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

I am delighted to have Dr. Alexandra Sowa joining me for our second conversation today. Dr. Sowa is a pioneer in obesity medicine, known for combining scientific expertise with compassionate patient advocacy. She is also the author of the new Ozempic Revolution book. 

In our discussion, Dr. Sowa shares her insights on GLP-1 medications and their role in metabolic health and weight management, and we tackle some of the biggest misconceptions about these drugs, exploring the differences between Metformin and GLP-1s and examining the damaging effects of ultra-processed foods have on our brains. We discuss the impact of the body positivity movement, yo-yo dieting, and microdosing, and Dr. Sowa offers her perspective on metabolic adaptation. We dive into the science behind how GLP-1s work in the body and some specific concerns about their side effects, and we also provide practical guidance on insurance coverage and answer a broad range of listener questions. 

I know you will love this invaluable discussion with Dr. Alexandra Sowa.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

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Today, I am thrilled to have my friend and colleague, Sahil Bloom, joining me. Sahil is an inspirational writer and content creator who captivates millions with his insights and bi-weekly newsletter. He is also a successful entrepreneur and the author of The Five Types of Wealth. 

In our conversation today, we explore the scientific research on the relationship between money and happiness, diving into time as our most valuable asset, how busyness can hinder progress, and why comfort does not lead to growth. We also discuss the impact of technology on our daily lives, the importance of stillness and solitude, the paradox of choice, the effects of loneliness, the power of curiosity, and much more. 

This discussion with Sahil Bloom is invaluable, and I highly recommend reading his thought-provoking book, The Five Types of Wealth.

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Bio: Sahil Bloom

Sahil Bloom is an inspirational writer and content creator, captivating millions of people every week through his insights and biweekly newsletter, The Curiosity Chronicle. Bloom is a successful entrepreneur, owner of SRB Holdings, and the managing partner of SRB Ventures, an early-stage investment fund. Bloom graduated from Stanford University with an MA in public policy and a BA in economics and sociology. He was a four-year member of the Stanford baseball team.

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Today, I have the privilege of engaging with Kashif Khan.

Kashif is the author of The DNA Way. He is also a two-time TEDx speaker, a celebrity longevity coach, and Founder of The DNA Company, an innovative company at the forefront of personalized medicine that has leveraged unique insights into the human genome. 

In our conversation today, we dive into the impact of our current healthcare system and share daily practices to help men and women enhance their longevity. We discuss the genome, considerations for bio-individuality and genetics, and how mood and behavior impact our overall well-being. Kashif also addresses some issues women face in midlife, including sleep problems, weight loss resistance, and bone health. 

I am sure anyone seeking a deeper understanding of these matters will find our discussion significant and most valuable.

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Bio:

Kashif Khan is the author of The DNA Way, a two-time TedX Speaker, Celebrity longevity coach, and Founder of The DNA Company, where personalized medicine is being pioneered through unique insights into the human genome.

Growing up in Vancouver, Canada in an immigrant household, Kashif developed an industrious entrepreneurial spirit from a young age. Before his tenure at the DNA Company, Kashif advised several high-growth start-ups in a variety of industries.

As Kashif dove into the field of functional genomics as the Founder of The DNA Company, it was revealed that his neural wiring was genetically designed to be entrepreneurial. However, his genes also revealed a particular sensitivity to pollutants.

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Today, I am honored to connect with Dr. Corinne Menn, a board-certified OB-GYN and Menopause Society-certified practitioner. Dr. Menn is a 23-year breast cancer and premature menopause survivor and a BRCA carrier who draws on her personal experiences to assist other women in navigating their health challenges.

In our discussion, we explore the ways the Women’s Health Initiative has impacted Baby Boomers and how fear-based decision-making, particularly around breast cancer risks, has shaped women’s health. We discuss the timing hypothesis for hormone replacement therapy, breast cancer risks, and misleading stats and look into empowerment and the differences and biases that shape the experiences of women in perimenopause and beyond. We examine why osteoporosis is a silent disease and how hormone replacement therapy can reduce fracture risk by 30–50%, and tackle the effects of poor metabolic health, the challenges of receiving a diabetes diagnosis, and how statin therapy can influence the course of menopause and beyond. Dr. Menn also shares her personal story of resilience and empowerment. 

This conversation with Dr. Corinne Menn is invaluable for all women- especially those with a history of breast cancer.

