxins, candida, and strep on our health. Why is candida such a beast? How do hormone supplements exacerbate metabolic dysbiosis? How progesterone gets “stolen” to produce the stress hormone cortisol. The feedback we get from applied kinesiology. The genetic tests Teri uses to learn how people might react to various supplements. What are oxalates, and how do they impact people’s health? Teri discusses the two phases of liver detoxification. Teri’s preferred methodology for dealing with extra estrogen. Supporting the immune system function. What is the issue with protein from domesticated animal meats, like chicken, beef, pork, and turkey? It is vital to know your body and genes and understand how food can be either a healer or a poison.   Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Teri Cochrane On her website On Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube Find Teri’s book, The Wildatarian Diet: Living As Nature Intended, on Amazon

In this episode, Cynthia sat down with Dr. Terry Wahls to discuss COVID-19. She is an Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner and a clinical professor of medicine at the University of Iowa where she conducts clinical trials. In 2018 she was awarded the Institute for Functional Medicine’s Linus Pauling Award for her contributions in research, clinical care and patient advocacy.

In this educational episode, Kelly & Cynthia welcome Jeremy Fox, a Licenced Professional Counsellor, EMDR Consultant, Mental Health Therapist specializing in Trauma Recovery. You will hear him talk about how EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) Therapy has helped people relieve many types of psychological trauma. Jeremy speaks about how the amygdala, which is an important part of the limbic system, can sometimes become overactivated due to traumatic anxiety. 

I am thrilled to connect with my friend and colleague, Dr. Anthony Youn today.  Dr. Youn is a nationally recognized board-certified plastic surgeon and the author of many best-selling books. He has a massive social media presence and hosts the widely acclaimed podcast The Holistic Plastic Surgery Show. In our conversation today, we dive into Dr. Youn’s new book, Younger for Life, and he offers valuable insights on skin health and overall well-being. We explore the aging process and address oxidative-free radical damage, chronic inflammation, autophagy, and the impact of processed foods. We also get into helpful supplements for skin support, examine the concept of greenwashing, and discuss sunscreen, exfoliation, in-office treatments, breast implant illness, and the power of lifestyle choices. Stay tuned for more! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How to avoid aging too quickly through nutrition and lifestyle changes How sugar and seed oils impact skin aging The benefits of collagen supplements for healthier skin  Hormonal changes that affect the metabolism and skin health after menopause The importance of screening the ingredients in skincare products How chemical sunscreens differ from physical sunblocks Using Retinol for anti-aging and skin health Non-invasive fat reduction treatments and their potential risks Dr. Youn discusses breast implant illness What you need to look out for when using Botox Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Anthony Youn On his website Youn Beauty   Instagram YouTube TikTok Facebook Twitter The Holistic Plastic Surgery Show Buy a copy of Younger for Life  Bookshop.Org

We have the second part of our mashup on heart health today, featuring insights from Dr. Stephen Hussey and Dr. Thomas Dayspring on the real drivers of cardiac disease.  In this episode, Dr. Hussey challenges conventional views on heart disease. Dr. Dayspring dives into the key markers for cardiovascular risk and the essential role of lifestyle changes for heart health.  Join us for a fresh perspective on heart health. Ep. 254 Understanding and Optimizing Heart Health with Dr. Stephen Hussey [8:52] After experiencing a massive myocardial infarction, Dr. Hussey came to realize that chronic stress, metabolic health, and environmental factors play a far more prominent role in heart disease than is commonly acknowledged. Yet the medical system remains fixated on cholesterol as the primary cause of cardiac issues, ignoring evidence that both acute and prolonged stress can directly trigger cardiac events. [22:11] Due to liability concerns and lack of approval, Western medicine operates within a rigid system that prioritizes standard treatments over potentially effective alternatives like intravenous magnesium sulfate for clot prevention. That limits physicians in exploring innovative approaches despite promising research. [29:13] Dr. Hussey explains that metabolic heart attacks can occur without arterial blockages due to oxidative stress forcing the heart into an inefficient glucose-dependent state, leading to tissue death instead of cancerous growth. His insight challenges conventional views on heart disease that tie into the historical shift driven by the flawed research of Ancel Keys that vilified saturated fats while promoting processed vegetable oils. [53:35] Heart attacks are often triggered by stress rather than just cholesterol buildup. Managing stress, along with metabolic health, inflammation, and nervous system balance, is the key to heart disease prevention, with fasting being beneficial across all three areas. Ep. 352 Lipid Masterclass: Apo-B, Labs and Women's Heart Health with Thomas Dayspring [00:02:33] APO(b) Levels are essential for assessing cardiovascular risk. Dr. Thomas Dayspring recommends an APO(b) below 80 mg/dL for general health and below 60 mg/dL for optimal longevity. He highlights the benefits of lifestyle interventions before considering pharmacological treatments, especially for those genetically predisposed to high APO(b). [00:24:00] The loss of estrogen during menopause increases APO(a) protein production, leading to higher LP(a) levels. That can elevate cardiovascular risk, and factors like pregnancy complications, PCOS, and lipid issues can indicate future heart disease risk, making early monitoring and appropriate hormone therapy crucial for women's long-term health. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Stephen Hussey On his website On Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn Connect with Dr. Thomas Dayspring On Twitter (@DrLipid) On LinkedIn

