Well Beyond 40

When I heard the title of my guest’s new book, Why Am I So Effing Hungry?, I knew I had to have her on the podcast ASAP! Amy Shah, MD, is a double board-certified medical doctor and nutrition expert with training from Cornell, Columbia, and Harvard Universities. Drawing from her background in internal medicine and allergy/immunology, as well as her own wellness journey, she has dedicated her practice to helping her patients feel better and live healthier through her integrative and holistic approach to wellness. She was named one of mindbodygreen’s Top 100 Women in Wellness to Watch in 2015 and appears regularly on national television shows, magazines, and podcasts. New predictions state that we will see a 35% rise in diabetes rates by 2060, along with a doubling of the number of people with heart disease. These numbers are frightening and beg the question, why, as a society, are we so addicted to food? In this episode, Dr. Shah and I dive deep into why we are so hungry all the time, how the food industry fuels our food addictions, the role of dopamine in food cravings, and whether or not it’s even possible to eat intuitively in a processed food world. But it’s not all doom and gloom! I like to say that little hinges swing big doors, and Dr. Shah offers practical, easy-to-implement steps you can take to reset your hunger signals and restore your metabolic health. Stay tuned until the end, because we’ll tell you how to get your hands on the “secret chapter” of Dr. Shah’s new book—it’s full of tips and tricks you won’t want to miss! Get Dr. Shah’s FREE signature Chai Latte Oatmeal Bowl recipe https://jjvirgin.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Chai-Latte-Oatmeal-Bowl-1.pdf Full show notes: jjvirgin.com/hungry Learn more about Dr. Amy Shah by visiting her website: https://amymdwellness.com/ Order your copy of I’m So Effing Hungry: Why We Crave What We Crave—And What to Do About It and get a free bonus chapter: https://amymdwellness.com/pages/book-launch Follow me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JJVirginOfficial and join my Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1715310615390411 Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jj.virgin/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you considered taking one of the popular weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, but you’re worried about weight regain once you stop taking the drug? Listen up! I’ve got some tips that will help you avoid some of the dreaded side effects and get the best results from using these medications. While I always recommend a diet and lifestyle approach to weight loss, the bottom line is this: if you are weight-loss resistant, these solutions could give you the edge you need to finally move the needle. However, the last thing you want to do is lose precious metabolism-supporting muscle. One of the downsides to using a drug like Ozempic is that it may prompt equal amounts of muscle and fat loss. Even though you see the number on the scale drop, your fat-to-muscle ratio may actually move in the wrong direction. Without adequate muscle on your body, you will have a lowered metabolism and a harder time keeping your body from storing fat once you stop taking the drug. In this episode, I’m going to give you the exact strategies you need to put in place—whether or not you are using Ozempic—to increase your muscle mass, hold on to your skeletal muscle, and rev up your metabolism so that you can achieve lasting weight loss results and an ideal body composition for the long term. Full show notes: jjvirgin.com/lastingresults A body composition scale will help you track your muscle to fat ratio while you are losing weight: https://amzn.to/3mTpTWW I recommend the Carbon app to make sure your protein intake is optimal. Visit https://www.joincarbon.com/ to learn more. Staying hydrated while losing weight is critical, and I recommend restoring electrolyte levels with ElectroReplenish. Get yours at https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/supplements/products/electroreplenish Keep your vitamin and mineral levels optimal while dieting by using a full-spectrum multivitamin, like Daily Essentials Multi + Omegas: https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/supplements/products/daily-essentials-multi-omegas Creatine monohydrate can be a game changer while building muscle mass. Try Designs for Health KreAlkalyn Pro at https://amzn.to/41zn7oF Boost mitochondrial health and increase muscle strength with Timeline Mitopure: https://www.timelinenutrition.com/partners/jj-virgin Support blood sugar balance with Designs for Health Berber-Evail: https://amzn.to/41Tpgvm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your thyroid is key to balancing hormones and losing weight, and it’s also the central hub for many health conditions. In this episode of the podcast, I’m talking to Dr. Amie Hornaman, otherwise known as the Thyroid Fixer. As a thyroid specialist, she is on a mission to help thyroid patients around the world and give them their lives back. While competing in fitness and figure competitions, Dr. Hornaman experienced sudden unexplained weight gain and the frustration of visiting doctor after doctor with no answer as to why her body was