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Bio: Corinne Menn, DO, FACOG, MSCP

Dr. Corinne Menn is a board-certified OBGYN and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner. Dr.Menn is also a 23-year survivor of breast cancer and premature menopause, a BRCA carrier,and uses her experience to help women navigate their health challenges. She has dedicated her medical practice to menopause management, the unique healthcare needs of female cancer survivors, and those at high risk for breast cancer. Now practicing exclusively through telehealth, Dr. Menn provides women’s health consultations and patient education. She is also a medical advisor and a prescribing doctor on Alloy, a menopause telehealth platform. Dr. Menn is an active member of the Menopause Society and a fellow of The American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology. She is a dedicated advocate and volunteer for the Young Survival Coalition, serving on their Council of Advisors, leading the Provider-Survivor support group, and serving on the Breast Cancer Alliance Research Grant Committee. She is a frequent speaker and podcast guest and has an active social media platform where she shares her mission of educating fellow clinicians and women on menopause and women’s health.

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I am delighted to interview Chris Kilham today. Chris is a medicine hunter and educator with a wealth of knowledge to share as an expert in his field. He has been involved in natural health since 1971 and has written several books.  

In today's discussion, we explore the differences between traditional plant-based medicines and pharmaceutical agents, looking at patents, industry trends, gut health, mental acuity, and inflammation. We touch on medical tourism and infobesity and discuss the limitations of plant-based therapies. Chris also shares his favorite plants for brain and neurocognitive health, his experiences with other experts and shamans, some fascinating details about psychedelic agents, and his work with the global plant exploration program at Groupe Berkem. 

This fascinating discussion on plant-based medicines is full of intriguing insights, and I look forward to having Chris back on the podcast.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

Bio: Chris Kilham

Chris Kilham is a medicine hunter, author, educator, and TV personality who has researched medicinal plants in over 45 countries and lectures worldwide about holistic wellness and botanical medicines.

Currently, he is engaged with Groupe Berkem of Bordeaux, France, a high-quality botanical extraction and science innovation company. Chris works on sustainable supply chains, botanical field exploration, and new product development.

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I am honored to connect with Dr. Sandi Scheinbaum today. 

Dr. Scheinbaum is the Founder of the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy, an initiative focused on helping practitioners and businesses hire health coaches who focus on chronic disease and reducing healthcare costs. She is an educator and clinical psychologist with a career spanning over 40 years, lecturing prolifically on the psychology of wellbeing, mind-body medicine, and the psychology of eating, and writing several books on health coaching, panic attacks, and anxiety.

In our conversation today, we dive into nutrition confusion, scientific evolution, biased myths and beliefs, contradictory messages, and how cognitive dissonance affects people’s eating patterns and attitudes toward food. Dr. Scheinbaum shares how she transitioned from being a vegan to becoming an omnivore, and we explore the role of Erikson's stages of development and family dynamics in shaping theories and behaviors around food. We look into the psychology of eating, social messaging, and the consequences of appetite judgments, food shame, and orthorexia. Dr. Scheinbaum also explains how to find local practitioners who can assist you in navigating your relationship with food, mind-body medicine, and cognitive-behavioral therapies.

Stay tuned for today's insightful discussion, where Dr. Sandi Scheinbaum unravels the psychology that shapes our eating patterns, attitudes, and approaches to food. 

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 Bio:

Dr. Sandra Scheinbaum trains people to become Functional Medicine health coaches and helps practitioners and businesses hire them because she believes that health coaches are the key to combating chronic disease and reducing healthcare costs. As the Founder and CEO of the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy, a collaboration with The Institute for Functional Medicine, Sandi is a leader in the field of health coaching education. As an educator and clinical psychologist for over 40 years, she has lectured extensively on the psychology of well-being, mind-body medicine, and the psychology of eating. She wrote several books on health coaching, panic attacks, and anxiety. Sandi founded FMCA at age 65 because, rather than retiring, she is on a mission to grow the health coaching profession so that millions of people can get the support they need to lead healthier lives.

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Books Mentioned:

Salt, Sugar, Fat by Michael Moss

The Dorito Effect by Mark Schatzker

I am thrilled to reconnect with Esher Blum today. She is an integrative dietitian and menopause expert who has helped 1000s of women master menopause through nutrition, hormones, and self-advocacy.

We begin today’s conversation by looking at the disparities in menopause care for women, the midlife suit of armor, and the importance of developing mental strength and maintaining bone density. We explore the impact of meno-washing, facial estrogen, foods for menopausal health, and strategies to address facial aging, including peptides, lasers, and collagen peptides. We also dive into carb tolerance, testosterone, and low-dose Naltrexone, and Esther shares her hormone replacement journey and some of the common challenges she sees as an integrative dietitian. 