I am honored to connect with Dr. Chris Palmer today! He is a psychiatrist and researcher working at the interface of metabolism and mental health.  Mental illness can devastate lives! Some members of Dr. Palmer’s family struggled with serious mental health issues, and his mother’s experience with the mental health system impacted him deeply. He found the system incompetent and ineffective, and many mental health clinicians were distant, aloof, and snobbish.  In this episode, he shares his background and explains how a patient changed his career trajectory in 2016. We dive into the connection between mental disorders and metabolic disease, the traditional focus of psychiatry, the value of low-carb and ketogenic diets, the role of mitochondria, and mitochondrial dysfunction. We also get into intergenerational transmission of trauma and the importance of sleep, and Dr. Palmer discusses his new definition of mental health. Looking at mental health through a metabolic health lens makes so much sense! I believe that Dr. Palmer’s new book will be an incredible resource for clinicians, their patients, and their patient's families. Tune in to hear what he says about the link between metabolic disorders and mental health issues.  IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: The traditional methodology used to address and treat psychiatric illnesses when Dr. Palmer started in the mental health field. The serendipitous way in which medications for mental problems got developed. Why are most psycho-therapies and treatments ineffective for treating chronic PTSD and depression, and personality disorders? Why mental disorders are currently the leading cause of disability on the planet. How an experience with a patient-led Dr. Palmer to understand the connection between metabolic health and mental health. The connections that contributed to the miraculous changes Dr. Palmer's patient experienced. How does the ketogenic diet affect the body and brain? The role of the mitochondria in the body and how they contribute to mental health.  The impact of intergenerational trauma.  How intergenerational trauma could show up as mental health issues in future generations. The interplay between sleep and mental health. Dr. Palmer gives an overview of his new definition of mental health.  Bio: Dr. Chris Palmer Dr. Chris Palmer is a psychiatrist and researcher working at the interface of metabolism and mental health. He is the Director of the Department of Postgraduate and Continuing Education at McLean Hospital and an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. For over 25 years, he has held leadership roles in psychiatric education, conducted research, and worked with people who have treatment-resistant mental illnesses. He has been pioneering the use of the medical ketogenic diet in the treatment of psychiatric disorders - conducting research in this area, treating patients, writing, and speaking around the world on this topic. More broadly, he is interested in the roles of metabolism and metabolic interventions on brain health. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Dr. Chris Palmer On his website Go to www.brainenergy.com to get involved with Dr. Palmer’s new approach to mental health and learn more about his book. On Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

Today, I am delighted to reconnect with Dr. Uma Naidoo, who joined me once before for episode 173. Dr. Naidoo is an awarded and board-certified Harvard nutritional psychiatrist, professional chef, and nutritional biologist. She is the Founder and Director of the first-ever hospital-based nutritional and metabolic psychiatry service in the United States at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Director of Nutritional Psychiatry at the MGH Academy.  In our enlightening conversation, Dr. Naidoo talks about her latest book, Calm Your Mind With Food, and we dive into the impact of anxiety during the pandemic. We explore how anxiety influences our susceptibility to metabolic diseases, autoimmunity, and Alzheimer's, and the difference between processed foods and homemade meals. Dr. Naidoo emphasizes the pivotal role of nutrition in mental health, particularly the interplay between the enteric nervous system, the vagus nerve, and brain function. Our discussion also covers the scientific underpinnings of the gut microbiome, the pitfalls of non-nutritive sweeteners and sugars, and the critical roles of neurotransmitters and neuroinflammation. She also elucidates the concept of leptin and its resistance, critiques nutritional trends like the low-fat craze, and clarifies the nuanced impacts of carbohydrates, fiber, and plant-based versus omnivorous diets.  I am sure you will find this conversation with Dr. Uma Naidoo as valuable and enjoyable as I did. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Some of the mental health and anxiety trends Dr. Naidoo continues to see four years after the pandemic How cooking at home improves your food choices and health The link between gut health and mental wellbeing How older artificial sweeteners, like aspartame, can lead to cravings and weight gain  How stress and poor diet impact brain function How hormones like leptin can cause anxiety and depression The importance of understanding your individual nutritional needs based on your genetics, physiology, and environment Dr. Naidoo advises moderation when consuming fruit and processed foods  Why many individuals struggle to consume enough fiber How to increase your fiber intake The benefits of including whole, unprocessed foods like eggs, avocado, and sourdough bread in your breakfast Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Uma Naidoo On her website Daily Dose Meals OnFacebook Instagram LinkedIn X, and TikTok Previous Episode Mentioned Ep. 173 – How The Food You Eat Boosts Your Mood & Mental Health (and the Connection Your Gut Health Plays) with Dr. Uma Naidoo