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

Today, I am delighted to reconnect with my friend colleague Teri Cochrane, who previously joined me for episodes 56 and 201. Teri is a decoder of the human body, entrepreneur, speaker, and advisor. In her novel approach to integrative health, honed through decades of clinical experience and exceptional client outcomes, she focuses on the dynamic nature of individual health, incorporating insights from epigenetics, biochemistry, quantum physics, and nutrition.

We begin our conversation today by diving into health sovereignty. We discuss the disrupted mirror effect and the standard American diet, exploring the impact of mold and mycotoxins, glyphosate, amyloids, and oxalates, and identifying foods to avoid. We examine the benefits of the game and wildaterian diets, looking at the challenges of weight loss resistance, the concept of the dirty cupcake, and the psychology of eating.

I am sure you will find this informative discussion with Teri Cochrane enlightening and enjoyable.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

Connect with Teri Cochrane

Book Mentioned

The Wildaterian Diet: Living as Nature Intended on Amazon

Previous Episodes Mentioned

Episode 56: The Cochrane Method and Bioindividuality 

Ep. 201-The Connection Between Genes, Detoxification, Hormones, and Immune Function

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:

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

Today, I am privileged to speak with Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen. She is a triple board-certified physician with extensive expertise in all aspects of endocrinology, focusing on women's health and obesity. 

Dr. Salas-Whalen believes that effective care should be tailored to the specific needs of each individual, as every patient is unique. In our discussion today, we explore the obesity epidemic, challenging the notion that obesity is simply a lifestyle-driven disease. We examine various factors contributing to obesity, clarifying why BMI is ineffective for assessing body composition and discussing the implications of sarcopenic obesity and visceral fat. Dr. Salas-Whalen offers valuable insights into the specific issues faced by perimenopausal and menopausal women, including the role of hormone replacement therapy and the increasing use of medications like GLP-1s. She emphasizes the complexity of weight loss, advocating for responsible prescribing and recognizing that obesity is controllable yet not curable. 

I trust that you will love this conversation with Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen and find it both enlightening and informative. Stay tuned for more.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

Connect with Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen

I am thrilled to have Dr. Nick Norwitz, a researcher-educator on a mission to mainstream metabolic health, joining me today. Dr. Norwitz is a Dartmouth College graduate who completed his Ph.D in metabolism at Oxford University before attending Harvard Medical School to complete his MD. 

Dr. Norwitz is passionate about teaching and encourages everyone to join the growing camp of metabolic health enthusiasts who will be instrumental in changing the world. In today's conversation, we explore the complex and controversial world of non-nutritive sweeteners, covering several topics, including the effects of allulose on PCOS, metabolic medicine, and the research on how gut sensor cells impact our preference for sugar over sweeteners. We look into studies on sucralose, commonly known as Splenda, and Dr. Norwitz shares insights from his Oreo LDL reduction experiment. We also touch on our human tendency toward simplicity and confirmation bias, the importance of bio-individuality, and the concept of N=1 medicine.

Dr. Norwitz is committed to remaining curious. He will return to the podcast later this year to share more about the research on metabolic health, muscle, and metabolism. I know you will love this discussion, so stay tuned for more.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

Connect with Dr. Nick Norwitz

I have the honor of reconnecting with Dr. Mindy Pelz today. She was with me before on podcasts 113 and 184.

Dr. Mindy Pelz, D.C is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and 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 23 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, and her current book published with Hay House, Fast Like a Girl, is available for pre-order. Dr. Mindy has appeared on national shows like Extra TV and The Doctors and has been featured in Muscle & Fitness, Well + Good, SHEknows, Healthline, and more. 

For this episode, I have a new format of ask me anything questions and answers. Dr. Mindy and I answer many of the questions women have sent in about nutrition, navigating fasting, electrolytes, and estrogen and progesterone-promoting foods. We discuss perimenopause, PMDD and hormonal fluctuations, carbohydrates, hormesis, the parasympathetic nervous system, and magnesium. We get into the impact of fasting on the liver, changes in our cycle, and the need for liver and gallbladder support. We also answer several questions about troubleshooting and talk about Dr. Mindy’s new book, Fast Like a Girl. 

I hope you enjoy our new format and listening to today’s discussion with Dr. Mindy Pelz.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow

Follow on Twitter

Instagram

LinkedIn

Check out Cynthia’s website 

Connect with Dr. Mindy Pelz

On her website

Instagram

YouTube

Facebook

Get your copy of Dr. Mindy Pelz’s new book, Fast Like a Girl.

Previous Episodes Mentioned

Podcast 113- How to Survive the Ups and Downs of Menopause

Podcast 184 – Hormonal Symptoms Don’t Have To Be a Result of Aging

Today, I have the privilege of reconnecting with my friend Robb Wolf, who joined me on two previous podcasts, episodes 130 and 213. He is a former research biochemist and the New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Paleo Solution and Wired to Eat. 