You will love this valuable and insightful conversation with your fan-favorite, Esther Blum.

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Previous Episodes Mentioned:

Ep. 264 Peri/Menopause as a Natural Function of Aging: See you later, Ovulator! with Esther Blum

Ep. 334 Hormone Insights: Advocacy, Trends, and Tips for 2024 with Esther Blum

In this masterclass episode, we explore the benefits of creatine, a supplement gaining more and more recognition for its positive effects on muscle health, brain function, and overall well-being. We feature insights from experts who clarify how creatine supports metabolic health, enhances exercise performance, and improves cognitive function, particularly for women in perimenopause and beyond. 

Join us as we unpack the science behind creatine and its potential to transform health at every age.

Ep. 406 Protein, Creatine, and Training for Menopause and Beyond

[00:59:23] Dr. Stacy Sims highlights creatine as one of the key supplements for women, explaining how it supports brain health, muscle performance, and energy metabolism. She advises choosing high-quality creatine like Creapure. 

Ep. 340 AMA: Creatine's Impact on Metabolic Health and Wellness

[00:01:40] - [00:03:29] Darren Candow explains the distinct roles creatine and essential amino acids (EAAs) play in the body. 

[00:10:32] - [00:15:38] There is no evidence in humans to support the notion that taking exogenous creatine will halt its natural production.

[00:16:16] - [00:21:14] Creatine supplementation is generally safe and effective with some considerations around hydration and safety concerns for individuals with health conditions like hypertension.

[00:23:55] - [00:27:44] High-glycemic carbs or insulin-stimulating proteins help creatine enter muscle cells.

[00:39:48] - [00:42:14] Creatine may support bone health in healthy postmenopausal women.

[00:42:26]- [00:46:14] Younger individuals need less protein to trigger muscle protein synthesis.

Ep. 301 Creatine: The Best Supplement for Better Bones & Brain Health

[2:46-12:50]

[15:31-16:53]

[25:58-52:46]

[53:58 - 58:55]

Dr. Candow highlights the role creatine monohydrate plays in bone health. Creatine enhances anaerobic strength training, supports fat loss, improves cardiovascular health, and boosts endurance exercise.

Ep. 306 AMA #5: Best Supplements for Women and Creatine Benefits

[00:15:09] - [00:19:51] Creatine is best taken within a feeding window to ensure sufficient protein intake. Research shows that creatine, even at higher doses, does not negatively affect kidney or liver function.

Ep. 253 How to Improve Your Brain Health & Performance

[57:54] - [1:01:09] Louisa Nicola explains how creatine improves performance.

Ep. 263 AMA: How to Unlock Optimal Health

[1:02:30] - [1:06:20] Ben Azadi clarifies when to take creatine supplement powder for optimal results.

Ep. 302 Protein's Transformative Impact on Muscle and Aging Well

[00:44:24] - [00:48:02] Dr. Gabrielle Lyon discusses the importance of measuring skeletal muscle mass using a new method called D3-creatine, which could revolutionize how we assess muscle health.

Ep. 288 Best Ways To Improve Your Thyroid Health

[1:00:25] - [1:08:33] Dr. Amie Hornaman highlights improving strength, muscle growth, and workout performance without side effects. Creatine also boosts testosterone and growth hormone levels, which can help lower Hashimoto antibodies and increase thyroid function.

Ep. 307 Metabolic Health, Muscle, and Strength

[00:20:58]- [00:24:25] JJ Virgin highlights how women often fear that creatine will make them gain weight, but she explains that any potential weight gain is just water in the muscles.

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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.

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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

Today, I am honored to connect with my friend and colleague, Dr. Jenn Simmons. Dr. Simmons is an integrative oncologist, breast surgeon, author, podcast host, and the founder of PerfeQTion Imaging. 

In our discussion today, we dive into breast cancer statistics and the fact that most cases of breast cancer are preventable. We tackle the confusion caused by overdiagnosis, explain why mammograms can be problematic, and outline which breast cancer diagnoses are true emergencies. We provide clarity on the differences between various breast cancer types, the state of normal breast health, and how we have both estrogen and progesterone receptors. Dr. Simmons sheds light on DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) and explains why treatments like radiation may not always impact survival. We also examine the roles of trauma and alcohol in breast cancer risk, and we begin answering questions from listeners. 

Don’t miss this engaging, helpful, and proactive discussion with Dr. Jenn Simmons. We were wonderfully overwhelmed with all the questions we received, and with so much still to cover, I want to reassure everyone that we are already planning a follow-up AMA episode with Dr. Jenn.

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