rebelling against her. It wasn’t until she found an integrative practitioner who gave her the right thyroid tests that she finally got a diagnosis and was able to treat her hypothyroidism. Join us as we dive deep into the symptoms of hypothyroidism that you need to be on the lookout for, the lab tests needed to diagnose it, and the medications to treat it. Plus, we’ll explore many of the lifestyle changes you can make to take care of your thyroid function and support your metabolism. Stay tuned until the end of the episode where Dr. Hornaman has a quiz to help you determine if your thyroid could be at the root of your symptoms. Full show notes at: jjvirgin.com/thyroidquiz Order your thyroid labs through Your Lab Work. Visit https://yourlabwork.com/jj-virgin/. The Kooru Cold Plunge can help activate brown fat and increase metabolism. Go to https://www.koorucoldplunges.com/ and use code JJVIP1000 for $1,000 off. Adding more protein into your diet is one of the most important steps to improving body composition and increasing BMR. Shop the full selection of All-In-One Shakes at jjvirgin.com/shakes. Take Dr. Amie’s FREE QUIZ: Is Your Thyroid the Reason You Can't Lose Weight? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the healthy foods you are eating are actually hurting you—and you don’t even realize it? Maybe you’re struggling with fatigue, joint aches, bloating, headaches, digestive issues, cravings, autoimmune issues, skin breakouts, or you just can’t seem to lose the weight. It could be because of hidden food intolerances in your diet. In this episode, I’m going to share with you the top food intolerances I see time and time again, how I figured them out, and how you can determine if they’re problem foods for you, too. You’ve probably heard the term “leaky gut,” which is where food particles can pass through a damaged gut lining into your body where the immune system sees them as intruders. It then sounds the alarm and sets off a host of unwanted symptoms. This phenomenon occurs all too often and many people are completely unaware that the foods they are eating, even those that seem healthy, are actually the cause of the symptoms they are experiencing. You don’t want to miss this one, because I’m going to share with you why certain foods are more problematic than others, and give you tips on how you can make simple swaps that will help you reach your health and weight goals. Full show notes: jjvirgin.com/7HIFI Ditch the inflammatory foods and start your day with a loaded smoothie. Visit jjvirgin.com/shakes to get your All-In-One Shakes. Discover the power of nutrient-dense smoothies and kickstart your weight-loss journey with my FREE Loaded Smoothie Cookbook. Visit jjvirgin.com/smoothie to get yours now. The 21-Day Breakthrough Food Intolerance Cleanse is designed to help you find and eliminate the foods that are at the root of your symptoms. Visit jjvirgin.com/21day to get started. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your nervous system is key to helping you stay healthy as you age. So it only makes sense that keeping the nervous system functioning optimally is a key component to long-term health. My guest on this episode is Dave Asprey, the original biohacker and founder of Upgrade Labs. He is the author of multiple New York Times bestsellers and the creator of Bulletproof Coffee and Danger Coffee. He also hosts the award-winning podcast, Human Upgrade. In this episode, we talk about the importance of taking care of your nervous system and the various methods of biohacking that can be done with little to no money to improve your overall health and well-being. In a past life, Dave used to overtrain and under fuel, which led to few results from his efforts. He figured out that he had to fix his nervous system and learn to nourish his body the right way in order to reach his goals. In his new book, Smarter, Not Harder, he explains that you don't need to overwork yourself to get the results you want, but you do need to take care of your nervous system and work smarter. His new project, Upgrade Labs, the world's first biohacking center, is using the power of AI to find new ways to send signals to the body to make it change in the way we want. You don’t want to miss this exciting episode where we explore the new frontiers of biohacking, and be sure to stay tuned until the end where we’re giving away Dave’s sleep course for free! Full Show notes: jjvirgin.com/smarter Read Dave’s new book Smarter, Not Harder: The Biohackers Guide to Getting the Body and Mind You Want. https://amzn.to/3MHV1mC Visit Upgrade Labs, Dave’s Human Upgrade Center. https://upgradelabs.com/ Try cold therapy with a Kooru Cold Plunge. Go to https://www.koorucoldplunges.com/ and use code JJVIP1000 for $1,000 off. Experience the benefits of sauna therapy with a Sunlighten Sauna. Visit https://get.sunlighten.com/j748h5w7er2a Order Dave’s new Danger Coffee at https://dangercoffee.com?ref=ntrhmgv. Use code JJ to get 10% off. Join thousands of biohackers, health & wellness, longevity, fitness, medical, performance and nutrition experts for a transformative three-day experience at the Biohacking Conference. Visit https://biohackingconference.com?ref=ntrhmgvf and use code JJ40 to get 40% off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you