In our conversation today, we explore the neuro-regulation of appetite and satiety, diet debates, and the impact of ultra-processed foods. Robb shares the intriguing story behind Dorito Roulette, and we dive into the roles of novelty, palate fatigue, protein, sarcopenia, digestion, and reduced anabolic signaling. We also examine the broader implications of nutrition, autoimmunity, gut health, thermoregulation, and sparkling versus still water, and Robb discusses various ideas he has reconsidered in the last few years. 

Stay tuned for today’s invaluable and thought-provoking conversation with Robb Wolf.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

Connect with Robb Wolf

Previous Episodes Mentioned

Ep. 130 – The Paleolithic Way of Eating: Optimum Nutrition for Optimum Health with Robb Wolf

Ep. 213 All About Electrolytes: Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions for Electrolyte Imbalance with Robb Wolf

I am thrilled to have Dr. Ted Naiman, who joined me before for Episode 109, joining me again today. 

Dr. Naiman is a board-certified family medicine physician in the Department of Primary Care at a leading medical center in Seattle. He holds an undergraduate degree in engineering and incorporates many of those principles into his clinical practice. In today’s conversation, we get into the most effective strategies for addressing insulin resistance, exploring the U-shaped curve associated with fasting and the potential issues of excessive fasting. We dive into macros, carb restriction, cravings, hedonic eating, weight training, and Zone 2 training, looking at eccentric and isometric training and the negatives of strength training. We explain why calories are of no concern, the difference between animal and plant-based protein, and discuss sarcopenic obesity. Dr. Naiman also shares his take on GLP-1 agonists as a therapeutic approach for weight loss and satiety and answers a series of rapid-fire questions about seed oils, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, and anti-nutrients,

I am sure you appreciate and enjoy this conversation!

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

Dr. Ted Naiman Bio:

Dr. Ted Naiman is a board-certified Family Medicine physician in the department of Primary Care at a leading major medical center in Seattle. His personal research and medical practice focus on the practical implementation of diet and exercise for health optimization. 

He is the author of The PE Diet.

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

Connect with Dr. Ted Naiman

Dr. Naiman's Book

The P:E Diet by Dr. Ted Naiman

Previous Episode Mentioned

Ep. 109 How To Transform Your Health with Diet and Exercise with Dr. Ted Naiman

Today, I am privileged to connect with Sal Di Stefano. 

Sal is a sought-after fitness and health expert with a straightforward and uncomplicated manner of communication. He is also a co-host of the immensely popular Mind Pump Podcast.

In our discussion, we explore why the scale is an ineffective measure of success in our culture, particularly for women. We dive into the effects of body image and dysfunctional relationships with our bodies, contrasting self-hate patterns with self-love patterns. We look at ways to train differently in middle age with the challenges of perimenopause and menopause and consider the impact of physiological changes during pregnancy and the postpartum period. We also cover signs of overtraining and intuitive nutrition and address many listeners' questions about reverse dieting, hormetic strategies, and authenticity. 

I am sure you will love this conversation, and I look forward to having Sal back on the show in 2024.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow

Connect with Sal Di Stefano

Today, I am delighted to reconnect with the esteemed Dr. Cate Shanahan, who last joined our podcast for episode 131. She is a New York Times bestselling author and a physician-researcher who synthesizes complex scientific concepts into clear and logical insights to empower her readers to drive positive changes for a better world. Her latest book, Dark Calories, is a must-read for everyone, particularly clinicians. 

Dr. Shanahan brings a wealth of knowledge to our discussion today. We explore the origins and biochemistry of seed oils, their production, and their detrimental effects on our mitochondria and overall health, diving into the concept of garbage blobs, looking at insulin resistance, stress, and hormones, and explaining why hypoglycemia is not benign. We examine the controversial role of the American Heart Association in cholesterol communication and why the keto diet is not ideal for everyone, and Dr. Shanahan also shares strategies for a seed oil-free lifestyle. 

I trust you will find this conversation with Dr. Cate Shanahan as enlightening and engaging as I did when recording it.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

Bio: 

Cate Shanahan, MD, is a Cornell-trained physician-scientist whose works have inspired entire movements involving bone broth, live-culture ferments, and seed oil-free business empires. Together with NBA legend Gary Vitti, she created the LA Lakers PRO Nutrition program, which has been emulated by elite championship teams worldwide. Dedicated to her field, she runs a telehealth practice, as well as a health-education website, DrCate.com, and lives with her family on a peaceful lake in Florida.

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

Connect with Dr Cate Shanahan

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:

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  

Connect with Dr. Nathan Bryan 

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.