The Hotflash inc podcast 144: The evolutionary approach to midlife + menopause with Jenny Powers
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Feb 8, 2025 Jenny Powers, a scientist and co-author of "On the Origin of Being," discusses the evolutionary approach to midlife and menopause. She explores how modern life contrasts starkly with our biological needs, leading to challenges during menopause. Jenny reveals lifestyle changes that helped her overcome symptoms like hot flashes and inflammation. She also addresses misconceptions about aging and emphasizes the importance of nutrition, movement, and community in reclaiming health. Could returning to our evolutionary roots be the key to better well-being?
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Healing Through Evolutionary Understanding
- Jenny left her academic career burned out and depressed but found healing by embracing her evolutionary biology research.
- Writing about evolutionary history helped her stop blaming herself and start fixing her health challenges.
Evolutionary Mismatch Explains Health Issues
- Evolutionary mismatch theory explains why our biology struggles with modern life changes like diet, sleep, and stress.
- Modern society has evolved too quickly for our genes to fully adapt, causing health challenges during menopause and beyond.
Inflammation Primes Immune Response
- Chronic inflammation, driven by stress and modern lifestyle, primes the body to attack itself.
- Our immune system becomes hyperactive without actual infection, causing or worsening diseases and menopausal symptoms.