noticed that as you’ve entered menopause, the belly pooch seems to be hanging on, no matter what you do? You’re not alone. This happens for several reasons, including changing hormones and the way your body processes insulin as you age. What if I asked you to take your mind off of your weight for a moment, and focus instead on what your weight is made up of? Your body composition, or the amount of muscle you are carrying compared to the amount of fat, has a huge effect on belly fat—including the dangerous visceral belly fat that is a precursor to disease. In this episode, I’ll walk you through my best tips for increasing muscle mass and getting rid of that hormonal belly, including the exact type of exercise you need to be doing, how often you should be doing it, supplemental movement that enhances your results, and how to fuel your muscles so they grow. Stay tuned to the end because I’ll also share a few tips and tricks to level up your strategy so you can look your best and age healthfully. Full show notes: jjvirgin.com/bellyfatsecret My Reignite Wellness™ All-In-One Shakes ensure you are getting the protein you need to build and hold on to muscle during menopause and beyond. https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/shakes Creatine is one of the most well-researched supplements to aid in muscle building. KreAlkalyn Pro by Designs for Health is a product I trust. https://amzn.to/3UBFBCj Guided meditations and mindfulness courses by Dr. Joe Dispenza are “exercise” for the nervous system. https://drjoedispenza.com/?rfsn=6914154.37386a&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=6914154.37386a Get free shipping on TRX Suspension Trainer orders of $99+ by using the link https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=ml&ti=931205&pw=347877. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why are we seeing such increasing rates of autoimmune disease? How do past traumas and toxic exposures affect our health decades later? My guest is often referred to as the "Sherlock Holmes of Medicine" for solving the cases of the most well-known medical mysteries. Dr. Jill Carnahan, MD., is a board-certified Integrative Holistic Medicine specialist, known as Your Functional Medicine Expert. Utilizing state-of-the-art lab testing and biochemical analysis, she helps each patient discover the root cause of their illness by identifying nutritional or metabolic imbalances that may be contributing to their symptoms. Her new book, Unexpected, is a cross between Dr. Carnahan’s memoir about trauma, healing, and recovery coupled with a personal development/self-help guide designed to give practical advice for those seeking solutions to long-term chronic illness. Dr. Carnahan’s journey with aggressive breast cancer early in life, and the recovery from the side effects of cancer treatment, taught her that autoimmunity is manageable and diet and lifestyle changes have everything to do with it. We are at the edge of a tsunami of autoimmunity due to infectious load and toxic burden—the core drivers of inflammatory illnesses, autoimmunity, and chronic complex illness that are becoming more prevalent each year. I have been anxiously waiting to bring Dr. Carnahan on my podcast to explore this topic, including ways to add healing “input” into your body that allows you to recover at a cellular level and help support your immune system. Plus, Dr. Carnahan has a bunch of free gifts and resources to share with listeners, so you don’t want to miss this one!  Full show notes: jjvirgin.com/drjill Get Dr. Carnahan’s new book, Unexpected and download your free bonuses, including a coloring journal (both digital & print), live Q&A to be linked to Dr. Jill’s Facebook page, pre-recorded lecture on Mold and MCAS, and a secret Chapter from Dr. Jill. Visit https://readunexpected.com/freechapter/ to download your free chapter. Detox safely and effectively with a Sunlighten Infrared Sauna. Visit https://get.sunlighten.com/j748h5w7er2a to find the perfect sauna to fit your needs. Bulletproof coffee is free of mold and toxins. Find your next brew at jjvirgin.com/asprey. The Kooru Cold Plunge increases lymphatic mobility and helps the body get rid of toxins. Go to https://www.koorucoldplunges.com/ and use code JJVIP1000 for $1,000 off. Go here to get the first chapter FREE of Dr. Jill’s book Unexpected: Finding Resilience through Functional Medicine, Science, and Faith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just because your standard thyroid tests come back in the normal range, it doesn’t always mean your thyroid is working optimally. Fatigue, unexplained weight gain, and brain fog can all be symptoms of an underactive thyroid—or hypothyroidism. When you’re not producing enough thyroid hormones, other hormones in your body (including insulin and cortisol) can all be affected. This disruption can impact all parts of your body, including your mental health. In this episode, we take a look at hypothyroidism manifestations you might not be aware of, how to get the thyroid tests that will give you a more accurate picture of your thyroid health (spoiler alert: these are not the standard tests your doctor ordered), and how to get the help you need to get your thyroid hormones back to optimal