Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Menopause, and Science for Women 35+

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!

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Today, I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Bill Campbell, a professor and director of the Performance and Physique Enhancement Lab at the University of South Florida and the creator of Body by Science, a review summarizing the latest and best research on fat loss and muscle-building. His research focuses on helping people optimize their physiques within a sustainable lifestyle. 

In our discussion, we tackle common misconceptions about fat loss and explore ways to measure body fat rather than lean mass. We look at the mechanisms that increase hunger and slow metabolism when body fat is too low, the effects of crash and yo-yo dieting, the menopause transition, and contributors to weight-loss resistance. We cover concerns related to muscle protection, protein needs, and lifestyle habits in strength training. Dr. Campbell also defines diet breaks, discusses his concerns about time-restricted and intermittent fasting when protein intake is insufficient, and shares some of his favorite supplements.

You will love this informative conversation with the delightful Dr. Bill Campbell.

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I am thrilled to have Julie McFadden, RN, a hospice and palliative care nurse with over 15 years of experience, joining me today. 

Julie is committed to normalizing death and dying. In our conversation, we address common misconceptions surrounding hospice care and why discussions about death and dying make us feel uncomfortable. We explore the concept of death with dignity, emphasizing the importance of open, honest conversations around end-of-life issues, including advanced directives, living wills, and code status. We address the challenges of technology within traditional allopathic medicine, clarify what hospice truly is, and explain the ICU signs that indicate someone is close to the end of their life. We also share some practical tips for processing grief and uncomfortable feelings. 

This discussion with Julie McFadden is a must-listen for healthcare professionals as it is full of valuable insights. Her book, Nothing to Fear: Demystifying Death to Live More Fully, is also helpful as a resource for anyone navigating end-of-life concerns with loved ones or friends.

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I am happy to connect with Dr. William Li today! He is a world-renowned physician, scientist, speaker, and author. He is known for leading the Angiogenesis Foundation, and his groundbreaking work has impacted more than 70 diseases. He is also a Ted-X speaker and the author of Eat to Beat Your Diet, one of my favorite books thus far this year. 

Dr. Li’s latest book is about what happens in the body, how it should operate, and the steps we can take to restore the body to its hard-wired level. We dive into how body fat impacts our health, the role of metabolism throughout our lifetime, the differences between the three fat-impacting hormones, including leptin, adiponectin, and resistin, and gender differences. We speak about new drugs like Ozempic and Semaglutide, the role of brown fat, the impact of the microbiome and specific bacteria, and we also discuss nutrition and lifestyle.

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BIO

William W. Li, MD, is an internationally renowned physician, scientist, and New York Times bestselling author of the forthcoming book “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.

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Dr. William Li’s latest book: Eat to Beat Your Diet: Burn Fat, Heal Your Metabolism, and Live Longer

I am delighted to have Kara Collier joining me for the third time today. The last time we connected was in episode 285.

Kara is a registered nutritionist and dietitian. As the co-founder and Vice President of Clinical Operations at Nutrisense, she is the leading authority on continuous glucose monitoring technology for health optimization, disease prevention, and reversing metabolic dysfunction.

In our discussion today, we dive into the outdated history of dietitian recommendations, the problem with rigid nutritional dogma, and the need for dietary nuances. We look at scale-related phobias and how many individuals have become disconnected from their bodies, and we discuss the use of tools and data for better health. We also share signs of blood sugar dysregulation, explain what blood sugar spikes mean for your health, explore how perimenopause and menopause affect insulin sensitivity, and touch on the benefits of postprandial excursions and training, stressors, macros, and more.

I know you will love today’s invaluable and insightful conversation with Kara Collier.

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Previous Episode Mentioned:

Ep. 285 Improving Metabolic Health: Lifestyle Interventions To Optimize Metabolic Health with Kara Collier

I am delighted to have Elaine Glass joining me on the podcast today. 

Elaine has transformed many lives with her healing presence, coaching countless people and helping them unlock their essential selves to find purpose, peace, and self-empowerment. She now travels the world, sharing her methodologies, holistic healing techniques, energy medicine, and spiritual guidance. 

In this episode, we explore the notion of getting quiet, examining the impact of social media, texting, and ghosting. We discuss the pervasive issue of busyness, the role of trauma, and the labyrinth as a meditative tool, emphasizing the power of rest. We also look into why many women struggle with receiving, the significance of the great pause, and ways to create harmony in life. 

I am confident you will find this conversation with Elaine Glass as insightful and enriching as I did recording it.

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Bio:

For over 15 years Elaine Glass has transformed lives with her healing presence and coached countless people to unlock their truest selves, finding purpose, peace, and self-empowerment. At one point she found herself at a personal crossroads. A newly single mother, burned out, fearful, and alone, she lived the next decade in search of her own healing and inner truth. She now travels the world sharing her holistic healing techniques, energy medicine methodologies, and spiritual guidance. Her mission today is to guide people in connecting with their soul's calling to bring lasting love, joy, and vitality.

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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!

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Vanessa’s book, Keto Essentials: 150 Ketogenic Recipes to Revitalize, Heal, and Shed Weight 

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.

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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.

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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

I am thrilled to have nutritionist and menopause expert Andrea Donsky joining me today. 

Andrea delivers a very positive message within the perimenopause and menopause space. In today’s discussion, we dive into her ongoing research on the 103 reported symptoms of menopause, exploring the impact of medical gaslighting and the need for advocacy and education. We discuss the significance of taking personal inventory and look at metabolic health, sarcopenia, and insulin resistance. Andrea also shares the singular challenges she has experienced as a nutritionist regarding women in perimenopause and menopause, and we cover concerns surrounding alcohol, ultra-processed foods, weight loss resistance, and the effects of wearables.

I am confident you will enjoy this informative conversation with Andrea Donsky and find it as engaging as I did.

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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!

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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).

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Previous Episode Mentioned

Ep. 132 – Continuous Glucose Monitors: Why They’re Not Just for Diabetics Anymore with Kara Collier