balance. How does The Virgin Diet impact the thyroid? Gut health is a common factor in autoimmunity, and what you eat directly impacts your risk of developing certain conditions, including thyroid issues. Tune in to find out how I use diet and lifestyle habits to keep my thyroid in optimal working health! Link to full show notes: jjvirgin.com/10warningsigns Order your own thyroid labs through Your Lab Work and get the information you need. Visit jjvirgin.com/yourlabwork. Daily Essentials Multi + Omegas provides many of the nutrients your thyroid needs to thrive. Get yours by visiting https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/supplements/products/daily-essentials-multi-omegas. The 21-Day Breakthrough Food Intolerance Cleanse helps you find and eliminate the foods that may be triggering your thyroid. Get yours at jjvirgin.com/21day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s the #1 reason people don’t get enough quality sleep? Alcohol, caffeine, eating too close to bedtime, and poor sleep hygiene are all major factors. But for most people the answer is stress. My guest on this podcast, Devin Burke, was working with a lot of high-performing entrepreneurs when he realized none of them slept well. He set out to find what they had in common, which led him to become a leading expert in helping people get to the root cause of their sleep issues. Devin Burke is an international and TEDx speaker, the bestselling author of The Sleep Advantage, founder of Sleep Science Academy, and one of the top health and sleep coaches in the world. His books, keynotes, programs, and videos have inspired thousands of people to improve their sleep, energy, and life.  Devin’s method involves helping people take a holistic look at their sleep and understand that sleep is a result, not the problem. By recognizing and addressing the underlying problem, we can achieve better sleep. Tune in to find out why most people have issues at night, why sleep is the foundation of health, how can we fall asleep faster, rest deeper and wake refreshed, and what the connection is between sleep and stress. Devin will also share with us a couple of new techniques that you can employ that can have a dramatic impact on your sleep and health—you don’t want to miss it! Get Devin’s Sleep Science Insomnia Solution and Discover How to Fall Asleep Faster, Stay Asleep, and Wake Up Refreshed Using Science https://sleepscienceacademy.com/ebook Full show notes: jjvirgin.com/sleepadvantage Get Devin’s book The Sleep Advantage: Optimize Your Night to Win Your Day at https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578752484. Get personal coaching and sleep education at The Sleep Science Academy. Visit https://sleepscienceacademy.com/. I use a Sunlighten Sauna before bed to increase my sleep quality. Get yours at https://get.sunlighten.com/j748h5w7er2a. MINDRIGHT Brain Boost coffee enhancer with L-theanine helps buffer the effect of caffeine on the adrenal Glands. Visit https://amzn.to/41EPaTj to try it. A regular mindfulness practice can increase sleep quality. Try a meditation program by Dr. Joe Dispenza at https://drjoedispenza.com/?rfsn=6914154.37386a&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=6914154.37386a. Dry Farms wines are free of toxins and less likely to interfere with sleep. Visit dryfarmwines.com/jjvirgin. Sleep Candy is my favorite way to fall asleep faster and stay asleep all night long. Get yours at https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/supplements/products/sleep-candy. Magnesium Body Calm helps your body achieve calm and relaxation before bed. Go to https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/supplements/products/magnesium-body-calm to try yours today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is your thermostat making you gain weight? That might sound crazy, but if the scale hasn’t budged no matter what you've tried, this might be one of the surprising reasons you’re struggling to lose weight. Supporting your metabolism, getting rid of inflammatory foods, and making sure you’re getting appropriate exercise are foundational elements to losing weight. But, if you’re doing all of those things and still not seeing results, there are some lesser-known habits that may be sabotaging your efforts. Did you know that how much you fidget can have an impact on weight loss? Or that meal timing can be a game changer? And how does water impact fat loss? Tune in to find out my top nine secrets to flipping the switch on stubborn weight loss–you might just discover the unknown habit that has been holding you back!  Full show notes: jjvirgin.com/9reasons Cold therapy can increase “brown fat” (the good kind). Go to https://www.koorucoldplunges.com/ and use code JJVIP1000 for $1,000 off a Kooru Cold Plunge. Sauna therapy boosts body temperature and helps increase metabolism. I use the Sunlighten Sauna: https://get.sunlighten.com/j748h5w7er2a. ElectroReplenish helps to add electrolytes back into your body after sweating. Get yours at https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/supplements/products/electroreplenish. Epsom salts are another great way to add minerals back into your body and detox. https://amzn.to/43MCv2H. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices